Pumpkin an all year round superfood?
It’s the time of year when Pumpkins as a symbol of Halloween are abundant. Could adding pumpkin to your dog’s diet be beneficial?
Pumpkin can be regarded a s super food as its packed with nutrients that are good for them. Pumpkin has many health benefits for your dog, including high fibre content that supports their digestive system.
That’s not all! It’s a great source of Vitamins A, E and C which are important for the immune system, brain function, eyes, and skin health.
Pumpkin also contains important minerals like potassium, copper, manganese, and iron that each play a role in cellular functions. This is a great reason to add pumpkin as a part of your dog’s regular diet.
Like other orange vegetables, pumpkin contains a lot of beta-carotene, which is a precursor for vitamin A O.nce it converts to vitamin A in the body, it helps improve vision as well as boosting overall immunity and skin and coat health. The carotenoid zeaxanthin also protects your dog’s eyes from light damage.
Antioxidants protect your dog from dangerous free radicals in the body. Free radicals are damaged cells that steal molecules from other cells. They’re a natural by-product of metabolism and exposure to toxins in the environment. But if free radicals are uncontrolled, they can harm your dog’s cells and even his DNA.
Antioxidants in pumpkin include these plant pigments, called carotenoids:
- Beta-carotene
- Zeaxanthin
- Beta-cryptoxanthin
Carotenoids help lower cancer risk and degenerative disease. Studies show that they may also be good for bone health. Like beta carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin also forms vitamin A. Zeaxanthin contributes to slowing down the aging process, improving heart health, increasing glutathione levels, and reducing inflammation of the skin.
Pumpkin seeds are a natural and effective way to remove parasites like worms from your dog’s digestive tract. The seeds contain the amino acid cucurbitin, which paralyses worms. Studies in both rats and puppies have shown the ability of pumpkin seeds to get rid of intestinal worms.
Pumpkin is a good source of fibre, which is great for your dog’s digestive health. The soluble fibre content in pumpkin absorbs water, which can help to solidify runny stool when your dog has diarrhea. The fibre can also help with the opposite problem, by loosening up the packed stool in the case of constipation.
Living in the UK it is impossible to obtain fresh pumpkin all year round, which is why a new brand of de-hydrated pumpkin from Fettle allows dogs to enjoy the health benefits of Pumpkin all year round. Simply make up a batch and freeze into ice cube trays and decant or serve as a topper to their regular meals.