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Yesterday we talked about nutrition pumpkins for dogs and their health benefits. We know it’s a superfood, a fruit that packs a huge punch when it comes to nutritional value.
Packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. But can dogs eat pumpkin seeds, or are pumpkin seeds for dogs a bad idea? Let’s take a closer look at that.
If you were wondering: “can I give my dog pumpkin seeds?,” the answer is YES – dogs can eat pumpkin seeds, and they are not dangerous when cooked (don’t give them raw and always peel them).
Pumpkin seeds for dogs can be even more beneficial than the pumpkin itself.
In this article we will look specifically at the benefits of pumpkin seeds for dogs, how they affect dogs and how to feed them, are pumpkin seeds bad for dogs in any way and are pumpkin seeds good for dogs to feed on a regular basis.
ALSO READ: Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?
What are pumpkin seeds?
Pumpkin seeds are the edible seeds contained in the pumpkin. Seeds from a carved pumpkin may have a hard shell, but seeds bought at a grocery store are usually shell-free, oval, and flat.
These seeds contain an inordinate amount of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants that promote the health of the whole body.
They have been extensively studied in human clinical trials for their numerous health benefits (Philips et al., 2005).
This is what peeled pumpkin seeds look like:
Like the pumpkin itself, pumpkin seeds for dogs have become a popular snack option among pet owners.
We see vets recommend adding them to dogs’ homemade dog food meals. So can dogs eat pumpkin seeds regularly? Are pumpkin seeds good for dogs, and in what ways?
RELATED: Can Dogs Eat Sunflower Seeds?
Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs 101
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds? Yes definitely – you can feed your canine pumpkin seeds with one caveat: it is highly recommended to clean, peel, roast and then grind them.
It is best not to feed your dog raw pumpkin seeds as they can spoil quickly and become rancid.
Roasted and ground pumpkin seeds are an easy addition to your dog’s food and provide multiple canine health benefits.
It will require some preparation on your part, but the benefits of feeding pumpkin seeds to dogs are many. There are many homemade dog food recipes which also contain pumpkin seeds.
Need some ideas for pumpkin dog treats? Watch our videos of these tasty recipes:
Nutrition of pumpkin seeds
Let’s take a look at the nutrition of pumpkin seeds and some of the proven health benefits of this food. An ounce serving of peeled pumpkin seeds contains the following:
calories: 126
Fiber: 1.7 grams.
carbohydrates: 5 grams.
Egg white: 7 grams.
Fat: 13 grams
Vitamin K
Phosphorus
Manganese
Magnesium
Iron
Zinc
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Since pumpkin seeds are very high in fiber, they can help improve digestion in dogs, resulting in weight loss for overweight dogs and better overall health (Burrows et al., 1982).
They also have one of the highest magnesium levels of any food, which can help dogs maintain healthy bones, regulate blood sugar and pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease in dogs.
Pumpkin seeds have also been studied to help with certain diseases, infections, and worms in dogs (Mahmoud et al. 2002)
Here are some other potential pumpkin seed benefits for dogs and humans:
- Prevent different types of cancer (1, 2, 3, 4)
- Improve heart health and prevent heart disease (5, 6, 7, 8)
- improve sleep (9, 10, 11)
- Reduce inflammation (12, 13, 14)
- Help with bladder health (15, 16)
- Lower Blood Sugar Levels (17, 18, 19)
Overall, pumpkin seeds for dogs can be very helpful as they are well prepared.
So can dogs eat pumpkin seeds all the time, and how exactly will the addition of this food benefit their overall health? Here’s what you need to know.
RELATED: Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
7 Benefits Of Pumpkin Seeds For Dogs
Here are seven possible health benefits of feeding pumpkin seeds to dogs:
1. Antioxidants, fatty acids in pumpkin seeds promote the health of a dog’s urinary tract.
The antioxidants and fatty acids found in these seeds are essential for promoting urinary tract health and relieving and preventing urinary tract infections.
Pumpkin seed oil can help older dogs suffering from an overactive bladder. In addition, the seeds can help prevent and remove kidney stones.
2. Pumpkin seeds provide a natural way to fight dog parasites.
Pumpkin seeds contain an important amino acid called cucurbitacin and you can use it to rid a dog’s body of parasites and worms.
Cucurbitacin paralyzes and eliminates these gut bacteria by acting as a worming intermediary. It is particularly effective against roundworms and tapeworms.
3. Pumpkin seeds have anti-inflammatory benefits for dogs.
Pumpkin seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids and can relieve inflammation, making them a key ingredient in the fight against conditions that affect aging dogs, such as arthritis and hip or elbow dysplasia.
