Raw Pumpkin, Cooked and Pumpkin Seeds:
In a never ending search for healthy treats or to just jazz up that daily bowl of kibble or on a raw food diet. Pumpkin is not only tasty but has wonderful health benefits for your dog or cat. The internet is full of pumpkin treat recipes or you can keep it simple and provide treats of raw pumpkin or canned natural pumpkin (unsweetened – not pie filling.) Pumpkin seeds, have great health benefits as well, and again the internet is full of information of how to serve them up. There is good reason that pumpkin is often a top ingredient in higher quality kibble. It can help with the following pet ailments:
1. Digestive Health.
Pumpkin is a fabulous source of fiber for our furry friends, as well as for us. Pureed pumpkin (with no added sugar or spice) can help dogs and cats with both constipation and diarrhea. Adding a tablespoon or two (in proportion to their size) to their regular meal is known to help keep them regular. It can also help dogs and cats with indigestion or upset stomachs.
2. Urinary Health.
According to top Veterinarians, pumpkin seeds are high in essential fatty acids and antioxidants (good for overall healthy skin and fur), and the oils in pumpkins’ flesh and seeds are believed to support urinary health. They are also an excellent source of Vitamin A, beta-carotene, potassium and iron, and may even reduce the likelihood your pet will develop cancer.
3. Weight Loss.
Obesity to dogs and cats more common than not. Dogs seem to naturally love pumpkin. If you are looking to take a few pounds off of your pooch or kitty, try reducing a portion of their food and replace it with the same portion of canned pumpkin. Their tummy will feel just as full, and they might even thank you for the additional flavor.
4. Furballs. The fiber in pumpkin can help move furballs along through your cat’s digestive tract and into the litter box, rather than hacked up onto the carpet. Over a period of time, regularly including about a teaspoon a day of pumpkin in your cat’s diet will also help prevent the formation of new furballs.
5. Parasites. Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacin, a biochemical compound that is thought to have some activity against intestinal parasites. Research is mixed, and owners should certainly not rely solely on pumpkin seeds if their dog or cat is infested with worms, but adding pumpkin seeds to the diet may have a mild protective effect against gastrointestinal parasites.
If you have and additional information on the benefits of adding pumpkin to your pet diet we would love to hear from you below. – Eli Enki
