Can Cats Have Pumpkin?
Continuing onto our can cats eat section, this food was a question I heard a lot of interesting talk about, can cats eat pumpkin?
People seem to be drastically different in their thoughts on whether or not cats can eat pumpkin.
Is Pumpkin Safe For Cats?
While it’s best they don’t eat that pumpkin, canned organic pumpkin (unsweetened – not pie filling), pumpkin seeds, and cooked fresh pumpkin have many benefits for your feline friends.
Pumpkin can help with the following health issues in your pet:
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- Digestive Health: Pumpkin is a fabulous source of fiber for not only humans, but also for cats and dogs. Pureed pumpkin (with no added sugar or spice) can help dogs and cats with both constipation and diarrhea
You can add a tablespoon or two to their regular wet cat food or dry cat food to help keep them regular. It can also help dogs and cats with indigestion or upset stomachs.
I did notice one of the kittens was licking a lot of pumpkins around Halloween and she was quite regular.
Is Pumpkin Toxic To Cats?
Pumpkin is not normally toxic to cats.
In fact there are even more health benefits that pumpkins can provide to cats such as:
- Urinary Health: pumpkin seeds are known to be high in fatty acids and antioxidants, and the oils in pumpkin flesh and seeds are believed to support urinary health. These items also help with the skin and fur of your beloved cat. Pumpkins are also an excellent source of Vitamin A, potassium and iron, and some believe it could decrease the likelihood your pet will develop cancer.
- Weight Loss: Our pets seem to naturally love pumpkin . Actually, I feel like pets like anything that you are eating, WHILE you are attempting to eat it.
If you are like our little family and have given your kitty one too many treats, you can try pumpkin to help aid with weight loss.
You can try reducing a portion of their food and replace it with the same portion of canned pumpkin. Their tummy will feel just as full, and they might even thank you for the additional flavor.
Can Cats Eat Raw Pumpkin?
Both raw and cooked pumpkin is safe for cats, although you always want to talk to your vet if your pet has a weak stomach.
Pumpkin seeds and flesh of fresh raw pumpkins are safe provided, of course, it’s not a rotten pumpkin (so no rotten carved pumpkins kitty cats!).Pumpkin parts do go rancid very quickly!
You can also give your cat canned pumpkin.
However, if you choose to go with canned, make sure it’s organic and doesn’t have added sugar or additives.
Do you feed your pets pumpkin? Any recipes you want to share?! Let me know below!
