The Answer
In short, if you are wondering if your dog can eat pumpkin seeds, the answer is yes, but make sure the seeds are cooked, try not to give them raw seeds, and always peel them.
Some dogs really love pumpkin seeds, like this cute little guy.
More Info About Pumpkin Seeds For Dogs
Dogs can eat pumpkin seeds, but to give your dog pumpkin seeds, it is recommended that you first cook & peel the seeds. Roasted & ground pumpkin seeds can be a quick add on to your dog’s food and can provide several health benefits. Some health benefits of pumpkin seeds are that they can help prevent some forms of cancer, they can improve heart health & prevent heart disease, they can reduce inflammation, and help to lower blood sugar levels.
Salted & Seasoned Pumpkin Seeds
If you decide to give your dog pumpkin seeds, they need to be unseasoned & unsalted. Salt is very unhealthy for dogs. While dogs can have some salt, an excess of salt can harm your dog and can lead to health issues. There are also some other seasonings commonly found on pumpkin seeds that could be harmful. When giving your dog seeds, they should be unsalted & unseasoned.
Raw vs. Cooked Pumpkin Seeds
While dogs can eat raw pumpkin seeds, cooked seeds last longer, and have a lesser chance of spoiling.
How Many Pumpkin Seeds Can My Dog Have?
Like all foods, you should only give your dog pumpkin seeds in moderation. While a palm of pumpkin seeds can be healthy for a medium sized dog, you should always consult your vet before introducing a new food to your dogs regular diet.
Pumpkin Seed Nutritional Information
One cup (64g) of unseasoned pumpkin seeds has the following nutritional information:
Calories: 285
Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 12 mg
Potassium: 588.2mg
Protein: 12g
In Conclusion
Dogs can eat pumpkin seeds, and they can be very healthy for your dog. The amount of seeds you can give your dog is different based on your dog’s age, size, and breed. Before adding pumpkin seeds to your dog’s regular diet you should first consult a vet.