In terms of occupying powerful antioxidants in our diet, we often include pumpkin seeds in our diet. Its anti-inflammatory effects do wonders for the human body. As a caring guardian, you may also want to offer these benefits to your dog. But can dogs have pumpkin seeds?
Dogs can have pumpkin seeds, as they contain nothing but nutrients. However, these seeds may not be as nutritious for dogs as they are for us. It is because dogs can’t digest seeds properly. So you must have understood that feeding pumpkin seeds to dogs requires some exceptions.
This article will relate to everything regarding pumpkin seeds and their effects on our canine friends.
Can Dogs Have Pumpkin Seeds?
Dogs can have pumpkin seeds, but that doesn’t mean pumpkin seeds are good for them. They work as a superfood for humans, providing several nutrients. Like zinc, iron, magnesium, beta-carotene, antioxidants, and so on. It means pumpkin seeds contain no toxins, which makes them safer for dogs.
But unfortunately, dogs can’t enjoy the nutrients of pumpkin seeds as much as we do. It is because seeds are not the primary food for dogs; they can only help dogs with their fat and fibre content. However, other nutrients can somewhat offer benefits to our canine friends if taken in the right amount.
Benefits Of Having Pumpkin Seeds For Dogs
Having the right amount of pumpkin seeds can be beneficial for dogs. For instance, pumpkin seeds are high in fibre. Its soluble fibre is especially useful for dogs dealing with mild constipation. Not only that, but the fibre content in pumpkin seeds also relieves the irritation in the anal gland. In other words, these seeds help the anal gland function normally and also deal with hairball problems.
Pumpkin seeds have an amino acid named cucurbitin. This is also responsible for preventing anal gland diseases caused by intestinal parasites. Thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties, they can promote the intestinal health of dogs.
Pumpkin seeds have a good combination of polyunsaturated fats and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids will take care of your dog’s skin and coat. Besides, these seeds have beta-carotene and antioxidant properties. These will keep eye health normal and free radicals at bay.
Other nutrients in pumpkin seeds include iron, zinc, and vitamin E. Iron will maintain the haemoglobin level, zinc will help fight injuries, and vitamin E will keep the coat shiny. All in all, your dog can have many health benefits from having pumpkin seeds.
Risks Of Having Pumpkin Seeds For Dogs
Pumpkin seeds can be risky for your dog when he doesn’t properly eat them or the proper amount. For example, your dog ate large amounts of pumpkin seeds, and we know pumpkin seeds are high in fat. The more he will ingest pumpkin seeds, the more he will intake fibre. Whereas, high fibre is not good for dogs. This can inflame the pancreas and cause pancreatitis.
Seeds are not the primary food for animals. They can get as much benefit from seeds as we can. Besides, dogs find seeds, like pumpkin seeds, hard to digest. If your dog eats a large amount of pumpkin seeds and can’t digest them, he will have restlessness. Alongside, he will have constipation, an upset stomach, and sometimes diarrhoea.
Pumpkin seeds are also high in fibre. If your dog already has an upset stomach, these seeds can worsen his condition. Many dog owners use pumpkin seeds to enhance the fibre intake in their dogs’ diets. But if the number of seeds is high, this can reduce the absorption of other nutrients. Hence, your dog can suffer from nutrient deficiency.
Another problem regarding pumpkin seeds is when dogs ingest them with shells. Shells are more indigestible than the seeds and can also cause choking hazards.
How Many Pumpkin Seeds Can Dogs Have?
As overeating pumpkin seeds can cause several health problems for dogs, it would be better if we knew the perfect amount. One thing we must keep in mind is that dogs should eat all human foods, including pumpkin seeds, in small amounts. You can use a way to measure the right portion, i.e., ¼ teaspoon. This is for a small breed. If your dog is a large breed, you may feed him one teaspoon of pumpkin seeds.
Another way to measure the right portion of pumpkin seeds for your dog is by considering his weight. Whatever his weight is, divide it by 10, and you will get the right number of pumpkin seeds. Let’s say your dog is 60 pounds. So divide 60 by 10, and you get 6. It means you should offer six pumpkin seeds to your dog.
If you don’t know your dog’s weight, don’t worry. You can follow the average rule. If your dog is a small breed, offer him three to five seeds. If he is a medium breed, offer him five to ten seeds. Again, for a large breed, ten to twenty seeds are fine.
How To Offer Pumpkin Seeds To Dogs
To get the best results from offering pumpkin seeds to your canine friend, make sure to offer them in the right way.
You must opt for fresh pumpkin seeds and choose the quantity based on your breed. Then remove their shells and wash them properly. Let the seeds dry, and then roast them in a pan. Do not use any salt, oil, or flavours.
As said earlier, pumpkin seeds can be hard for dogs to digest. So grind them in powder form so that your dog does not get any hazards in his digestive tract.
When Can Dogs Have Pumpkin Seeds?
Your dog can only have pumpkin seeds if he is not allergic to them. Besides, you will need your vet’s approval before feeding anything to your dog.
However, you can test for yourself whether your dog can eat pumpkin seeds or not. Let him eat the slightest amount of ground pumpkin seeds first. If he seems okay and gives no reaction, you may offer him some more of it.
Well, a dog will show reactions from eating pumpkin seeds if he has any allergies. If you already know that he is allergic, don’t offer him even the slightest portion of pumpkin seeds.
Your dog may not have any allergies and yet have reactions. In that case, you must also stop offering him pumpkin seeds. Also, a dog with pancreatitis should avoid these seeds.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can Dogs Have Pumpkin Seeds?
Do pumpkin seeds kill intestinal worms in dogs?
Since pumpkin seeds contain an amino acid named cucurbitin, people assume they can kill intestinal worms in dogs. Well, dogs have hookworms and tapeworms as intestinal worms, which can only be treated with medications prescribed by vets.
Are raw pumpkin seeds safe for dogs?
It is better to offer pumpkin seeds to dogs either by roasting them or boiling them. This will make it easier for dogs to digest the seeds. Remember to remove the shells before opting for the cooking process.
Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds every day?
Pumpkin seeds are plant-based foods, especially for humans. Dogs should not rely on these seeds, but only on dog foods. They can eat these seeds occasionally. But if you want to offer them pumpkin seeds every day, the amount should not be more than one seed.
Final Thoughts
After knowing about some potential benefits and side effects of pumpkin seeds, we may wonder, Can dogs have pumpkin seeds? Well, the answer is yes. Dogs can eat pumpkin seeds in small amounts if they are not allergic, have no constipation, and if their vet has approved it.
If your dog ever eats pumpkin seeds more than required, don’t panic. He might vomit afterwards or become restless. In such cases, call your vet and ask for treatments to cool your dog. He may prescribe you some medications to clean your dog’s gut. Offer them to your paw friend, let him rest, and feed him some white rice after a few hours.
