Katie, CVT, DN-CET, HABc, CPCN
Nov 1, 20204 min
Updated: Dec 14, 2023
A nutritious homemade treat for your dog or cat to support GI health, inflammation and immunity. It's fun, easy, and uses only 4 simple ingredients. Spend a gloomy afternoon baking with your family and provide your furry companions a tasty, Nutrient Packed Warming GI Pie!
Every fall I bake my annual homemade pumpkin pie!
And every year I get an organic pie pumpkin from my favorite local farmer!
No, I don't use canned pumpkin!
But this isn't just about me feeling festive.. the doggo always gets a bowl of freshly pureéd pumpkin too!
This recipe is considered 'warming.' So this is especially good for those dogs and cats who seek warmth, and prefer curling up by the fire place in the winter.
Pumpkin is great for many reasons, especially dogs and cats!
It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants such as:
Beta-carotene which is a precursor to vitamin A
Zeaxanthin (a dominant component in the retina of the eye)!
Vitamin C
Zinc
Plus a ton of fiber!
All around, pumpkin fantastic for anyone!
P.s. don't throw those pumpkin seeds away!! They're delicious and nutritious for you!
And, pumpkin seeds have been known to act as a natural de-wormer, when prepared and given correctly to dogs and cats!
Oh yes, cinnamon is also great for pets!
It has antioxidant and anti-microbial effects, and is anti-inflammatory!
Other claims are that it supports healthy blood sugar levels especially to those with diabetes.
Keep in mind, though... it can be toxic in large amounts (over 1 tsp for pets), or if it's inhaled. It can also be very irritating to their skin if contact occurs.
Well, a lot!
But, before you reach into your cupboard, there's a few things you should know about the different types of cinnamon.
Ceylon Cinnamon aka 'true cinnamon' is different from 'regular' Cassia Cinnamon (commonly found in baking aisles).
Cassia cinnamon is very high in a substance call courmarin which can be toxic to the liver and can negatively affect those with bleeding disorders.
Other differences you will see from Ceylon are:
Sweeter and mild in taste
Lighter tan color
Lightly rolled, easily broken
Delicate & rich
Harder to find
Can be expensive
Whereas Cassia cinnamon is:
Dark brown
Thickly rolled, hard
Spicy
Strong & pungent
Easily found in baking aisles
Cheap to buy
But that's enough about cinnamon!
Since Pumpkin and cinnamon support GI and immune health in so many ways, I wanted to make a quick and easy recipe that is safe, nutritious, and healthy for dogs and cats!
You can make this during the holidays, or whenever else you feel like baking up a yummy, nutrient packed treat for them!
Here's my easy 4 ingredient Holiday Pie!
Makes:
1 small pie
Total time investment:
15 mins
*Unless you bake, scoop and pureé your own pumpkin like I do... Then add about an hour and a half!
Ingredients:
1/3 cup of Fresh pureéd Pumpkin (or plain canned pumpkin- NOT pie filling)
One Egg (please use pastured eggs for the highest nutrient content)!
Ground Ceylon Cinnamon
Ground Ginger
Even more great GI health benefits! Rich in minerals, anti-inflammatory, can alleviate upset stomach and diarrhea, soothes nausea, aids digestion, supports the liver, relieves pain, and so much more!!
Plain yogurt (optional garnish)
Other supplies:
Ramican
Small bowl
Fork
Mix the pumpkin and egg together in a bowl.
Add just a pinch of your Ceylon Cinnamon and a pinch of Ginger!
Note; dogs and cats have keen noses, and spices can be very strong to them. Since we are making such a small batch- all you need is a pinch.
*If you want to make a larger batch, you can make these in muffin tins. Just double the batch for however many you want to make.
After it's all mixed together, poor into the ramican!
I just put it right along side my own homemade pie in the oven!
Bake this at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes or until it is firm and golden brown on top!
Use a toothpick to make sure it is not raw inside (it will be a bit gooey as is normal pumpkin pie).
Let this cool thoroughly before serving to your pet(s)!
Carefully use a small rubber spatula or a fork to remove from the ramican.
Top with a dollop of plain yogurt for even more GI benefits!
*Be sure it has no dangerous or toxic additives like xylitol. I personally use almond yogurt, as dairy can upset the stomach of some sensitive pets.
This recipe makes 1 pie! If you want to make more, simply adjust your ingredient ratios!
Recipe serves:
1 medium/ large dog
Or
2 small dogs
Or
4 cats
For larger dogs, you can serve this whole if you want.
For smaller dogs/ cats, I suggest cutting it into halves or quarters.
Quick Tip! Rule of thumb; I offer baked treats in a size no bigger than the pet's paw.
I hope you loved making this fun GI Pie as much as I did!
Does your dog or cat love pumpkin?!
I know we do!
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