Can My Dog Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
If you love your dogs, you know how they love to eat literally everything—even if it's not safe for them to consume. And as you read this, you might be sitting beside your dog eating roasted pumpkin seeds. Your doggo obviously wants a bite, but are pumpkin seeds safe for dogs?
We all want the best for our beloved furry friends. You want to give them some fresh fruits and vegetables aside from factory-made dog treats. So, what's the deal with pumpkin seeds? Are they good for your four-legged friend or not?
Quick Answer
Yes, pumpkin seeds are very safe and healthy for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
Pumpkin seeds are edible for dogs. Pumpkins themselves are a superfood that supplies many nutrients your dog might not get from their ordinary diet. And fortunately, pumpkin seeds provide even more benefits than the pumpkin itself!
What Are Pumpkin Seeds?
It probably comes as no surprise that pumpkin seeds come from pumpkins. They are oval-shaped, flat, green, and covered with a white husk. In North America, the seeds are sometimes called "pepitas," which means the tiny seeds of squash. Pumpkins are a member of the Cucurbitaceae (gourd) family.
They have a distinct nutty flavor and a chewy texture when roasted. Pumpkins are rich in magnesium and fatty acids, including sterols, squalene, and tocopherols. These are very beneficial nutrients!
Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs
When giving pumpkin seeds to your dogs, it is best to serve them cleaned, peeled, roasted, and grounded. Do not let your pets eat raw seeds!. Preparing pumpkin seeds requires some effort, but it's all worthwhile because they have many benefits for canine health.
Nutrition of Pumpkin Seeds
Studies show that pumpkin seeds can boost your furry pal's health. The seeds are rich in fiber, which aids digestion. It's recommended that owners with obese canines include pumpkin seeds in their fur babies' meals to help their pet manage weight.
Pumpkin seeds can also help prevent different diseases, improve bladder and cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar levels, and may even help your dog get better sleep.
7 Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs
The following are the main benefits that dogs can get from eating pumpkin seeds.
- Promotes bladder health
- Fights intestinal parasites
- Reduces inflammation
- May combat prostatic hyperplasia
- Provides "good" fats
- Improves cardiovascular health
- Supplies vital minerals your dog needs
Pumpkin Seeds: A Natural Solution for Worms
Dogs are prone to parasites. No one wants to see wiggly "rice bodies" in your pet's stool (this means your dog has worms, in case you didn't know). If this happens, you don't have to use chemical-based deworming agents. Just read further and learn how pumpkin seeds act as a natural cure for eliminating parasites.
Pumpkin Seeds Fight Worms
Pumpkin seeds have an amino acid called cucurbitacin, which kills intestinal bugs by paralyzing them. This acid makes pumpkin seeds one of the best natural worm fighters available.
Feeding Directions
The following are ways you can feed your pet pumpkin seeds.
- Peel the pumpkin seeds
- Crush the seeds
- Feed them whole seeds (as long as they're cooked)
A quarter of a teaspoon is required for every ten pounds their body mass. You mustn't add salt or any other seasoning to the seeds! These ingredients can upset your dog's stomach and detract from food's benefits.
How to Add Pumpkin to Your Dog’s Diet
First, make sure to use organic pumpkin. If you opt to use canned pumpkin, make sure it is 100% pure pumpkin and doesn’t include salt, nutmeg, sugar, or mace. These ingredients can be toxic for dogs in large amounts. Pumpkin and pumpkin seeds can be prepared in many ways. You can cook them, grind them, mix with other dishes, or serve them alone.
How to Prepare a Raw Pumpkin for Your Dog in an Instant Pot
Follow these easy steps to prepare pumpkin for your canine companion in an instant pot!
- Get a small pumpkin, preferably weighing about 2.5 lbs.
- Remove the stem and put the fruit in a multicooker.
- Add 1 ½ cups of water.
- Cook it on high pressure for 13 minutes.
- Afterward, remove it using tongs and put it in a bowl to let it cool.
- When it's cool enough to handle, peel it using a spoon and cut it in half to remove the seeds. The seeds can be preserved for other uses.
- At this point, the pulp is clean and is ready to be mashed to become a puree.
How to Prepare Pumpkin Seeds for Your Dog?
Preparing pumpkin seeds is surprisingly simple! Just follow these steps:
- Preheat the oven to 300°F
- Separate seeds from the fibrous pulp by putting them in a colander or anything similar and rinse with fresh water.
- Lay them on a baking sheet and place them in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes to let them dry.
- Afterward, let them cool, then crush the seeds using a blender or coffee grinder.
- Place them in a clean and well-sealed jar for storage.
How Much to Give Your Dog
For every ten pounds of body weight, give your dog 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin seeds per day. The seeds can be served whole, ground, or added to treats.
Potential Harmful Effects of Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs
In general, there is no harm in feeding your dogs with pumpkin seeds. But if prepared the wrong way, the seeds can be toxic. To prevent pumpkin seeds from poisoning your pet, you should not add salt to them. Moreover, roast the seeds and put them in a well-covered container to preserve their freshness.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin seeds look so ordinary and common that it’s hard to think of them being so beneficial for your dog’s health. These tiny seeds really pack a rejuvenating punch. Just learn to prepare them properly, and your dogs will thank you all their lives!