Dog owners urged to never throw away pumpkins - do this instead

Dog owners urged to never throw away pumpkins - do this instead Carved a pumpkin recently? Don't throw it away - feed it to your dog Halloween is over - and it’s no longer pumpkin season. But don’t throw your carved works of art just yet - especially if you are a dog owner. Many may not know it, but pumpkin can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, and in the right amounts, it may help support their digestion. According to pet health brand Pooch and Mutt, the orange Halloween staple is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It explains that it's full of vitamins and minerals that can support your dog’s skin and coat, but it’s the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that do much of the heavy lifting. Their moisturising properties help strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, which can reduce dandruff and dry, flaky patches. That makes pumpkin a handy option for dogs with sensitive skin or allergy-related irritation. Not only that, but it contains a high concentration of Vitamin A (beta-carotene), which plays an important role in eye health. It is also rich in potassium, which supports a dog's metabolism, and helps to regulate blood pressure. As if there's not enough, Pooch and Mutt add: "The orange colour of pumpkins comes from carotenoids which are powerful antioxidants that act as an anti-inflammatory and help to slow the ageing process, antioxidants are also found in pumpkin seeds." Pooch and Mutt also say pumpkin can: - Act as a natural de-wormer - Help fill a dog up, or help them lose weight as it's packed with fibre - Help maintain a healthy gut flora - Help settle an upset stomach - Make their poops manageable and stools firmer - Help keep your dog hydrated - Help with urinary incontinence Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds? It’s not just the pumpkin flesh that’s good for them - pumpkin seeds have benefits too. They’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids and may help support issues like urinary incontinence. However, whole seeds can be a choking risk, so don’t feed them as-is. Instead, blitz them in a blender into a fine powder, which is safer and easier to sprinkle over their food. Can dogs eat raw and cooked pumpkin? Pooch & Mutt say it’s best to err on the side of caution. It advises: "Some sources suggest that cooking pumpkin removes some of the goodness - however it’s always a safer option to cook to avoid food poisoning or stomach upset. Raw pumpkin and its seeds may contain harmful bacteria, so roasting before feeding is highly recommended." How much pumpkin can I feed my dog? You can feed your dog pumpkin every day; make sure you include it as part of their daily calorie intake, and that fresh drinking water is always available. The pet experts recommend giving your dog between 4 and 6 tablespoons of pumpkin per day. This depends on your dog's size, so it’s worth chatting to your vet and making an informed decision based on their weight. Although it has a multitude of health benefits, it still contains calories. How to cook pumpkin for dogs The good news is there’s no special recipe needed to make pumpkin safe for dogs. You can prep and cook it just as you would any other veg you’d eat yourself. Pooch and Mutt recommend: "Simply cut out the flesh, chop into chunks, then bake, steam, boil or grill the pumpkin. Don’t use any oils, herbs or seasonings - it needs to be just plain for your dog. Then you can either feed in chunks, or puree and mix into their regular food." Pumpkin snack ideas for dogs - Try spreading pumpkin on a lick mat for your dog. It will not only keep them busy, but also add variety to their diet and offer an alternative source of vitamins and minerals. - Grind the pumpkin seeds and spread them over your dog’s food for an extra boost of antioxidants.