Yes! For several reasons.
Humans may wait for the fall season to enjoy pumpkin-related treats, but one of the many benefits of being a dog is that pumpkin is on the menu all year round! You may see pumpkin flavored treats at the pet store, and for good reason — pumpkin for dogs can be a tasty, nutritious treat. Here’s how.
1. Pumpkin as a Nutrient-Rich Veggie
Pumpkins are chock full of nutrients. They contain loads of vitamin A, respectable amounts of vitamin C, and good quantities of other enriching minerals like potassium. Happily, it’s also low fat and low calorie.
2. Pumpkin as a Weight Loss Aid
Adding an appropriate serving of pumpkin to your dog’s food adds both volume and fiber to their diet. This can help fill them up while you’re trying to slim them down.
3. Pumpkin as Medicine
The fiber in pumpkin can serve to both loosen or tighten your dog’s bowels. It knows what it’s doing, and will magically (aka, scientifically) address whichever issue your dog faces.
4. Pumpkin as an Antioxidant
Pumpkin is rich in antioxidants from the carotenoid family. These carotenoids are very absorbable and sit in your dog’s cell membranes to fight oxidative damage. They’re considered some of the better long-acting antioxidants around.
5. Another Pumpkin Upside
Dogs usually enjoy the taste! So if you’re adding pumpkin to your dog’s diet for medicinal purposes, the sneaky pill-slipping tricks we often employ should not be necessary.
PUMPKIN FOR DOGS MEANS PUMPKIN FOR DOGS
Be aware of what you’re buying when you get canned pumpkin. Spiced mocha chai pumpkin, or banana pumpkin, or pumpkin pie filling, or any of the myriad human pumpkin consumables that also include cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices are not good for dogs.
Give your dog plain old canned pumpkin, or plain cooked pumpkin pulp. Always check the ingredients if you’re not sure.
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