Revisiting Pumpkin for your Pets.

This article was found on Petplace.com. I know we talked about pumpkin some time ago for pets but this article is more informative. Also as usual I will have my own personal both input at the end. 1)Combating Dehydration. Pumpkin flesh is 90% water. If you top dry cat or dog food which is moisture deficient it will help combat dehydration. I recommend about a teaspoon, every few days. 2)Helping with Constipation. Fiber from pumpkin works in pets the same way it does humans. A tablespoon or two can resolve the symptoms in a few days. Some cats can develop decreased colon activity as they age. So the added fiber is good to help things along. Please do not over do it though. 3)Reducing Hairballs. By increasing the volume of waste in the intestines, pumpkin can help your cat digest and eliminate fur swallowed during grooming. This can reduce or even prevent the formation of "hairballs" that are eventually thrown up. 4)Resolving Diarrhea. Yes it works in both ways! Pumpkin can soothe constipation but diarrhea can also be remedied with the addition of pumpkin to a dog or cats food. All it takes is 1 teaspoon for small dogs and cats, and medium to large dogs about 1 tablespoon. 5)Boosting Weight Loss. With 3 grams of fiber per cup pumpkin can help in weight loss in both dogs and cats. This is so they feel fuller and eat less. Do not give them a cup at a time though, and always check with your vet on the proper amount to feed. 6)Supplementing Nutrition. One of the biggest benefits of pumpkin to pets and humans is its wealth of nutrition. Pumpkins carry a variety of vitamins and minerals. Do not over load your pet on pumpkin, to much isn't good. I suggest about a teaspoon a week. 7)Adding Antioxidants. Pumpkins contain antioxidants which help moisturize skin, helping your pet maintain a healthy coat and skin. Ladies this may also be good for us. I might just give it a try. 8)Providing Essential Fatty Acids. Pumpkin seeds contain essential fatty acids. You should only use fresh roasted seeds. Lightly coat with cooking oil and spread on a cookie sheet, roast at 375 degrees for about 5 to 10 minutes. No salt! Either store in an airtight container or freeze. Freezing is better. Small pets need them ground up so as not to have a large piece get caught in the intestines and are easily to digest. Once a week should be good. Use just a small amount maybe 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon. 9)Controlling Parasites. Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacin a possible anthelmintc that eliminates tape and roundworms. Additionally the seeds may inhibit the formation of kidney and bladder stones. The seeds should be ground up and poured over the food. Again only a small amount. The best pet safe sources for cats and dogs is fresh cooked pumpkin. Small pie pumpkins would be best. Check a cookbook or online on how to prepare pumpkin to cook, or ask your granny. After cooking package in an airtight container and freeze in small batches. No spies are added to this. Opt for only pure pumpkin that is canned not the type for pumpkin pie. Also do plan on putting canned pumpkin in the freezer as it only will last for a week refrigerated. I have found this article to be very informative. So as you can see pumpkin is a great food, and not just for Halloween to carve or for pies. Happy Cat.