Autumn Superfoods for Dogs: The Nutritional Benefits of Seasonal Vegetables

Cooked Pumpkin

Pumpkins aren’t just a festive treat for our furry friends; they’re also packed with valuable nutrients that support their health. Pumpkin is rich in fibre and contains natural prebiotics that nourish healthy gut bacteria, supporting your pet’s digestive health. This makes pumpkin a great remedy for both diarrhoea and constipation, helping to reduce those unpleasant messes from your pup! Pumpkin is low in calories and sodium, yet packed with fibre to help your dog feel full and satisfied, all while delivering a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. Loaded with vitamins A, C, and E, along with iron and potassium, pumpkin is a nutritional gem for your dog.

Vitamin A supports eye health, vitamin E promotes a shiny, healthy coat, and potassium aids in regulating metabolism and blood pressure. It’s a wholesome addition to your dog’s diet. On top of all these benefits, pumpkin is also rich in beta-carotene and carotenoids, powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and slow down the ageing process. These antioxidants also boost the immune system, keeping your dog healthy and resilient, especially through the colder months. Pumpkin is truly a seasonal superfood for your furry friend.

Cooked Sweet Potato

Like pumpkin, sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients that make them a fantastic seasonal favourite for dogs. Their high fibre content makes sweet potatoes excellent for supporting a healthy digestive system. This not only promotes regular bowel movements but also helps pets feel fuller for longer, making it a helpful addition for weight management. Ever wonder what gives sweet potatoes their vibrant orange colour? It’s beta-carotene! This powerful antioxidant not only reduces the risk of certain cancers but also offers protection against heart disease. Fun fact: while dogs can convert beta-carotene into vitamin A to benefit their vision and immune health, cats must get vitamin A directly from their diet. This means that dogs get a boost of essential vitamins from sweet potatoes, supporting their eye health, coat condition, and overall blood health. Plus, chewing on a sweet potato can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on your dog’s teeth, promoting better oral health and keeping those pearly whites sparkling.

Carrot

Another one of our bright orange vegetables, can you guess what it’s rich in? Beta-carotene! This powerful nutrient helps maintain good vision and eye health. And who can forget the superstition about carrots and seeing in the dark? With this tasty treat, our dogs might just have super night vision. Much like other autumn treats, carrots are a low-calorie, low-fat vegetable packed with fibre, making them a healthy snack option. The fibre helps regulate bowel movements, supporting your dog’s digestive health while keeping snack time guilt-free. Much like other autumn favourites, carrots help keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy thanks to their rich content of vitamin E, which promotes a shiny, smooth coat and supports overall skin health. Carrots can also double as a healthy chew toy for your dog, offering both a fun and tasty treat along with nutritional benefits and natural teeth-cleaning properties. A great trick is to freeze carrots for your teething puppy, this can soothe their gums while boosting their vitamin intake.

Cooked Sprouts

Cooked Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins K, A, and C, which help your dog’s blood clot properly, build strong bones, and protect their heart. They might have a funky flavour for some of us humans, but they are still a yummy and nutritious treat for your pooch, packed with goodness, even if they do taste a little unusual! Brussel sprouts are loaded with minerals that help support your dog’s bone health, cell function, nervous system, and muscle function. A few cooked sprouts, served in moderation, can be a fantastic addition to your dog’s diet, boosting their nervous and immune systems while offering a healthy, nutrient-packed treat! Like our other autumn vegetables, Brussels sprouts are packed with fibre, helping to keep your dog well-fed and comfortable without the worry of unpleasant bowel movements. Yes, sprouts might have a strong smell when cooking, but that’s the only “smelly” thing we want in the air this autumn, especially when they’re packed with so many health benefits for your pup!

