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Many know that pumpkin can be considered a health food, but it can also have benefits for our pets as well.
The health benefits of pumpkin are well-known, though most people do not think of pumpkin as a health food.Perhaps this is because most of us think of pumpkin pie, which is a high-calorie treat--but it might be one of the healthier desserts we could choose.Pumpkin is loaded with vitamins C, K and E, beta-carotene, fiber, and several other beneficial antioxidants and other phytonutrients like lutein and ziazanthin.Pumpkin seeds are high in various minerals such as manganese, magnesium, zinc, potassium, copper and iron and are high in essential fatty acids (no trans fats, either!)Pumpkin is a common ingredient in some facial and skin products that help protect against aging and dermatologic maladies.There is even research that indicates pumpkin extracts can be useful in the treatment of diabetes.For humans, it is no less than a miracle food.
But what about our pets?They don't need vitamin C and very few dogs or cats are deficient in any of the above minerals or vitamins, thanks to the diets most of them consume (which are superior to what the average human consumes as part of his or her diet.) But the fiber content is sometimes very useful in the treatment and maintenance of digestive health of our pets.Few foods are more readily consumed than pumpkin puree (not the pumpkin pie filling) by our pets; just a small portion in their daily diets (1/4 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon, depending on the pet's weight) can make the difference between a case of chronic diarrhea or constipation and a normal daily bowel movement.Many veterinarians often prescribe pumpkin as part of the treatment for either intestinal malady, as well as simply a healthful dietary supplement.
It may not seem logical at first that something like pumpkin fiber can treat both defecations that are too runny as well as too hard and dry. But that is why fiber additives are advertised to help make us ‘regular'.
Diarrhea is usually the result of lack of water re-absorption in the colon (the last part of the intestinal tract), either because of too-rapid transit through the intestines, or because of some toxic, secretory activity in the tract itself.Fiber in the digesta can directly assist in the formation of more solid stools and also by slowing the passage of waste material through the colon,allowing more time for water re-absorption.Thus, added pumpkin in the diet can help in the treating of loose stools in our pets.
Alternatively constipation is often due to the too-slow passage of material through the colon, allowing too much water re-absorption and resulting in dry, hard, and difficult-to-pass stools.Additional fiber in the diet will keep some of the moisture from being re-absorbed by the colon.Even pets that are not constipated but just having trouble getting that last little bit of stool out, or having some perianal itching afterwards can benefit from the addition of pumpkin in their diets.Therefore, one can see that added pumpkin in the diet can help in treatment and prevention of constipation as well.
And what is so special about pumpkin?After all, couldn't the addition of Metamucil or some other form of fiber additive be just as useful and effective?Probably.Pumpkin, however, has several advantages over other fiber forms.Primarily, it tastes good.I have not known too many dogs that will not readily accept pumpkin as part of their diet, or as an intermittent treat.Most dogs love it, which makes giving them added fiber not only convenient but even enjoyable.And often cats will like pumpkin, too.Trying to get a cat to take fiber in any other form can be very frustrating.Pumpkin is loaded with other nutrients as well, though perhaps less useful for our pets than for us. Still, aren't harmful and could be beneficial.
Most dogs like the flavor
As mentioned above, pumpkin can be given to cats as well as dogs.Not only can it help with the problems of simple diarrhea and constipation, but also can help cats deal with their unique hairball problems.Cats that vomit up hairballs frequently (more than once a month) should probably see a veterinarian; however as that is probably not normal, particularly if additional pumpkin does not help matters much.
It is interesting that cats, too, seem to benefit from the addition of pumpkin in their diets.Why this is surprising is cats are obligate carnivores, which means they are meat eaters.Vegetables are usually not an important part of a true carnivore's diet (dogs are not really true carnivores despite their being members of the carnivore family.)Yet many cats seem to relish eating vegetable material, most which is not digested.Vegetable fiber passing through even the short digestive tract of the feline can assist in correcting problems in defecation and normal stool production.And often on top of the list of a cat's favorite vegetable is canned pumpkin.Use caution in feeding excess pumpkin to a cat as they could develop excessive gas and discomfort.A little pumpkin goes a long way and a lot is not good!
Please note that the form of pumpkin recommended is pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is far too sweet and sugary for most pets.The internet is bursting with all sorts of pumpkin remedies for pets as well as humans, but be sure these recipes include the puree and not the pie filling, and do not contain pet-toxic food items like chocolate, onion or garlic.
Birds may also benefit from pumpkin in their diet!
Please remember that serious cases of diarrhea or constipation may still need veterinary attention and may not respond to simply adding pumpkin to the diets.However it is always worth a try, and pumpkin often will be prescribed by a veterinarian as part of the immediate, if not long-term treatment of a pet's medical problems.
About Geoff Stein
Veterinarian and Exotic Plant Lover... and obsessive, compulsive collector of all oddball tropical and desert plants.
Posted by bonde53 (from Pompano Beach, FL) on April 27, 2009 at 09:49 PM:
My Italian Greyhound suffered constantly with irritable bowel. It seemed at least 3-4 days a week he had diarrhea. He was miserable. I could hear his belly churning and felt so bad for him. I actually found this pumpkin tip on the internet and it's worth passing around to everyone who might have a dog who is having the same problem. All I added was about 1 teaspoon of canned pumpkin. Adjustments should be made according to the dog's weight. My dog weighs 19 pounds. Make sure you buy 100% pumpkin....NOT pie filling. It really was amazing to see a significant change in his daily "movement" so quickly. Like overnight, his system was right on track and he seemed so much happier. It's been over a year that he gets pumpkin in his dinner. I have to say a big thanks to the original "tipster" who added this info to a blog I was reading. So, pass this info on as it really will make a difference in your dog's life as well as your own. When doggy is happy, everybody is happy!!
