Can dog's eat... Pumpkin Seeds?

Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin seeds – as long as they’re prepared and served in the right way. These
little seeds are packed with nutrients, but there are a few things pet parents should keep in mind. In this article, we’ll explore the safest ways to offer pumpkin seeds to your dog, along with their potential health benefits. And while we’re at it, we’ll also take a quick look at pumpkins themselves.

#Are pumpkin seeds good for dogs?

In moderation, pumpkin seeds can be good for dogs. They’re full of nutrients and may offer a range of health benefits (more on that below).

That said, too many can add extra, unwanted calories to their diet and may cause stomach upsets. There’s no strict rule on how many seeds a dog should have each day, but many sources sensibly suggest the following:

  • Small breeds: around 3–5 seeds a day
  • Medium breeds: around 5–10 seeds a day
  • Large breeds: roughly 10–20 seeds a day

Pumpkin seeds are best served to your dog shelled, roasted and unseasoned – salted seeds are definitely off the menu.

For easier digestion, try grinding them into small pieces before sprinkling over your dog’s usual food.

Remember, a good-quality complete pet food should already meet all your dog’s nutritional needs, so extra snacks aren’t essential. But a small nutritional boost now and then can be a nice addition.

##Benefits of pumpkin seeds for dogs

Pumpkin seeds are packed with nutrients, great for humans and potentially beneficial for dogs too.

  • Fibre – essential for healthy digestion, helps pets feel fuller for longer and can support anal gland health
  • Magnesium – crucial for muscle and nerve function, and helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels
  • Manganese – contributes to many body functions, including metabolism, bone formation and
    blood clotting
  • Zinc – required for a variety of processes, including healthy immune system function, healthy bone development and wound healing
  • Iron – essential for red blood cell and haemoglobin formation, as well as enzymes that help with digestion and metabolism
  • B vitamins – including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine) and B9 (folate), which support hormone production, muscle contraction and red blood cell formation
  • Antioxidants – can help reduce inflammation and protect against certain diseases
  • Unsaturated fats – support heart health, reduce inflammation and aid nutrient absorption

##Can dogs eat raw pumpkin seeds?

Pumpkin seeds are tough and harder to digest when raw. Seeds scooped straight from a pumpkin have a hard white shell, while shop-bought ones are usually green, flat and oval. The odd raw or unshelled seed will usually pass through without issue, but too many could lead to stomach upset.

Raw seeds also spoil faster than shelled, roasted ones, and they can be more of a choking risk – particularly for small breeds and puppies.Find our more about the benefits of pumpkin seeds for dogs.

#Is pumpkin good for dogs?

Pumpkin flesh may not be as nutrient-dense as the seeds, but it still offers a range of potential health benefits. As with seeds, it’s best served in moderation to avoid digestive upsets or imbalances in the diet.

Always serve pumpkin cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces, as this makes it easier to chew and digest than raw pumpkin. It should be plain and unseasoned – extra ingredients like salt, garlic or cream aren’t healthy for dogs.

Avoid giving your dog pumpkin rind to chew on, as swallowing large pieces could lead to choking or intestinal blockage.

##Benefits of pumpkin for dogs

Pumpkin contains the following nutrients, which are known to be beneficial for humans and could also be helpful for our pets:

  • Fibre – supports healthy digestion and can help dogs feel fuller for longer, which may assist with weight management. Read more about the benefits of fibre for dogs.
  • Vitamin A – helps maintain a healthy immune system and supports good eyesight
  • Antioxidants – pumpkins are rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against disease
  • Low calorie – pumpkin flesh is naturally low in calories, making it a useful addition for dogs on a weight-loss plan

Your dog’s main diet should already provide all the nutrients they need. Too much pumpkin or any other fruit or veg can lead to stomach upset or an imbalanced diet, so aim to keep extras like this to no more than 10% of their daily intake.

#Conclusion: Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds?

Let’s recap what we’ve covered about pumpkin seeds for dogs:

  • Pumpkin seeds are safe for dogs when given occasionally in small amounts
  • They’re best served shelled, roasted and ground in small pieces
  • While they contain valuable nutrients, they shouldn’t replace a high-quality, complete dog food
  • Pumpkin flesh can also be offered in moderation, as long as it’s cooked and unseasoned