Pumpkin Benefits For Your Dog

Fall is right around the corner and that means so is pumpkin season!

Did you know that pumpkin is a superfood for your dog? Not only is it delicious, but it's also packed with nutrients your pup will thrive on!

Pumpkin is rich in potassium, which improves muscle health and metabolism. It's pack with Vitamin A to promote healthy eyes and improved skin and coat. Loaded with Vitamin C to boost immunity. It boasts plenty of beta carotene for eye health; and even the seeds are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation.

But most pet parents know pumpkin for its reputation as a cure-all for digestive issues. Pumpkin is a natural stomach soother for dogs who suffer from occasional bouts of upset stomach, loose stools, or diarrhea.

Canned organic pumpkin puree can be a vital tool to keep on hand for minor tummy troubles that don't warrant a trip to the vet, as it can help solve both diarrhea and constipation! Start with 1 tablespoon on top of each meal and increase by 0.5 tablespoon at a time if needed.

Pumpkin seeds are also said to be a natural dewormer for dogs! That's because pumpkin seeds contain an amino acid called cucurbitin. Cucurbitin paralyzes the worms and eliminates them from your dog's digestive tract. When feeding your dog pumpkin seeds, use raw organic pumpkin seeds. However, pumpkin seeds are high in fat and should be given more sparingly. If you're interested in feeding pumpkin seeds to your dog, the daily recommended amount is one ground pumpkin seed per 10 pounds of body weight.

When feeding your dog pumpkin, beware of feeding artificial pumpkin products! When choosing canned pumpkin puree, organic is best but not an absolute necessity. NEVER feed your dog canned pumpkin pie filling. The added sugars and other ingredients could be highly dangerous to your pet. When choosing pumpkin seeds for your pup, only feed raw pumpkin seeds (again, organic is best) with no other seasonings on them.