Once considered as a basic orange fruit that is usually harvested in October, pumpkins have become a synonym for fall. You don’t have to look far to see different pumpkin products from pumpkin sweets to a pumpkin-flavored latte at your local shop.
So, are pumpkins safe for dogs? According to this website specialized in dog’s nutrition yes. Pumpkin is actually a superfood that is perfect for balancing your dog’s diet.
This fruit contains essential fiber and micronutrients making it the ultimate nutritious treat. Apart from being a natural stomach soother, pumpkins are also great for removing the excess water in your dog’s digestive tract.
Why You Should Consider Feeding Your Dog Pumpkin?
When it comes to dog food, most people choose to feed their dogs with commercial dog foods, which is nothing wrong. However, the only drawback of commercial dog foods, especially lower quality ones, is the lack of vitamin B and fiber. This is why most commercial dog foods are considered to be poor in nutrition.
Well, all hope is not lost. You can still balance your dog’s diet by including healthy superfoods that will provide them with many benefits. Since dogs are subject to several dietary deficiencies, which can cause serious health problems, boosting their diet with nutritious food like pumpkin can help them maintain a balanced diet.
Pumpkins are rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B6, A and C, fiber, manganese, and folate, making them the ultimate superfood for your dog. You can find some pumpkin recipes for dogs here.
Benefits of Pumpkin For Puppies
Since we covered the importance of superfoods and how it affects your dog’s health, it is time to find all the benefits that come with them.
Pumpkin is good for their eyes
Pumpkins are packed with vitamin A, which is essential for your dog’s eye health. This is why dog breeds that are prone to eye conditions like Labrador or Golder Retrievers, Husky, Poodles, and Boston Terriers can benefit a lot from including pumpkin in their diet.
You can include pumpkin puree with little healthy oil for a nutritious snack, or mix their regular food with pumpkins on top.
Pumpkin is Immune Booster
Vitamin C is known for boosting the immune system and overall health in humans, and the situation is no different with dogs. Vitamin C is even better when combined with Vitamin E, and A (beta-carotene) helping dogs build an unstoppable immune system.
Such vitamins are also essential for cancer prevention. On top of that, the antioxidants from pumpkin can destroy free radicals in your pet’s system.
Pumpkin is great for a smooth and shiny coat
Even though most dog owners like their pets to look perfect for the sake of aesthetics, but maintaining healthy skin has much bigger importance rather than just looking good.
This is where pumpkins come in handy. There are a couple of different nutrients, including zinc, and vitamin A, which are best for improving your dog’s coat and skin. Just because pumpkin contains high water quantities, it contributes to lustrous coat and supple skin.
On top of that, your dog’s skin will always be moisturized and it will have a shiny coat, perfect for any showroom or competition.
Pumpkin can improve the digestive system for dogs
One of the most common problems with dogs is based around their digestive system, wherein in most cases, there is nothing to worry about, but some digestive problems can seriously harm your dog.
This is why you need to use foods that can balance your diet and encourage digestive regularity.
Pumpkins are packed with nutrition and the since they are a source of fiber, they will enable your dog to pass stool easily. For example, if your dog gets acid reflux, pumpkin puree or treat is great for balancing their digestive system and controlling constipation and diarrhea.
Pumpkin is very effective in fighting parasites
Parasites are another digestive problem that many dogs suffer from. Parasites like tapeworms can ruin your dog’s digestive system and cause many unwanted symptoms like nutrient deficiency, dry skin, and weight loss.
Pumpkins are packed with amino acids, which are toxic for most common dog parasites. Grinding a teaspoon of pumpkin skin or including pumpkin in their diet can drastically lower the chances of dogs getting parasites.
Pumpkin will hydrate your dog
Pumpkins are 90 percent water, which makes them the ultimate hydration treat that is perfect for hot days. On top of that, many dogs can suffer from mild to chronic dehydration, and including such superfood in their diet can significantly help them in the long run.
Dry food on the other hand contains very low moisture content, which is why you need to add supply the necessary water need through other threats like pumpkin.
Dogs Love the Taste of Pumpkin
Last but not least, pumpkin tastes great and most dogs love it! Most dog owners would agree that their dogs don’t like the taste of the majority of superfoods. However, the rich and creamy flavor of pumpkin is simply irresistible for dogs, which is a huge relief for dog owners.
