Pax's Pumpkin Poofs!

Pax recently had a spout of giardia. While he had it, we had to switch his diet a few times. First, he was eating chicken and rice with his medication and a probiotic. Once we saw he was starting to feel better, we switched him back to his my ollie. It’s essential to change their food gradually- and even then there may be some tummy issues. It’s common for dogs to struggle with a bout of diarrhea and then to constipation. When it comes to constipation here are some signs to look for: 1) straining to go to the bathroom 2)scooting on their booty 3)hard or dry stool 4) not going to the bathroom for several days.

A few recommendations that our vet gave us were to feed Pax 1-2 TBS of canned pumpkin & 1-2 TBS of low-fat Keifer. It was also recommended to bake a pumpkin loaf or bread that is dog-friendly. I found a couple recipes and put one together.

Pumpkin Puppy Ball Ingredients:

• ½ cup pumpkin puree (canned pumpkin NOT pumpkin pie mix)

• 1 cup whole wheat flour

• 1 cup quick cook oats

• 1 Tbsp. Coconut oil

• 1 egg

• ½ tsp. Vanilla

• 1 Tbsp. honey

• ¼ cup Greek yogurt

• 1 tsp. Cinnamon

• 1 tsp. Ginger

• ¼ cup water

Pumpkin Puppy Ball Directions:

• Preheat oven 350° F.

• Lightly grease or spray the cookie sheet (we lined foil on the sheet)

• Place oats in blender or food processor and pulse until oats are about half powder.

• Then place all remaining items from the list in a large bowl and mix together.

• Grab spoonfuls from the ball and roll the dough into a ball.

• Sprinkle oatmeal on top of each pumpkin ball to add crunch.

• Bake for 15-16 minutes until tops are golden brown.

When muffins have cooled store in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Check out this article by the AKC on dog constipation and support they need.

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-constipation/

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