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 Pumpkin
isn’t just for the holidays. I love it when mom
adds it to my food. It’s high in beta-carotene
(a natural antioxidant) and potassium. Another
feature that makes it so great for dogs is that
it is high in fiber. Pumpkin’s fiber is unique
in that it serves a dual purpose. All dogs at
some point have bouts of diarrhea. Maybe you
switched foods too quickly or we have an upset
stomach from that roast that “fell” off the
counter. We can get loose stools simply from a
stressful event – just like when you gave that
big presentation at work and couldn’t stay out
of the bathroom! Adding as little as 1-2
teaspoons of pumpkin to your dog’s food for a
few meals will help with those temporary bouts
of diarrhea. The fiber helps “soak up” the
liquid in the gut thus firming up the stools.
Because this fiber absorbs water it can also
help soften stools for dogs that are
constipated.
Canned pumpkin is just fine (unless your mom or
dad like to make their own) and is available at
most grocery stores. Just be sure it is plain,
pureed pumpkin – no added pie spices. Organic
is even better and can be found at Whole Foods.
Sometimes mom finds it at Trader Joe’s but it
tends to be seasonal – I didn’t know diarrhea
had a season…..
Pumpkin is not a replacement treatment for
intestinal parasites or GI illness. It does
work great as a dietary supplement as described
above when used in conjunction with your vet’s
treatment for these conditions.
As
always, consult your pet’s health care provider
if your dog has persistent diarrhea or
constipation for more than 24 – 36 hours or if
your pet simply doesn’t act well (vomiting,
stops eating or drinking, is limp/lethargic,
etc.).
So,
the “scoop about poop” is PUMPKIN! My mom
always keeps some on hand in the pantry – like
the time I ate 27 homemade cookies and boy did
my tummy hurt!
Bone-Appetit!
Chef
Nola “Child”
PS: the roast comment is in
memory of my friend Daisy Ziemer
J
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