Pumpkin: A Superfood for Pets? Benefits and Recipes

Nothing says fall like bright orange pumpkins, but did you know that these humble gourds are also a superfood for pets? At Coal Creek Animal Hospital, we love supporting the nutritional needs and overall health of your pets, and in this blog, we share insights on the pumpkin benefits for pets—as well as tasty pet pumpkin recipes to get you started.

Pumpkin Benefits for Pets: The Nutritional Perks

Whether you have a playful puppy or a frisky feline, adding pumpkin to your pet’s diet goes a long way toward supporting their health and wellness thanks to the following nutrients:

• Fiber: Improves digestive health, and for cats, is a great way to help with hairballs.
• Moisture: Supports adequate hydration
• Vitamin A: Promotes optimal nerve and muscle health, plus benefits skin and coat.
• Vitamin C: A valuable antioxidant that boosts immunity.
• Vitamin E: Particularly helpful for senior pets, Vitamin E helps with inflammation and pain. 
• Minerals: Iron, calcium, potassium, copper, and phosphorus help support everything from bone health to the production of red blood cells.

Picking the Right Pumpkin Superfood Pets Will Love

Here are our team’s tips for picking the right pumpkin products for your pets:

• Use plain (unsweetened, unsalted) canned pumpkin puree.
• Do not use pumpkin pie filling.
• DIY pumpkin puree by steaming or baking fresh, organic pumpkins until tender. Remove the peel and seeds and puree the pulp in a blender until smooth.
• Purchase either wet or dry pet foods (or treats) that already contain pumpkin. These are typically formulated for pets with sensitive tummies and come in both canned and dry versions.

How to Add Pumpkin to Your Pet’s Diet

Dogs will sometimes lap up a dollop of pumpkin puree from a spoon or as a food “topper” with their regular meals. More finicky pets like our feline friends do best when a small amount is mixed in with their regular foods. Another option? Get creative with the following pet pumpkin recipes.

Pet Pumpkin Recipes

Try these simple, yummy pet pumpkin recipes for tasty ways to take advantage of pumpkin benefits for pets:

Pumpkin Pupsicles: Mix pumpkin puree with peanut butter and banana and freeze in an ice cube tray for frozen treats your dog will love.

Pumpkin Dog Treats: In a food processor, grind 1 cup of old fashioned oats to a fine powder. Add 1/3 cup of pumpkin puree and 1/4 cup of peanut butter and mix until doughy. (Make sure peanut butter does not contain xylitol, which is toxic to pets.) Roll out and cut with a bone-shaped cookie cutter and bake at 300 degrees for about 30 minutes or until the treats are hard.

Purrfect Pumpkin Catnip Treats: Mix 1/2 cup of oat flour, 1/3 cup of pumpkin puree, a 5-ounce can of tuna packed in water, and a teaspoon of dried catnip until doughy. Make small, round balls and place them on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until solid. 

For more tips and tricks on pumpkin superfood pets will love, contact our team at (720) 894-4005.