Is Pumpkin Good for Dogs and Cats?

When autumn starts, so does pumpkin season! While you enjoy your pumpkin-flavoured delicacies, you may ask yourself is pumpkin good for dogs and cats?

The answer is yes! Not only is pumpkin safe to eat, it can also benefit your pet’s health. It is best to use pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling since these are too rich in sugar and spices for our furry friends. Also, never give raw pumpkin to your pet.

It is recommended to give pumpkin to your pet as a treat and not as their main diet. You can give them 1 to 2 teaspoons daily.

Pumpkins make great Halloween decorations, but they’re also a fruit packed with benefits for your pet. Here are the benefits of pumpkin for your pet:

Helps fight diarrhea

Pumpkin pulp contains soluble fibre which absorbs excess water in the digestive system to help control your pet’s diarrhea. High in fibre, pumpkin also helps relieve constipation.

Promotes weight loss

Full of fibre and water, it helps your pet feel satiated even though they eat fewer calories. Pumpkin slows down digestion; that’s why your pet feels full for a longer period of time.

Prevents the formation of hairballs

Pumpkin fiber eases the passage of hairballs through your cat’s digestive tract. This way, hairballs are eliminated through stool rather than being regurgitated on your beautiful living room rug! Adding this food to your cat’s diet helps prevent the formation of new hairballs.

Natural de-wormer

Pumpkin seeds are rich in cucurbitin, an amino acid acting as a natural de-wormer by paralyzing tapeworms and other intestinal parasites.

Tip: Roast and grind the seeds before serving; do not add salt.

Rich in vitamins

• Vitamin A: Helps maintain a healthy immune system and good vision.
• Vitamin C: Boosts immunity and helps fight joint pain.
• Vitamin E: Potent antioxidant which primarily helps to protect the body against cellular damage.
• Beta-carotene: Antioxidant which slows down the aging process.
• Lutein: Promotes eye, skin, and coat health.
• Zinc: Helps improve skin and coat appearance.

On top of having so many excellent benefits, pumpkin is also a low-calorie food making it the perfect treat to give to your pet. Next time you’re cooking with pumpkin, don’t forget to share some with your furry furriend!

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