Dog Care
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds? How to Serve Them Safely
Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin seeds in small amounts. Plain seeds, cleaned, roasted without salt, oil or spices, then ground or chopped, are the safest way to share them. Avoid salted or flavoured seeds, and be careful with whole shell-on seeds, which are harder to digest and can be a choking risk for small dogs.
Are pumpkin seeds good for dogs?
Pumpkin seeds are not toxic and contain fibre, healthy fats, protein and minerals such as magnesium and zinc. They are also high in fat and calories, so they are a small extra rather than a superfood. Most dogs already get what they need from a complete dog food.
Which pumpkin seeds can dogs eat?
| Form | OK? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plain roasted, unsalted, ground or chopped | Yes | The best option: easier to digest, no choking risk. |
| Raw seeds, cleaned | Small amounts | Fine for most dogs; grinding helps digestion. |
| Whole seeds with shells | Use caution | Shells are fibrous and harder to digest; avoid for small dogs. |
| Salted, seasoned or sweet-coated | No | Salt, sugar, garlic or onion powder and spices can upset or harm dogs. |
| Seeds roasted in oil or butter | No | Extra fat can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis. |
| Trail mix with pumpkin seeds | No | Often includes raisins, chocolate or macadamia nuts, which are toxic. |
How many pumpkin seeds can a dog eat?
Keep treats within about 10% of daily calories. As a rough guide, ground or chopped:
- Small dogs: a few seeds, or about a quarter teaspoon ground
- Medium dogs: about half a teaspoon ground
- Large dogs: about a teaspoon ground
Start small. Too many can cause loose stool or gas.
How to prepare pumpkin seeds for your dog
- Scoop the seeds from a fresh pumpkin and rinse off the pulp.
- Dry them, then roast plain on a baking tray at a moderate heat until dry and lightly golden. No salt, oil or seasoning.
- Cool completely.
- Grind in a coffee or spice grinder, or chop finely, and sprinkle a little over your dog's food.
- Store in an airtight container and use within a couple of weeks.
Do pumpkin seeds get rid of worms in dogs?
You may read that pumpkin seeds work as a natural dewormer. There isn't good evidence that they reliably treat worms in dogs. If you suspect worms, see your vet for a diagnosis and a proven dewormer.
What about the rest of the pumpkin?
Plain cooked pumpkin flesh and plain canned pumpkin purée are popular dog-safe extras. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices, and keep dogs away from carved Halloween pumpkins that have started to go mouldy. Check other foods quickly with our can my dog eat this? food checker.
Frequently asked questions
Are pumpkin seeds safe for dogs?
Yes, plain pumpkin seeds are safe in small amounts. Roasted without salt or oil and ground or chopped is best.
Can dogs eat raw pumpkin seeds?
Cleaned raw seeds are fine in small amounts for most dogs. Grinding them makes them easier to digest.
Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds with shells?
A few are unlikely to harm a large dog, but shells are hard to digest and can be a choking risk for small dogs. Shelled or ground seeds are safer.
Can pumpkin seeds help with diarrhoea?
Seeds are high in fat and can make loose stool worse. Plain pumpkin purée is the form people usually use. Call your vet if diarrhoea lasts more than a day or two.
Can cats eat pumpkin seeds?
Cats can have a tiny amount of plain, ground seeds, but they get little benefit from them.
Sources
Guidance draws on Dogster and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. This article is general information, not veterinary advice.
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