Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds?

We all know that pumpkin is a great source of vitamins and minerals.

Did you also know that pumpkin seeds, or “pepitas,” are the edible part of the pumpkin?

Pumpkin seeds can be eaten raw, roasted, salted, spiced or even ground into butter.
But what about dogs? Can they eat them too?

Yes! It is safe for your dog to eat raw or roasted pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds are actually an awesome source of omega-3 fatty acids that promote healthy brain function for dogs. In fact, they’re also great sources of protein and magnesium which helps with weight control. The only thing is, make sure you buy the kind that has been properly cleaned because they can contain bacteria from the dirt on the outside.

Pumpkin seeds are a great and tasty treat for your dog.

However, you need to know some things before feeding them. The first thing you should know is that they are not good as an everyday snack because of their high fat content.

They also have a lot of calories with over 700 per ounce so moderation is key here! You can give these little treats in small amounts every now and again as long as you watch how much they’re eating at one time.

Benefits of pumpkin seeds for dogs

• Pumpkin seeds are a great source of protein for dogs
• They’re easy to digest and don’t contain any harmful chemicals or preservatives
• The iron in pumpkin seeds is important for the production of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body
• Pumpkin seeds also provide omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain healthy skin and coat
• They can help to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections in female dogs
• They also provide a great source of vitamin A and fibre, which helps with digestion and weight control
• Other health benefits include improved heart function, increased muscle mass, and decreased inflammation

How many pumpkin seeds can a dog eat?

The key to feeding pumpkin seeds to a dog is to use moderation. Any change to your dog’s diet runs the risk of causing an upset stomach or other consequences.

Generally the smaller the dog, the lower the level of pumpkin seeds that should be fed, however you should also consider whether your dog has any allergies which could affect the feeding of this nutritious food.

Whenever you are looking to make changes to your dog’s diet it is always wise to get the professional advice of your vet so that you are happy to make the changes. Your vet will be able to advise of any potential allergic reactions that your dog may be susceptible to.

There is little in the way of conclusive information about the levels of pumpkin seeds that a dog can eat and, for this reason it is best to start with small quantities and to monitor your dog for any indications of an adverse response.

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Can pumpkin seeds give dogs diarrhea?

It’s possible for any food to cause diarrhea in dogs, particularly if the food is new to the dog and/or it is fed too often in too high amounts.

Although pumpkin seeds are high in fibre they also contain high levels of good fats which can result in an upset stomach if fed too frequently.

Are dried pumpkin seeds good for dogs?

Dried pumpkin seeds are a great way to engage your dog in some healthy snacking. They contain protein, fibre, and omega-3 fatty acids which not only keep them feeling full but also provide their bodies with essential nutrients.

Dried pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of zinc and iron for dogs – two minerals that have been shown to improve the quality of life for ageing dogs.

The best part about these tasty treats is that they can be fed straight from the bag or ground into a powder which can then be added to your dog’s food.

When buying dried pumpkin seeds for dogs you should always check that they are free from any additives and salt – organic seeds are always the best option.

How to cook pumpkin seeds for dogs

There’s nothing complicated when it comes to cooking pumpkin seeds for dogs to eat. It is simply a case of making sure that the seeds are clean and free from dirt or debris and then dry baking in a hot oven.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Cut open pumpkin and scoop out seeds, discard the stringy bits
3. Rinse seeds under running water for a few minutes until they are clean of any pulp or goop from inside the pumpkin
4. Pat dry with paper towel and place on baking sheet in single layer
5. Bake for about 45-60 minutes, keep an eye on them so they don’t burn

How to feed pumpkin seeds to dogs

The easiest way to feed pumpkin seeds to dogs is to add the seeds to the dog’s regular food at mealtimes.

You really have two options here, either mix the whole seeds into your dog’s food or, better still, grind the seeds up into powder using something like this spice grinder which will easily turn the whole seed into palatable powder.

Conclusion

Dogs can eat pumpkin seeds and they can benefit from the levels of vitamins and healthy fats that these seeds contain.

As in all things when feeding your dog new foods, you should introduce pumpkin seeds gradually to his diet, not feed too many too often and, if you have any concerns, consult your vet before going ahead.