Pumpkin: Superfood for your Pooch!

Tis the season of the pumpkin and pretty soon jack o’ lanterns will be a common sight in neighbourhoods and fields in the Fraser Valley and in Delta will be so covered with the orange globes, it will be impossible to keep from smiling! As much as I love pumpkin season, one thing that may surprise you to learn is that pumpkin season for your dog should probably be all year round.

Pumpkin is so good for your pooch in so many ways. It is the perfect natural remedy for an upset tummy, plus it is loaded with antioxidents and fiber without the calorie content, so it helps keep your dog’s tummy full.  I mixed it into my Casey’s food for years to keep her full and satisfied especially when she was on a bit of a diet!

In so many ways, pumpkin is like a miracle food. It’s low in saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol and is also a good source of Vitamin E, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and is a very good source of dietary fiber.

In case all this pumpkin talk has you thinking about it: pumpkin is good for you, too! Some people even consider it to be a superfood and all the things that make it good for your canine pal make it a great addition to the human diet, as well. Along with a whole lot of other great pluses, pumpkin in your diet can help keep you hydrated and prevent the damage that can lead to wrinkles and even skin cancer.

For many people, the easiest way to use pumpkin is to buy canned at the supermarket. If you go that route, make sure you choose plain canned pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling: the latter is filled with sugar, salt and other ingredients that aren’t that terrific for your dog or you!

Photo note: Pumpkin carving patterns like the one of the Jack Russel terrier shown above are available from Spookmaster.