Pumpkin spice: Fall diet tips for pets

Pumpkin, sweet potato and squash – Oh my! Tis the season for Pumpkin-flavoured drinks, scones, muffins, and much more! Here are some tips to add a seasonal flair to your pets’ fall diet.

Amping up the fibre content

What pumpkin, sweet potato and squash all have in common is high fibre content. This is great to increase regularity, but you have to be careful how much you give them. If you use too much too fast, you can cause some digestive upset and loose stools.

The best thing to do is to ask your veterinarian what quantity and frequency of fibre your pet needs to be fed. This may depend on the activity level, regular diet, and temperament of your pet.

Cats with hairball problems, for example, can really benefit from extra fibre. As well, many pets are less active in the cooler months so fibre can help maintain regularity and increase ruffage.

Please note: canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, is better for your pets because it has less sugar in it. Consult your veterinarian before introducing more fibre to your pet’s diet!

Thanksgiving dinner

With Thanksgiving coming up, if you’re doing a social-distanced dinner, or spending time with family, it’s also important to be aware of what your pets are being fed under the table. For example, foods like turkey skin and poultry bones, which are bad for your pet to have.

As an alternative, find a healthy treat or snack for the company to give your pets when they’re tempted by those puppy-dog eyes.

For more Thanksgiving tips check out our blog, ospcablog.ca