It’s October! We love when animals are able to join in on the festivities and fall is no exception! Pumpkin is one of several foods that are popular this season, so you may wonder “is pumpkin safe for pets”. The answer is a qualified yes and not only safe, but the proper amount and type of pumpkin can be good for their digestion. When considering giving pumpkin to your pet you should know the benefits and the proper way to feed pumpkin to them.
Benefits of Pumpkin
Pumpkin is rich in nutritional value and can be a great food to implement into your pet’s diet. Pumpkin is high in fiber which can be used to treat constipation and diarrhea. The super food is also enriched with vitamins A, C, & E plus Iron which can help support your pets’ internal systems.
How to Feed Pumpkin to your Pet
If you and your family are carving out pumpkins and your furry friend wants to sample some of the scraps, DON’T LET THEM! Raw pumpkin can be hard on your pet’s stomach, which can lead to very bad gas or inflamed intestines. Processed or organic pureed canned pumpkin (without the spices and sugar added) is an excellent source to give to your furry friend plus it has the added advantage of dissuading coprophagia (stool-eating)! That’s a blog for another day. If you would rather give your furry friend pumpkin in a less messy form, Jeffers offers several pumpkin based biscuits and treats. See some below.
Popular Pumpkin Safe Products for Pets:
How Much Pumpkin Should Your Pet Eat
The amount of canned pumpkin you can safely feed your pet is largely based on their size. Check out this handy guide below:
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- Cats & Dogs under 10 lb can consume 1/2 – 1 teaspoon of pumpkin per day
- Dogs & Cats between 10 and 60 lb can consume 1 tablespoon pumpkin per day
- Dogs over 60 lb can consume 1-1/2 to 2 tablespoons of pumpkin per day
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Measure carefully to ensure that you have given the proper amount.
Halloween Pumpkin Safety for Pets
Halloween should be a time for the entire family to enjoy, including your pets! Here is a cool infographic for you to share with your friends and family to help keep your pets safe for the holiday!
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If you have more questions about pumpkin or other foods to give your pet, feel free to contact our Canine and Pet Product Specialist, Renee Jones. You can reach her normally Mon-Fri from 9am-5pm CST at 1-800-533-3377 x 381 or email her at rjones@jefferspet.com.
For information on pet safety during the hot months, click to read Hot Weather Safety Tips for Pets.
Information given here is meant to be helpful and educational. It is in no way intended to supersede, challenge or supplant the diagnosis, treatment or advice of a licensed veterinarian.