Pumpkin Purée

Pumpkin is in the spotlight. This functional squash belongs to the cucurbits family and is the signal that it is FALL, FALL, FALL!!! And every part is rich in nutrients, from the flesh and seeds to the skin. While our furry friends can’t indulge in pumpkin spice lattes, pies, or candies, they can have plain pumpkins.

It’s low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals, plus fiber and antioxidants! Pumpkin is a source of vitamins A, E, and C, potassium, copper, and iron. Antioxidants are the chill pill for the chaotic chaos that is free radicals.

Pumpkin is commonly used for diarrhea. The bulkage effect is due to fiber. Fiber holds water which can help bulk the stool, which is beneficial for dogs with difficulty expressing their glands. Plus, yummy prebiotics to feed the beautiful, diverse microbiome.

Phytosterols and phytonutrients are found abundantly in pumpkin pulp. And pumpkin seeds have some nutraceutical qualities, from being a nutritional powerhouse to more decimal effects.

You can either bake and puree a pumpkin or buy it canned from the store. Ensure 100% pumpkin puree when buying canned, not pumpkin pie filling. Also, double-check that no preservatives/additives are added and that it is canned in a BPA-free lining.

Pumpkin purée is super easy to make and great to have on hand in season. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 pumpkin

• Knife

• Oven

• Baking Sheet

• Fork

• Blender (optional)

• Silicone Molds (optional)

Directions

1. Clean the pumpkin well. Scrub off any dirt with cold water.

2. Slice pumpkin in half and remove seeds (keep for other things!)

3. Place pieces on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F/175°C for 40 minutes or until fork tender.

4. Allow to cool and peel the skin from the flesh.

5. Mash with a fork/potato masher or blend in a food processor/blender for a smoother consistency.

6. Store in an air-tight container and feed! I like to use silicone molds for easy feeding and to create pretty bowl pics.

There’s no ‘’perfect dosage’’ for pumpkin, but it’s quality over quantity. A general rule of thumb is 1tsp per 25lbs/11kg. More is not always better. Go slow if it’s a new food.

I hope you learned something new today & Always Keep Exploring!