Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds? Yes, But Not Too Many
Key takeaways:
Pumpkin seeds can be a tasty and nutritional treat for dogs. They contain fiber and antioxidants that can benefit a dog’s health.
Eating too many pumpkin seeds may cause diarrhea in dogs. Start by giving your dog two or three seeds, and see how they respond.
For smaller dogs, pumpkin seeds are a choking hazard. It’s best to cut the seeds into tiny pieces for small breeds. You may also be better off skipping this treat.
Table of contents
If you’re like many Americans, you love snacking on pumpkin seeds. They make for a delicious and nutritious treat year-round. So you may wonder if you can share pumpkin seeds with your dog. The answer is, yes, pumpkin seeds can be a healthy snack for our furry friends.
Here’s what you need to know about this tasty treat, including the health benefits, potential risks, and safe ways to share them.
Are pumpkin seeds good for dogs?
Yes, pumpkin seeds can be good for dogs. They contain many nutrients, such as fiber and antioxidants, that boost a dog’s health. They’re also a good source of minerals, such as zinc, iron, and magnesium. These minerals promote a healthy coat and skin in dogs.
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Benefits of pumpkin seeds for dogs
Pumpkin seeds are full of nutrition for dogs. Here are just a few of their benefits for dogs:
Their antioxidant properties can help prevent cancer.
Their fiber content can help your dog poop regularly.
They contain zinc, iron, and magnesium. These minerals can help your dog maintain a healthy coat and skin.
They contain unsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol and support heart health.
Can too much pumpkin seed be toxic for dogs?
Eating too many pumpkin seeds is not toxic, but it’s probably not good for your dog.
“Pumpkin seeds are high in fiber, and too much fiber isn’t good,” said Antje Joslin, DVM, a veterinary consultant for Dogtopia. “A dog would probably end up with diarrhea.”
Joslin recommends starting with just a few seeds, depending on your dog’s size.
“Whenever you incorporate something new into a dog’s diet, start with a small amount,” Joslin said. “Then don't do a whole bunch of new things all at once, because if they have a problem, you're not going to know the cause of the problem.”
Don’t give your pup these foods. Many human foods are not safe for dogs. Check your food safety knowledge to keep your dog safe.
Bookmark these phone numbers. Think your dog ate something toxic? Call a pet poison hotline for advice on what to do next.
Learn why dogs vomit. Dogs may vomit for many reasons. Learn the most common ones, as well as how to tell when it’s time to call your veterinarian.
Potential risks of pumpkin seeds for dogs
Pumpkin seeds can cause trouble for some dogs. All dogs digest new foods differently. Some are prone to stomach upset or food allergies. That’s why it’s a good idea to start with one or two seeds to see how they react.
In smaller dogs, pumpkin seeds can get caught in their throats and choke them. The seeds can also get stuck in their digestive systems and cause blockages. Chop seeds into tiny pieces for little breeds.
Keep your dog away from other parts of a pumpkin, including the rind, stem, or leaves. These can be toxic to dogs.
How much pumpkin seed can my dog eat?
Your dog should eat no more than 10% of their daily calories in treats, which includes pumpkin seeds. To help you calculate, pumpkin seeds have around 140 calories per ½ cup.
You could give a 30-lb dog ⅛ cup of pumpkin seeds. A 110-lb pup could get ⅔ cup of pumpkin seeds. These are maximum amounts. Give your pup less seeds if you offer them other treats throughout the day. And remember to start with one or two seeds and see how your dog responds.
Safe ways to feed pumpkin seeds to dogs
To safely feed your dog pumpkin seeds, clean and hull them first. It’s also usually best not to feed your dog raw seeds. If you bake or roast them, avoid adding salt, oil, or seasonings.
Frequently asked questions
It’s unclear. In one small study, pumpkin seeds were found to have deworming abilities. But more research needs to be done. “Dog owners should stick with their veterinarian’s recommendations for oral heartworm preventatives and annual dewormers,” Joslin said.
Yes, the fiber content in pumpkin seeds can help a dog poop. But if your dog is constipated, visit your veterinarian. There might be something more serious going on with your pet.
In general, pumpkin doesn’t make a dog sick. Veterinarians often recommend pumpkin for dogs with digestive issues. But too much pumpkin — like too much of anything — can make a dog sick. Ask your veterinarian for guidance.
The bottom line
Yes, you can share your pumpkin seeds with your dog. They have nutrients that provide health benefits to dogs. Fiber, for example, may help your dog’s pooping, and antioxidants may protect your pup against cancer. Just be cautious. Too many pumpkin seeds can upset your dog’s stomach and cause diarrhea. And little dogs should have their seeds chopped up to avoid a choking hazard or a blockage in their digestive systems. Start with one or two seeds and see how your dog does before giving them more pumpkin seeds.
Why trust our experts?
References
Animal Humane Society. (n.d.). Is pumpkin safe for dogs and cats?
FoodData Central. (2019). Seeds, pumpkin and squash seeds, whole, roasted, without salt. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Harvard Health Publishing. (2023). Seed of the month: Pumpkin seeds. Harvard Medical School.
University of California Davis Veterinary Medicine. (2020). Treat guidelines for dogs.
Yánez, D., et al. (2018). Evaluation of the antiparsitological effect of seeds of Cucurbita ficifolia in stray dogs. Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences.
