CAN DOGS EAT PUMPKIN?

Fall is here which means pumpkin spice everywhere, but did you know pumpkin (minus the sugar and spice) is a great treat for your dog? Raw pumpkin has many health benefits for dogs and many dogs really love it. Here is just a short list of some of the benefits of treating your dog to some pumpkin.

IT IS PACKED WITH NUTRIENTS

Cooked pumpkin is very low in calories, but is packed with Vitamin A, potassium, vitamin C and Magnesium. All of which in the right quantities can aid in lowering blood pressure and boosting the immune system!

IT AIDS IN A HEALTHY COAT

One of the key nutrients in pumpkin is vitamin A and zinc. Both of which can help your dogs coat look full and shiny. It also aids in moisturizing the skin. In addition, pumpkin water content aids in hydrating your dog which also helps with their skin and coat! 

PUMPKIN ENCOURAGES DIGESTIVE REGULARITY

Adding a bit of pumpkin to your dogs diet can give them the right amount of fiber so everything flows nicely... if your dog is having tummy troubles, many vets recommend adding a small amount of raw pumpkin puree to aid in easing the trouble. 

HOW MUCH PUMPKIN CAN YOU FEED YOUR DOG? 

A general rule of thumb is 1 tsp of canned pumpkin per 10 lbs of your dogs body weight per day. As for the seeds, these should be given sparingly. Approximately 1 ground up seed per 10 lbs of your dogs body weight per day should do it.

NO BAKE PUMPKIN DOG TREAT RECIPE! 

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup peanut butter
• 2 ½ rolled oats
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Mix, roll into 1 ½ balls, chill for one hour, then serve!