10 Top Healthy & Yummy Pumpkin-Rich Dog And Cat Foods

Plato EOS Turkey & Pumpkin Dog TreatsYes, everything is 'pumpkin' this time of year! But for all the decorative functions of the pumpkin and its major starring role in sweet dessert muffins and pies, we tend to forget about the pumpkin's nutritive properties. The pumpkin, a member of the squash family, actually plays a role in regulating insulin production. And for dogs and cats, pumpkin is also recommended as a dietary supplement to regulate digestion; imagine, it can be used to treat constipation OR diarrhea!  You don't have to worry about hiding pumpkin in peanut butter either; dogs and cats love the flavor!  Here are 10 of the top-shelf prepared pet meals and treats that already include pumpkin....

I'm a big advocate of grain-free dog and cat food, so most of the pumpkin-rich foods below are grain free.

1. Weruva Marbella Paella With Mackeral And Pumpkin In Aspic

For the hoity-toity moments even our pooches experience, the Weruva Marbella Paella is a must, with pumpkin in aspic, no less. Weruva is one of the top pet food manufacturers and the Marbella Paella is grain-free with all natural, human ingredients.  You see the label tag that reads "Real Food?" They're not kidding.  Taste it! You'll see. If you just want to partially spoil your pup, use just a spoon or two of the Marbella Paella as a topping on his regular food. 

Weruva Marbella Paella - Makeral & Pumpkin - Dog Food

Weruva makes several delectables for dogs that include pumpkin. Check them out here.

2. Evanger's Grain-Free Chicken, Sweet Potato, & Pumpkin Dry Dog Food

Evanger's is another top notch pet food manufacturer specializing in grain-free, wholesome meats, real veggies, and lots of omegas and probiotics that keep your dog healthy.  Dogs love this stuff, proving that it's easier to keep your dog healthy than it is to keep your kid healthy.  Evanger's Grain-Free Chicken, Sweet Potato, & Pumpkin Dry Dog Food.

Evanger's Grain Free Chicken, Sweet Potato, & Pumpkin Dry Dog Food

3.  The Honest Kitchen Preference Base Mix Dog Food

For those of you who prefer to make your own dog food, The Honest Kitchen Preference Base Mix does all the shopping and chopping for well-chosen veggies and fruits your dog needs in his diet.  Then they freeze dry these ingredients, so you can get them ready in a flash by just adding your dog's favorite protein and a bit of hot water.  All ingredients are human grade!

Honest Kitchen Preference Base Mix Dog Food

4.  Blue Buffalo Health Bars With Pumpkin & Cinnamon For Dogs

Yes, there are loads of dog treats on the market that include pumpkin, and who says humans are the only ones that can use a health bar once in awhile?  Blue Buffalo has this nice crunchy box of Pumpkin & Cinnamon Health Bars just waiting to reward those wagging tails.  

 Blue Buffalo Pumpkin & Cinnammon Health Bars

5. Plato EOS Turkey & Pumpkin Dog Treats

Well, of course, dogs love these all year round, but what better time to keep them from begging at your Thanksgiving table by giving them their own slowly roasted Plato EOS Turkey & Pumpkin Dog Treats.  No grains, no fillers, all pure USA grown and baked goodness.

Plato EOS Turkey & Pumpkin Dog Treats

6. Weruva Cats In The Kitchen Pumpkin Lickin' Chicken

Weruva is a top quality pet food that includes pumpkin in many of its recipes. The Cats In The Kitchen Pumpkin Lickin' Chicken (chicken and pumpkin) as well as the Cat's In The Kitchen Jack Splash (wild-caught tuna and pumpkin) are in a soup-like base, which not only provides all the nourishment of a Weruva meal, but provides adequate hydration that many cats don't get. The pouch packaging is an added plus, as it requires fewer preservatives than canned food and doesn't leave food with a metallic taste.

Weruva Pumkin Lickin' Chicken Cat Food

7. BFF (Best Feline Friend) Tuna & Pumpkin "Valentine" In Gravy

BFF, also made by Weruva, is one of my cat's favorites; it's healthy and rich, so I keep it around as a treat rather than every day food. The Tuna & Pumpkin "Valentine" In Gravy is every spoiled cat's dream food!

BFF Tuna & Pumkin Valentine In Gravy

8. Natural Balance Alpha Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey Meal and Duck Cat Food

Natural Balance Alpha Chicken, Turkey Meal and Duck dry cat food is full of nourishment - yes, including pumpkin and cranberries and blueberries.  While fowl may be in fashion for seasonal tastes, Natural Balance has some other protein mixes for the fish and meat eaters too.

Natural Balance Alpha Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey Meal, and Duck for cats

9. Pet 'n Shape Freeze Dried Chicken Liver Plus Pumpkin and Apple Treat for Cats

Gotta' love it!  Ingredients: Chicken liver, pumpkin, and apple.  No filler, no grains, no preservatives.  Pet 'n Shape Chicken Liver, Pumpkin, and Apple are just simple freeze dried healthy, yummy cat treats. 

Pet 'n Shape Freeze Dried Chicken Liver, Pumpkin, & Apple Cat Treats

Pet 'n Shape Freeze Dried Chicken Liver, Pumpkin, & Apple Cat Treats

10. Nummy Tum Tum Organic Pumpkin Puree For Dogs & Cats

There's always the pure pureed pumpkin that can be mixed with your pet's food, used as a topping, or just given by the spoonful as a treat or a digestive aid, particularly when your pet has bowel problems.  Pumpkin is a natural probiotic, so you should have some on hand all the time. The recommended dosage is 1 tablespoon per 10 pounds of weight as a daily supplement, or as needed.  You can use any organic pumpkin puree, but I like Nummy Tum Tum Pumpkin Puree because its cans have BPA-free liners.

 Nummy Tum Tum Organic Pumpkin Puree for pets

The Fall may be pumpkin season for us humans, but for pets, pumpkin is a year-round dietary need.  And... they love it! So why not try adding it to their diets and see how they look forward to it and how their digestion improves.