A Seasonal Treat for Pets
Would your pets enjoy a seasonal treat? Pumpkin can be great for animals, not just to eat but also to play with!
Dogs particularly love to play with pumpkins, although it’s advised to do so outside as the results can get quite messy! They may not be so popular with cats (never say never!) however dogs enjoy them as they are a great resilient toy and can last for quite a while. Larger animals such as horses and cattle as well as goats and sheep can also enjoy playing with pumpkins in their fields. Make sure you don’t leave the pumpkin in their field for so long that it starts to rot though as this shouldn’t be eaten by animals. For horses, you could always make a small hole in the top of the pumpkin and put a few pony nuts inside, like a treat ball. This may encourage them to play with the pumpkin and also will keep them entertained for longer!
Pumpkins can also be a healthy snack for dogs and a great source of fibre. Whilst it isn’t advisable to eat every day, it can be a delicious seasonal treat for them which can also have other health benefits such as improving digestion. Horses, cattle, sheep and goats can also enjoy pumpkins and find them quite palatable although for horses the stalk must be removed to avoid choking. If you want to go all out or if your horse is a bit fussier, you can bake the pumpkin, cool it and slice it up to just make it a bit more appealing.
If you are planning on giving pumpkin to your animals as a nutritious treat, it is best to buy a fresh pumpkin instead of giving them a left over one from Halloween! Don’t forget to tag us in any pictures of your animals enjoying a delicious pumpkin this autumn.
