Yesterday we talked about feeding pumpkin to dogs and its health benefits. We know it’s a superfood, a fruit that packs a mighty punch when it comes to nutritional value. Choc rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. But can dogs eat pumpkin seeds too, or are pumpkin seeds for dogs a bad idea? let’s take a closer look. If you were wondering, ‘Can I give my dog pumpkin seeds,’ The answer is yes – dogs can eat pumpkin seeds and they are not dangerous when prepared (don’t give them raw and always peel them).
In fact, pumpkin seeds may be even more beneficial for dogs than pumpkin itself. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of pumpkin seeds for dogs specifically, how they affect dogs and what they should be feeding them, whether pumpkin seeds are bad for dogs in any way, and Are they good for dogs. Good for regular meals.
What are Pumpkin Seeds?
Pumpkin seeds are the edible seeds found in pumpkins. The seeds of a carved pumpkin may be hard, but those purchased at the grocery store are shellless, oval, and flat. These seeds contain a non-trivial amount of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants that promote the overall health of the body. They have been extensively studied in human clinical trials due to their many health benefits (Phillips et al. 2005).
Like pumpkin, pumpkin seeds for dogs have become a popular snack option among pet owners. We see veterinarians recommending them to be included in Canine’s homemade dog diet. So can dogs regularly eat pumpkin seeds, and in what ways are pumpkin seeds good for dogs?
Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs 101 Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds? Yes of course – you can feed your dog pumpkin seeds with one caveat: It is highly recommended that you clean, peel, roast and then grate them. Feeding raw pumpkin seeds to your dog is not recommended because they can spoil quickly and go rancid. Roasted and powdered pumpkin seeds can be easily added to your dog’s diet and provide many benefits for canine health. It does require some preparation on your part, but there are many benefits to feeding pumpkin seeds to dogs. There are many homemade dog food recipes that include pumpkin seeds.
- Healthy Pumpkin Cookie Dog Treat Recipe
- Pumpkin Dog Biscuits for Sensitive Stomachs
- Pumpkin Peanut Butter Homemade Dog Treats
Pumpkin Seed Nutrition
Let’s take a look at the nutrition of pumpkin seeds and what are some of the proven health benefits of this food. A one-ounce serving of shelled pumpkin seeds contains the following:
Calories: 126
Fiber: 1.7 grams
Carbohydrates: 5 grams
Protein: 7 grams
Fat: 13 grams
Vitamin K
phosphorus
Manganese
magnesium
Iron
Zinc
Copper
that pumpkin seeds are very high in fiber, so they may help improve digestion in dogs, resulting in weight loss and better overall health for overweight dogs (Burrows et al. 1982). They have one of the highest contents of magnesium of all foods, which can help dogs maintain healthy bones, control blood sugar and pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease in dogs. Pumpkin seeds have also been studied to help with certain diseases, infections and worms in dogs (Mahmood et al. 2002). Here are some other potential benefits of pumpkin seeds for dogs and humans:
that pumpkin seeds are very high in fiber, so they may help improve digestion in dogs, resulting in weight loss and better overall health for overweight dogs (Burrows et al. 1982). They have one of the highest contents of magnesium of all foods, which can help dogs maintain healthy bones, control blood sugar and pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease in dogs. Pumpkin seeds have also been studied to help with certain diseases, infections and worms in dogs (Mahmood et al. 2002). Here are some other potential benefits of pumpkin seeds for dogs and humans:
- Pumpkin seeds prevent from various types of cancer
- Pumpkin seeds improve heart health and prevent heart disease
- Pumpkin seeds improve sleep
- Pumpkin seeds reduce inflammation
- Pumpkin seeds help with bladder
- Pumpkin Seeds Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Overall, provided they are prepared right, pumpkin seeds can be extremely beneficial for dogs. So should dogs eat pumpkin seeds all the time, and how would eating this food item benefit their overall health? Here’s what you should know.
