[Tucker]

Several people have mentioned the difficulty in finding canned pumpkin to feed their dogs for GI problems - apparently there is a national shortage. Today I happened to find organic canned pumpkin at Super Target - I live in No. VA. - not sure if all stores have it but just in case wanted to get the word out.

[shandwill]

Thank you for the info. Our new girl has a "situation" :? this morning that may call for some pumpkin! Trying brown rice mixed in with her food for now.
I think I read that the shortage was due to periods of flooding and drought during the growing season this past year.

[Hankster]

Oh ! So that is why it took forever to track some down.

My local supermarkets were telling me it is now a seasonal item. Probably didn't want to start a panic!

[CorkyMax]

Was at Walmart yesterday and hey there were cans of pumpkin on the shelf. Think people are loading up as there wasn't much there. It was Libby brand and only in the 29 oz. size for $2.50 a can. I only got one can but wish I'd of gotten 1-2 more. I put a couple TBSPS. in 'piles'-flatten a little so stores in freezer better---Put on cookie sheet--Got about 15 servings---Stuck it all in freezer to freeze solid and then I will put in a freezer bag (or 2) for future use--Just take each individual pile as needed. For you that don't know---Pumpkin is good to help regulate your dog's bowels. Works for either diarrhea or constipation. Just know that this is not a cure for diseases that may have diarrhea as a symptom or naturally an obstruction or a poison your dog may of got into!! You still may need to see a vet to get to the root of the problem---Don't use pumpkin as a cover-up for dangerous issues--See a vet if needed. I usually add it to the breakfast oatmeal meal when I think my dog needs some although, feeding raw or home-cooked, I also use it in the regular meal---Good for them-BUT make sure you are using the pure pumpkin--NOT the pie filling with all the sugar, etc. and the nutmeg (if it is in it--prob. is as pumpkin pie spice is a combo of several spices. Nutmeg is 'poison' to dogs! Most dogs like the taste of pumpkin but I still think it is best to add with the meal.

Note: Be sure to read the label as it is about the same looking label for either the plain pumpkin or the Pie filling. Only ingredient you want is just the pumpkin--nothing else--not even any salt added!

[Lunareclipse]

Everyone is out around here. And we don't have a Super target. I might have to order some online.

[Lara's mom]

How strange...There is loads of tinned pumpkin in Canada (at least in Toronto). Not that it does me much good because neither of my girls will touch it!

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

How strange...There is loads of tinned pumpkin in Canada (at least in Toronto). Not that it does me much good because neither of my girls will touch it!

I just found out that Max won't eat it by itself but if I mix it in with his oatmeal it is okay. Yah, I know your 2 don't like oatmeal but they would prob like it okay mixed in the home-cooked stew and other meals you make for them. As the pumpkin is already cooked--you wouldn't have to put it in the whole batch you are preparing--just put the stew or whatever in their bowl like you usually do and stir in a teaspoon or 2 of pumpkin and see what they do. If they eat it --you could always add some to the big batch you make and freeze---I'd just add it after your cooked batch cools down--no sense in cooking the pumpkin twice--(Save as much of the nutrients in the pumpkin as you can) Do your dogs like cinnamon? You could add a bit of that to the pumpkin too before you stir it into the stew, etc.

Note that pumpkin is good not only for regulating the bowels but there is a fair amount of nutrition too. I couldn't get the data to 'copy' so I could paste here so here is the link to it: Nutrition Facts and Analysis for Pumpkin, canned, without salt

Of course that is for a whole cup!