Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin? Home Made Pumpkin Treats

• Pumpkin contains a lot of vital nutrients, incredibly nutritious, and tremendously easy to prepare.
• Dogs will relish the baked and cooked seeds as yummy snacks and treats. For the record, pumpkin seeds contain omega-three fats, which in turn have lots of anti-inflammatory effects.
• Pumpkin seeds are fed to treat infections and as a remedy for roundworms and tapeworms infections. Cucurbitin, naturally found in the seeds, acts as an excellent de-worming agent.
• Pumpkin and pumpkin seeds help control benign prostatic hyperplasia and as per reports, almost all male dogs more than nine years of age suffer from prostatic hyperplasia.
• Pumpkin oil extracted from the seeds can control urinary tract infections and effectively manage kidney stones.
• Canned pumpkin can be used for the weight loss program by including them in the dog’s diet. Not more than 10% of the total diet is the ideal recommended serving.
• The fibers in the pumpkin are an excellent preventive way to control and prevent constipation in older dogs.
• The pumpkin flesh can manage diarrhea. Dogs are prone to colitis, a severe bowel disorder.
• It is essential to note that Halloween pumpkins cannot be fed to the dogs. The reason being, keeping them unused on your porch will make them housing of many infection-causing microbes including bacteria and mold.

• Vitamin A, Vitamin C – 1 cup contains a minimum of 11mg that is good for the immune system and antioxidant.
• Iron
• Zinc content will improve your dog’s coat and skin.
• Rich fiber content
• Alpha-Carotene
• Beta-Carotene
• Potassium- A useful nutrient for a quick recovery and muscular contraction.

• Chemical preservatives
• Chemical flavors
• Seasonings
• Pumpkin pie with sugar, fat, and preservatives can lead to digestive tract issues.
• Pumpkin leaves and stems as it can cause mouth irritation and intestinal tract.
• Pumpkin shells might contain glue, shellac, or glitter, especially during the fall season, when people hang decorative pumpkins in their workplace or home.

Overall, when served in moderation, pumpkin can turn out to be the best treatment for your dog. In case of excessive intake of seeds or flesh, contact your vet for further instructions.

Ground and crushed pumpkin seeds can be easily added to their meals. Please do not feed them with more than one seed at a time. The stools usually identify the signs of excessive intake, which is generally softer due to extreme fat content.

Unsalted, direct pumpkin seeds are the best bet for your dogs. Roasted pumpkin seeds can be stored for more than a month, and packaged pumpkin seeds last for more than six months.

Pureed pumpkin (not more than two tablespoons) can help to treat indigestion in dogs.

Here are some easy-to-prepare recipes

Icy Cool Pumpkin Bones

Ingredients

• Pumpkin
• Water

Preparation

Take a sufficient amount of canned pureed pumpkin in a container and add the required amount of water.

Now, pour this mixture in the trays and place it in the freezer. Remove them after a few hours and serve.

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Cake

Ingredients

• Cinnamon (for flavor)
• Salt (as per requirement)
• Peanut butter (as per requirement)
• Flour (as per requirement)
• Eggs (2 or 3)
• Pureed pumpkin (as per requirement)

Preparation

Mix all the ingredients in a tray and then bake the mixture at 350 degrees.

The exact amount is determined based on the dog’s species and its size. A Great Dane can consume at least 50% of one large canned pumpkin, whereas a Chihuahua can be satisfied with a few teaspoons with every meal.

Pureed pumpkin and not pumpkin pie is the need of the hour. Excess intake of canned pumpkin can cause loose bowel movements, and before feeding, the owner has to confirm whether the dog is free from pancreatitis.

Therefore, it is recommended to consult a vet before feeding your dog with canned pumpkin.