Pumpkin seeds won’t hurt your dog, but they may not be the best choice for a daily snack.
It’s officially fall, which means you’re sure to have more pumpkin and pumpkin-flavored foods around the house. Dog owners might already know that pumpkin is a safe and healthy snack for dogs every once in a while. However, pumpkin seeds are a different story and should be considered separately.
Are Pumpkin Seeds Safe for Dogs?
Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds? Absolutely. Pumpkin seeds can be included in your rotation of healthy snacks for your pup. Just make sure to use them wisely.
Human foods should only be used as a supplement in your dog’s diet, not as a regular part of their intake. If you’re not sure whether your pet’s diet needs supplementation, one common reason to do so is a high level of activity. Dogs that exert a lot of energy every day may need some extra snacks occasionally to keep them happy, healthy, and well-fed.
Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs
Why feed your dog pumpkin seeds to begin with? For many, the inspiration comes from their pups seeing the snack in their owner’s hand and begging for a taste. However, there are a few other reasons to let your dog snack on pumpkin seeds other than puppy dog eyes.
Pumpkin seeds are anti-inflammatory. This means they could help reduce inflammation in your pup’s system and improve other functions. Pumpkin seeds are also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit dogs in a variety of ways, including contributing to heart, brain, and joint health.
If your dog deals with digestion issues, pumpkin seeds could be a good way to improve them. Pumpkin seeds are high in fiber, which encourages healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. Make sure that you don’t feed too many pumpkin seeds to your pup at once, as excess fiber can cause digestive upset and gut issues.
Dangers of Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs
Pumpkin seeds may be a healthy snack in moderation, but can dogs eat pumpkin seeds every day? When it comes to any snack outside of meal times, it’s best to limit your dog to one or two servings a week.
If pumpkin seeds are your dog’s favorite treat and you want to feed them a little bit each day, make your serving size only one to two seeds. Pumpkin seeds have health-boosting properties, but they are also high in fat. Too much fat in your dog’s diet can lead to health problems if it becomes a habit.
How to Prepare Pumpkin Seeds Safely for Dogs
Many dog owners wonder, can dogs eat raw pumpkin seeds? The answer is yes. There are no adverse effects to expect when dogs eat raw pumpkin seeds. Depending on your dog’s taste, they might even prefer the taste of raw seeds to cooked seeds.
You can also bake or roast your dog’s pumpkin seeds to prepare them for snack time. This process might help to make the seeds softer and easier to chew if you’re concerned about choking.
Place the pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes at 350 degrees. Don’t add any salt or seasonings, as too much salt can cause blood pressure issues, and certain seasonings are toxic to dogs. Make sure to let the seeds cool before you let your pup enjoy their snack.
