You know it’s Fall when the advertisements for “Pumpkin Spice” this, that and everything in between, show up everywhere. But did you know that this most craved autumn fruit…yes it IS a fruit...isn’t just cause for humans to celebrate?
Photo property of Cole and Marmalade
Pumpkin, minus the sugar and spice of course, are a great snack for your furry friends to enjoy!
Just ask Marmalade whose been munching on the fiber-filled puree since his intestinal tumor removal in 2014.
Photo property of Cole and Marmalade
This tasty treat isn’t just yummy, it’s got some great health benefits for your feline to enjoy year round.
Photo property of Cole and Marmalade
New addition to family, Zig Zag, also has intestinal issues so the whole CaM Fam gets to indulge! Even with the small recommend amount of about a TEASPOON a day, you may see a positive change in your cat soon after.
**AS WITH ANY NEW DIET, CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN BEFORE FEEDING YOUR CAT ANYTHING!
Photo property of Cole and Marmalade
Pure pumpkin is chock FULL of nutrients. According to Cathealth.com the list is surprisingly long.
- Vitamin A helps maintain a healthy immune system and good vision.
- Vitamin C is a cofactor for enzymatic reactions and collagen synthesis.
- Alpha carotene is an antioxidant that prevents damage to cells.
- Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant and enzymatic activity regulator.
- Calcium supports cytoplasmic functions and mineralizes bones and teeth.
- Iron contributes to cellular respiration, oxidation, and hemoglobin production.
- Lutein supports the health of the eyes, skin, and coat.
Photo property of Cole and Marmalade
The fiber in pumpkin can naturally help with numerous issues…in humans too! Weight control, regulating your digestive tract and treating hairballs just to name a few.
Although that last benefit indirectly effects humans, cleaning up hairballs is something I sure like to avoid!
Photo: Facebook / Cole and Marmalade
So now that you’ve got it on your shopping list, are there certain products that are better or should be avoided?
YES! Sadly you can’t just go to the patch, pick out a perfectly ripened pumpkin, cut it open and serve it up. Obviously, the stem is not edible and the skin, pulp and raw pumpkin chunks should NOT be fed to your fur-baby.
Photo property of Cole and Marmalade
DON’T carve your Halloween pumpkin, set it on your porch and should it survive teenager pumpkin chucking, use it for food.
The canned variety meant for pumpkin pies that has SUGAR and/or ADDITIVES is also VERY BAD for animals.
Until we discovered Weruva’s amazing product, Pumpkin Patch Up!, we used natural store-bought canned puree.
But this tended to be seasonal and sometimes difficult to find. Weruva’s pouches get delivered, great especially if you live in the northern climates where Fall brings snow!
With the small amount your feline should eat, it’s great to mix into their regular food or “straight-up” if they like the taste.
Photo property of Cole and Marmalade
The downfall with the large cans of pure puree at the store is that pumpkin only stays fresh for a few days. Cover and refrigerate the unused portion or you can make “pumpkin ice cubes” to thaw later for refreshing snacks!
Really the only negative we’ve found for adding pumpkin into your beloved pets diet, is TOO MUCH pumpkin.
Never use it as a dietary replacement for food, it’s only a small snack!
Photo property of Cole and Marmalade
Having too much pumpkin can cause diarrhea. If this were to happen, be sure to remove pumpkin from their diet until normal and healthy bowel movements return.
So bring out the sweaters, boots and overstuffed blankets. Grab your favorite feline companions and share a tasty treat together for many years to come!
Photo: Facebook / Cole and Marmalade
REMEMBER: RESCUED IS THE BEST BREED AND ADOPT, DON’T SHOP!
Related Story: 5 Ways To Entice Your Sick Cat To Eat
Related Video: Black Cat’s First Pumpkin!
i get mugged every time i TRY to have pumpkin soup. my lot adore pumpkin, even picky eaters like clover!!
Love the CaM pumpkins! Thanks for the good information.
I read somewhere that you can bake pumpkin slices. Then remove the skin. Then pop it in a food processor & serve small amounts to your pets. But, this is after you clean the inside out like you do for carving (make sure it is completely clean on the inside). And you can make pumpkin seed butter too. I have two healthy pets, one pumpkin. They never had pumpkin before so I am going to try this.