Have you enjoyed one of those gigantic Costco pumpkin pies?
Or perhaps you prefer to whip up a homemade pumpkin pie.
But did you know that pumpkin can be good for your dog? (Not pumpkin pie, but pureed pumpkin).
Health benefits of pumpkin
Pureed pumpkin is low in fat and cholesterol, is an excellent source of fiber, and can help combat several common gastrointestinal maladies:
Diarrhea – the fiber in pumpkin can act as a sponge that absorbs excess water within the gastrointestinal tract.
Constipation – fiber can ease stool passage and can create bulk inside the colon that helps relieve constipation.
Weight loss – pumpkin gives your dog a sense of a full stomach, so if Bowser is on a diet, pumpkin can make the reduction in food quantity more tolerable.
Before feeding pumpkin to your dog
The amount of pumpkin your dog needs will vary from 1 tsp per meal for a small dog to nearly half a cup for a large dog. Before feeding your dog pumpkin, contact us to ask whether:
(1) your dog could benefit from pumpkin
(2) how much pumpkin he should eat
(3) what type of pumpkin we recommend
You’ll want to avoid feeding your dog canned pumpkin pie filling, which is about 90% water and has added sugar, fat, and seasonings. Instead, look for pure pumpkin puree or pumpkin formulated specially for pets.