Raw pumpkin is beneficial nutritionally because it is abundant in fiber, it’s loaded with Vitamin A and it’s filled with beta-carotene. Not only is it healthful for humans, but dogs can benefit from eating it as well. It’s effective for resolving both diarrhea AND constipation in dogs.
When feeding your dog raw pumpkin, ensure you select the raw pumpkin that comes in a can from the aisle of your grocery store. Never feed your dog raw pumpkin from a fresh pumpkin and ensure you select pumpkin that contains no sugar. Don’t give your dog excessive pumpkin, however, because Vitamin A is extremely toxic if your dog ingests too much. Smaller dogs can have up to several teaspoons of pumpkin daily while larger dogs can safely eat up to several tablespoons per day.
How Pumpkin Works
When you boost the amount of fiber that your dog eats, it helps resolve a bout of constipation. The flesh of the pumpkin contains soluble fiber which will help to decelerate your dog’s digestive tract. It also helps control diarrhea by absorbing water.
Pumpkin seeds are also an excellent source of protein and carbohydrates. Roast them in the oven, and then grind them before feeding them to your dog. Do not, however, add salt to the seeds after you roast them.
Pumpkin seeds contain an amino acid called cucurbitin, which will paralyze tapeworms and other intestinal parasites. Essentially pumpkin seeds function as a natural dewormer.
Raw pumpkin is excellent for adding bulk to your dog’s diet. The extra fiber will also help your dog feel satisfied faster, which means they might eat fewer calories. This might be advantageous to your dog if they need to lose a few pounds.
The flesh of the pumpkin contains Vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. It also helps with joint problems.
Raw pumpkin decelerates the aging process in dogs because it contains beta-carotene.
Zinc in the pumpkin will help enhance the skin and coat of your dog, and the oils found in the seeds and the flesh are also believed to promote urinary health in dogs.
Raw pumpkin provides many key nutrients essential for good health, but it can also help when your dog is feeling unwell. When selecting raw pumpkin, however, ensure you select pumpkin without spices or sugar because this could make your dog sick. A small amount per day helps your dog in multiple ways. Not only will it resolve constipation and diarrhea, but it will also leave your dog with a smooth and shiny coat.
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Happy Tails!
