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5 Health Benefits of Pumpkin For Dogs

It’s October and pumpkins are everywhere. While you are carving pumpkins with the kids or enjoying a sip of a pumpkin latte, can Fido join in on the fun? The answer is Yes. Pumpkins can be an excellent source of nutrients this fall and holiday season for your dog. Naturally canned pumpkin is a great alternative if you do not have fresh pumpkin on hand.

Benefits

1. Pumpkins Are Rich In Vitamins and Minerals

Pumpkin is low in calories, but rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Pumpkin, contains a high concentration of vitamin A (beta-carotene), potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, improves muscle health, and assists in metabolism. It also contains smaller amounts of a variety of healthy nutrients, including Vitamin C, Iron, Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Folate, to name a few.

2. Pumpkin Boosts Immune Health

Pumpkin contains vitamins C, A and E, also full of other antioxidants and is a great source for immune health. Pumpkin is a fresh source of antioxidant. It can possibly help prevent cancers. Antioxidants help destroy free radicals in the body.

3. Pumpkin Moistures Skin and Coat

Vitamin A and zinc, improve your pet’s skin and coat. The high water content in pumpkin flesh adds moisture to your pets skin. A solution to your pet’s flakey skin  and creating less shedding all over your house.

4. Pumpkin Helps With Weight Loss

Pumpkins have a high moisture and fiber content. If you substitute some of Fido’s food with canned pumpkin (a few teaspoons for a small dog up to half a cup with a large dog) this can help Fido shed a few pounds. The water and fiber will keep Fido full and he wont miss the extra calories. Adding the extra fiber will help with constipation and stools to pass smoothly.

5. Pumpkin Tastes Delicious

Like people dogs enjoy the creamy rich flavor of pumpkin. Creating an excellent holiday treat and nutrient rich supplement for Fido to enjoy with the family. Be careful not to feed pumpkin pie filling or any canned pumpkin with added sweeteners or spices. You can also make your own dog treats from canned pumpkin. Pumpkin seeds can be consumed raw by your dog. Fido will probably enjoy them more when they are dry roasted. Avoid salting or adding oils to pumpkin seeds that you give to your dog.

 

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