Feeding pumpkin to dogs provides many good health benefits. Pumpkin is a superfood that contains antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. We know that pumpkin itself is good for dogs, but another question many dog owners want an answer to is, “Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds?” Dogs can eat pumpkin seeds. However, the seeds must be appropriately prepared to make them safe for dogs. A note to dog owners: pumpkins seeds should never be fed to dogs raw, same as dogs can’t eat raw pumpkin itself, and you must always peel the seeds. Pumpkin seeds may have more health benefits for dogs than feeding plain pumpkin. What dog owners need to know before feeding pumpkin seeds to their pup:
- Benefits of pumpkin seeds for dogs
- How pumpkin seeds affect dogs
- How to feed pumpkin seeds to dogs
- Are pumpkin seeds bad for dogs?
- Are pumpkin seeds good for dogs as part of a regular diet?
Article Summary
What Are Pumpkin Seeds?
Pumpkin seeds are the edible seeds that are found inside a pumpkin. The seeds that you can purchase at a market are usually oval-shaped, flat, and shell-free. Pumpkin seeds contain a lot of dog vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote optimum health. In many human clinical trials, pumpkin seeds have been studied for the health benefits they provide.
Can You Feed Your Dog Pumpkin Seeds?
Pet owners often feed their dog’s plain pumpkin for its health benefits, the ability to ease digestive upsets, and diarrhea. Pumpkin seeds are a popular snack for pet owners. Veterinarians often recommend adding seeds to homemade dog food recipes. Making homemade pumpkin treats is another way for your dog to get the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients of pumpkin in tasty dog treats.
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds As Part Of Their Regular Diet?
Dogs can have pumpkin seeds as part of their daily diet. Cleaned, roasted, ground pumpkin seeds added to your dog’s food provide a lot of health benefits including antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The amount of pumpkin seed to feed your dog is one ground-up pumpkin seed per 10 pounds of body weight per day.
In What Ways Are Pumpkin Seeds Good For Dogs?
Pumpkin seeds provide dogs with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need to stay healthy. Vitamins A, C, E, and K are necessary for optimum health [1].
How Nutritious Are Pumpkin Seeds?
Seeds from a fresh pumpkin can be fed to dogs. However, the seeds should be washed thoroughly, peeled, roasted, and ground up to make them easier to digest. Roasted pumpkin seeds are the best option for your pet because raw seeds can spoil and become toxic quickly. Dogs can get several health benefits when pumpkin seeds are part of their diet! Did you know that a lot of recipes for dog treats list pumpkin seeds as an ingredient?
Potential Health Benefits For Humans And Animals
- Aids with bladder health
- Improves cardiac health
- Improves sleep quality
- Lowers blood sugar levels
- Lowers risk of certain cancers
- Reduces heart disease risk
- Reduces inflammation
Benefits Of Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs
- The antioxidants and fatty acids in pumpkin seeds improve urinary tract health in dogs. The antioxidants help prevent urinary tract infections and overactive bladder problems in senior dogs. Pumpkin seeds can also help to dislodge kidney stones so the dog can pass them.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in the best fish oil for dogs, can help to alleviate inflammation that causes pain. Fatty acids that reduce inflammation are beneficial in relieving pain from an elbow or hip dysplasia and arthritis.
- Many male dogs over the age of nine suffer from prostate gland enlargement. Pumpkin seeds can help to alleviate this condition, and the discomfort dogs suffer.
- Pumpkin seeds contain beneficial fats called lipids that are beneficial for good health. Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are both in pumpkin seeds. These types of fats promote good cholesterol levels and lower bad cholesterol.
- Vitamin E in pumpkin seeds lowers blood pressure and protects cells from free radicals. Vitamin K helps a dog’s skin to heal following an injury. The vitamin aids in growing strong bones and helps to clot blood after an injury or tissue damage.
Minerals In Pumpkin Seeds That Aid A Dog’s Bodily Function
Minerals in pumpkins seeds that are critical for good health include:
- Calcium
- Iron
- Potassium
- Zinc
Calcium can fight certain types of cancer and is essential to growing healthy teeth and bones. Iron, magnesium, and phosphorous are necessary for healthy red blood cell function. Potassium is needed for solid muscle support. Zinc aids in regulating the activity of the brain, regulating hormones, and keeping the immune system healthy.
