Ever scoop out a pumpkin and just stare at that slimy pile of seeds wondering if it’s good for anything? You’re not alone.
A lot of dog parents are starting to toss pumpkin seeds into their pups’ diets, and it turns out, those little guys actually pack a punch.
But before you go chucking raw seeds into the dog bowl, let’s talk about how to prep them the right way. Because yes, your dog can eat pumpkin seeds, but only if you do it properly.
Why Bother With Pumpkin Seeds?
First off, these seeds are more than just crunchy snacks. They’ve got fiber, healthy fats, antioxidants, and a bunch of stuff that supports your dog’s digestion and immune system.
Some folks even swear by them for mild parasite support, though that part’s still up for debate in the vet world.
Either way, they’re a solid natural add-on if your dog tolerates them well. No junk. No sketchy ingredients. Just nature doing its thing.
Start With Raw And Unsalted Seeds
Let’s say you just carved up a pumpkin for soup or a Halloween vibe. You’ve got those seeds, right? First thing, rinse them thoroughly. Get all the gooey stuff off and pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
Whatever you do, do not use the ones that come pre-salted or roasted for human snacks. Too much salt can mess with your dog’s kidneys.
And forget any flavorings like garlic or onion powder, those are straight-up toxic to dogs.
Roast Lightly If You Want To
Now this part depends on your dog. Some dogs can eat raw seeds if they’re ground up. Others do better with lightly roasted ones.
If you go the roasting route, keep the oven low, around 300 degrees Fahrenheit, and roast the clean seeds on a bare tray or with parchment paper. No oil. No butter. Nothing extra.
Toss them in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, give or take. You just want them dry and slightly crunchy, not browned or burnt. Then let them cool completely before using them.
Grind Or Crush Before Serving
Whole pumpkin seeds can be tough on a dog’s digestive system, especially for small breeds or dogs who don’t chew much.
Grinding them up helps your dog get the nutrients without the risk of the seed passing through untouched.
You can use a food processor, coffee grinder, or even smash them up in a mortar and pestle if you’re feeling old-school. The powder can then be sprinkled on your dog’s food or mixed into a treat recipe.
How Much Is Too Much?
Just like anything else, moderation is key. You don’t want to overdo it and end up with tummy troubles.
For small dogs, stick to about a quarter teaspoon of ground seeds a day. Medium dogs can handle around half a teaspoon. Large dogs can usually handle one to two teaspoons.
If you’re ever unsure, especially with a dog that has food sensitivities or tummy issues, check in with your vet first.
Easy Ways To Use Them
Got a picky eater? Try hiding ground pumpkin seeds in some plain yogurt or mixing them into a dollop of canned pumpkin. You can also bake them into homemade dog biscuits or roll them into frozen pup pops for summer.
Some folks just mix a pinch into kibble at mealtime, and their dog doesn’t even notice. It’s one of those small things you can sneak in without making a big deal about it.
Keep It Fresh
Pumpkin seeds go bad like any other food. Once you’ve prepped a batch, store the ground or roasted seeds in an airtight jar in the fridge. If you’ve made a big batch, toss some in the freezer to keep them fresh longer.
Smell them every now and then. If they start to smell funky or stale, it’s time to toss them and start fresh.
Keep It Simple And Safe
There’s a lot of wild advice floating around online, from parasite cleanses to cure-all claims.
Be cautious. Pumpkin seeds are great as a supplement, but they’re not magic. They won’t replace deworming meds or fix a major health issue.
Use them smart. Start slow. Watch how your dog responds.
If anything seems off, upset stomach, itching, weird poop, stop and check with your vet. Every dog’s different, even the ones who look like twins.
Wrapping Things Up
Pumpkin seeds might not sound like a big deal, but they’re an easy, affordable way to add a little something extra to your dog’s routine.
With a bit of prep and some common sense, you’ve got a tasty topper that does more than just sit there.
So next time you’re scooping seeds out of a pumpkin, are you tossing them, or giving them to the real pumpkin lover in the house?