September is here and that means fall is only 22 days away! Fall brings a bit of welcomed cooler weather and plenty of excitement for the holiday season. Perhaps the thing about fall that everyone is most excited for is… pumpkin! From pumpkin coffees to pumpkin spice candles, pumpkin muffins and pumpkin patches, there is an endless amount of pumpkin options to enjoy.
In all this excitement for fall we have to share that pumpkins are great for dogs too! Fresh pumpkins are full nutrients that help dogs stay hydrated, get their vitamins, settle upset stomachs and manage weight loss. But, not all pumpkins or forms of pumpkin are great.
Canned Pumpkin vs. Fresh Pumpkin For Dogs
While it may be obvious you shouldn’t share your pumpkin latte with your dog, you may not know that canned pumpkin is often a safer bet than a fresh pumpkin. According to Dogs ID, pumpkin spoils quickly. If you are going to give a piece of actual pumpkin to your dog it is important that you serve only the freshest pumpkin you can find. Canned pumpkin, as long as it is organic and has no added sugars, it is a simple puree that is delicious and equally as nutritious! Mix it into your dog’s food for extra flavor, fiber, and hydration.
Pumpkin Seeds As Dog Treats
Unsalted, roasted pumpkin seeds are a neat and healthy treat for dogs. According to Dogs Naturally Magazine, pumpkin seeds are packed full of protein, amino acids, iron, copper, phosphorus and magnesium, calcium, zinc and more nutrients that contribute to your dog’s overall health. You can feed the seeds to your dog whole, but sure to only give a few at a time, seeds are high in fat and may lead to soft stool. Another option is to grind up the seeds and sprinkle them over their food.
So as you get ready for the joys of fall, remember that your pup can also enjoy the fun of pumpkin treats! Stay tuned for pumpkin inspired dog treat recipes.
