You
can carve them. You can smash them. You can mash them to a pulp and put them in
a pie. But can you really feed pumpkin to your pets? Absolutely! This versatile
member of the squash family has so much to offer, it’s a shame most people only
think of them during the holidays. The truth is, pumpkin isn’t just any old
vegetable (or fruit, as some would argue)…it’s actually considered a superfood!
What’s All the Hype About Pumpkin?
The upsurge in appreciation for pumpkin-flavored everything reminds us of happy
family holidays and crisp Fall weather. Pumpkin has been enjoying a spike in
popularity over the past few years with it seemingly being added to everything
from coffee to breakfast cereal and even to pet food! But most people are still
unaware of the many health benefits of pumpkin itself, especially for pets. And
the great news is that it offers super nutritious value for both cats and dogs
alike.
Vital Vitamins & Minerals in
Pumpkin Can Protect Your Pet’s Health
Pumpkins may be kind of hollow on the inside, but the flesh is packed with
important vitamins and nutrients that have a positive impact on your pet’s
overall health. These include:
Vitamin A – The orange color of pumpkins is due to the high
level of beta-carotene, a carotenoid. When your pet’s body processes
beta-carotene, it is converted to Vitamin A. This is a vitamin that supports
eye health and vision, especially night vision. Beta-carotene also acts as an
antioxidant in your pet’s body, which in turn supports overall health and
immunity. All-in-all, Vitamin A is important to promote healthy skin and coat,
optimal bone development, healthy reproductive function, and eye health.
Vitamin C – This vitamin supports enzymatic reactions
necessary for good health. Like Vitamin A, it also has antioxidant properties
to support healthy cellular structure and immune system health. Some studies
have also indicated that natural, dietary Vitamin C may be helpful for dogs
who’ve experienced physical or emotional stress, and may help promote healthier
teeth and gums.
Vitamin E – Another important vitamin for pet health, Vitamin
E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is necessary to support cell functions and the
metabolism of fats. Vitamin E levels can impact eye and muscle health, along
with reproductive system function.
Calcium – This mineral supports strong, healthy bones
and teeth.
Iron – Iron is an important mineral for both cats
and dogs. Maintaining proper iron levels helps their little bodies make healthy
red blood cells and ward off iron-deficiency anemia.
Lutein – Lutein is another carotenoid that is
beneficial for vision and eye health.
Overall Health Benefits of Pumpkin for
Pets
As you can see, the vitamin profile that naturally occurs in pumpkin supports
your pet’s vision and eye health, immune system function, as well as healthy,
supple skin & a shiny, soft coat.
Other health benefits of pumpkin for cats and
dogs include digestive regularity from pumpkin’s high soluble fiber content,
which helps with bouts of both constipation and diarrhea. It’s a magical
superfood!
The high fiber and water content in pumpkin
may also help overweight pets get down to a healthier weight. Adding a little
pumpkin to a pudgy pet’s diet makes them feel fuller longer, and the low fat
and calorie content of pumpkin makes it a perfect natural diet food.
Feeding Pets Pumpkin – Do’s and Don’ts
Your first question may be, “Will my pet actually like the
taste of pumpkin?” The good news is, most dogs and cats enjoy the rich, subtle
flavor of natural, cooked pumpkin. There’s no need to add spices or anything
else to enhance or change the flavor.
In fact, you should only feed your pet plain
pumpkin that is thoroughly cooked. So, that means no left-over Jack-O-Lanterns
or canned pumpkin pie filling. You may give your pet plain canned pumpkin, as
long as there are no additives, sugars, or spices. You can keep leftover canned
pumpkin in a tightly sealed BPA-free container in your refrigerator for up to 4
days.
Generally, adding just 1 teaspoon of canned
or home-cooked pumpkin per pound of your pet’s body weight to their normal food
is the ideal amount.
Other Ways to Add Pumpkin to Your
Pet’s Diet
If you’re looking for an easier way to consistently give your dog or cat the
benefits of pumpkin in a way they are sure to enjoy, pawTree offers a delicious
variety of pet food, treats, and our
pawPairings® Superfood Seasonings that contain healthy amounts of pumpkin for
your pets.
For pets who are finicky, pawPairings® is
a fun and easy way to add the superfood benefits of high-quality, natural
nutrient sources like pumpkin to their everyday food.
Developed by veterinarians and nutritionists,
these special superfood flavor blends contain concentrated sources of fruits
and vegetables like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, kale, tomatoes, carrots,
cranberries, pomegranates, and blueberries.
They also contain freeze-dried proteins from
natural meat, fish or poultry, for a powerful, comprehensive nutritional boost
in flavors that get tails wagging. Just a few shakes of flavorful pawPairings®
Superfood Seasoning enhances flavor & nutrition while treating your pet to
a yummy break from their same daily food.
So, if you’re looking for a healthy way to
supplement your pet’s diet with natural nutrients, look no further than the
great pumpkin. Even though pumpkin season only comes once a year, there’s no
reason to wait for Autumn to add Mother Nature’s superfood to your pet’s daily
meals.