As a responsible pet parent, keeping your furry baby healthy is probably your biggest concern. And you’re not alone! According to statistics, about 27% of survey respondents said that the quality of ingredients in their pet’s food mattered the most.
And if there’s one food item that works wonders on dogs, it’s pumpkin powder! It contains a high amount of vitamins A and C, as well as helpful minerals like copper and zinc.
If you’re thinking of some creative treats to make with pumpkin powder for your dog, then keep reading below!
1. Use as a topping
One of the simplest ways to incorporate pumpkin powder into your dog’s diet is by using it as a food topping. Simply sprinkle a bit of the powder into the regular kibble or wet food that your pet consumes.
This can work especially well if your dog is a picky eater. The flavors in the powder can add a new taste, which your little one is bound to love! However, make sure you sprinkle the powder evenly before serving it.
Alternatively, you can also sprinkle the powder and then mix it thoroughly into the food.
2. Serve pumpkin puree
If your dog doesn’t seem to enjoy the powdered form of pumpkins, don’t worry! You can add the powder to a bit of water or broth and mix it until you see a pureed form. This puree can be then served along with a bit of rice or some other gravy.
If your dog is suffering from indigestion or bloating, you can also add a small amount of yogurt to soothe the stomach. Simply mix a cup of warm water, pumpkin powder, and a spoon of yogurt till you reach a semisolid consistency, and serve it as it is.
3. Make pumpkin cookies
For pets who love cookies and treats, making pumpkin cookies for them is a must! It’s easy to make a healthy and tasty way to ensure your dog receives all essential nutrients.
Take some whole wheat flour and mix a generous amount of powdered pumpkin for dogs and peanut butter until it looks like a dough.
Pour the dough into a mold or cut it using a cookie cutter and bake it until the cookies come out golden brown. You may also top the cookies with a sprinkle of cinnamon!
4. Freeze into popsicles
Pumpkin popsicles are bound to be a favorite among pets living in hot and humid areas. You can either make plain pumpkin popsicles or add a bit of creativity using other fruits and vegetables like bananas and berries.
Take the powdered pumpkin and add warm water or yogurt till it’s pureed. Next, blend the pureed pumpkin and some mashed bananas and pour this mixture onto a popsicle mold. You can add small berries as toppings and let this mixture freeze for a few hours.
5. Hide the treats in a sniffing bowl
Sniffing bowls and toys are great ways for dogs to improve their cognitive and mental stimulation.
Here, all you need to do is make treats out of pumpkin powder, such as sprinkling the powder on small bits of chicken and then hiding these bits inside the sniffing toy.
Your dog will keep sniffing and digging the various folds of the cloth toy until it finally finds its treats.
You can also stuff the food inside a KONG toy and hide it until your baby figures out where the toy is hidden!
6. Cook pumpkin soup
This is a great way to feed pumpkin powder to dogs who might be unwell or aged. Take some meat and vegetables, finely chop them up, and boil them in warm water.
Next, take pumpkin powder and mix it into the boiled soup until it looks thick but slurpy. You can add some pumpkin powder to the soup for extra nutrients.
However, make sure that the soup is low in sodium, especially since you’re adding pumpkin to it. Serve this as a soup only or as a topper.
Also Read: Gucci French Bulldog Puppy Diet and Nutrition Tips
Conclusion
The best way to introduce your dog to pumpkin powder is by adding a small amount of it first and then gradually increasing the amount to let your dog’s digestive system adjust to it.
Additionally, you should also take your vet’s opinion regarding how much pumpkin should be given to them daily and which are the best ways to incorporate pumpkin powder into their diet.
Your vet might even suggest an allergy test first to make sure your pet doesn’t suffer from any unwanted pumpkin allergies.
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