Pumpkin Seeds: A Nutritional Powerhouse For Your Dog
- Everwell Pets
- Nov 5, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 27, 2025
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, it’s the seasonally perfect time to embrace all things pumpkin—and that includes pumpkin seeds! When it comes to healthy snacks for our furry friends, pumpkin seeds are a hidden gem that often gets overlooked. These little seeds are packed with essential nutrients and offer a treasure trove of health benefits for dogs. With continued focus on seasonal feeding, it's the perfect opportunity to think about adding pumpkin seeds to your dog's diet. Let’s delve into the benefits of these nutritious seeds and discover how to incorporate them safely and effectively into your furry friend’s meals!
What Makes Pumpkin Seeds So Great?
Pumpkin seeds are a fantastic source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and a range of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, zinc, and iron. The fiber in pumpkin seeds aids digestion and helps maintain regular bowel movements, making them particularly beneficial for dogs that may struggle with constipation or diarrhea. If you’re a fan of feeding your pup canned pumpkin, consider switching it up by adding the seeds instead!
The healthy fats found in pumpkin seeds, especially omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, contribute to cardiovascular health, promoting a healthy heart and reducing the risk of heart disease. Just keep in mind that the superior omega fatty acids, particularly DHA, come from eating whole fish. Additionally, the vitamins and minerals in pumpkin seeds, particularly zinc, play a crucial role in supporting the immune system, helping your dog fend off illnesses.[2]
Some studies suggest that pumpkin seeds can help eliminate intestinal parasites, such as worms. This is thanks to an amino acid called cucurbitin, which paralyzes the worms and allows your dog’s body to expel them from the digestive tract. So, adding pumpkin seeds to your dog's diet could be a win-win for their health!
How to Feed Pumpkin Seeds to Your Dog
When feeding your dog pumpkin seeds, you can choose from those you just scooped out of your jack-o-lantern or pick up a bag from the shelf. If you opt for store-bought seeds, always go for raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds. Salt and additives can be harmful to dogs, so it’s best to stick with the pure, natural option, and organic is even better! If you’re using seeds from your pumpkins at home and want to add a touch of salt, consider using Fleur de Sel or Icelandic Flake salt, as these options have additional mineral content. Just remember, never use regular table salt for your food or your dog's food..
Seeds can be tough to digest for both humans and dogs, and seeds with hulls are even harder to process. To aid your pup's digestion while incorporating those healthy nutrients and potentially eliminating worms, grind the seeds first (hulls and all). You can serve the ground seeds at a rate of about ¼ teaspoon per 10 pounds of your dog's weight once or twice a day until the parasites are gone, or until the seasons shift to winter and you change your dog's diet to match the sunlight.
Feel free to sprinkle the ground seeds over their regular food or mix them into homemade treats. Consider baking some delicious dog treats with pumpkin seed flour or adding whole seeds to your dog’s favorite recipes—it's a fun way to create healthy snacks that your pup will absolutely love! After introducing pumpkin seeds into your dog's diet, be sure to monitor them for any signs of digestive upset.
In Summary
Pumpkin seeds are a nutritious and tasty addition to your dog's diet, offering a multitude of health benefits that can enhance their overall well-being. So, the next time you're carving pumpkins or enjoying a pumpkin-flavored treat, don’t forget about those nutritious seeds! Your dog will thank you for it!
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Citations
[1] Khan, F., & Husain, M. (2020). "Potential Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds: A Review." Journal of Food Science and Technology
[2] Liu, C., & Wu, J. (2021). "Zinc Deficiency in Dogs: A Review." Veterinary Medicine International