Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds?

Indeed they can, and many dog owners have discovered not only Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds, but they love the crunch and the taste.

According to Daily Paws.com, not only do many people give their dogs pumpkin seeds as a treat, but most dogs seem to relish the taste. Just like humans, dogs often enjoy a little variety.

Is There Anything Toxic in Pumpkin Seeds?

No, not really, according to TopDogTips.com, but there is a caveat for feeding your dog pumpkin seeds, that you clean, peel the seeds, roast them, and then grind them up.

You don’t want to be feeding your dog raw pumpkin seeds, because like many seeds and nuts, in their raw state, they are easy to spoil and turn rancid.

Eating spoiled pumpkin seeds can expose your pet to many dangerous potential diseases, and no pet owner wants that.

And as far as grinding is concerned, that should be obvious. The seeds are hard enough that they can injure your dog’s teeth and gums, so by all means, grind them up.

How nutritious are Pumpkin Seeds?

Pumpkin seeds pack a lot of nutrition in them. They have a lot of fiber, which may help your dog lose a little weight, and are full of vitamins and minerals such as

Vitamin K, Phosphorous, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese, Iron, and Zinc.

In particular, pumpkin seeds are one of the best sources out there for manganese, which helps build strong connective tissue, strong bones, and also helps with blood clotting.

How Much Pumpkin Seeds are Enough?

Top Dog Tips says that they see Vets recommending that people add a few ground pumpkin seeds to their dog food all of the time, so it’s generally healthy.

Dr. Renee Schmid, a veterinarian toxicologist who works with a Pet Poison HelpLine says that although there is nothing inherently wrong with giving your dog pumpkin seeds, she believes that they are not the most gut-friendly for your dog.

Therefore, the vast majority of vets recommend you go somewhat easy on the pumpkin seeds with your dog. Perhaps a half a ground handful, twice a week, should do for most dogs.

And Dr. Schmid adds, that if your dog gets into a bag of ground pumpkin seeds and makes a feast of it, you should induce vomiting in your dog.

Many vets also caution that pumpkin seeds are mostly to add a bit of a taste treat, as most balanced pet foods provide all the nutrition your dog needs.

The vast majority of Vets thus see pumpkin seeds for dogs as an added treat, but certainly not a nutritional necessity.