Two tablespoons of pumpkin seed contain:
- 19 percent copper
- 23 percent iron
- 42 percent manganese
- 37 percent magnesium
- 33 percent phosphorous
- 14 percent zinc
The composition of healthy minerals in one tablespoon of pumpkin seed makes it an excellent addition to a dog’s daily diet. As long as pumpkin seeds are prepared by peeling, roasting, and grinding them, they can be a powerful antioxidant for your dog.
Are There Side Effects Of Feeding Dogs Pumpkin Seeds?
There aren’t any side effects as long as you follow the guidelines for preparing pumpkin seeds for your dog. Although feeding your dog correctly prepared pumpkin seeds doesn’t have any side effects and isn’t dangerous, there are a few points to consider.
- Avoid any salt. Adding salt to any food your dog eats can cause health risks concerning the sodium levels in the dog’s body.
- Roast the pumpkin seeds. Always roast the seeds. Never feed them to your dog raw. Fresh raw pumpkin seeds can spoil quickly. When the seeds are roasted, they have a shelf life of approximately a month.
- Store the seeds properly. Pumpkin seeds can become extremely toxic when they begin to spoil. The roasted pumpkin seeds must be stored in sealed packages. When you use sealed bags for storage, the seeds will stay fresh for up to six months.
To sum it all up:
- Pumpkin seeds can be fed to dogs safely without any health risks.
- Pumpkin seeds contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial to a dog’s health.
- Your dog should have no problems eating pumpkin seeds as long as they’re prepared correctly.
- Pumpkin seeds should always be cleaned, roasted, and added to your dog’s daily food or as an occasional treat.
- Pumpkin seeds can improve many of the functions in a dog’s body.
- Pumpkin seeds can help to prevent urinary tract infections and cancer in dogs.
- Always store pumpkin seeds properly to extend their shelf life and avoid toxicity if they go bad.
- Like any other new food, you should add pumpkin seeds gradually. Dogs need time to acquire a taste for new foods.
The Most Common Questions About Pumpkin Seeds And Dog’s Diets
Learning about the benefits of pumpkin seeds for dogs can make you feel comfortable about adding them to your dog’s diet. These are the most common questions about pumpkin seeds for dogs.
Do Pumpkin Seeds Kill Dogs?
Fresh or processed pumpkin seeds are safe for dogs. There aren’t any toxins in these seeds. However, you should never feed your dog processed seeds with any additional ingredients, and please—do not overfeed your dog pumpkin seeds or any other treats. Although they aren’t toxic, they can upset your dog’s digestive tract in more significant amounts.
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds In The Shell?
You don’t have to worry about your dog getting sick from seeds still in the shell when he eats pumpkin flesh.
What Varieties Of Seeds Are Bad For Dogs?
Some seeds and fruit pits are toxic and should never be given to dogs, especially cherry, avocado, and peach pits. You should avoid giving your dog shells, nuts, seeds, and apple seeds as they all pose a significant risk.
What Foods Can’t Dogs Eat?
Several foods that dogs cannot eat under any circumstances since they’re toxic and can be life-threatening. they include:
- Alcohol
- Artificial sweetener
- Avocado
- Chives
- Chocolate
- Cooked bones
- Corn on the cob
- Garlic
- Macadamia nuts
- Onions
FAQs
1. What happens if a dog eats a pumpkin seed?
If a dog eats a pumpkin seed there shouldn’t be any problem. However, in large quantities, they could cause digestive upsets. The seeds may not break down sufficiently in the digestive tract which could cause pain and discomfort. The best way to ensure your dog can digest pumpkin seeds is to prepare them by cleaning, roasting, and grinding. You should feed your dog pumpkin seeds in small amounts as a treat or mixed in with their food.
2. Can a dog eat pumpkin seeds with shells?
If your dog is eating pumpkin and gets some of the shells with the seed there shouldn’t be any problems. Ideally, the seeds should be cleaned, roasted, and ground up.
3. Do pumpkin seeds deworm dogs?
Pumpkin seeds are one of the most effective deworming agents. The seeds contain an amino acid known as cucurbitacin. The amino acid is one of the most effective methods of paralyzing parasites and eliminating them from the intestinal tract.
4. Can dog eat raw pumpkin guts?
Raw and cooked pumpkin is safe for dogs to eat. You should always make sure that the pumpkin guts you feed your dog are from a fresh pumpkin and not one that’s been sitting on your porch for a few weeks after Halloween. Some people feed their dogs one tablespoon of canned pumpkin for digestive upsets. If you give your dog canned pumpkin you should only use plain, canned pumpkin. Never feed your dog pumpkin pie filling. Some of the ingredients can be dangerous for dogs.
