I was busy preparing a pumpkin for Halloween the other day, and as usual, my dogs were right by my side curiously looking at what I was busy with.
As I was admiring their enthusiasm, I was wondering, can dogs eat pumpkin seeds? If so, do dogs benefit from eating pumpkin seeds?
Yes, dogs can eat unsalted pumpkin seeds that have been peeled, roasted, and ground because they have various health benefits for dogs. Pumpkin seeds promote urinary health, fight intestinal parasites, promote cardiovascular health, and promote good cholesterol in dogs.
It is recommended though to feed them pumpkin seeds as an occasional snack because too many pumpkin seeds can cause digestive problems in dogs. This is due to the fact that pumpkin seeds are rich in fiber.
The Benefits Of Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs
So, now that we’ve established that pumpkin seeds are safe for dogs to eat, let’s have a look at exactly why pumpkin seeds are beneficial to a dog’s health.
- It fights parasites
- It is an effective deworming agent
- It promotes urinary health
- It promotes cardiovascular health
- It helps to fight conditions such as arthritis and hip dysplasia
- It promotes good cholesterol
- It can help to regulate prostate gland enlargement
The Potential Drawbacks Of Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs
While pumpkin seeds are very healthy for dogs to eat, there are a few things that you should take note of.
Salt Content
Most commercially sold pumpkin seeds contain added salt, and as you may or might not know, too much salt is bad for dogs.
Raw Pumpkin Seeds Spoil
Raw pumpkin seeds are known to spoil very quickly, especially when they are not stored properly. A very good idea is to roast them before feeding them to your pup, and also when you plan on storing them for future consumption.
Can Cause Diarrhea
The fiber content in pumpkin seeds can cause your furry friend to get diarrhea when he eats too many. So, it is best served as an occasional treat.
How Many Pumpkin Seeds Can A Dog Eat?
Too many pumpkin seeds can cause digestive problems in dogs due to their fiber content, so it is recommended to give your dog a maximum of one teaspoon of pumpkin seeds per day.
A good rule of thumb is to give your dog a quarter teaspoon per ten pounds of body weight per day.
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds With Shells?
Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin seeds with shells, however, it is not recommended. Dogs can’t spit out the shells as humans do, so they swallow them and this can lead to digestive problems in dogs.
Can Pumpkin Seeds Kill Dogs?
No, pumpkin seeds are not toxic to dogs and won’t kill them, however, it is recommended to peel them, roast them, and ground them before feeding them to your dog to avoid any digestive problems.
Do Pumpkin Seeds Deworm Dogs?
Yes, pumpkin seeds have been proven to help deworm dogs because they contain an important amino acid called cucurbitacin which paralyzes and eliminates intestinal parasites, making it a highly-effective deworming agent.
Can Pumpkin Seeds Give Dogs Diarrhea?
Yes, pumpkin seeds can give dogs diarrhea, but only when they have eaten too many of them. Pumpkin seeds are rich in fiber, and while this can help fight digestive problems, it can also cause diarrhea in dogs when not consumed in moderation.
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?
Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin in moderation because it promotes urinary health, fights intestinal parasites, promoted cardiovascular health, and fights conditions such as arthritis and hip dysplasia.
You can add one to four pumpkin tablespoons per meal to your dog’s diet, but be sure to not overdo it as it can cause your dog to get diarrhea.
Conclusion
As you can see, dogs can safely eat pumpkin seeds that have been prepared correctly.
I highly recommend that you peel them, roast them, and ground them before feeding them to your furry friend. And remember, pumpkin shells are rich in fiber, so don’t feed too many to your pup.
Stick to a quarter teaspoon per ten pounds of body weight per day, and your pup will reap all the various health benefits that pumpkin seeds offer.
