MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Fall lovers are defaulting to pumpkin spice as one of their favorite fall flavors, but is it safe for your pet?
According to the American Kennel Club, pumpkin is safe and can aid digestion. One of the reasons for this is due to the dietary fiber content.
Pumpkins help absorb water and add bulk to your pet’s stool. It’s also a prebiotic, meaning it stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria that live in your intestines and helps fend off harmful bacteria. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, K, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus.
Pumpkin is also helpful if your pet is suffering from diarrhea. Your veterinarian may recommend adding 1 to 4 tablespoons of pumpkin to your pet’s diet, depending on the pet’s size.
So the question is. . . How can we provide that to them?
You can also feed your pet canned pumpkin. You can get this at any grocery store for a few dollars. The can usually says something like “100% pure pumpkin.”
This is not to be confused with pumpkin pie filling, which should not be given to pets. If you prefer to buy raw pumpkin, you can also steam it, roast it in chunks, or puree it.
The inside of pumpkins is also good for pets. Pumpkin seeds are a potential snack, but be aware that they have a high fat content. When feeding to pets, it should be roasted first, without additional salt, seasonings or spices, and only fed a few at a time.
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