The Power of Pumpkin

For a while now, I have been researching what kind of “human foods” are good for dogs. The problem is that they can’t just abandon the dog chow and go straight to getting a plate on the dinner table; dog’s stomachs seem to be very particular about what they can and cannot handle. For example, dogs can eat things like banana, broccoli and seedless watermelon, but foods like grapes, mushrooms and onion are harmful to their health. Although this kind of food should always be given in moderation, there are a lot of health benefits from feeding food traditionally saved for humans, to our canine companions.

This is actually a baseline for how I develop the recipes for my dog treats. One of my most loved ingredients is Pumpkin!

Canned, all natural pumpkin is not only good for dogs, it has amazing health benefits! If your dog seems lethargic, isn’t eating or just doesn’t seem like they feel good due to an upset stomach, this nutritional powerhouse is the cure. A lot of pet parents have found success with simply adding canned, natural pumpkin to their dog’s diet. Not only is it good for improving diarrhea or constipation, pumpkin is one food fur parents can feel confident about safely adding it to a regular diet.

So why is Pumpkin such a superfood for our babies?

It is LOADED with fiber, both cooked and uncooked. Fiber is necessary in order to give dogs a smooth digestive system. This is why it makes the perfect additive to their diet when they are suffering from constipation or hard stools.

Pumpkin can actually help fight parasites in our dogs! It contains a biochemical compound called cucurbitacin, and this has been thought to help fight against worms and intestinal parasites (PupUnite, 2017).

On top of all of these benefits, pumpkin is packed with nutrients that dogs need for a healthy lifestyle. “Pumpkin flesh and seeds are loaded with beta-carotene (which is converted by the body into vitamin A), iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc. They also contain antioxidants which may prevent some cancers from forming and boost the immune system to help your dog stay healthy” (PupUnite, 2017).

IF those facts aren’t enough, the oils in pumpkin seeds support urinary health, and best of all, pumpkin can be GREAT for weight management! You could replace some of your dog’s normal diet with canned pumpkin to help with weight loss (but PLEASE consult your vet before trying this!) (PetMD,2017).

Well there you have it! Pumpkin! Who knew that it could be so beneficial?! Just remember to start slow if you’re introducing this ingredient for the first time. The increase of fiber in large amounts could be a lot to handle at once. The bacteria in the digestive tract needs to adjust to the new nutrients.

So, you can add pumpkin to your fur buddies diet, knowing the great benefits a little “orange” can add! And if you don’t feel like fumbling around with the can opener, or portioning out daily dosages, give my Pawsatively Pumpkin treats a try!