Post by DogGoneGood on Nov 1, 2009 19:00:02 GMT -5
We just got through with pureeing a pumpkin and vacuum sealing it for the dogs...
Pumpkin is great for dogs, especially those with stomach troubles. It's great for both constipation and diarrhea (because it's full of fiber and also has plenty of moisture).
Make sure to use pumpkin that is fairly fresh. If you carved your jack-o-lantern the day before or on Halloween you can usually cut it up the day after Halloween. Make sure to remove any rotting parts (if it has began to rot). Obviously, if the pumpkin is furry and gooey all over you won't want to use it!
If you're using a whole pumpkin (like we did today, we had one extra that never got carved) make sure to remove all the guts first as if you were scooping it out to carve it.
Cut the pumpkin into strips (and then chunks - the size will depend on your food processor). Remove any rotten spots and the skin. Do not include the stem!
Put the chunks of pumpkin through the food processor. You may want to or need to add a small amount of water. Adding a bit of water is good for the dog anyway - especially if you are using the pumpkin for a dog with digestive problems or a sensitive stomach. Water will also help the pumpkin puree easier.
We put the pureed pumpkin into bags containing 4 (heaping) tablespoons full. If you wish to put it in convenient bags containing just the amount you need to take out you will need to know how much to give your dog. As a general rule, a couple teaspoons can be given to a small dog and a couple tablespoons to a larger dog.
Vacuum sealing the bags will help keep them for longer in the freezer (the amount we did today will probably last my dogs a life time for the amount of times I give it to them!!). If you do not have a vacuum sealer, you can use zip lock bags, just make sure to use the freezer safe kinds and try to remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing it!
Pumpkin works the same wonders for cats as it does for dogs - how much to give cats I am unaware of though. You may have to do your research for them, though I'd assume it's about the same amount as for a small dog.
And there you have it! Put those jack-o-lanterns to some use after Halloween!
Pumpkin is great for dogs, especially those with stomach troubles. It's great for both constipation and diarrhea (because it's full of fiber and also has plenty of moisture).
Make sure to use pumpkin that is fairly fresh. If you carved your jack-o-lantern the day before or on Halloween you can usually cut it up the day after Halloween. Make sure to remove any rotting parts (if it has began to rot). Obviously, if the pumpkin is furry and gooey all over you won't want to use it!
If you're using a whole pumpkin (like we did today, we had one extra that never got carved) make sure to remove all the guts first as if you were scooping it out to carve it.
Cut the pumpkin into strips (and then chunks - the size will depend on your food processor). Remove any rotten spots and the skin. Do not include the stem!
Put the chunks of pumpkin through the food processor. You may want to or need to add a small amount of water. Adding a bit of water is good for the dog anyway - especially if you are using the pumpkin for a dog with digestive problems or a sensitive stomach. Water will also help the pumpkin puree easier.
We put the pureed pumpkin into bags containing 4 (heaping) tablespoons full. If you wish to put it in convenient bags containing just the amount you need to take out you will need to know how much to give your dog. As a general rule, a couple teaspoons can be given to a small dog and a couple tablespoons to a larger dog.
Vacuum sealing the bags will help keep them for longer in the freezer (the amount we did today will probably last my dogs a life time for the amount of times I give it to them!!). If you do not have a vacuum sealer, you can use zip lock bags, just make sure to use the freezer safe kinds and try to remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing it!
Pumpkin works the same wonders for cats as it does for dogs - how much to give cats I am unaware of though. You may have to do your research for them, though I'd assume it's about the same amount as for a small dog.
And there you have it! Put those jack-o-lanterns to some use after Halloween!
