It’s that time of year when you see pumpkins everywhere, from pumpkin-flavored treats, to pumpkin-flavored lattes, to pumpkin-flavored air fresheners and candles. Most people know that pumpkin is a healthy food rich in fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients. But did you know it’s also good for pets?
Pumpkin has many health benefits for pets, including.
Urinary tract support. Veterinarians believe that the oils contained in pumpkin seeds and pulp contribute to urinary health in dogs and cats.
Digestion. Fiber helps your pet stay regular. Good for both constipation and diarrhea.
Hairballs:The fiber in pumpkin can help prevent hairballs.
Skin and coat. Antioxidants and essential fatty acids found in pumpkin seeds help moisturize your pet’s skin and coat from the inside out.
Parasites. Pumpkinin, an amino acid found in pumpkin seeds, is a natural repellent that paralyzes intestinal parasites.
Nutrition. Pumpkin is rich in -carotene, vitamin A, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc.
Weight loss. The fiber in pumpkin helps the stomach feel full.
Canned pumpkin is available at most grocery stores. Be careful not to buy pumpkin pie filling, it has sugar and spices in it!
How much should you use? According to Veterinary Pet Insurance, “The amount of canned pumpkin you add to your pet will vary depending on the type of pet (dog or cat) and the size of the pet. For example, a Chihuahua may only need a few teaspoons per meal, while a Great Dane may need a half cup of canned pumpkin. Contact your veterinarian as a precaution before adding canned pumpkin to your pet’s diet.”
Also readily available on the market :
Some pets are picky (like mine) and may not like the bland pumpkin puree that comes in a can. High-end pet boutiques, such as Pussy and Pooch, offer a wide variety of pumpkin products for pets, such as Fruitables Skinny mini Pumpkin Spice Halloween Dog Treats, Evanger ‘s Against the Grain Chicken & pumpkin Samba canned cat treats, and Halo peanut and pumpkin dog cookies .
On Amazon, you can find pumpkin pet food like Grandma Lucy’s Organic Dog Treats and Halo Healthy Peanut & Pumpkin Treats, which are both gluten and grain free.
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Like to make your own? You can bake your own pumpkin dog snacks with this recipe. Or make pumpkin pie – with sardines! -for your cat with this recipe from Pet360.
Pumpkin is a popular fall flavor, but did you know that pet pumpkin has always been popular? Find out how it can help your cats and dogs.
Have you ever given your pet pumpkin?
