Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds?

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs

The benefits for humans are plenty, but can dogs eat pumpkin seeds, too? Here’s what encourages dog owners to share this snack with their pooches:

• In addition to tasty flavor, pumpkin seeds are rich in good stuff like magnesium, which is helpful with bone growth and regulating blood sugar levels.
• Other nutrients found in pumpkin seeds include vitamin E, potassium and tryptophan, an amino-acid that helps produce serotonin and increases your dog’s energy levels. Pumpkin seeds are also a great source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help manage obesity, improve joint health and reduce the risks of diabetes, as well as keep your furry friend’s skin and coat healthy.
• Pumpkin seeds are also beneficial for your dog’s dental health. This is because they act as a natural brush that helps remove food debris and plaque from the teeth while your dog chews.
• Pumpkin seed extracts have been proven to help with parasite infections. However, this may not apply to eating fresh seeds. Don’t try to treat your dog with pumpkin seeds instead of deworming medication if they have a severe case of worms!
• They’re low in oxalates (so they won’t cause kidney stones to form) and might actually improve kidney function in animals. However, more studies need to be done to confirm this effect in dogs.

Dangers of Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs

While pumpkin seeds have many health benefits, there are some precautions to take into account before answering the question, “Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds?”.

Diarrhea and Stomach Upset

Raw pumpkin seeds, as well as their cooked counterparts in large amounts, might cause diarrhea in dogs. It might be best to start off small with a few seeds and see how your dog reacts. If you’re already feeding them high-fiber snacks such as pumpkins and apples, you may want to skip these seeds altogether.

Allergies

Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to certain foods. If your dog has an allergy to pumpkin seeds or their oils, symptoms might include itchiness, hives and swelling. Avoid giving pumpkin seeds to dogs who show these signs, and take them to the vet if symptoms are severe.

Choking

Depending on the size of your dog, pumpkin seeds can be a choking hazard, especially once they dry out after being out of the pumpkin for too long. Before feeding them to puppies and small dogs, it’s best to use a food processor or coffee grinder to crush the pumpkin seeds into smaller pieces. This makes for easy feeding as it can be mixed with other dog food.

You may also want to cook the seeds into a soft mash to avoid the risk of choking. If any seeds are swallowed whole, they may get stuck in your dog’s throat or digestive tract and cause an obstruction.

How Many Pumpkin Seeds Can I Give My Dog?

Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds then? The answer, as usually, lies in the quantity. It’s generally estimated that:

• a small dog can have 3–5 seeds per day;
• a medium dog can have 5–10 seeds per day;
• a large dog can have 10–20 seeds per day.

Of course, your dog’s diet and condition will also play a role in how many pumpkin seeds you can safely feed them. If your pup has specific dietary restrictions, or is overweight or obese, talk to your vet before giving them pumpkin seeds (and if they don’t, you should do it anyway).

Dog-Friendly Alternatives to Pumpkin Seeds

Don’t worry, though! There are still healthy alternatives that you can feed your dog this fall. Here are a few suggestions:

• cooked chestnuts;
• shelled sunflower seeds;
• sweet potatoes;
• cranberries;
• apples (peeled and cored).

If your pup can’t resist the smell of pumpkin seeds, you can always give them a lick of pumpkin seed oil, which is safe for dogs and available in most stores. Pumpkin seed oil can be added to their food or can be used as a condiment under the recommendation of your vet.

Summary: Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds?

Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds then? In summary, always use caution and keep in mind that, even though it’s fine to give dogs pumpkin seeds in moderation, there are some risks involved. Even though you don’t want to consider them an everyday treat for your doggie, pumpkin seeds can definitely make for an enjoyable fall snack. Consult the vet to make sure your dog can eat pumpkin seeds without any negative reaction and enjoy their crunchy canine treat!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens If a Dog Eats Pumpkin Seeds?

If your dog gets into some pumpkin seeds that are lying around, they may not be in any danger. Their body may have trouble digesting them if they’re raw or unripe, but they should eventually pass through the digestive tract. It’s important to watch your dog closely and look out for any signs of allergy.

Are Pumpkin Seeds a Dewormer for Dogs?

There is no proof that eating pumpkin seeds will treat worms in dogs. However, they do contain substances that may help expel intestinal parasites from the body in mild cases. Experiments with pumpkin seed extracts have proven it.

How Much Pumpkin Seed Do I Give My Dog to Get Rid of Worms?

It’s not recommended to attempt to treat worms in dogs with pumpkin seeds on your own. It’s better to consult a vet who can recommend an appropriate dosage of the right medication, especially if the case is complex.

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