Dogs and Cats Catch Pumpkin Fever Too!

Did you know that dogs and cats can both benefit from canned pumpkin? Some experts have found that canned pumpkin can boost a pet’s immune system, help pets with digestive issues, and promote a shiny and healthy fur coat.

What is in canned pumpkin?

Canned pumpkin is just the pureed form of pumpkin. It contains vitamins like potassium, magnesium, iron, beta-carotene, zinc, and vitamins A and C, all of which are great for your pets. Canned pumpkin is safe for pets because it is high in fiber but low in fat. You should only give your pet natural canned pumpkin, not anything from the pumpkins that you put out on your porch; those are often in a state of decay and can breed mold and bacteria. A few plain pumpkin seeds are usually OK, but too many can cause loosened stool. As always, double check with your vet before giving your dog or cat any new foods.

Pumpkin Helps with Digestion

Because of its high fiber content, pureed or canned pumpkin can help with digestive issues like constipation and diarrhea.  You can add a tablespoon or two to regular meals to keep your pets regular, and the added fiber will help to prevent and remedy constipation. If your pet is experiencing diarrhea, canned pumpkin will help increase dietary fiber and help with constipation. You can try some pureed pumpkin and white rice for a healthy, great meal option if your pet has diarrhea or loose stool. Pureed pumpkin is also great for preventing hairballs in cats.

Use Pumpkin to Help your Pet Lose Weight

Since pumpkin puree is very low in fat, some pet owners have found that substituting some of their pets’ regular food with pumpkin has helped their pets to lose weight. Pumpkin also tends to leave pets feeling fuller, so they will not even miss the extra food!

Well-Rounded Pumpkin Diet (pun intended!)

Because pureed pumpkin is mostly water, adding it to your pets’ dry food will increase hydration and add nutrition to your pets’ diet. In fact, most pumpkin puree is 90% water! Adding hydrated foods like pumpkin to a dry food diet can alleviate dehydrating effects of dry foods. Experts understand that a more hydrated diet will keep your pet in her best possible health. Pureed pumpkin is full of the vitamins and minerals that your pets need!

If your pet is experiencing health issues and the remedies mentioned above do not make an improvement in your pet within 24 hours, Pet Assure recommends being seen by your veterinarian. Pet Assure memberships will help you save 25% off at a participating veterinarian. Find out more about Pet Assure.

Give this pumpkin dog biscuit recipe (yields about 20 treats) a try from food.com:

INGREDIENTS

• 2 eggs
• ½ cup canned pumpkin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons dry milk
• 2 ½ cups flour (preferably wheat)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Blend eggs and pumpkin together; add salt, dry milk, and flour.
3. Add water as needed to make the dough somewhat workable.
4. The dough should be dry and stiff, don’t be concerned with crumbs being left in the bowl.
5. You will need to mix this with your hands because it is too stiff for an electric mixer.
6. Roll to 1/2-inch thick.
7. Cut into shapes.
8. Place 1″ apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
9. Bake for 20 minutes on one side, then turn over and bake another 20 minutes.

Enjoy pumpkin season with your pets!

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