Pumpkins can help naturally control parasites. Parasites such as tapeworms can cause havoc with your dog’s digestive system and cause unpleasant symptoms including weight loss, nutrient deficiency, dry skin, and a shabby coat
Pumpkin has high amounts of cucurbitacin, which is actually toxic to many common dog parasites and has been used to expel worms in ruminating animals. Cucurbitacin has been used as folk medicines in some countries for their wide spectrum of pharmacological activities such as anti inflammation and anti cancer effects.
A number of nutrients in pumpkin, including vitamin A and zinc, improve your pet’s coat. The high water content in pumpkin flesh also contributes to supple skin and a lustrous coat. In addition to making your pet’s coat shine and look fantastic, the added moisture causes the skin to flake less and less hair to shed on your carpets, furniture and clothes.
Pumpkin flesh contains oils that are believed to support urinary health. Dogs with urinary incontinence may see improvement when pumpkin flesh is added to their diet.
Pumpkin flesh is high in soluble fibre, and can be an excellent remedy for both diarrhoea and constipation. The fibre in pumpkin also helps feed beneficial gut bacteria, which will improve intestinal health. Pumpkin helps control diarrhoea by absorbing excess moisture and adding bulk to your dog’s stool. On the other hand, the high water content of pumpkin can help ease constipation and keep digestion moving smoothly. The extra fibre in the pumpkin will also help your dog feel fuller longer.
Pumpkins are also a prebiotic powerhouse. Prebiotics support the presence of important bacteria in the digestive tract.
Pumpkin is high in antioxidants and vitamins. The carotenoids in pumpkin, which give pumpkin its deep orange colour, are beneficial antioxidants. A diet high in these antioxidants can help slow the ageing process, protect eye health and fight inflammation and its related diseases.
Pumpkin is also high in several vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, E and C, zinc, phosphorus, folate and magnesium.
A cup of cooked pumpkin contains 564 mg of Potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, improves muscle health and assists in metabolism.