The biggest thing to know is that pumpkin seeds are hard for dogs to digest. “Large amounts could cause stomach upset, constipation, or diarrhea,” says Dr. Wotten.
Only feed your dog a few seeds at a time because large amounts of the fat-containing seeds can cause soft stools or diarrhea.
Risks associated with eating pumpkin seed shells This is due to the possibility that fiber-rich seeds could aggravate intestinal inflammation and result in symptoms such as diarrhea, upset stomach, pain, and bloating (6). Due to their small size, pumpkin seeds can be simple to overeat.
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The short response: Yes, you can feed pumpkin seeds to dogs as long as they’ve been cleaned, peeled, and roasted first.
Pumpkin seeds are well known for their benefits to bladder health and the prevention of certain cancers in addition to being packed with nutrients and antioxidants. In addition to humans, dogs also benefit from nibbling on them.
These healthy little seeds contain zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, and vitamin K. Pumpkin seeds are a great source of fiber and help dogs who have trouble sleeping. Pumpkin seeds can help obese animals maintain a healthy weight, but as a general rule, seeds should not be the only source of nutrition. Despite the numerous advantages, they cannot replace a balanced, appropriate diet under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Feeding Pumpkin Seeds to Your Dog
You can probably give your dog some cooked, peeled pumpkin seeds in moderation if you avoid recipes that call for a lot of other ingredients, such as sugar and salt, says Schmid.
“You can feed them any way you want,” she explains. Grinding would make them easiest for dogs to digest and pass. Grinding is used by some to turn pumpkin seeds into a protein supplement.
Therefore, even though it’s true that eating pumpkin seeds has health benefits, dogs have different nutritional needs. A good dog food, according to Schmid, is your best bet for a healthy, content dog. “There is no need to supplement with pumpkin seeds if the dog is on a high-quality, balanced diet specifically designed for dogs,” the expert claims.
A Natural Solution for Worms
There’s plenty of evidence out there that pumpkin seeds have proven effective in treating humans with tapeworms and other parasites — and the story is no different when it comes to dogs.
Pumpkin seeds are even recommended by many veterinarians for treating worms because they contain a variety of phytonutrient classes, particularly cucurbitacins, which are known for their bitter flavor and (heavily quoted) “toxic” properties that paralyze worms by shutting down their nervous system. (Low-levels of toxicity can actually be a good thing!).
It doesn’t take much; just a teaspoon of pumpkin seeds daily will suffice. It’s never a bad idea to ask your veterinarian about the recommended number of seeds for deworming your dog based on its size and medical history.
FAQ
What happens if my dog eats pumpkin seeds?
Although pumpkin seeds aren’t necessarily the healthiest food when consumed in large amounts, they don’t contain any toxic substances. According to Schmid, dogs can consume them, but moderation is key. She speculates that they may cause upset or discomfort in the digestive system because they don’t break down easily.
How many pumpkin seeds should a dog have?
Give your dog 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin seeds each day for every ten pounds of body weight. The seeds may be consumed whole, ground, or combined with foods.
Do pumpkin seeds act as a laxative?
Pumpkin seeds are high in fiber. One cup contains almost 12 grams. Overindulging may result in gas and bloating. Constipation can be avoided in the long run by consuming fiber, but eating a lot of pumpkin seeds at once may actually make it worse.
Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds everyday?
The answer to the question “can I give my dog pumpkin seeds?” is YES. When prepared (don’t give them raw and always peel them), pumpkin seeds are safe for dogs to eat. In fact, canines may benefit from pumpkin seeds even more than from the pumpkin itself.