TulsaPets Magazine September 2022

18 TulsaPets • September / October 2022 More Than Just a Treat Pumpkin Is a Superfood for Pets and People by Kelsey Warren-Bryant I t’s fall, and pumpkin is all around. The sweet spicy smell, the lovely fall aesthetic, the taste that reminds us of the holidays — pumpkin is a universal love during the fall season, and it’s great for our health. Pumpkin is a superfood, jam-packed with fiber, vitamins, iron, and zinc. The problem is that pumpkin treats for humans are often loaded with sugar, so getting all the health benefits can be a bit tricky for those who want more than just the taste. But did you know that pumpkin also gives all those health benefits to our four- legged friends? You might have heard that pumpkin can help dogs and cats with constipation issues. That is true, but there’s so much more that pumpkin can add to our pets’ regular diets. And thankfully, dogs and cats aren’t usually as picky as we are (although there are plenty of prima donna fur babies out there!). Here are just a few good things pumpkin can do for our pets, according to veterinarians. Improving That Gut Health As mentioned, pumpkin is rich in fiber and therefore is a great cure for constipation. It also helps with diarrhea. That sounds like a conflict, right? That is because pumpkin adds bulk to the stool, causing a double whammy when it comes to curing stomach issues. Pumpkin helps to absorb the acids in our pets’ stomachs. For dogs, that means helping with acid reflux. For cats, it helps with lessening hairballs. Those Vitamins, Though Pumpkin also helps to promote shinier, less flaky coats because of its high vitamin A and zinc content. A healthier coat means less shedding, providing some relief for pet owners when it comes to cleaning up fur. Vitamin A does even more than that. It encourages eye health, decreasing the chance of degenerative eye problems in pets. Pumpkin is also high in vitamin C, which can help to fight cancers in some cases. Hydrate, Hydrate Like people, many animals do not possess a strong drive to drink water. As a result, many dogs and cats who eat only kibble have constant low-level dehydration. Pump- kin helps with that too. It has high water content, so just adding a spoonful to the daily kibble can promote better hydration. Pumpkins nestle behind squashes in a colorful autumnal still life. Pumpkin is very healthy for humans and pets.