4. Pumpkin seeds may be beneficial for dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or enlargement of the prostate gland, occurs in many male dogs nine years of age or older.
Pumpkin seeds can help regulate this condition and prevent it from causing serious discomfort to your dog.
5. Pumpkin seeds contain lipids that provide “good” fats for the dog’s body.
Lipids are “good” fats that the body needs to survive. Pumpkin seeds are high in both types of beneficial fats, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated.
These fats are responsible for lowering bad cholesterol and promoting good cholesterol.
6. Vitamins E and K can improve a dog’s cardiovascular health.
As a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin E protects cells from free radicals and lowers blood pressure.
Vitamin K contributes to proper bone growth and maintenance and encourages the skin to heal after injury.
In addition to causing blood clot formation after tissue damage, vitamin K also prevents bleeding from blood cell aggregation.
7. Pumpkin seeds contain many essential minerals for a dog’s bodily function.
The following essential minerals are found in a significant supply in pumpkin seeds:
- Potassium for Muscle Support
- Zinc for immune function, hormone regulation and brain activity
- Iron, phosphorus and magnesium for the function of red blood cells
- Calcium for strong, healthy growth of bones and teeth, and to fight cancer
So, can dogs have pumpkin seeds and reap the benefits?
With all of the above in mind, can dogs eat pumpkin seeds on a regular basis? Yes, you can definitely make pumpkin seeds a part of your dog’s regular diet.
As long as you prepare them properly, which means you don’t feed them raw, but rather peel, roast and grind them, this food can be a powerful health booster for the dog.
But are pumpkin seeds somehow bad for dogs?
READ THIS: 4 Most Dangerous Ingredients in Dog Food (According to Science)
Possible Side Effects Of Pumpkin Seeds For Dogs?
Are Pumpkin Seeds Bad for Dogs in Certain Circumstances? no not really.
There are no immediate side effects of giving pumpkin seeds to dogs. However, there are some things to keep in mind and a few things to avoid when feeding them to your pup.
Avoid salt. Do not add salt to the pumpkin seeds, dogs should only eat regular pumpkin seeds.
Adding salt can pose health risks to the dog, especially problems with sodium levels in the body. Keep the seeds clear.
Roast them. Be sure to toast pumpkin seeds before feeding them to your pup.
Fresh, raw seeds can spoil very quickly; roasting the seeds extends their shelf life by about a month (they also taste better roasted).
Store properly. Pumpkin seeds should be kept in sealed containers, as they become highly toxic when spoiled. By using sealed bags, you can store these seeds for up to six months.
Resume
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
That said, can dogs eat pumpkin seeds safely and without risk to their health? Yes, sure – you can feed pumpkin seeds to your dog.
They are mini powerhouses filled with important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Are pumpkin seeds somehow bad for dogs? Not at all. As long as you prepare them properly, they are completely safe for dogs.
Pumpkin seeds need to be cleaned and roasted and can then be added to your dog’s daily diet or as an occasional healthy treat.
Pumpkin seeds improve a significant number of dog body functions and help prevent urinary tract infections and cancers in dogs.
Be sure to store pumpkin seeds properly to extend their shelf life and avoid their toxicity when they go bad.
Remember that too much of a good thing can be bad.
So feed pumpkin seeds for dogs in moderation and introduce this new snack slowly into your Fido’s diet if your dog is not yet used to eating them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Seeds And A Dog’s Diet
Even with the knowledge that pumpkin seeds have some benefits for dogs, you may still have some questions about how they fit into your dog’s diet.
Eliminate doubts with answers to the most frequently asked questions about this food.
Can Pumpkin Seeds Kill Dogs?
If your dog eats fresh or processed pumpkin seeds, don’t worry. They contain nothing toxic.
Be careful not to give your dog processed seeds with added ingredients. It would help if you don’t overfeed your dog with this treat as well, as they can upset his gut in larger amounts.
Can Dogs Have Pumpkin Seeds in the Bowl?
Don’t worry about seeds getting mixed up with pumpkin puree if your dog has a snack. He can eat hulled seeds or pumpkin seeds with the shells still on.
Which seeds are bad for dogs?
It would help if you never give your dog any fruit pits, including cherries and avocados, as they are poisonous. It would help if you also avoid nuts, shells or apple seeds, as there is a risk.
If your dog wants seeds, give him some pumpkin or hulled flaxseeds, chia seeds or sunflower seeds.
What should dogs not eat?
Dogs should not eat onion, chives, garlic, macadamia nuts, chocolate, avocado, alcohol, corn on the cob, artificial sweeteners, or cooked bones. If in doubt, consult your vet.
READ NEXT: 9 Superfoods for Dogs That Improve Their Health (According to Science)
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