Pumpkin is something we always have on hand for our furry family.
- A little goes a long way! We usually give anywhere from 1/2 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons to our pets, depending on their size.
- Start with a very small amount for cats, and please don't give in if they love it and want the whole can, as cats are obligate carnivores and it can cause uncomfortable gas if given in large quantities.
- If you are using canned pumpkin, it is VERY IMPORTANT to choose plain old pureed pumpkin, preferably organic, and not the pie filing, which has added sugars and spices.
- Pumpkin freezes very well, so if you only need it occasionally, you can freeze it in an ice cube tray so you have it when you need it.
- If you are giving probiotics or slippery elm for IBD or hairballs, it is okay to mix these in with pumpkin.
Of course, the first thing you should do when unexpected diarrhea occurs is to take a good look (we know, this is gross) so you can describe it to your veterinarian if it does not go away on its own. remember that bloody diarrhea, or diarrhea lasting more than a few days does need to be addressed with the assistance of your veterinarian!
...and of course, for daily health don't forget those EnduraPet supplements! Always free shipping and always good for dogs and cats.
Here are a couple of our family's favorite pumpkin treat recipes:
Peanut Butter Pumpkin dog cookies:
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2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour**
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2 eggs
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1/2 cup canned pumpkin
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2 tablespoons peanut butter
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
**Instead of wheat flour, I substitute with 1 3/4 cup plus 2 TBS potato flour or rolled oats.
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Whisk together the flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add water as needed to help make the dough workable, but the dough should be dry and stiff. Roll the dough into a snake, 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
Bake in preheated oven until hard, about 40 minutes.
For those with sensitive tummies, this pumpkin "ice cream" is something special and healthy for dogs and cats!
Pumpkin, Peanut butter, Banana "Ice Cream"
Ingredients
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1 pint plain organic yogurt
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1/2 to 1 cup canned pumpkin
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1/2 banana (optional)
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2 tablespoons peanut butter (also optional)
Directions:
Mix in blender or food processor, freeze in ice cube tray, and store in freezer until treat time. This is such a hit, we make it year round!
4 comments
Hello, thank you for the wonderful advice, I have tried all of your suggestions, however she has tried the pumkin, and the ice chips. All’s she is doing is wanting me to lay down with her. She is going to be 16 yrs old and Shi Tizu. She is scheduled to see a vet on May 12. I DON’t feel I should wait that long. I’m worried about her.
Wish I would have known this sooner! My 14 yr. old cat, Chip has what we think an impacted hairball in the stomach/colon junction. Do you think it will help push this through? He was on a feeding tube this week, has an ultrasound. I gave him 2 Tbl. 2x yeasterday, and 2 tbl. today.Is that too much? He did start eating after the first dose. has not vomited anything up in 3 days…
Trying it tonight. I’ll let you know what happens.
I never would have thought of a little pumpkin for Salty! Thanks for that.