Pumpkin Has Arrived!
If you’re like me, there’s something about autumn that we love. It could be the leaves changing, the first crisp morning when your breath is visible, the start of football season and of course all things flavored or scented or colored by the name of pumpkin. There are really great things out there decorative and recipewise, from Pumpkin tortellini and those Jack O’Lanterns carved into your favorite Pokémon. I’m personally a big fan of the pumpkin scented soaps and lotions, but I digress… Much like the aroma of a Macintosh Apple, the nostalgia the aromas bring is warming to the soul. But what about pumpkin, pets and… overkill?
Pumpkin, Pets and… Is it too much?
Buzzfeed’s 19 Dogs that are already over Pumpkin Spice
It’s real easy to get caught up in the pumpkin craze. Everything seems to have a pumpkin twist to it like Pumpkin flavored Seltzer Water and Pumpkin Spiced Pumpkin Seeds. How much more pumpkin can you get when it’s already pumpkin?
When it comes to pumpkin, pets and other assorted fall favorites we always need to keep our furry family member’s safety in mind. Is pumpkin a good idea for our dogs and other pets? From what I have found the answer is yes, pumpkin is very healthy for dogs and cats. This disclaimer here is that pumpkin that has been living on your stoop or windowsill is no longer fresh and shockingly…
may contain bacteria. Fresh, or the unsweetened pureed canned pumpkin, proportioned, based upon the size of your pet has many healthy benefits.
Through a dog’s ear website has this to say about consuming pumpkin.
Digestive Health
Pumpkin is a fabulous source of fiber for our furry friends, as well as for us. Pureed pumpkin (with no added sugar or spice) can help dogs and cats with both constipation and diarrhea. Adding a tablespoon or two (in proportion to their size) to their regular meal is known to help keep them regular. It can also help dogs and cats with indigestion or upset stomachs. I have Labs. Anything is edible to Sanchez and Gina, and I’m sure they would eat it right out of the can if allowed. Most cats are usually a little more finicky.
Urinary Health
According to Veterinarians Laci and Jed Schaible, co-founders of VetLIVE.com, pumpkin seeds are high in essential fatty acids and antioxidants (good for overall healthy skin and fur), and the oils in pumpkin flesh and seeds are believed to support urinary health. They are also an excellent source of Vitamin A, beta-carotene, potassium and iron, and may even reduce the likelihood your pet will develop cancer.
Weight Loss
Dogs seem to naturally love pumpkin. If you are looking to take a few pounds off of your pooch or kitty, try reducing a portion of their food and replace it with the same portion of canned pumpkin. Their tummy will feel just as full, and they might even thank you for the additional flavor.
Those three topics encompass almost all that you need to know about pets consuming pumpkin. It’s healthy when done in proper servings and avoiding sugary and spiced pumpkin.
PetMD has this to add to the health benefits of pumpkins and our pets, “Pumpkin contains nearly three grams of fiber per one cup serving. Fiber promotes a sense of fullness and can potentially enhance weight loss by reducing the physiological urge to consume larger volumes of food.
Additionally, fiber can help with feline constipation. As cats mature into their adult and geriatric years, constipation is a serious problem requiring a multi-faceted solution, with the primary emphasis placed on diet. Increasing fiber levels creates more stool bulk, thereby stimulating the colon wall and promoting contraction of the muscles responsible for moving stool from its origin in the ascending colon through the rectum (the three parts of the colon are the ascending, transverse, and descending colon, which then connects to the rectum). Increased dietary fiber can also help pets suffering from diarrhea. Both cats and dogs are prone to large bowel diarrhea (also known as colitis), often from food changes or dietary indiscretion (eating something that one should not).”
There’s a lot more valuable information over on their website, a fantastic resource not just for pumpkin pet consumption, but for your pet’s overall health.
To recap… If you’re someone who is all about the seasonal favorite, you are not alone. Embrace the flavor and share, because it’s not just you… Even these animals are as crazy about pumpkin as you are.
Mine
What are your favorite autumn treats?
