Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin seeds as long as it is fed in moderation. Pumpkin seeds contain fiber, nutrients, and minerals, which are beneficial for your dog’s health.
Table of Contents
What Are Pumpkin Seeds?
Pumpkin seeds are the nutritious seeds of pumpkins and are often known as a “superfood” as they carry many beneficial nutrients. Pumpkin seeds belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, including watermelon, squash, cucumber, etc. They are dark-green, flat, soft, and chewy seeds sometimes covered in a whitish husk.
Pumpkin seeds are incredibly nutritious and are most often consumed dried and roasted.
Are Pumpkin Seeds Safe for Dogs?
Yes, both pumpkin seeds and pulp are safe for dogs. Pumpkin seeds carry many antioxidant phytonutrients, low in sodium, and are a good source of calcium (essential for bone formation), potassium, and magnesium. In addition, they are an excellent source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and healthy oils. The pulp is low in calories, and a mixture of soluble and insoluble fiber gives it an efficient solution for constipation and diarrhea.
Why Are Pumpkin Seeds Good for Dogs?
Pumpkin seeds are good for dogs because it contains the following nutrients:
Pumpkin seed is rich in Nutrients
Pumpkin seeds are high in vitamin A (beta-carotene) and potassium, which aid in regulating blood pressure, improving muscle health, and boosting metabolism. In addition, vitamin A and zinc enhance your dog’s skin and coat. It also includes various healthful nutrients, including Vitamin E, K, C, Iron, Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Folate.
Prevent different types of cancer
Help with bladder health
Lower blood sugar levels
Reduce inflammation
Improve sleep
Improve heart health and prevent heart disease
Vitamin A: Vitamin A supports eye health and blocks the decline in the eyesight of canines.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is essential for immune health and joint and locomotory problems. Also, it prevents cancers from developing.
Vitamin E and K: Pumpkin seeds are rich in Vitamin E and K that aid in your dog’s cardiovascular health. Vitamin E reduces and regulates blood pressure levels. Vitamin K causes clotting of blood after tissues are damaged and prevents bleeding.
Omega 3 fatty acids: These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory features, enabling them to fight inflammation and dislodge kidney stones. Also, omega 3 fatty acids boost cognitive performance in your pet and prevent conditions in aging dogs such as arthritis, and hip or elbow dysplasia.
Antioxidants: Antioxidants and fatty acids in pumpkin seeds are required for the urinary health of dogs. Also, it prevents and reduces urinary tract infections. In addition, antioxidants protect free radicals from damage and promote oxidation in cells.
Iron: Iron in pumpkin seeds fights against anemia and supports the functioning of red blood cells in your dog.
Fiber:As pumpkin seeds are high in fiber, they can assist your dog with constipation, diarrhea, or other digestive issues.
Amino acids: Pumpkin seeds carry an amino acid, cucurbitacin, a highly efficient deworming agent. It paralyzes parasites, such as tapeworms, enabling the intestine to eliminate them quickly.
High in Water Content: Pumpkin seeds are high in water content. So, it is appropriate for maintaining the dog hydrated.
Benefit for Prostate Gland Enlargement: Pumpkin seeds regulate harmless prostatic hyperplasia (prostate gland enlargement) and enhance support for male dogs undergoing this condition.
Why Are Pumpkin Seeds Bad for Dogs?
Pumpkin seeds are commercially cooked with salt. Extra salt can cause health risks for canines and can upset sodium levels in their body. Therefore, when serving pumpkin seeds, always make sure that there is no extra salt added.
Fresh seeds can decay immediately, which would be poisonous to your dog. Therefore, it is advisable to roast seeds as they last longer and are also more delicious that way.
Pumpkin seeds that are not stored in sealed containers can rot and become deadly. However, roasted and properly stored pumpkin seeds extend their shelf life up to six months.
How Many Pumpkin Seeds To Feed My Dog?
Before serving pumpkin seeds to your dog, you should be aware that they are high in fat, so it is safer to feed them more sparingly as occasional treats. 1 tsp of pumpkin seed per 10 lbs of body weight daily is a reliable amount.
For underweight dogs or puppies, serve them pumpkin occasionally. Kindly consult your vet before serving pumpkin seed to your dog.
How Do I Serve Pumpkin seeds to My Dog?
Your dog can enjoy pumpkin in a variety of ways.
It is suggested to clean, peel, roast, and grind the pumpkin seeds, make them into a fine paste and feed your pet. It makes an excellent protein supplement.
Canned pumpkins can be served to your dog, but be cautious not to serve with added spices or sweeteners. Cans are suitable for three or four days in the freeze. Store these correctly to evade freezer burn, which can change flavor and nutrient density.
You can also serve your dog home-cooked pumpkin seeds. Pierce a few holes in a pumpkin and bake at 350F for 50-60 minutes.
Roast pumpkin seeds without salt and oil on a baking sheet at 350F for roughly 10-15 minutes. Take them out and let them cool off before serving them to your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dogs Have Pumpkin Soup?
Yes, as long as it’s plain soup without garlic, salt, oil, onions, and seasonings, dogs can have pumpkin soup.
What Seeds Are Bad for Dogs?
Avoid giving your dog fruit pits, including avocados and cherries, as these are poisonous. Likewise, it is advisable to avoid shells, apple seeds, and nuts as there is a risk.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, pumpkin seeds can be given to canines in moderation because their nutrients are beneficial for dogs. However, please pay close attention to portions and how your dog reacts after adding seeds to their menu.
