Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds? You might be asking this because, with Halloween being over with, you are now ready to roast up those seeds if you haven’t already! Humans can eat pumpkin seeds of course but we always want to check before sharing our snacks with our furry family members.
There are many human foods that are safe for dogs, but are pumpkin seeds on that list? The short answer is yes! They are indeed okay for our dogs to eat.
As always, you must ask your vet before introducing any new human foods to your dog including pumpkin seeds or pumpkin. Here’s what you should know about feeding pumpkin seeds to dogs.
How Are Pumpkin Seeds Good For Dogs?
Pumpkin in general is safe for your dog to eat. In fact there are several health benefits to adding pumpkin and pumpkin seeds to our dogs diets!
Pumpkin seeds contain the amino acids that help to paralyze and eliminate parasites from your dog’s digestive tract. They provide “good fat” to in your dog’s diet, which can in turn help lower bad cholesterol levels.
Pumpkin itself also helps maintain a healthy intestine. It’s a great home remedy if your pup is ever constipated or has a upset tummy. With it being high in anti oxidants and vitamins, it can also help slow the aging process and declining eyesight, along with fighting inflammation.
How Can I Safely Give Pumpkin Seeds To My Dog?
In order to safely share your fall snack with your furry friend, there are a few things you need to know before letting them in on the deliciousness.
First, you should remove the seeds from the husks, wiping away any pulp, and let them dry overnight.
To roast, lay them on a flat baking sheet, bake them at around 160 to 170F for about 20 minutes. It’s important to not leave them in for longer.
Seeds can be fed whole or ground and added to meals. You can give your dog a quarter teaspoon per ten pounds of body weight per day. Again check with your vet to make sure this is the right amount depending on your dog!
Make sure to never season your pumpkin seeds if you plan on sharing them with your dog; any additional salt or spices can be bad for your pup.
Pumpkin seeds can be given as treats or ground up and added into your dog’s food; just make sure to check how much they can have before introducing this nutrient-rich snack into your dog’s diet!
Has your dog ever eaten pumpkin seeds? Did they enjoy sharing a fall snack with you? Let us know in the comments below!
