Whether making pureed pumpkin, pumpkin pie, or carving pumpkins for Halloween jack o lanterns, we always tend to throw pumpkin seeds out.
Contrary to popular belief that pumpkin seeds are waste to be discarded, they are packed with nutritional benefits and can be a healthy snack for your dogs.
Pumpkin seeds are tiny, but do not get fooled by their size. They are a tasty snack and contain several health benefits for your canine companion.
Today, we'll talk about the pros and cons of feeding pumpkin seeds to dogs, the recommended serving sizes, and suggest multiple ways to add pumpkin seeds to your dog's food.
Are Pumpkin Seeds Healthy for Dogs?
There has been quite a lot debate on this topic. But the fact of the matter is that pumpkin seeds are not toxic to dogs. Instead they offer a bunch of benefits to your furry pal.
Pumpkin seeds are a high source of vital minerals, protein, fiber, and omega fatty acids. They are a source of fiber and can help prevent worms in your dogs. But the key is to take these in moderations because dogs don't process seeds like humans.
Now if you're worried whether your dog will like pumpkin seeds, let me tell you one thing - dogs find pumpkin seeds to be delicious. So it's a win-win because it's a whole package when it comes to taste and health benefits.
Above all, pumpkin seeds are packed with essential nutrients that can promote your dog's well-being. Pumpkin seeds are rich in essential vitamins and minerals. They are high in fiber, fatty acids, and proteins. Moreover, pumpkin seeds also contain antioxidants.
So, it's something that you can surely add to your dog's diet.
Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs
There are several benefits of pumpkin seeds, as they contain a variety of nutrients and minerals. Each of the minerals contributes to the well-being of your dog, so you must continue to read to find out about them.
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Nutritious treat
Pumpkin seeds are an ideal source of essential vitamins and minerals. These minerals and vitamins include magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.
They are essential for maintaining your dog's overall health. This includes proper muscle and nerve function.
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High in Fiber
Pumpkin seeds are high in fiber, so they help promote healthy digestion by regulating bowel movements.
Pumpkin seeds can relieve your dog if it constantly has its stomach upset, such as in the case of diarrhea or constipation.
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Rich in Protein
Pumpkin seeds are also a very good source of protein. Proteins are necessary for your dog's muscle development and overall energy levels.
If you have a very active dog or growing pups, feeding your dog pumpkin seeds will be even more beneficial.
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Fatty Acids
Pumpkin seeds contain healthy fats, including omega-3 and omega-6.
These omega fatty acids contribute to your dog's skin and coat health. They reduce the risk of skin issues and promote the health of the dog's fur.
So, feeding pumpkin seeds to your dog is helpful, especially the ones with skin allergies.
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Antioxidants
Pumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help improve a dog's immune system and protect against other diseases.
Pumpkin seeds contain a good deal of antioxidants such as Vitamin E, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. These antioxidants strengthen the dog's immune system. As a result, dogs become less susceptible to diseases such as cancer.
Magnesium, in particular, helps relax respiratory glands and opens up airways.
So, yes, feeding pumpkin seeds to your dog is absolutely healthy.
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Promotes Healthy Eyes
Pumpkin seeds contain Vitamin A, which helps improve the eyesight of dogs. The beta carotene in Vitamin A prevents the development of night blindness as well as other eye diseases in dogs.
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Anti-Inflammatory
Ground pumpkin seeds are good for anal gland irritation in dogs. This means that pumpkin seeds can help heal irritation, pain in the anal glands, and inflammation. They also help your dog with chronic anal gland diseases.
Disadvantage of Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs
The numerous benefits of eating pumpkin seeds have been discussed in detail above. However, while it is true that pumpkin seeds are beneficial for dogs, there are some disadvantages if dogs eat pumpkin seeds:
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High-Fat Content
Pumpkin seeds are rich in fats. This means excessive consumption can lead to weight gain as well as stomach upset. The human digestive system processes pumpkin seeds differently than a dog's, especially if your dog is not used to it.
