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4 Benefits of Pumpkin for Your Dog
The season has arrived where many of us celebrate our annual fixation with all-things pumpkin.
From drinking pumpkin spiced lattes, baking pies and carving jack-o-lanterns, there’s something out there for all members of your family… including your furry family members.
Did you know that pureed pumpkin and canned pumpkin (unsweetened – not pie fillings) are great for your dog’s health?
Here are four ways that pumpkin can benefit your pooch.
- Aids in Digestive Health
Pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber and helps keep your dog’s bowel movements regular. Depending on your dog’s size, you can add 1 to 2 tablespoons per cup of food if your pet is experiencing:
- Loose stools
- Constipation
- Indigestion and upset stomachs
- Aids in Urinary Health
Oils in the pumpkin’s flesh and seeds are believed to support urinary health (prevention of kidney stones) and in reducing inflammation.
- Full of Healthy Goodness
Pumpkin seeds are high in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, which are good for overall healthy skin and coat. It’s a good source of Vitamin A, beta-carotene, potassium, and iron. Also, there is a growing belief that by adding fresh veggies like pumpkin, it may even help reduce the likelihood of dogs getting cancer.
- Treats and Weight Control
If your dog’s weight is an issue, you can cut down on their current treats (avoid treats with sugar, wheat, corn, and replace it with pumpkin. Since most dogs love pumpkin, it’s another reason why you can substitute it for treats. Here are some fun ideas:
- Beef Marrow Bones: Replace the marrow inside the bone with canned pumpkin.
- Kong: Fill the center of the Kong with pumpkin and serve it frozen.
In both cases, your dog will get plenty of exercise with a long-lasting, healthy, tasty treat.
Pro Tips for Handling Pumpkin
- Buy plain natural canned pumpkin (without sugar or added spices), or prepare it yourself. Cook and puree pumpkin, organic if possible.
- Even better, make your own fresh puree pumpkin, organic if possible.
- Since pumpkin only lasts a week in your fridge, try freezing the puree in ice cube trays and store in an airtight container. This will minimize wastage.
- We always recommend keeping a spare can of pumpkin puree in your cupboard in case your pet needs it.
D.I.Y. Fresh Pumpkin Puree - Yum!
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Cut the pumpkin in half, stem to base. Remove seeds and pulp. Cover each half with foil.
3. Bake in the preheated oven, foil side up, 1 hour, or until tender.
4. Scrape pumpkin meat from shell halves and puree in a blender. Strain to remove any remaining stringy pieces.
The Furchild team loves the health benefits of pumpkin so much that we incorporate small amounts of fresh Organic Pumpkin in a couple of our Meals for Dogs recipes. For us, Organic Pumpkin is not a seasonal trend… it’s here to stay year-round!
Learn more about Furchild’s Meal formulation for Dogs and Cats as well as our Starter Kit for new customers.
Have a question or comment? We would love to hear about it.
FURCHILD is the first raw pet food company of its kind in the Middle East.
Discover the transformative power of our fresh, healthy, balanced meals, raw bones, all-natural chews, and premium handcrafted freeze-dried treats. Our Meals for Dogs and Meals for Cats are formulated by the world's leading pet food experts, approved by veterinarians, and are made of the highest quality ingredients.
- Human grade ingredients
- Organic vegetables and fruits
- Ethically sourced grass-fed, free-range and cage-free meats and poultry
- No antibiotics. No hormones. No preservatives. Absolutely no nasties!
- Grain-free and gluten-free
- Suitable for dogs and cats, puppies and kittens
- Home delivery anywhere in the UAE
- Monthly subscription plans and bulk order discount offerings
Starter Kit = Up to 40% off of Meals + FREE Nutritional Tips for AED 99