Did you know that pumpkin is a superfood for dogs? Pumpkin contains essential micronutrients and fiber that are nutritious and beneficial for our dogs. In addition, pumpkin is a natural stomach soother as it helps to remove excess water in a dog’s digestive tracts.
Meanwhile, many have fed their dogs pumpkin as it is also known to reduce diarrhoea. The main question now is, how should you prepare pumpkin for your dog?
First and foremost, dogs can eat pumpkin, however, not in all forms – it is best to avoid feeding them raw pumpkin, the pumpkin skin and stem as they are hard for your dogs to digest. Canned or roasted pumpkin are the best ways to feed them to your dogs, however, do ensure there are no added ingredients or spices.
Always check the ingredient list, especially if you are going to feed your dog canned pumpkin as some canned pumpkins are filled with unhealthy levels of sugar and sodium which are harmful to your dog’s health. Also do not use pumpkin pie filling as it contains ingredients such as salts, sugar, mace and nutmeg that are toxic to dogs.
Having said that, here are the following benefits to make pumpkin as a regular part of your dog’s diet:
- Natural Remedy for Worms and Parasites
Do you know that pumpkin seeds contain amino and acid cucurbitin that help to paralyze and eliminate parasites from your dog’s digestive tract? You may feed the seeds whole or grind them and add them to your dog’s food. By using pumpkin seeds instead of medicated dewormer would avoid dosing concerns and side effects such as diarrhoea, vomiting and allergic reactions. Not only pumpkin seeds are a safe dewormer, but also provide quality protein, amino acids and other beneficial nutrients.
- Pumpkin Support Digestive Health
Pumpkin flesh is high in soluble fiber which is an excellent cure for both diarrhoea and constipation. The fiber helps to feed beneficial gut bacteria that will help to improve your dog’s intestinal health. At the same time, it helps control diarrhoea by absorbing the excess moisture and add bulk to your dog’s stool. Meanwhile, pumpkin’s high water and fiber content can ease constipation and keep digestion to move smoothly.
- Pumpkin is Filing
Having pumpkin added into your dog’s food is one of the better ways to increase its diet and not worry about adding extra calories. The extra fiber in pumpkin will make your dog to feel fuller longer, even if you reduce the amount of dog food, you’d normally give your dog. Your dog would not be missing the extra calories and would even appreciate the extra flavour that the pumpkin provides.
- Pumpkin Supports Urinary Health
Both pumpkin flesh and seeds contain oil that are known to support urinary health. Dogs with incontinence may see improvement when pumpkin seeds and flesh are added to their diets.
- Pumpkin has High Antioxidants and Vitamins
Carotenoids that are found in pumpkins, which give them its deep orange color, are beneficial antioxidants for your dog. Pumpkin seeds are also often known for their high and diverse antioxidant levels. A diet that is high in antioxidants can help slow ageing, protect eyes health as well as to fight inflammation.
In addition, pumpkin is also high in vitamins and minerals such Vitamin A and C, zinc and magnesium. Vitamin A is essential for vision health, while Vitamin C is needed to boost your dog’s immune system. Additional Vitamin C from pumpkin can also be good for dogs with joint and mobility issues.
Zinc in pumpkin can boost healthy skin and coat for dogs while magnesium is needed throughout the body to support bone, vision and nervous system health.
Now with the knowledge of having to know that pumpkin is a superfood for your dogs and its benefits, would you want to add this healthy fruit into your dog’s diet? And if you do but unsure if your dog would like it, why not purchase one (or more) pumpkin for your dog? You may find the range of Barkery Oven’s pumpkin treats here.
Source: Eastside Animal Hospital
