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Whoa! Did you know pumpkin is a nutrient powerhouse? It absolutely is! So, I’ve created an easy biscuit recipe that includes pumpkin benefits for dogs! Your dog will definitely not be left out of the Thanksgiving festivities with these Pumpkin Cheese Dog Biscuits.
Check out these beneficial nutrients:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Calcium
- Iron
- Zinc
- Potassium
These awesome nutrients mean pumpkin is super healthy for both us and our dogs. I don’t know about you, but I love pumpkin and so do my two doggos. Furthermore, knowing that there are pumpkin benefits for dogs in these dog biscuits gives me peace of mind. Not to mention, I like spoiling them around the holidays!
Here’s why pumpkin is super healthy:
- Vitamin A supports the immune system and is good for the eyes.
- The immune system is also supported by Vitamin C. In addition, it is vital for the synthesis of collagen. Therefore, collagen is what our doggy’s ligaments and tendons are made of.
- Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant.
- Calcium helps in the development and maintenance of strong teeth and bones.
- Iron is important for hemoglobin production. Furthermore, hemoglobin carries oxygen around in the blood.
- Zinc is good for healthy skin and shiny coats.
- Potassium is important for the contraction of muscle fibers. Plus, it helps with our dog’s muscle recovery after exercise.
Bonus Pumpkin Benefits for Dogs
Really? There’s more? There sure is.
The following are also pumpkin benefits for dogs:
- Dog Diarrhea – Pumpkin is an excellent source of soluble fiber. Therefore, the natural fibers and essential vitamins help to slow down digestion. This happens by adding bulk to the stool which absorbs water.
- Dog Constipation Treatment – Although pumpkin helps with diarrhea, it is equally effective at easing constipation. So, naturally increasing the amount of soluble fiber will help move things along in a comfortable way.
- Treatment for Dog Upset Stomach – A change in food could be the cause of an upset stomach. Therefore, gradually introduce the new food by mixing it with the old. Furthermore, you can do this in slow increments by adding pumpkin to help ease and comfort the digestive tract.
So, one to four teaspoons of pumpkin should do the trick for dog diarrhea, constipation, and upset stomach. However, if any of these conditions persist, please contact your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.
In addition, there is one more benefit to feeding your dog pumpkin that I want to mention. Pumpkin can also be used for weight loss and management. Furthermore, weight can really affect our dog’s quality of life. Adding pumpkin to their diet can help to regulate their weight. Additionally, weight loss is promoted by replacing a portion of a dog’s normal food with pumpkin. Pumpkin is low in calories, yet a highly nutritional food source.
Ways to Prepare Fresh Pumpkin
- Steam It – The healthiest way to cook a pumpkin is to steam it. Cut it into half-inch cubes. Steam for 10 to 12 minutes. Toss in coconut oil. Feed to your dog after the pumpkin has completely cooled.
- Roast It – Cut a pumpkin into wedges. Toss the wedges with olive oil and honey. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes at 320 degrees in the oven, until soft and golden
- Puree It – Half a pumpkin. Clean out the seeds. Place the halves cut side down on a cookie sheet. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees. When cooked, lift the skin off and puree in a food processor until smooth.
I have included a yummy pumpkin dog treat recipe using canned pumpkin for you.
Let’s Bake Pumpkin Cheese Dog Biscuits
Ingredients
- rice flour
- canned pumpkin
- peanut butter
- ceylon cinnamon
- shredded cheese
Directions
Firstly, preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
Secondly, mix the pumpkin and peanut butter together in a large bowl.
Thirdly, stir in the flour, cinnamon, and cheese.
Then, combine the mixture into a dough.
Next, roll out the dough onto a rice floured surface.
After that, cut into shapes with your favorite cookie cutters.
Lastly, place the treats onto an ungreased baking sheet, about a half-inch apart.
And, bake for 12 minutes in the preheated oven.
Above all, let the treats thoroughly cool before sharing with your fur baby.
You can store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them.
The absolute best part of baking these treats is sharing them with your fur baby.
You might want to make your own pumpkin puree rather than use store bought. In that case, check out this recipe at Dogtipper. There are some more pumpkin recipes for your dog on this site.
Your dog might like the following recipes on our blog:
You can save this post and recipe to Pinterest by pinning one of the images below. You also have the option to print the recipe below.
Pumpkin Cheese Biscuits
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice flour
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ½ tbsp ceylon cinnamon
- ⅓ cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°.
- Mix the pumpkin and peanut butter together in a large bowl.
- Stir in the flour, cinnamon, and cheese.
- Combine the mixture into a dough.
- Roll out the dough onto a rice floured surface.
- Cut into shapes with your favorite cookie cutters.
- Place treats onto an ungreased baking sheet, about a half inch apart.
- Bake at 375° for 12 minutes.
- Let the treats thoroughly cool before sharing them with your fur baby.
Notes
- When using peanut butter in dog treats always check to make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that a few brands use and it can be fatal to dogs. Check out this list for more information on which brands use xylitol in their products.
- NEVER USE CANNED PUMKIN PIE.
- Make sure the canned pumpkin does not contain salt, sugar, spices, or any other additives.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 weeks.
My little guys like poopicles. I would give them pumpkin purée in their food but is the biscuits out of pumpkin just as good to deter them away from the frozen treats?
Wilma
Hi Wilma,
If pumpkin purée works as a deterrent, the biscuits made with pumpkin purée should also do the same. They may just like the cold sensation they get from the pupsicles. You will need to keep homemade treats in the refrigerator and you can freeze them. If your dogs do like the cold sensation from the pupsicles then giving them a treat from the refrigerator or even the freezer might do the trick.
Tell your dogs I said, “Hi!”
Jeana
Hi Jeana,
I have a 5 lb yorkiepoo. How many treats can I give daily? Thanks!
Hi Evelyn,
If you make the treats small for your little fur baby, then you could probably give a couple a day. Be sure to visit with your veterinarian to make sure.
Tell your yorkiepoo that I said, “hi!”
Jeana
What is the nutritional info please.
Hi Karen. I have updated this post. You will find all of the nutritional information at the bottom of the recipe. Thank you for asking this question. It has caused me to get on the stick and update all of my recipes to show the nutritional information. Be sure to tell your dog or dogs I said hi!