7 Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs
Here are seven potential health benefits of feeding pumpkin seeds to dogs:
- Antioxidants, fatty acids in pumpkin seeds promote dog urinary health.
The antioxidants and fatty acids found in these seeds are essential for encouraging urinary health and reducing and preventing urinary tract infections. Pumpkin seed oil may help older dogs suffering from an overactive bladder. Additionally, the seeds may help avoid and displace kidney stones.
- Pumpkin seeds provide a natural way to fight off dog parasites.
Pumpkin seeds contain an important amino acid called cucurbitacin, and can be used to rid a dog’s body of parasites and worms. Cucurbitacin paralyzes and kills these intestinal worms by acting as an anthelmintic agent. It is particularly effective against roundworms and tapeworms.
- Pumpkin seeds have anti-inflammatory properties for dogs.
High in omega-3 fatty acids, pumpkin seeds can reduce inflammation, making them an important ingredient in the fight against conditions that affect aging dogs, such as arthritis and hip or elbow dysplasia .
- Pumpkin seeds contain lipids that provide “good” fats to the dog’s body.
Lipids are “good” fats that the body needs to survive. Pumpkin seeds contain both types of beneficial fats, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. These fats are responsible for lowering bad cholesterol levels and promoting good cholesterol.
- Vitamins E and K can improve a dog’s heart health.
As a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin E protects cells from free radicals and lowers blood pressure. Vitamin K contributes to proper bone growth and maintenance, as well as encouraging skin to heal after injury. Vitamin K also prevents bleeding through blood cell aggregation, due to the formation of blood clots after tissue damage.
- Pumpkin seeds contain many important minerals for dog body function.
The following important minerals can be found in significant supply in pumpkin seeds:
- Potassium for Muscle Support
- Zinc for immune function, hormone regulation, and brain activity
- iron, phosphorus, and magnesium for red blood cell function
- Calcium for the development of strong, healthy bones and teeth, as well as to fight cancer
So, can dogs eat pumpkin seeds and get benefits?
Keeping all of the above in mind, can dogs eat pumpkin seeds on a regular basis? Yes, you can definitely make pumpkin seeds a part of your dog’s regular diet. As long as you prepare them the right way, that is, you peel, roast and grate them, not raw, this food can prove to be a powerful health booster for dogs. But are pumpkin seeds bad for dogs in any way?
Any Possible Side Effects of Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs?
Are Pumpkin Seeds Bad for Dogs Under Certain Circumstances? no not really. There are no apparent side effects of giving pumpkin seeds to dogs. However, there are some things to keep in mind and some things to avoid when feeding your puppy. Avoid salt. Do not add salt to pumpkin seeds as dogs should eat plain pumpkin seeds. Adding salt can pose health risks to the dog, particularly issues surrounding sodium levels in the body.
Keep the seeds plain. Fry them. Be sure to roast the pumpkin seeds before feeding them to your pup. Fresh, raw seeds can spoil very quickly; Roasting the seeds extends their shelf life to about a month (they also taste better roasted). Store properly. Pumpkin seeds need to be stored in sealed packages as they become highly toxic as they go rancid. You can save these seeds for up to six months using a sealed bag.
summary
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
That being said, can dogs eat pumpkin seeds safely and there is no risk to their health? Yes, absolutely – you can feed pumpkin seeds to your dog. They’re mini-powerhouses packed with important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Are Pumpkin Seeds Bad for Dogs in Any Way? not at all. As long as you prepare them correctly, they are completely safe for dogs. Pumpkin seeds need to be cleaned and roasted, and can then be added to your dog’s daily diet or as an occasional healthy treat.
Pumpkin seeds improve a significant amount of dog body functions, as well as help prevent urinary infections and cancer in dogs. Be sure to store pumpkin seeds appropriately to extend their shelf life and avoid their toxicity if they go bad. Remember that too much of a good thing can be bad. So feed pumpkin seeds for dogs to Fido and slowly introduce this new snack food into your Fido’s diet if your dog isn’t already used to eating them.