Whether you like it or not, fall and Halloween decorations are already up in stores. I personally love it, as I’m counting down the days until I can put up my Christmas decorations! Although Halloween can be a scary holiday for your animals, one benefit of it is all of the pumpkins! But why? Pumpkin has many health benefits for dogs!
Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs
Digestion: Pumpkin is a great source of fiber. To keep your dog “regular” or to help with constipation, give your dog a small amount of PURE pumpkin. Make sure it’s not pie filling and it’s not sweetened or spiced. I give my dogs about half teaspoon each on a regular basis. You can give your dog more based on their size. My sister recently reached out to me when her dog was constipated. I recommended about a teaspoon of pumpkin and within a couple hours, her dog was finally going to the bathroom. It really works!
Skin and coat: Pumpkin seeds contain antioxidants and fatty acids that help to moisturize skin and fur. I’m not a fan of pumpkin seeds and your dog may not be either. Try roasting them instead – I bet your dogs will love them!
Parasites: Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitin which is an amino acid that acts as a natural de-wormer. You can try grinding the pumpkin seeds into a powder and adding them to your dog’s meal if they don’t prefer whole seeds!
Urinary tract support: The oils in the flesh and seeds of a pumpkin can potentially aid in dog and cat urinary system function. Adding seeds to your dog’s meal or using them as a treat can help prevent bladder infections and kidney stones.
Treats: Pumpkin is amazing for making homemade dog treats! There are many simple recipes you can make from home that your dog will love. Check out these peanut butter pumpkin dog treats and these pumpkin spice smoothies for dogs.
Has your dog ever tried pumpkin? I frequently add it to Wynston, Khloee and McKenzie Rae’s meals!!
If you have specific questions regarding pumpkin and your pet’s health, consult your veterinarian! Enjoy pumpkin season, and all of the benefits that come along with it!
My dogs absolutely love pumpkin mush! My little dog Phoebe has started to get constipated or have very hard stool. I had been giving her milk which worked well for awhile but I’ve switched to canned pumpkin & it’s working really well. Plus, both my dogs love the canned pumpkin and anything with pumpkin in it. I sometimes mix peanut butter & pumpkin, put it in a Kong toy and freeze it. They go nuts for it! Thanks for sharing all the other benefits of pumpkin & pumpkin seeds.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Sounds like my house! Mi kids will really eat anything pumpkin, which I’m happy about since it’s so good for them! Great idea to mix it with peanut butter and freeze it in a Kong! Love that!
I give it to him for digestion purposes occasionally. Mr. N has a bit of a delicate stomach.
I didn’t know that pumpkin had so many health benefits – It’s a good thing because our boys love it! We are so excited for fall and all the colors and flavors that it brings!
What’s nice is that it’s an inexpensive, natural health remedy! I kind of want some candy corn all of a sudden with all this fall talk…
Oh, yum – pumpkin! It’s like a miracle-worker sometimes with our pets. You covered the great benefits….now for some hayrides and pumpkin-picking!
Yay I’m so excited for fall! Although it doesn’t cool down until November in AZ >< I have an apple-pumpkin candle lit right now!
Luna goes nuts for pumpkin!! I made treats last year and she loved them so much that it “trained” her to think that every time the oven timer goes off whatever is inside is for her. She RUNS to the kitchen now.
Wynston looks super cute in his little pumpkin!