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Allergies
Some dogs may be allergic to certain components in raw pumpkin seeds, such as proteins. Pumpkin seeds can cause inflammation and pancreatitis, which causes abdominal pain and vomiting.
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Stomach Problems
It is true that pumpkin seeds can improve digestion because of their high fiber content. However, if too many pumpkin seeds are consumed it can cause digestive problems in dogs.
How Many Pumpkin Seeds Should I Give?
While pumpkin seeds are a nutritional treat for your dog to eat, seeds still should be given in a moderate amount. Dogs can eat pumpkin seeds in limited quantities, or else they might cause problems such as digestive issues.
Moreover, it can also lead to overeating and cause weight gain in dogs if pumpkin seeds are not given in moderate amounts.
The ideal amount of pumpkin seeds you can give your dog is 1/4 teaspoon worth. If this sounds too complicated, you might give your dog 10 to 20 pumpkin seeds daily. Make sure that you do not exceed this amount.
You can always consult your vet and discuss with them the ideal portion size of seeds to be given to your dog according to their size and weight. Just ensure that the well-being of your dog is prioritized.
Ways to Feed Pumpkin Seeds to Dogs
If you have decided to feed your dog pumpkin seeds, you must know how to prepare pumpkin seeds for him. This is necessary to avoid any health issues further down the line.
First and foremost, you are supposed to shell the pumpkin seeds. The shells can cause choking, so they must be removed. You can boil the seeds for easy removal of the shells.
There are various ways of giving pumpkin seeds to your dog. Cooked pumpkin seeds or roasted pumpkin seeds are commonly used to feed your dog pumpkin treats. You can even feed raw pumpkin seeds to your dog.
Roasting pumpkin seeds is easy if that is how you want to give them to your dog. However, roasted pumpkin seeds should not have any seasonings because they are not good for your dog.
To roast the seeds, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, place the raw seeds on the tray and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes.
You might want to take it slowly if you are just starting to incorporate pumpkin seeds into your dog's diet. This means you can grind the seeds into a powder and add it to your dog's food. This way, your dog will get used to it without rejecting it completely. Your dog will also be able to digest them easily.
Final Words!
Pumpkin seeds are a good addition to your dog's diet as it offers several benefits. However, it is essential to be mindful of potential disadvantages, including calorie content, allergies, and digestive issues.
Consult your vet before you let your dogs eat pumpkin seeds. It is essential to know that you are giving your dogs the appropriate amount of seeds. This is because when pumpkin seeds are given in moderation and with proper precautions, they can be a super nutritious treat for your furry friend. Plus they are tasty too.
So, don't keep your furry friends away from this nutritional treat. Try them out today and see the benefits for yourself. If you come across any problem after feeding your dog pumpkin seeds, immediately take your furry pal to the vet. The vet will identify the issue and help fix the problem.
Afterall, your dog's health should be your utmost priority.
FAQs
Can pumpkin seeds help in getting rid of worms in dogs?
No, pumpkin seeds do not kill worms in dogs. This is because pumpkin seeds can't really treat or cure diseases. Pumpkin seeds can only be used as a preventive measure against them. You should talk to your vet if your dog has developed worms.
Are there any risks of feeding too many pumpkin seeds to your dog?
Yes, there are risks if your dogs eat pumpkin seeds in large quantities. Your dog can develop allergies or even get an upset stomach if you give them more than the required amount of pumpkin seeds.
What other natural foods can a dog eat?
Pumpkin seeds are not the only organic food dogs can eat. There are other natural foods dogs can eat, such as pumpkin puree. You can learn how to make pumpkin puree for dogs at home. Make sure that any treat you are giving to your dog is prepared in a way as to not harm your furry friend.
Can a dog eat pumpkin seeds with shells?
Dogs can eat pumpkin seed with shells, but it's best not to give them with shells. First, shells are a choking hazard, and secondly, dogs cannot digest the seeds, so giving them the seeds without shells is better.
