Hello, pun'kin!

October is filled with excitement and adventure for our furry friends.  It’s a time of year when new smells, experiences and Fall adventures abound. The leaves are falling, the cooler weather makes for wonderful strolls and… pumpkins abound!   

Pumpkin isn’t just for people -- it’s great for dogs, too.  Not only do dogs find them yummy, but they help alleviate a variety of common canine health problems as well.

The Top 3 Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs

Digestive Health

Pureed pumpkin (no added sugar or spice) helps with diarrhea and constipation. Adding a tablespoon or 2 (depending on your dog’s size) to your dog’s meal will help keep their stools healthy and regular.  It can also help dogs with sensitive stomachs and digestive problems.

Weight Loss

If you feel your loveable pooch is getting a little chubby, try reducing the amount of food you normally feed them and substitute the reduced portion with pumpkin.  This healthy filler will keep your pup's tummy full and little by little those nasty pounds will slip away.

Urinary Health

Pumpkin seeds are high in essential fatty acids and antioxidants.  The oils in the pumpkin flesh are thought to highly support urinary health.  Also, pumpkin seeds are a superb source of Vitamin A, iron, potassium, and beta-carotene.  Pumpkins are an ‘anti-cancer’ food due to their abundance of antioxidants.

Pumpkin makes a great treat all around.  Yummy as a puree, it can also be baked into treats.  As always, when introducing your pet to a new food (or treat), start with a small amount, increasing the amounts bit by bit.

Check with your local veterinarian if you have questions or concerns about pumpkin for your pet.  Be sure to check the can if you are buying canned pumpkin. You want to be certain it’s 100% pumpkin in your hand, not canned pumpkin pie filling – the cans look almost identical!

Scoop a bit of pumpkin into your dog’s bowl for good measure and make it an October to remember!