Try These Pumpkin Dog Treats from The Vet Whetstone

September 16, 2024

This time of year in North London, you’re probably thinking about carving Halloween pumpkins, eating pumpkin pie, drinking pumpkin lattes… But did you know that pumpkin can also be a fantastic addition to your dog’s diet? 

Before you grab the carving knife, it’s always wise to check with our vets before giving your dog pumpkin – keep reading to discover why.

Ask Us About Pumpkins For Your Pet

 

Nutritional benefits of pumpkin for dogs

Pumpkins are a great seasonal buy in autumn and, according to our team at The Vet Whetstone, nutritional powerhouses for dogs. Pumpkins are:

• Excellent sources of dietary fibre, which promotes healthy bowel movements, eases constipation or diarrhoea, and supports anal gland health.
• Packed with essential vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E, which support overall health, including vision, immune function, and skin health.
• Rich in important minerals like potassium and iron, which are vital for maintaining a healthy heart, muscles, and overall cellular function.
• A low-calorie food, making them a great option for pets needing to maintain or lose weight without sacrificing flavour or satisfaction.

 

How to add pumpkin to your dog’s diet

You can actually buy pumpkin powder for pets, and commercial dog food that contains pumpkin. But if you’re feeling adventurous this autumn, as well as frugal and waste-conscious, our team at The Vet Whetstone suggest saving the innards from your Halloween pumpkin carvings and attempting our pumpkin recipes for dogs below. If you’re opting for canned, avoid ‘pumpkin pie filling’ and anything with spice, salt, sweetener, and other additives.

Top Tip: Freeze pumpkin puree (freshly cooked or canned) in ice-cube trays for easy portion control! 

Four tasty pumpkin recipes for dogs

1. Cooked Pumpkin Cubes: Cut your pumpkin into cubes to boil, steam, bake, or roast. Try roasting with carrots; toss in a teaspoon of olive oil (no salt or flavourings), spread on a baking sheet and cook in a pre-heated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes. Cool before serving and mix a small amount into your dog’s food.

2. Pumpkin and Peanut Butter Treats for Dogs: Mix pumpkin puree with a bit of peanut butter (choose pet safe brands with no palm oil or xylitol) and oat flour to create homemade treats. Bake them in small, pet-friendly shapes for a tasty snack. These are a firm favourite of The Vet Whetstone’s vet nurses!

3. Pumpkin and Yogurt Mix: Blend pumpkin puree with plain, unsweetened yogurt for a creamy, nutritious treat. Serve as a topper for meals or a frozen treat in hot weather.

4. Pumpkin Dog Biscuits: Mix 1 cup of pumpkin puree and 2 eggs in a bowl. Stir in 1/2 a cup of oats and 3 cups of wholewheat flour gradually to form a dough. Roll out and cut into fun shapes. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30-35 minutes until firm. Cool before serving.

What about the seeds? These are too sharp for dogs, but you can toss them in olive oil or melted butter and salt & pepper, and roast until crisp for a tasty human snack!

Let us know if your dog loves The Vet Whetstone’s recipes above and share your own on our Facebook page.

Can all dogs eat pumpkins?

It’s rare, but some dogs can have allergic reactions to pumpkins and develop symptoms like rashes or diarrhoea. Plus, too much fibre can cause digestive problems and affect nutrient absorption. This is why it’s wise to speak to your vet first and if they are happy for your dog to try pumpkin, introduce it gradually and in small doses.

Whether you choose pumpkin powder for pets, dog food containing pumpkin, or try our pumpkin recipes for dogs above, adding pumpkin to your dog’s diet can be a delicious and nutritious way to support their health.

Ask Us About Pumpkin For Your Pet