As autumn rolls in, pumpkin takes center stage, delighting our taste buds and brightening up our decor. Everywhere you turn, the reminder that “Pumpkin Spice is back!” But did you know that your furry friends can join in the seasonal fun too? Pumpkin is more than just a fall favorite; it’s a nutritious addition to your pet’s diet. Packed with health benefits and a flavor they’ll love, pumpkin is making its way into pet food, treats, and supplements. Here’s everything you need to know about why this vibrant fruit (yes– it is a fruit!) is a fantastic choice for your pup or kitty.
Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs and Cats
Why is pumpkin so great? It contains many nutrients that support your pet’s health. Pumpkin is a high-water content food which helps relieve constipation and diarrhea. Prebiotics (food for ‘the good bacteria’ in the gut) reduce infection severity, so your pet can fight off illnesses more easily.
Vitamin A and beta-carotene
Similar to carrots, pumpkin contains the antioxidant beta-carotene, which gives it that rich orange color. Pumpkin has the same benefits, too– some of which include supported eye health, improved cognitive function, skin protection, and prevention against certain cancers. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the body, which boosts immunity and supports your pet’s eye, skin, and coat health.
Vitamins C & E
Pumpkin is a great source of Vitamin C, which supports your pet’s immune system and promotes healthy skin. While dogs can produce their own Vitamin C, a little extra from pumpkin can still provide a boost, especially during cold months. Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping to protect your pet’s cells from damage and supporting overall skin and coat health.
Potassium
Potassium helps keep blood and urine from becoming too acidic. Especially with cats, your pet may be prone to kidney and bladder issues. Loss of potassium leads to muscle stiffness, weakness, and poor hair quality. Pumpkin will help your pet inside and out with a shinier coat.
Iron
Iron is essential for maintaining healthy blood and energy levels as well. It plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen throughout your pet’s body. Including pumpkin in their diet can help ensure they get an adequate amount of this important mineral, promoting vitality and overall well-being.
Is Pumpkin Good for Cats?
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning the bulk of their diet must come from meat. Though they thrive off a “prey” diet, cats also crave variety. Adding a small amount of pumpkin to your kitty’s meals can make a positive difference in their health. Pumpkin’s neutral flavor and malleable texture make it a great food to add into the rotation!
Pumpkin is a low calorie, high fiber food and great for helping your cat relieve themselves of hairballs. If cats have hairball issues, it’s usually a sign that they have digestive upset where the hair cannot move through the digestive tract. Pumpkin contains soluble fiber, making it a simple solution to help ease your cat’s tummy troubles.
Is Pumpkin Safe for Dogs?
Pumpkin is a great option for promoting all-around healthy digestion in dogs. At some point, your dog has probably experienced a bad bout of diarrhea or constipation. While extremely common, there is something you can do to help your pup feel better! A couple of teaspoons of pure pumpkin (either cooked and pureed or canned) per day can help to regulate a dog’s system. The soluble fiber bulks the dog’s stool and helps express a dog’s anal glands naturally, too.
If your pup is picky about what’s in their bowl, opt for a supplement or treats that have natural pumpkin ingredients for the same benefits.
Because pumpkin is such a superfood, it can aid in weight management and may work well for fur-babies with diabetes. The orange fruit is a great option that will help them feel fuller longer.
How to Feed Pumpkin to Your Pet
Pumpkin is a versatile ingredient and can be adapted to your pet’s palate easily. Find your four-legged friend’s favorite by mixing canned pumpkin or pumpkin puree into your dog or cat’s wet or dry food. Here are just a few ways to spoil your pet with a pumpkin treat:
- Enrichment Toys: Spice things up by adding a teaspoon of canned or cooked pumpkin into a Kong.
- Meal Toppers: A tablespoon of pumpkin is all your pet needs to see a positive difference! A meal topper is a great way to incorporate additional nutrition into your pet’s food, and is perfect for introducing picky eaters to new foods. We recommend Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Gut Health Freeze-Dried Dog Food Topper.
- Treats: Just like us, your pup deserves a little treat once in a while. Reward them with Bocce’s Bakery Sunday Roast Chicken & Pumpkin Dog Treats.
- Supplements: Boost hip and joint mobility for senior fur-babies or pets with mobility issues with Grandma Lucy's Pumpkin Pouch Inflammation Dog & Cat Supplement.
A note on canned pumpkin:When buying canned pumpkin, make sure there are no other ingredients. You’ll want to use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling is indulgent—full of sugar, spices, oils, and other heavy additives that can make your dog or cat sick. It can also contain Xylitol which is fatal to pets if injested. Nutmeg is toxic to dogs in high amounts, and allspice and clove are dangerous for cats! To be on the safe side, stick to plain 100% pure pumpkin.
Not sure which option if right for your pet’s diet? Consult with one of our Nutritionists to see how pumpkin can best benefit your pet!
Don’t Feed Raw Pumpkin to Your Pets
Among all the pumpkin fun this fall, watch the jack-o'-lanterns around dogs and cats! Aside from the potential fire hazard, jack-o’-lanterns won’t agree with your fur-baby. Raw pumpkin goes bad quickly and should not be fed to your pet anyway. Make sure to serve pumpkin that’s not too hard or textured for your pet to digest. Canned, pureed, and pumpkin-based pet foods are best. If you do want to try your hand at homemade pumpkin treats, be sure to wash thoroughly, and steam or roast the pumpkin flesh before sharing it with your pup– and skip the oils, salts, and spices!
Read up on more fall precautions to have a happy and safe season with your fur-baby! Have a new furry family member? We have some tips for making the most out of their first fall with you!
Incorporating pumpkin into your pet's diet can be a fun and nutritious way to support their health. With its wealth of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, pumpkin offers a variety of benefits that can keep your furry friend happy and thriving. Whether you mix it into their meals, use it as a treat, or find pumpkin-based supplements, your pup or kitty is sure to enjoy this seasonal delight. So why not embrace the pumpkin craze together? Your pet will thank you for it with wagging tails and happy purrs!
