Kefir and pumpkin guts

Kefir and fruit

I give my dog kefir drink every day. Just a couple of tablespoonfuls after breakfast and again in the evening.

My own breakfast is often made of kefir, fruit and granola. Usually blueberries, sometimes banana and when they’re in season soft fruits like strawberries or peaches. On those days, the dog eats the same as I do. The only days we can’t share are when I treat myself to kefir and rhubarb – rhubarb is a no-no for dogs, cooked or otherwise. Then she gets kefir sec – and still laps it up.

Palatability

One training friend who started giving her vizsla kefir in the morning reported back a week later that he liked it so much that it had become a bone of contention at mealtimes as to whether he would even entertain the idea of eating his dry food!

Pumpkin

Another ingredient we like with our morning kefir is the pumpkin and cinnamon purée that I make in pumpkin season, from pumpkin guts and a tiny bit of organic honey.

It makes a good smoothie too!

 

Cooking the pumpkin guts:

Cut pumpkin in half for roasting and remove seeds and fibrous strands (‘guts’) (for more information on how to roast the pumpkin, see roast pumpkin). Or even if you’re just making a pumpkin soup, retain the guts and seeds.

Separate guts from seeds, place in a little water (enough to cover) with half a teaspoon of cinnamon and half teaspoon of apple vinegar. Don’t throw the seeds away: they can be cleaned and roasted and eaten as a snack or ground and given to your dog.

See below for the benefits of the individual ingredients at a glance.

Bring to the boil and simmer for around 20 minutes or until soft

Allow to cool, purée in blender. Add honey to taste if you like. If you have a pumpkin glut, this mixture can be frozen in handy portions for later.

Enjoy!

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Ingredients: the benefits at a glance

Pumpkin guts, the stringy fibrous material surrounding the seeds, are a nutrient-rich by-product that can be a great addition to a dog’s diet. They are high in dietary fibre, which supports healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. Pumpkin guts also contain small amounts of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which supports eye health, immune function, and skin. Their mild natural sweetness makes them a palatable and nutritious ingredient that shouldn’t be wasted.

Kefir is rich in probiotics, which balance got microbiota and promote overall gut health. It is nutrient dense, and has good amounts of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Kefir is also rich in vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12, K2, folic acid), which support energy metabolism and cognitive health, and minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus), which are important for bone health.

Cinnamon is a spice with natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties that are said to support overall health in humans. It doesn’t necessarily add nutrition and shouldn’t be given as a supplement in a canine diet.  However, cinnamon (unlike nutmeg) isn’t toxic to dogs and may be eaten in small amounts in baked treats or a topping such as this. Always use Ceylon cinnamon, as it is safer for dogs compared to cassia cinnamon, and ensure it is given in moderation.

Apple cider vinegar, when used in sparingly, can be a useful addition to recipes like pumpkin gut mixtures or when preparing broths. Vinegar is said to release minerals and nutrients from the bones and break down collagen. While some people also recommend its topical use, for example as a flea repellent or to improve skin health, I hesitate to do so because of the attendant risks. When we have so many ingredients that are functional and effective, why would we?  If you are using ACV, choose the organic version with ‘the mother’.

Organic honey has been used throughout history for its medicinal properties, including its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. It contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and polyphenols, which act as antioxidants to combat oxidative stress and support overall health. Honey salves or ointments are also used for dogs to treat minor wounds or skin irritations due to honey’s natural healing properties. However, because it is predominantly made up of sugars, it should always be given in moderation.

 

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Important Considerations:

• Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
• As some commercial foods contain fibre as an ingredient, check the label to see whether it’s in your dog’s food before giving more. Excessive intake of any foods can have adverse effects.
• Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
• Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
• I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
• Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.
• I am not a professional nutritionist. I am sharing recipes that I have created and tested in my kitchen and that have been tasted by our doggy friends.