Pumpkins

[Piper'sMom]

So, I think we are going to have a lot of pumpkins this year. Which is a good thing because I think we are going to paint and chalkboard a lot of them (way easier than cleaning the guts out) but still, it's looking like there will be plenty of extra's.

With Piper's IBD, pumpkin is a good source for treats but I was wondering if any of you had any cool recipes? It would be nice to give her something besides the crappy Science Diet Food and Treats-she gobbles them up but her eyes look jealously at Rooney's way more fun treats.

Thanks,
Tina

[BaconsMom]

As a kid, my mom just baked the pumpkins (usually cut in half) and then pureed them (for pies, and for baby food). Not sure on the time though.

[POPTOP]

We've got pumpkins going this year too. Just beginning to see some softball size green pumpkins. It's been so dry here wondered if they would produce. Thankfully, we got a good shower this evening.

[Shelley]

My dogs eat pieces of the pumpkin straight from the pumpkin when we carve them, they Love fresh pumpkin!

My pumpkin dog cookie recipe, given to me by one of my friends, the notes about the recipe and brown rice flour are hers.

2 eggs
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
2 tablespoons dry milk
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2 1/2 cups brown rice flour *
1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Preheat oven to 350.
In large bowl, whisk together eggs and pumpkin to smooth. Stir in dry milk, sea salt, and dried parsley (if using, optional). Add brown rice flour gradually, combining with spatula or hands to form a stiff, dry dough. Turn out onto lightly floured surface (can use the brown rice flour) and if dough is still rough, briefly knead and press to combine.
Roll dough between 1/4 – 1/2″ – depending on your dog’s chew preferences, – and use biscuit or other shape cutter to punch shapes, gathering and re-rolling scraps as you go. Place shapes on cookie sheet, no greasing or paper necessary. If desired, press fork pattern on biscuits before baking, a quick up-and-down movement with fork, lightly pressing down halfway through dough. Bake 20 minutes. Remove from oven and carefully turn biscuits over, then bake additional 20 minutes. Allow to cool completely on rack before feeding to dog.
* Brown rice flour gives the biscuits crunch and promotes better dog digestion. Many dogs have touchy stomachs or allergies, and do not, like many people I know, tolerate wheat.
Makes up to 75 small (1″) biscuits or 50 medium biscuits

[Rosy]

Good idea guys

[WilliamDennison]

Pumpkin is a good option loaded with fiber and beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, but don't give a lot of it, too much A is highly toxic to dogs but a couple of teaspoons should keep them right on track.

[POPTOP]

Well, pumpkins are not producing very well. Looks like a trip with the grands to the pumpkin patch. YEAH!

[Snowshoe]

we are going to paint and chalkboard a lot of them

What does this mean?

You probably know I use sweet potato instead of pumpkin, much higher in fibre if that's your reason, but I guess cooking the flesh (I bake sweet potato) and mixing with raw ground meat (kangaroo for us) and then dehydrating into jerky strips would give you a new treat. I will guess the pumpkin has more liquid than sweet potato, maybe let it drain, or dehydrate longer.