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Subject: Cats, diabetes, hairballs
Posted by MelissahL (from Hempstead, TX) on November 25, 2008 at 08:51 AM:
Hi Geoff -
I just read your article on pumpkin. Thank you, it was very informative. I have one cat that I am giving it to currently as a result of a pelvis fracture. Now he doesn't have to strain so much. It is working very well for him.
My question pertains to my other cat who is currently in remission from diabetes. She does throw a hairball 2 or 3 times a month, sometimes more. If I were to give her a bit of pumpkin, what would be the impact on her status of being in remission from FD? She is fed a raw diet.
Thank you,
Melissa
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Posted by palmbob (from Tarzana, CA) on November 25, 2008 at 11:13 PM:
I'm not sure what you mean by remission... you mean she is no longer a diabetic? Pumpkin will not affect her blood sugar either way unless you give her huge quanities of the sweetened variety.
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Posted by MelissahL (from Hempstead, TX) on November 26, 2008 at 09:18 AM:
Hi - Well, by remission, I mean she no longer has diabetes; however, what I have been told and have read is a cat can become diabetic again; that is why is used the word remission. Wrong use of the word?
Thanks for your response. I have enjoyed reading your responses in the various forums.
Melissa
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Posted by palmbob (from Tarzana, CA) on November 26, 2008 at 04:51 PM:
once a diabetic, always a diabetic.. your cat is just not clinically one for now. Keep the weight off and the high meat diet up and perhaps it will not become clinical again
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Posted by MelissahL (from Hempstead, TX) on November 27, 2008 at 08:29 AM:
Thank you for the clarification. She is fed a raw diet with only about 2% carbs and her weight has been stable for about 18 mos.
Enjoy your holiday and thanks again for the information.
Melissa
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Subject: Pumpkin for parrots, too
Posted by KaperC (from No. San Diego Co., CA) on November 24, 2008 at 01:03 PM:
Pumpkins are also a good source of Beta Carotene (Vitamin A), necessary for parrot (and canary, etc.) health. Baked and pureed or baked and torn apart by hungry beaks, it's a good addition to bird diets, too. The seeds are also a welcome treat.
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Subject: Intriguing
Posted by Sunflower1888 (from Manassas, VA) on November 24, 2008 at 07:19 AM:
Very useful information. I am going to try this with my cat. She doesn't get hairballs often so I won't have to use it often but what a simple remedy! It is certainly worth a try. Up til now I've been trying to grow kitty greens for her with limited success. She pulls them out of the pot altogether and gets the soil all over the floor. Pumpkin puree will eliminate this problem.
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Subject: Baking it now
Posted by beebonnet (from Coos Bay, OR) on November 22, 2008 at 02:53 PM:
I have some of my sugar pie pumpkins in the oven right now. I have quite a few to go yet, but at least I'll have these for Thanksgiving pie. I didn't realize they are That good for us, so now I will go on growing them every year. Thanks for the great article. Wish I had known about giving it to dogs sooner. Our dog is almost 13 and showing signs of digestive problems.
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Subject: good reading
Posted by onewish1 (from Denville, NJ) on November 22, 2008 at 12:13 PM:
I used pumpkin when my puppy decided it was a good idea to eat twigs... had her at the vet because every time she tried to GO she cried out in pain... her rear was all scratched up... and the pumpkin helped things pass more easily
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Posted by KyWoods (from Melbourne, KY) on November 22, 2008 at 08:28 PM:
Oh, the poor baby, Onewish! Wow, it even helped with that--good to know. My dog continually leaves 'racing stripes' on our floor, so I will try it for that, lol. Thanks, Geoff! Oh, and adorable critters you have there!
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Posted by onewish1 (from Denville, NJ) on November 23, 2008 at 12:09 AM:
eeeewwwwwww
;)
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Subject: the hairball dilemma
Posted by leeflea51 (from Golden, MS) on November 22, 2008 at 11:39 AM:
Geoff, I just finished reading your article about pumpkins and was especially interested in the part of giving it to cats to help prevent hairballs. Since we have 5 cats, I'll remember that if they are simply having an occasional hairball, to give them pumpkin. How so very intersting and practical the information. Thanks., Lee
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Subject: Very informative article
Posted by bjf826 (from (Barb) Quincy, FL) on November 22, 2008 at 11:04 AM:
Thanks, Geoff. The vet prescribed pumpkin puree for our tuxedo cat with megacolon but unfortunately she wouldn't eat it. Picky eater!! Will try a dose for the Maine Coon who has trouble with hairballs. I love your grey... beautiful bird.
Barb
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Posted by marwood0 (from Golden, CO) on December 19, 2008 at 04:12 PM:
For my dog, I add eggs, a multivitamin, and sometimes a little meat or broth to the pumkin (or other squash), then bake it. The result is usually gone as soon as it hits the dog food bowl. I try to do this once or twice a week.
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Subject: absolutely fascinating ...
Posted by summerkid (from Kankakee, IL) on November 22, 2008 at 03:38 AM:
... not to mention incredibly useful.
got a few frozen punkins out there that might have pureed themselves by now ... will go check.
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Posted by Dutchlady1 (from Naples, FL) on November 22, 2008 at 07:44 AM:
Who knew?? Thanks. I make pumpkin soup a lot (or use other types of winter squash) and you have given me one more reason to eat this healthy vegetable.
Birds may also benefit from pumpkin in their diet!
