by Kelsey Warren-Bryant
It’s fall, and pumpkin is all around. The sweet spicy smell, the lovely fall aesthetic,
the taste that reminds us of the holidays — pumpkin is a universal love during the fall season, and it’s great for our health. Pumpkin is a superfood, jam-packed with fiber, vitamins, iron, and zinc. The problem is that pumpkin treats for humans are often loaded with sugar, so getting all the health benefits can be a bit tricky for those who want more than just the taste.
But did you know that pumpkin also gives all those health benefits to our fourlegged friends? You might have heard that pumpkin can help dogs and cats with constipation issues. That is true, but there’s so much more that pumpkin can add to our pets’ regular diets. And thankfully, dogs and cats aren’t usually as picky as we are
(although there are plenty of prima donna fur babies out there!). Here are just a few good things pumpkin can do for our pets, according to veterinarians.
Improving That Gut Health
As mentioned, pumpkin is rich in fiber and therefore is a great cure for constipation. It also helps with diarrhea. That sounds like a conflict, right? That is because pumpkin adds bulk to the stool, causing a double whammy when it comes to curing stomach issues. Pumpkin helps to absorb the acids in our pets’ stomachs. For dogs, that means helping with acid reflux. For cats, it helps with lessening hairballs.
Those Vitamins, Though
Pumpkin also helps to promote shinier, less
flaky coats because of its high vitamin A and zinc content. A healthier coat means less shedding, providing some relief for pet owners when it comes to cleaning up fur. Vitamin A does even more than that. It encourages eye health, decreasing the chance of degenerative eye problems in pets. Pumpkin is also high in vitamin C, which can help to fight cancers in some cases.
Hydrate, Hydrate
Like people, many animals do not possess a strong drive to drink water. As a result, many dogs and cats who eat only kibble have constant low-level dehydration. Pumpkin helps with that too. It has high water content, so just adding a spoonful to the daily kibble can promote better hydration.
What about Seeds?
Pumpkin seeds can be a great addition to a dog or cat’s diet. Those little treats are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and calcium. They are perfectly safe to eat raw but might taste better toasted. They make good training treats or can be ground up and sprinkled over kibble. Be aware, however — too many pumpkin seeds served whole might not settle well with your fur baby, so give them sparingly.
How To Serve Pumpkin
Most dogs and cats enjoy a teaspoon of fresh or canned pumpkin on top of regular kibble or mixed with wet food. However, there are hundreds of pet-friendly recipes if you want to give your pet an extra special treat. Here are just a few simple recipes you can try at home. (Note that canned pumpkin needs to be all natural, with no preservatives or added sugars.)
Roasted Pumpkin Seed Recipe for Dogs and Cats
INGREDIENTS:
1 fresh pumpkin
1 tablespoon olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS:
• Sprinkle baking pan with olive oil to
keep the seeds from sticking.
• Scoop out the seeds, then clean by
placing seeds in a colander and rinsing
with water. They might require individual cleaning for whatever pumpkin
doesn’t come off. Pat seeds dry.
• Roast seeds at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, flipping midway.
• Allow to cool, then serve.
Pumpkin and Peanut Butter Balls for Dogs
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup pumpkin purée, fresh or canned
½ cup peanut butter (check to make sure it does not contain xylitol)
2 ½ cups old-fashioned or quick oats
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS:
• Line a large pan
with wax paper.
• Dump all ingredients into large
bowl and mix. Use
hands if necessary.
• Once combined, roll into individual balls based on your dog’s
size. Place each ball onto wax paper in pan.
• Chill in refrigerator for about an hour, then serve. Store in
airtight container and use within seven days.
Pumpkin Snaps for Cats
INGREDIENTS:
1/3 cup pumpkin purée
1/3 cup canned salmon, drained ½ cup oat flour (to make at
home, blend regular oats in a blender)
1 tablespoon catnip (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking pan with
parchment paper.
• Mix all ingredients together
in medium-sized bowl.
• Spread the mixture into a
thin layer on parchment
paper.
• Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and use a
cookie cutter to slice into
bite-sized squares.
• Bake for five more minutes.
Allow to cool, then serve.
