When you carve a pumpkin for Halloween or make a pumpkin pie, you end up with just a handful of seeds. Your dog looks up at you with those eyes, and you think,” Can dogs have pumpkin seeds?” The short answer is that, yes, you can (or at least it’s not entirely illegal), but the simple act of throwing them some coins isn’t actually all that straightforward. Although pumpkin seeds can be a wholesome snack for your pet, there are essentials every dog guardian should learn.
This guide will cover everything there is to know about pumpkin seeds and dogs. We will examine the nutritional offerings, tell you how to prepare them safely, and discuss dangers. At the end, you’ll know whether pumpkin seeds are a good choice for your hairy friend and how to offer them safely.
Now That’s A (Healthy) Treat: Pumpkin Seeds and Your Dog
When cooked properly, pumpkin seeds are more than a crunchy snack; they’re nutritious powerhouses. So, are pumpkin seeds for dogs good? Absolutely. Here are key ways that they can benefit your health.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Pumpkin Seeds -These are full of vitamins and minerals that support canines’ health:
- Magnesium: This mineral is necessary for muscle function, bone health, and keeping the heart rhythm steady. It’s also involved in nerve impulses and aids the immune system.
- Iron: Essential for the formation of red blood cells, iron helps to prevent anemia. Working or active dogs need enough iron to keep energy and stamina up.
- Zinc: for skin and coat health. It also speeds the healing process of a wound and grants immunity. A lack of zinc causes skin trouble and a dull coat.
- Potassium: It’s an electrolyte you need to help fluids stay balanced in your body, keep muscles working right, and transmit nerve signals. It’s also essential for heart health.
Healthy Fats and Protein
Pumpkin seeds are high in vegetarian protein that plays a significant role in developing lean muscle and repairing tissue. They are also high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Some healthy fats help keep a coat shiny and skin healthy, as well as aid in brain function.
Natural Fiber Content
By promoting frequent bowel motions and preventing dangerous bacterial activity in the colon, the fiber in pumpkin seeds also supports healthy digestion. But it’s crucial to offer pumpkin seeds in moderation, as too much fiber could cause digestive disturbances.
Antioxidants
Pumpkin seeds are rich in several antioxidants that protect the body against free radicals, may reduce inflammation, and decrease the risk of acquiring chronic illnesses.
Pumpkin Seeds and Deworming Dogs
You may have gotten word that pumpkin seeds are a natural dewormer. This is thanks to a compound known as cucurbitacin that’s believed to stun and expel intestinal parasites. Although it may work to some extent, there’s not much scientific evidence for dogs. So, for goodness’ sake, do not feed pumpkin seeds instead of veterinarian-prescribed deworming. If you think your dog is harbouring worms, it’s essential to visit your vet for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
How to Prepare Pumpkin Seeds Safely for Dogs
How you make pumpkin seeds is key to their safety. Never give your dog raw, salted, or seasoned seeds. Since you prepare these, they are digestible and free of preservatives!
Cleaning and Removing Shells
1. De-seed the pumpkin and wash it well. Dogs can technically eat the shells, but they are hard to digest and could present a choking hazard for small dogs. Shells can also cause intestinal obstructions when swallowed.
To get the shells off (creating what are called pepitas), you can boil the seeds for 10–15 minutes to soften them. Once they have cooled, you can often crack the shells and release the inner kernel if it seems like too much trouble to shell them, buy pre-shelled unsalted pepitas. Can dogs have pepitas? Yep, pepitas are the perfect pumpkin seeds for dogs.
Roasting Without Seasoning
Roasting the pumpkin seeds makes them easier for dogs to digest and much tastier. To roast them:
- Take a big baking sheet out and preheat your oven to 300° F (150°C).
- Lay the cleaned and shelled seeds (pepitas) out in a single layer on a baking pan.
- Place in the oven and roast 10 – 20 minutes or until they are just slightly golden brown.
- Cool completely before serving.
- It’s essential not to sprinkle any salt, oil, or seasonings over the skin. Garlic, onion powder, and added salt are all poisonous to dogs. Plain is always the surest choice.
Grinding into Powder
Grind the dry roasted seeds to a fine powder for easy consumption and to minimise choking, if any. A clean coffee grinder, blender, or food processor will work just fine. This pumpkin seed powder can then be sprinkled on your dog’s food daily.
Potential Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
As much as pumpkin seeds have benefits, it’s good to know about the possible downside, too. Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds if they haven’t been appropriately prepared? Yes, they can be.
Choking Hazards
Whole seeds, particularly those with shells, may cause choking. This can be especially problematic for smaller dogs or those that swallow food without chewing. This is reduced if you grind the seeds or consume only shelled pepitas. If your dog begins to gag, cough, or have difficulty breathing after ingesting seeds, reach for veterinary help at once.
