Now, even though us humans might absolutely love pumpkin seasonal treats simply because of how tasty they are, did you know that pumpkin has tons, and I mean tons of health benefits? Not just for us either, but for our pets too!
Learn ways pumpkin can benefit our dogs:
1. Pumpkin is an incredibly nutrient-rich vegetable, containing a host of essential vitamins and minerals. Beta-carotene, potassium, vitamin C, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and more. Those are just to name a few.
2. Due to its nutrients, pumpkin can help
muscle health and metabolism. And can even
regulate blood pressure.
3. Pumpkin can reduce the amount of dander in your home. And the amount of fur found on your furniture. This wonder veggie promotes a healthy, shiny coat for your dog, while moisturizing their skin too!
4. Pumpkin can act as a double agent! What I mean by that is,
if your dog is constipated, add a little pumpkin to their diet for that extra fiber. But wait, there's more... (I love saying that line) not only does it
help with constipation,
but it will work in reverse to a dog who is having trouble with loose bowel movements as well. Double agent pumpkin, at your service!
5. Is your pooch a little overweight? Extra exercise not making enough of a difference? Try replacing a bit of your dog's normal diet with some pumpkin! Pumpkins have a ton of moisture, as well as fiber. This can be a great assistant to helping your dog loose those extra pounds, and still keep their bellies feeling full while getting healthy.
6.
Dogs who are on a kibble only diet can sometimes suffer from mild to severe dehydration. One of the reasons for that is because
kibble has very little moisture content. So if your dog isn't drinking enough water, his body isn't getting enough hydration. Leading to dehydration. The
high moisture content of pumpkin can help greatly. Just add some to your dogs daily kibble. Side note:
severe dehydration would most definitely warrant a vet visit rather than a simple fix with pumpkin.
7. According to some studies, pumpkin (seeds to be specific)
contain a large amount of antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Therefor have been shown to support urinary health in dogs.
8. Pumpkin can act as a natural parasite treatment and/or preventative. Pumpkins contain amino acid cucurbitacin which can actually be toxic to some parasites. However, if you do suspect your dog has any type of parasite, he should be seen by a vet. But having that pumpkin in his diet doesn't hurt as a preventative.
9. Pumpkin flesh and all of its glorious vitamin A is great to support vision.
10. Most dogs love the taste of pumpkin, so it can even be used to get a sneaky pill into your dog without him knowing. We all know the struggles of trying to get medication into those dogs that want nothing to do with it.
Wow, that's a whole lot of pumpkin benefits.
I mean, if that isn't reason enough to add some pumpkin to your
dog's diet I don't know what is.
Friendly reminder - we may love our seasonal pumpkin spice treats, but with our dogs, that pure pumpkin is always best. Of course, there is nothing wrong with adding a tiny bit of honey if your pooch isn't enjoying the pumpkin flavor.
Do your dogs like pumpkin?
What are some creative ways you have added pumpkin to your pet's diet?
