No vegetable may be more symbolic of autumn than the pumpkin. Not only is it a Halloween canvas for artists of all ages, but it can be a healthy addition to your pet’s diet year-round. This low-calorie food is full of vitamins and nutrients, which supports healthy eyes, as well as the skin and coat of your four-legged friend. It also serves as an immune booster to help your pet stay healthy. In addition, pumpkin can help settle an upset stomach, improve digestion, reduce anal gland problems, prevent hairballs, and help dogs and cats with diarrhea or constipation.
However, when feeding your pet this fiber-rich superfood there are important things to keep in mind:
- Avoid giving your pet the stem, leaves, skin, or raw seeds.
- Steam or roast your pumpkin flesh, and roast and grind up well-rinsed seeds to sprinkle over your pet’s food.
- Do NOT add any spices to your pumpkin.
- If buying canned pumpkin, make sure it’s plain puree and NOT pie filling.
- Give just a little pumpkin in your pet’s food: no more than a few tablespoons per day for dogs and about a teaspoon a day for cats.