Digestive Upset
Pumpkin seeds are also a vibrant source of fat and fiber. Too many will cause digestive issues such as gas, vomiting, or diarrhea. Dogs that have a sensitive stomach may be at greater risk. -You should always introduce the new food gradually in small amounts.
Pancreatitis Risk
Dogs who are prone to pancreatitis can develop the condition in response to pumpkin seeds because they are so high in fat. This is a severe and painful disease of the pancreas, which will need veterinary treatment. Dogs who have had a history of pancreatitis, are overweight, or have gastrointestinal issues should not be fed pumpkin seeds without checking with your vet.
Toxic Seasonings
As discussed above, a lot of seasonings are toxic to dogs. Those store-bought pumpkin seeds are often covered in salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and more spices. Be sure to use raw, unsalted, and unseasoned seeds.
How Much is Too Much? Dosage Recommendations
As with any treat, consuming pumpkin seeds in moderation is essential, and this is no different for dogs. Treats should comprise no more than 10% of your pet’s daily caloric intake.
Here’s a rough idea of how many ground pumpkin seeds to serve relative to your dog’s size:
- Tiny Dogs (up to 25 lbs): A ¼ to a half teaspoon of the crushed seeds daily.
- Medium Breed Dogs (25-60 lbs): One to two teaspoons of ground seeds daily.
- Large Dogs (more than 60 pounds): 1 TBSP of crushed seeds per day.
When feeding pumpkin seeds for the first time, start slowly in much smaller quantities and wait 24 – 48 hours to see how your dog’s system handles the seeds before amping up the amount.
Expert Advice from Veterinarians
Most veterinarians agree that pumpkin seeds are safe for dogs, as long as they are fed to your dog in moderation and adequately prepared. “Pumpkin, in general, is a healthy treat for dogs,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the American Kennel Club. However, even the healthiest foods can be an unhealthy choking hazard if not appropriately prepared or consumed too quickly.
Pump It Up! (kins)Klein explains that …Continue reading your story on The Maguires, Dr. Jerry Klein(assigns classifications of fruits and vegetables/paw paws). Join us now for free! With each session off getting my chapter 7 FLP,* I would come up with something to try to overcome two more grapes being added in as possible food offenders from a big furry drugstore.
Veterinary nutritionists caution that the seeds should be roasted and crushed to make them more digestible and less likely to stick in a pet’s throat. They also note that while the cucurbitacin found in pumpkin seeds may have some antiparasitic properties, it doesn’t make for a solid dewormer. Use veterinary-approved treatments for parasite control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are pumpkin seeds safe for dogs raw?
It’s not recommended. Are raw pumpkin seeds safe for dogs to eat? Yes, technically, but they are also more challenging to digest and can harbor bacteria. Roasting also helps make the seeds safer and gentler on your dog’s tummy.
Can dogs eat pepitas?
Yes. Pepitas are shelled pumpkin seeds. Unflavored, unsalted pepitas are the best and one of the pumpkin seeds for dogs to eat.
Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds?
They can be if they are prepared the wrong way (with added salt or seasonings) or are eaten in excessive amounts. They could also be a choking hazard or cause an obstruction. Well, as long as they’re not prepared & portioned poorly.
Can dogs with sensitive stomachs eat pumpkin seeds?
It’s best to be cautious. The high levels of fat and fiber may lead to upset tummies for some dogs. Introduced into your dog’s diet very slowly, ground seeds (or flaxseed oil) should be a start at a teaspoonful with each meal, and build up gradually over weeks; or else if your dog has ever had pancreatitis or stomach upset for some breed-specific reason coat health will have to be left alone no matter how much you’d like to enhance it that way. Start on an itsy bitsy amount of ground seed and see how the dog does!
My dog ate seasoned pumpkin seeds. What should I do?
Contact your vet immediately. The risk is in the seasonings and portion size. Garlic and onion are especially poisonous, and salt may lead to sodium ion poisoning.
Your Dog’s Health Comes First
So, are pumpkin seeds safe for dogs to eat? Yes, there can be a healthy and fun snack if offered the right way. After cleaning, shelling, and roasting the seeds without any seasoning, you can make an all-natural snack for your pup. Grinding the seeds into powder form is the best option for including them in your dog’s diet.
It’s essential to keep in mind that each dog is a unique individual. What’s good for the goose may not be suitable for the gander. Watch your dog carefully and continually introduce new foods slowly. If you are in doubt or if your dog has pre-existing health issues, consult with your vet. For more information on what foods are safe for your furry friends, explore our other articles, like this one on Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds.
