It's everywhere, there are air fresheners, soaps, creams, beers, wine, cereal, coffee, glazes, skin lotions , pie, puddings, anything and everything you can flavor. It's, on clothes, toys, stickers and of course craved up and put outside on Halloween to warn off evil spirits. Some grow mega large ones to enter competitions . Harry Potter and his wizard friends loved the juice and Cinderella had hers customized into a golden carriage to take to some ball .
The humble pumpkin do we really know all its awesomeness. A group of dog people know it helps the gut and stops runny poops .
Is that is ?
They are loaded with nutrients. A low calorie choice, fat free and packed with vitamins. Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E . They also contain potassium .
Pumpkin also have a high water content so they help keep dogs and people hydrated, especially in summer months .
They contain a good amount of fiber both. Soluble and non soluble . Helping digestion and regulating bowel movements .
Insoluble fiber doesn't dissolve in water and passes through mostly intact. This adds bulk to the stool , promoting regular bowel movement . Other insoluble fibers can come from whole grains, nuts, seeds, skin of veg and and some fruits .
Soluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a substance in the digestive track. This helps regulate blood sugars and promotes a feeling of fullness. It acts as a prebiotic , giving fuel for beneficial good gut bacteria. It helps heal Leaky gut. Other soluble fibers are oats (organic if possible)fruits ( apples are great) and vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes. Both tummy trouble soft poops to constipation will be helped by pumpkin . Both types of fiber are important to us and dogs but too much fiber or introduced too suddenly can cause digestive disturbances . So like most things start gradually.
Remember only cooked pumpkins or tinned fresh pumpkin do not use pumpkin pie filling .
They contain beta-carotene which is converted into vitamin A. This is essential for you and your dogs vision, immune system and skin/coat health .
Don't over do pumpkin its not an every meal food (well nothing is rotation is always the best). General guidelines for dogs is 1-2 tablespoons of pumpkin a day for small dogs and 1/2 cup for big dogs. Every dog is different and these are just estimated guides . You can always get a suggestion from a nutritionist . It also should never be used as a substitute for veterinary care on more serious issues.
Because it is a great source of vitamin A and potassium never over feed pumpkin or give all the time .
Hold up .... there's more
It's the season, you brought the pumpkin well an extra one . Cut it in half or bits steamed it/ oven cooked it and frozen it. For more later in the year when its hard to find them . You're left with the seeds.
Wash these take the string bits off and dehydrate them. In a dehydrator or a low heat oven. For the humans amongst us . You can sprinkle spices, salt or flavors on the seeds and have a healthy awesome treat. Now before you eat them all. The plain non spiced, salted or flavored can be crushed into a course/fine powder and a small amount sprinkled over your dogs food ... Why?
They still contain all the nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc which are extremely supportive too
dogs.
Digestive health, urinary health, coat and skin health and immune support . Start with a small amount 1/4 teaspoon and work your way up depending on the size of your dog . You can give a few whole seeds as a treat if you rather .
Pumpkin seeds also contain an amino acid called cucurbitacin which is believed to have an anti-parasitic property. The fiber also helps move worms through the track. If you think your dog has an infestation of parasites please consult your vet.
For the humans "If you are freezing some pumpkin take a little and dehydrate it . Then grind it into a powder. You now have pumpkin flavor you can add to coffee, yogurts whatever you want ."
It's also the season to buy extra organic cranberries and freeze them for a year round supply. That's a different blog though ...
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