Wild cats live on raw meat from their prey, so are raw food diets for cats safe? Although domestic cats can eat raw meat, that may not provide all the nutrients they need. Learn more about raw diets for cats here.
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkins, Sweet Potatoes & Nuts?
When we think of autumn, the first thing that comes to mind is typically food-related. And who can blame us? Fall ingredients like pumpkins, sweet potatoes and nuts make up some of our favourite holiday meals and treats!
These treats are what make the season special, and you may be tempted to share these goodies with your dog. But, are these foods safe for him to enjoy? Dr. Marty Becker, DVM and Dr. RuthAnn Lobos, Purina veterinarian, reveal whether your pup can safely enjoy pumpkins, sweet potatoes or hazelnuts this fall.
Which Fall Foods can Dogs Enjoy?
Pumpkin
Dogs are known to eat almost anything, so it's not surprising that they would find a pumpkin enticing, especially since pumpkins and gourds can resemble a toy or ball. “The stem and leaves are covered with prickly hairs that could hurt your pets, and raw pumpkin isn’t particularly digestible for them,” says Dr. Becker. So, although your dog could eat a whole, raw pumpkin, it’s not recommended.
Canned pumpkin, however, is another story. According to Dr. Lobos, “Canned pumpkin (NOT canned pumpkin pie mix, which contains sugar and spices) is a fabulous source of fibre and can even help with digestive upset. It’s also low in calories and could help with weight loss if substituted for a portion of their daily kibble. It’s also a great source of potassium, Vitamin A, iron and beta carotene.”
And while you're roasting pumpkin seeds for yourself, you can keep a couple of raw ones to the side as a healthy treat for your dog. Pumpkin seeds contain nutrients such as antioxidants, playing a role in overall health. Talk to your veterinarian before making any substitutions to ensure your dog is still eating a 100% nutritionally complete diet.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great, lower-calorie treat option for dogs, says Dr. Lobos. “They contain beta carotene, which is an important contributor to vision and growth, as well as vitamins B6 and C. They’re a natural source of fibre, too,” she says.
Dr. Becker adds, “A cooked, mashed sweet potato is a tasty addition to a dog’s meals in moderation. Skip the brown sugar, marshmallows, butter, syrup and other additions. Plain, mashed sweet potato is delicious enough for most dogs. Adding extra fat and calories could make it too much of a good thing.”
Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are another tasty fall ingredient dogs can enjoy. According to Dr. Becker, “Hazelnuts are not toxic to dogs, but they do present a choking risk, as do all nuts of their size. Even a portion of a hazelnut might overcome the digestive tract of a small dog.
"Keep your dog’s size in mind when deciding if a bit of hazelnut is something he just has to have. While they are delicious, they’re also high in fat—something dogs don’t need more of.”
Regardless of the type of treat or snack you feed your dog, it should comprise no more than 10 percent of his daily calories. The other 90 percent should come from complete and balanced dog food.
Keep this in mind if you decide to let your canine companion enjoy one of the fall treats above. You can celebrate the season even more with tasty dog food and treats containing some of these festive ingredients.
