A Pawerful Patch
September is officially here! And all people can talk about are fall leaves, and pumpkin spice flavored EVERYTHING! Speaking of pumpkin, did you know that it is a yummy healthy treat for your fur babies?
Here are some fun facts about pumpkin and the health benefits for your pets:
Tummy Health
Pumpkin is a pawtastic source of fiber packed with vitamins and minerals such as A, E, and C, along with potassium and iron. We know what good fiber can do for us! Pawfect poopies! If your pup or kitty experiences constipation or diarrhea, try adding some pumpkin to their meals to help alleviate these digestive upsets, along with plenty of fresh water for hydration. Pumpkins also contain a pawerful amount of prebiotics! Prebiotics supports the growth of good bacteria needed for a healthy digestive system.
Trimming the Fluff Handles Just as pumpkins can add bulk to their stool, they can also be a healthy filler for weight loss. You can reduce a portion of their food and replace the amount with pureed pumpkin. It’ll give their everyday boring, dry kibble some yummy delight! While we’re trimming some fluffy handles, pumpkin skin and seeds are known to contain high amounts of fatty acids and antioxidants, protecting their urinary health and giving our fur babies that luxurious soft fluffy feeling.
Types of Safe Pumpkin
Plain Jane pumpkin! Natural pumpkin is always the healthiest as it does not contain any added no-nos like sugar and spices. If you purchase a canned pumpkin, check the label to ensure no added ingredients can harm your pet’s tummy.
We use a pumpkin powder made for pets for Athena’s meals. Athena has Cushing’s Disease, and a symptom of Cushing’s is a runny stool. I began adding pumpkin supplements to her meal with medication and lifestyle changes, improving her tummy issues. I sprinkle it in her meals, and she happily gobbles it up. Happy tummy. Pawfect poopies!
As with anything in life, serve in moderation. Too much fiber can have the opposite effect causing harm to your pets. ALWAYS talk to your vet if adding this patchy superfood to your pet’s diet is right for them.
Pumpkin Treats Recipe Courtesy of Ladybug Pet Care, LLC
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Ingredients:
2 cups of whole wheat flour
2 Eggs
¼-ish cup of pumpkin puree
¼-ish cup of peanut butter
To bake:
Mix your wet ingredients first then gradually mix in the flour. For a more wet consistency, add more pumpkin or peanut butter.
Use a cookie cutter to create your doggy treats.
Place unbaked treats on a cookie sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on how chewy or crunchy you want your treat-o’s!
Don't have time to bake? Contact Catherine Oury, owner of Ladybug Pet Care, LLC to order your bag of yummy treat-o's!
Email: ladybugpetcare@yahoo.com
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