It’s pumpkin season…

A look at the benefits of pumpkins for dogs as Halloween approaches

Written by Anna Shaw

Pumpkins are a powerhouse of their very own, filled full with antioxidants, vitamins A, E & C alongside minerals such as iron, manganese, potassium and copper which are a must for eye health, the immune system, brain function, skin and coat health to name but a few.

They are also rammed packed full of fibre making it a good go to for both diarrhoea or constipation so it’s always great to have to hand.

You can roast and scoop it into molds and freeze ready for a date when needed later on. If you are to buy tinned pumpkin for emergencies such as the above, be sure it’s 100% pumpkin and not pie filling. If buying fresh, lets be real here, it would be wonderful in a perfect world to always buy organic but it’s just not always possible, so a cooking pumpkin from your local supermarket will do just as well!

The Pumpkin seeds you will be scooping out are suggested to be a natural remedy for deworming dogs, it’s important to note that this claim is not scientifically proven and is cutrently in debate so should be used as a part of a multilayered approach to be sure. Pumpkin seeds contain a compound called cucurbitacin, which is believed to have anthelmintic properties. Leave them on the side, allow them to dry then gently roast and grind up ready in a pot to add a little to your pooches food a few times a week starting slowly.

One thing to point out is that whilst pumpkins are perfectly fine for most dogs and are low in histamine, it still may not be a great suit for every dog especially a yeasty or itchy dog.

Tell us if your little furry friends will be enjoying pumpkin this weekend.