Happy “Friday Treats Friday” everyone!  Do you love Russian Butter Balls or also called Snowball cookies?  Well, I’ve created a recipe so your pup can eat them to.  Made with canned pumpkin, whole wheat flour, egg, peanut butter, and rolled in ground cinnamon, these Puppy Russian Butter Balls were a hit with Jake and Maggie!  Russian Butter Balls are made with lots of flour and nuts, then rolled in powdered sugar!  You won’t find any of that in these treats and instead chose to use cinnamon to roll these cookies in!  I know they love pumpkin but when I handed them the spoon, their tails started wagging immediately.  As always, this treat is Lab tested and approved!  And did you know that pumpkin can be given to cats also?  I have never tried it as I do not have a cat but I did some research and included the information below.

Is Pumpkin good for your dog and cat?  
Yes!  Pumpkin has many health benefits such as aiding in digestive issues and weight loss.  Pureed pumpkin (with no added sugar or spice) can help dogs and cats with both constipation and diarrhea. Adding a tablespoon or two (in proportion to their size) to their regular meal is known to help keep them regular. It can also help dogs and cats with indigestion or upset stomachs.

Is it ok to give your dog pumpkin seeds?
Pumpkin seeds are high in essential fatty acids and antioxidants (good for overall healthy skin and fur), and the oils in pumpkin flesh and seeds are believed to support urinary health. They are also an excellent source of Vitamin A, beta-carotene, potassium and iron, and may even reduce the likelihood your pet will develop cancer.

Have a pet with weight issues?  
Replace a portion of their food with pumpkin keeping their stomachs full with less calorie intake.  

For more treats using pumpkin, check out my previous blog posts:

What Kind of Pumpkin Should I Feed My Dog?
Plain canned pumpkin is the healthiest choice for your dog. Both fresh and canned pumpkinare good sources of nutrients and fiber, but canned pumpkin contains a higher concentration of fiber and nutrients compared to fresh pumpkin.

How much canned pumpkin can I give my dog?
Generally, 1 tsp of canned (or cooked and pureed) pumpkin per 10 lbs of body weight per day is a good standard to go by. If your dog has a health condition such as diabetes, please talk to your vet before feeding pumpkin to your dog.