Safe for Dogs
Medium dog serving: 10-20 seeds
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds? Yes — Plain Unsalted Only
This food is generally safe for dogs when prepared properly.
Plain unsalted pumpkin seeds are safe for dogs. High in zinc and healthy fats. Remove shells for small dogs. Plain roasted or raw without salt or seasoning. They are not a proven treatment or preventive for intestinal worms and are not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or prescribed dewormers.
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Warning Signs & Symptoms
Shells: hard and may cause digestive upset in small dogs — remove or use shelled. Salted pumpkin seeds: high sodium. Large amounts: high fat digestive upset. Seasoned varieties: harmful additives.
If Your Dog Ate This
No emergency at plain amounts.
Safe to Feed
plain unsalted pumpkin seeds — shelled (pepitas) preferred
What to Avoid
salted pumpkin seeds (high sodium), large amounts, seasoned varieties
Preparation & Serving
Plain unsalted shelled preferred. Small amounts. Raw or lightly roasted.
Potential Health Benefits
Zinc and healthy fats.
Did you know?
Pumpkin seeds have been found in ancient Mexican caves dating back approximately 7000 BCE. They were traditionally used as a folk remedy for parasites, but that history is not evidence that they work as a dewormer for dogs.
Portions & nutrition
- Serving (small dog)
- 5-10 seeds
- Serving (medium dog)
- 10-20 seeds
- Serving (large dog)
- 20-30 seeds
- Calories (per 100g)
- 559
- Safe frequency
- Several times per week
Source
What You Need to Know
Plain unsalted pumpkin seeds — pepitas — are nutritious. Pumpkin seed extracts have shown some activity against intestinal worms in laboratory and rodent studies, and cucurbitin, an amino acid found in the seeds, has been suggested as one possible contributor. Neither finding shows that feeding pumpkin seeds treats or prevents worms in dogs, and pumpkin seeds are not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or prescribed dewormers. Shelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas) are easier to digest than seeds with shells. Plain raw or lightly roasted without salt.
More Helpful Resources
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- Best Dog Food for PuppiesPick the right nutrition for growing puppies
- Best Dog Food for Senior DogsSupport older dogs with age-appropriate food
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Frequently asked questions
- Are Pumpkin Seeds safe for dogs?
- Yes, Pumpkin Seeds are safe for dogs when given in moderation. Plain unsalted pumpkin seeds are safe for dogs. High in zinc and healthy fats. Remove shells for small dogs. Plain roasted or raw without salt or seasoning. They are not a proven treatment or preventive for intestinal worms and are not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or prescribed dewormers.
- What happens if a dog eats Pumpkin Seeds?
- Dogs can enjoy Pumpkin Seeds as an occasional treat when given in moderation. Always introduce new foods gradually and monitor for any digestive changes.
- How many Pumpkin Seeds can a dog eat?
- Plain unsalted pumpkin seeds — pepitas — are nutritious. Pumpkin seed extracts have shown some activity against intestinal worms in laboratory and rodent studies, and cucurbitin, an amino acid found in the seeds, has been suggested as one possible contributor. Neither finding shows that feeding pumpkin seeds treats or prevents worms in dogs, and pumpkin seeds are not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or prescribed dewormers. Shelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas) are easier to digest than seeds with shells. Plain raw or lightly roasted without salt.
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