It’s Pumpkin Time for Dogs
by Casey Hampf
By: Judy Lore, AVHS Volunteer columnist
I’m beginning with a tasty pumpkin recipe for your pups and then later will explain the benefits of pumpkins for dogs.
Pumpkin Treat Recipe: 2 ½ cups of whole wheat flour, 2 tablespoon peanut butter (not with birch sugar or xylitol), 2 eggs, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ cup canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie mix).
350-degree oven, Combine dry ingredients, whisk together eggs, pumpkin, and peanut butter in a large bowl, stir in the dry flour mix – dough will be a bit dry and crumbly. Roll the dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out the biscuits – now is the time to use your bone shaped or pumpkin shaped cookie cutters – and place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 40 minutes or until firm. This recipe is from a veterinarian for Heart & Paw.
Why is pumpkin so good for your dog? It’s rich in antioxidants beta carotene, fiber and vitamins C and E and the mineral iron. Canned pumpkin can help with constipation, it may improve coat and help with urinary tract health, and some dogs even lose weight when pumpkin is added in lieu of some of their regular food.
Don’t use the usual Halloween carving pumpkins. They aren’t intended for eating. Sugar pumpkins are the ones to use to make puree. Or simply buy canned pumpkin. Start with small portions and if your dog is okay with it, you can increase the portion from a spoonful for small dogs to half a cup for larger pups.
Again, it’s imperative to not use pumpkin pie filling as it contains sugar and spices that may be upsetting to your dog. Unfortunately, pumpkin puree and the pie filling are often close together on the grocery shelf.
No-Bake Pumpkin Dog Treats – the author of this recipe stated her kids even like these – I can’t vouch for that though. Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree, ½ cup xylitol-free and birch-sugar free peanut butter (birch sugar is another name for toxic xylitol), 2 ½ cups old-fashioned oats, ¼ cup honey, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. You roll them into little meatballs and then refrigerate them.
Directions: Mix all these ingredients in a large bowl until combined. Chill for 1 hour or until firm and then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Trick or Treating with your dog? What to watch out for:
1. Chocolate – the darker the chocolate the more dangerous. If ingested, based on your dog’s weight, your vet can tell if it’s toxic and requires treatment.
2. Xylitol again. As mentioned earlier it can be extremely dangerous and can even cause death depending on the weight of your dog. Chewing gums often contain xylitol and only a stick or two can cause serious problems to small dogs.
3. Decorative carved pumpkins can become moldy and cause digestive problems should your dog or cat try munching on one. Corncobs are no nos.
4. Costumes. Not too constrictive and no dangling bits to catch on things. Must allow for proper breathing and barking. Maybe have a dry run before venturing out.
5. Alternative to giving out treats – place treats in a “help yourself” container on your walk or porch. This eliminates the possibility of your pet bolting out the open door or being totally stressed.
6. Turn off the lights and skip Halloween altogether.
However you celebrate or don’t celebrate Halloween, enjoy this time of the year with your pet.
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