Pumpkin Seed Powder

Benefits of pumpkin seeds for dogs & cats

When talking about the benefits of pumpkin for dogs, special praise should be given to pumpkin seeds, which are great for supporting your pet’s digestive tract! In your dog or cat’s diet, pumpkin seeds are:

High in fiber

Pumpkins–and more specifically, pumpkin seeds–are packed full of naturally sourced fiber. Using food or supplements with pumpkin seed fiber is a great way to make sure that your dog or cat is getting enough protein, carbohydrates, and fiber.

Pumpkin is a soluble fiber that slows gut activity, helps absorb water if mild diarrhea is a problem, and can also help resolve mild constipation. By bulking up the stool, pumpkin seed fiber also provides relief for anal gland irritation and disease by supporting normal anal gland expression before they become impacted or infected (helping you avoid repeated trips to the vet).

In cats, this added soluble fiber may also help with hairball problems, as the added pumpkin seed fiber can help pass hair through the gastrointestinal tract.

Anti-inflammatory

Ground pumpkin seeds, when given to dogs and cats, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits for anal gland disease and intestinal health, which can help with irritation, inflammation, and pain in the anal glands, and can further decrease chronic anal gland disease. This means fewer trips to have those glands expressed and less pain and aggravation for everyone.

Parasite defense

Intestinal parasites can add to any intestinal or anal gland disease and make the situation more complicated. Pumpkin seed fiber given to dogs and cats contain something called Cucurbitin, which is an amino acid that can act as a natural deworming agent. While your dog or cat will likely need other regular deworming medications as directed by your veterinarian, this supplement can help to keep your pet parasite free and decrease intestinal inflammation.

Great for the gut

Adding pumpkin to your pet’s diet provides fiber, which will allow your dog to pass stool easily without strain on the intestines. Due to the fiber in pumpkin, it is a sufficient at-home remedy for constipation or loose stool!