Can Cats Eat Pumpkin Seeds?

Pumpkin seeds contain dietary fiber, and humans love to eat them. But are they safe and beneficial for felines? Can cats eat pumpkin seeds?

The simple answer is yes; they can. Pumpkin seeds have plenty of vitamins and are one of the important ingredients in cat food recipes. You can offer it as a tasty treat, but some parts are better to avoid.

However, it’s better to introduce felines to pumpkin seeds gradually. Also, observe their reaction after serving them some amount of pumpkin seeds.

If you want to know more about, Can cats eat pumpkin seeds? Then, you are in the perfect place. Read on to know more about the benefits of pumpkin seeds for your furry friends.

How Much Are Pumpkin Seeds Nutritious For Cats?

Can cats eat pumpkin seeds? Are they nutritious for them? Pumpkin seeds are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and fatty acids. Additionally, they are also loaded with vitamins and minerals. However, avoid feeding them in excess amounts as they can be harmful.

Some of the essential nutrients present in pumpkin seeds are:

• Iron
• Vitamin A
• Zinc
• Magnesium
• Vitamin C
• B₆
• Vitamin K

What Are The Health Benefits Of Pumpkin Seeds For Cats?

Now, let us answer this question: Can cats eat pumpkin seeds? How are they beneficial for felines?

Here are a few benefits that pumpkin seeds provide to our feline friends.

Relieving Constipation

The high fiber content found in pumpkin seeds is best for relieving constipation in felines. In this regard, the soluble fiber present in these seeds aids in difficult bowel movements.

One tablespoon of pumpkin seeds daily is recommended for easing constipation in cats. However, make sure that your feline friend drinks plenty of water too.

Treating Diarrhea

Pumpkin seeds help treat diarrhea in cats because of their high soluble fiber content. These fibers absorb the excess water in the gut and bulk up the felines’ stool.

Moreover, a spoonful of pumpkin seeds per day is suitable for relieving diarrhea in felines. However, it’s better to discuss it with your vet regarding it. That’s because diarrhea can be a symptom of various illnesses.

Weight Loss

As 60% of domestic felines are overweight in the United States, that’s why felines’ obesity is not a joke. Being a pet owner, you must be concerned that your pet doesn’t exceed its ideal weight. In this regard, pumpkin seeds, rich in insoluble fiber, are good enough for this problem.

Besides, your cats can remain hungry for hours without eating as the insoluble fibers encourage satiety. However, by consuming less, your pets can remain within their ideal weight, regardless of their inactivity.

Rich In Nutrients

There are numerous nutrients found in pumpkin seeds that provide health benefits to felines. Such as,

• Vitamin A- maintain eye health
  • Fatty acids- maintain a healthier coat and good skin
  • Vitamin C- boosts immune health
  • Beta-carotene- being an antioxidant, it protects cell damage from free radicals

What Are Potential Risks of Feeding Pumpkin Seeds To Cats?

Although pumpkin seeds provide several benefits to cats, they have some potential risks.

These possible side effects of feeding pumpkin seeds to felines include:

• The high amount of fiber in pumpkin seeds can cause laxative effects leading to constipation and diarrhea. Further, the additional side effects of high fiber include gas, bloating, and constipation.
• There is also a risk of choking because these seeds are hard for cats to consume.
• Also, feeding an excessive amount of pumpkin seeds can lead to weight gain in felines. That’s because these seeds are rich in fat and calories.

How To Serve Pumpkin Seeds To Cats?

Can cats eat pumpkin seeds? What about raw and roasted seeds? Well, cats can also eat raw, roasted, and boiled pumpkin seeds.

However, avoid cooking raw seeds as they are quite soft, and cooking makes them hard and brittle. On top of that, always serve them without adding any salt, sugar, or spices.

Further, the ideal way to serve pumpkin seeds to cats is to crush them finely. After this, add the powder to your cat’s meal.

Regarding the right amount, one teaspoon per day is quite enough for felines. For adult cats, you can offer them pumpkin seeds two days a week.

Final Thoughts – Can cats eat pumpkin seeds?

Can cats eat pumpkin seeds? Yes, they can. Pumpkin seeds offer plenty of benefits to felines and are quite nutritious. These pumpkin seeds aid in treating diarrhea and constipation. But it’s better to discuss with your vet the right amount to serve felines.

One teaspoon of pumpkin seeds per day is usually recommended for your furry friends. Also, you can mix them with feline food or serve them as a treat.