I love feeding our dogs fresh pumpkin! Well steamed, roasted, or boiled pumpkin.
But is pumpkin good for your dog? Yes, it can treat both diarrhoea and constipation, it really works for both!
And now is the time to buy pumpkin, while they are in season. Cook, cool and freeze into cubes ready for emergency times, putting cooked pumpkin into ice cubes trays, freezing, then putting into ziplock bags, it is a great way to portion is out for easy feeding later on, and an easy way to store.
Is your dog not ill, well that is fantastic but pumpkin is still loaded with fibre and beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, and we all know that seasonal vegetables are best, so great to add to any bowl, fresh or kibble fed dogs will benefit from fresh veggies in the bowl.
Why else is pumpkin good for my dog?
Pumpkin seeds can also be a natural wormer, What!! How does it work? Pumpkin is part of the gourd family, courgettes, cucumber, pumpkin, cantaloupe etc. Pumpkin seeds hold a fabulous little amino acid called cucurbitin within the seed, these display an antiparasitic action, it paralyses the worms so they are then expelled in the faeces.
Cucurbitin immobilises the worms. The worms are then eliminated in the poop as they can not hang on as they can’t move. Amazing?! (Google CURURBITIN for yourself – don’t just take my word for it)
Best ground up, and added to the food, no pestle and mortar? Use a tea towel and a rolling pin or bottle.
Why buy fresh pumpkin?
Personally, I find tinned pumpkin, hard to buy and expensive in the UK, so I prefer to stock up now on fresh pumpkin now, or you could try using butternut squash.
If buying tinned pumpkin, it needs to be 100% pumpkin, not the pie filling as this is full of sugar.
Also healthier dogs will generally, pick up less nasties, so try to feed your dog a good diet, keep them mentally active and get lots of exercise together.
How to cook pumpkin for your dog?
The easiest way I have found is to remove the skin and seeds and then you can roast, boil or even microwave the pumpkin.
Just remember you shouldn’t add any salt or seasoning, you could add some garlic, turmeric, or herbs if you want.
Pumpkin Carving
Go on have a little fun and carve your pumpkin, they are many designs available, I am going to attempt this design this year, wish me luck!
I would to hear if you feed pumpkin and/or other fresh food to your dog, drop a comment below.
Also any other tips, hints and tricks you would like to share drop me an email at [email protected]
Thinking about getting some natural dog treats, but unsure what to buy? Try a selection box here, tailored to your dog