Cooked Butternut squash

This autumn, treat your pup to a little taste of the season with butternut squash! Packed with vitamins, minerals, and a naturally sweet, nutty flavour, it’s a deliciously healthy snack to keep tails wagging. Loaded with vitamins A and C, potassium, and fibre, butternut squash is like a mini spa day in a veggie. This autumn superfood promotes a shiny coat, happy skin, and a super-strong immune system. And with plenty of antioxidants, it helps fight inflammation, keeping your pooch feeling fit and fabulous all season long. One fantastic benefit of butternut squash is that it’s nearly 80% water, making it a wonderfully hydrating treat to add to your dog’s meals. This extra hydration is especially valuable in the colder months, when dogs use more energy to stay warm and can benefit from a moisture-rich diet. Just remember, cook it up before serving! A little steaming or roasting makes it easier to digest and ensures your dog gets all those delicious nutrients without any tummy troubles.

Apples

Apples are another tasty way to pack in some vitamins and antioxidants for your pup. With a boost of vitamin C, apples help strengthen your dog’s immune system, making it easier to fend off those pesky seasonal sniffles. Plus, the antioxidants in apples reduce inflammation and battle harmful free radicals. Together, these powerful nutrients keep your dog feeling happy, healthy, and ready for adventure. There’s a reason they say, “An apple a day keeps the vet away!” A bonus perk of apples? They contain malic acid, which helps keep your dog’s breath fresh and those pearly whites clean, say goodbye to morning dog breath. This natural compound gently cleanses their teeth as they chew, making apples a tasty, healthy way to boost your pup’s dental hygiene. When serving apples to your dog this autumn, be sure to remove the core and seeds, they contain substances that aren’t safe for pups. Stick to the nutritious flesh and skin for a tasty, safe treat your dog will love.

Safe feeding tips

When feeding your dog these autumn treats, it’s important to practise safe feeding to ensure they can enjoy their seasonal snacks without any worries. While these autumn treats are packed with nutrients that are great for your furry friend, it’s important to feed them in moderation. These vegetables are rich in fibre, which is beneficial, but too much can lead to digestive upset and may interfere with the absorption of other nutrients in their food. Balance is key for a happy, healthy pup. Especially when your dog’s treats contain natural sugars, like apples, it’s important to avoid overfeeding to keep it a healthy snack. Moderation helps ensure they get the benefits without the sugar overload.

When serving these superfoods, be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces to prevent any choking hazards. Also, for some of these foods, like pumpkin, sweet potato, sprouts, and butternut squash, it’s best to cook them before serving. This makes them easier to digest and ensures your dog can safely enjoy their nutritious treats. We also recommend consulting your vet before introducing new foods into your pet’s diet. They can help ensure the treats are safe for your dog and provide guidance on how to keep their meals nutritionally balanced for optimal health.

Autumn recipes

Pumpkin and Peanut butter treats-

• Add 120g of oats to a food processor or blender and grind until you have a fine powder.
• Roast your pumpkin until soft, then scoop out the flesh and blend until you have a puree.
• Add 40g pumpkin puree and 30g peanut butter to your oats and mix to make a sticky dough.
• Roll the dough out on a floured surface (you can use some on your grinded oats) and cut the biscuits into shapes- our favourite is a bone shape!
• Bake at 180℃ until dry and firm.
• Allow to cook and serve your dog their delicious pumpkin treat.

Sweet Potato Chews-

• Preheat your oven to 180℃.
• Slice your sweet potato into coins that are around a cm thick.
• Lay on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and put into the oven for 2.5-3 hours, flipping halfway through. 
• Allow to cool and they become a crispy and chewy treat for your pooch.

Apple and Carrot Dog Biscuit-

• Core and grate 1 apple, peel and grate 60g of carrot.
• Mix 300g of whole wheat flour and 60g of oats in a large bowl.
• In a separate bowl, beat 1 egg and mix in 90ml oil, 50ml water, and the grated apples and carrots. 
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix.
• Roll the dough out and cut into your desired shape.
• Bake the biscuits at 180℃ until firm and dry.
• Allow to cool and your dog can enjoy their healthy homemade treat.

Remember to always consult your vet about any potential allergies or intolerances your dog may have before introducing new foods to their diet. Prioritise their health and well-being by practicing safe feeding habits!