With Halloween here and Thanksgiving right around the corner, pumpkins have been popping up everywhere you look. Did you know that pumpkin is excellent for dogs? It’s one of the healthiest foods you can give your dog and here is why:
- Digestive Health- Pumpkin is a great source of fiber for everyone. You want to make sure you’re getting either fresh from the source, or canned puree without all of the added sugar and spices. The benefits go above and beyond when it comes to digestion because it helps with both constipation and diarrhea. If you add a tablespoon or two in with a normal meal can help keep them regular. Seriously, if it was any better for digestive health Jamie Lee Curtis would be the new spokesman.
- Weight Loss- Like most of us, our pets could probably spare a few pounds. Pumpkins are a brilliant dietary supplement. This is even a good idea for cats that can be pickier about eating pumpkin by itself. Mix some puree with their usual fair and they’ll be just as full with half the fat and twice the health benefits.
- Overall Health- Speaking of health benefits, boy does pumpkin takes the
cakepie. The flesh & seeds have awesome essential fatty acids and antioxidants. Not to mention vitamins A, C and E, plus beta-carotene, potassium, zinc, and iron. Just like humans, this is great for their skin, fur or hair and eye health. It also supports a healthy immune system & urinary tract.
It’s no wonder that pumpkin is now touted as a “superfood” for your pets. Some studies even suggest that it may reduce cancer. When it comes to dishing out the pumpkin this season, we declare it a win. So much a win that it’s probably a good idea includes it as a staple in their diet year round. Just make sure the pumpkin is either fresh or from the can, but not the pie filling or anything not natural puree or seed. Other than that it’s a simply fantastic addition to anyone’s diet, pets and humans alike, so enjoy that pumpkin with no hesitation.
