Pumpkin as Superfood: Give Your Pets Added Health Benefits

Pet parents keep on searching for nutritional dog diets for their furry buddies while buying pet food. Pumpkin is such a food that improves pets’ health. With a high nutritional element, pumpkin emerges as a superfood. Pumpkin has adequate fiber for dogs that helps dogs improve their visual, skin, and immune systems. This blog highlights the benefits of pumpkin for dogs. In addition, you will find why pumpkin is a safe treat for pets.

Pumpkin as Superfood: Nutritional Value

Pumpkin is a dog-safe food option. Dog-friendly pumpkin treats keep a dog physically active round the clock. According to the NAL, about 245 gms of mashed cooked pumpkin offers 2.7 g of fiber.

Hidden Advantages of Pumpkin: Scientific Evidence

Some of the prime benefits supported by scientific evidence include:

1. Improved digestion

Constipation leads to slower digestion and enlarged colons in dogs. This clinical problem can be solved with pureed pumpkin (laxative). It has dietary fiber supplements that help in fast digestion and constipation management. As per the Merck Veterinary Manual, pumpkin can improve digestion if taken in a quantity of 1-4 tbsp per meal. Pumpkin is also good for intestinal pain and diarrhea reduction in dogs.

2. Boosted immune system

Pumpkin superfood is rich with bioactive compounds that offer antioxidant features. A and B antioxidants alleviate oxidative stress. Pumpkin also deactivates free radicals. Vitamin C-rich pumpkin increases the production of white cells in dogs. It also progresses antibody production to treat infections.

3. Skin benefits

Fatty acid-rich pumpkin seeds can improve pet health, according to a study, Healthy fatty acid supplements can improve alopecia and pruritus in dogs.

4. Controlling obesity

Obesity affects dogs. It can result in heart, arteries, skin, and kidney issues. Owing to the presence of fiber, pumpkin can lessen the higher calorie intake, as per a study by Research Gate. Pumpkin is also vital for progressing food satiety in dogs.

5. Supportive treatment of anal sac disease

Anal sac disease affects obese and non-obese dogs badly with pain, swollen sacs, and hard defecation. It is a common dog disease. Pumpkin contains a higher amount of water and fiber, and it can improve anal glands naturally.

Recommended Pumpkin Serving for Dogs

Pet lovers need to feed pumpkins to dogs in the right amount. Here is a general guide.

You can add pumpkin to your dog’s food daily or twice a week for general health benefits. Before introducing pumpkin to your pets, consult your vet to avoid any issues.

Pumpkin Types: Will Your Dogs Like a Change?

Pumpkin is a healthy treat. It is good for the pet’s physical health. Look at the following pumpkin types available at online stores. These dog-friendly pumpkin treat options have their own pros for dogs.

• Raw Pumpkin: It is harmless for dogs. Providing, but some dogs can have digestion issues with pumpkin. Feed the dogs in small amounts if you are feeding them raw pumpkin.
• Cooked Pumpkin: This pumpkin type is easy to digest by dogs. It also enhances the flavor.
• Pumpkin Puree: It is soft and convenient to mix into food. Generally, dog treat bakeries use this sort of pumpkin choice to garnish dog cakes. It is important to use plain, sugarless pumpkin. Pumpkin powder supplement is also used as a puree. The powder gets a form of puree when mixed with water.
• Canned Pumpkin: Canned pumpkin is also used for dog food. Before using canned pumpkin, make sure your buy has no additives. Say no to pumpkin pie mix because it may contain sugar and spices.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Like the above-mentioned pumpkin types, minced pumpkin seeds are also popular. These seeds promise multiple dietary benefits.
  

Conclusion

Pumpkin treats give dogs a reason to feel relaxed and happy. With its high nutritional value, pumpkin compels bakers to use it for commercial intent. Ask your vet before feeding any of the pumpkin types to dogs.

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