Pumpkin doesn’t just make for a cute halloween costume, it is also a delicious flavour many people enjoy especially during the fall. While you are enjoying the taste of pumpkin this fall, why not let your dog in on the enjoyment too! This is why…
Pumpkin Benefits for Dogs:
1) Pumpkin can ease digestion and help with controlling diarrhea
- For a constipated dog, the high water and fiber content in pumpkin will help add bulk and soften stool. This acts as a natural laxative making the stool easier to pass.
- If your dog has diarrhea, the soluble fiber in canned pumpkin will help absorb the excess water, resulting in firmer stool.
- The fiber content of pumpkin acts as a prebiotic. This helps to stimulate the growth of activity of beneficial bacteria in the intestines and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Fiber lowers the pH level and provides the necessary nutrients the beneficial bacteria needs.
2) It helps combat dehydration
- Pumpkin flesh is around 90% water. Adding a little bit of pumpkin to a dogs meal can help combat dehydration resulting from moisture deficient processed dog food.
3) Helps to boost weight loss
- Pumpkin is filling in a dog’s tummy. Your dog will feel fuller sooner and consume fewer calories overall.
4) Pumpkin is high in nutrition
- Pumpkin contains carbohydrates, protein, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium, niacin, manganese and copper.
5) Pumpkin adds antioxidants to your dog’s diet
- Pumpkin moisturizes skin helping your dog to maintain a healthy, shiny coat.
6) Pumpkin can help to control parasites
- Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitin. Cucurbitin paralyzes and eliminates tapeworms and other parasites from the digestive tract.
7) Pumpkin seeds can help control inflammation
- Studies have shown that pumpkin seeds have anti-inflammatory properties.
8) It can help with a dog’s urinary tract health
- Pumpkin seed oils contain nutrients that can prevent or lower the possibility of kidney stone formation. They also promote and support general urinary health.
Note of Caution:
- Be cautious not to overload your dog with pumpkin. Too much vitamin A can be toxic to dogs. Too much pumpkin can cause loose stools. The amount of pumpkin needed to provide a benefit will vary from dog to dog. Speak to your vet first before adding pumpkin to your dog’s regular diet.
- Always opt for pure, plain canned or fresh pumpkin with no added spices or sugar. Do not feed your dog pie pumpkin as it contains additives including sugar.
