We ask a veterinary toxicologist to line up out if there are any benefits to feeding your dog these vitamin - pack seeds .
When you scoop out a pumpkin for a Halloween Jack - o'-lantern or slue up a raw pumpkin for a fall or vacation recipe , you might search at that mess from inside the gourd and wonder : Can my dog corrode this ?
If you ’re wondering about the absolute majority of thepumpkin — like the pulpy flesh that ’s used similarly to any other squash — the answer is that it ’s mostly OK , but it depends on how it ’s prepared . Cooked pumpkin vine and pumpkin puree are belike fine in small quantities , but sugary pumpkin pie and other so - called autumn pumpkin - flavored treats ( unless they ’re specifically made for andiron ! ) should be avoid .
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But what about the pumpkin seeds ? Are they good or spoiled for hound ? They ’re a nice treat for people and areincluded in recipesfor preference or nutrition , says Renee Schmid , DVM , DABVT , DABT , a veterinarian toxicologist who works withPet Poison Helpline .
" Humans eat them as a source of vitamin , iron , and omega fat person acids , " state Shmid . For dogs , though , Schmid is more sceptical about whether they ’re a needed additive to canine diet .
Are Pumpkin Seeds Safe for Dogs to Eat?
There ’s nothing toxic in pumpkin seeds , although they are n’t necessarily the most bowel - favorable food in high quantities . Schmid say they ’re OK for click to rust , but moderation is key .
" I distrust they do n’t break down easily in the digestive system and may induce upset or discomfort , " she sound out . " If a dog corrode a passel of them , a veterinary surgeon may recommend inducingvomitingto avoid problems . "
Feeding Pumpkin Seeds to Your Dog
If you skip recipes with pumpkin seeds that include a lot of other ingredients , like sugar and common salt , and the pumpkin cum are discase and cooked , you ’re in all probability o.k. to let your dog have some in small quantities , Schmid says .
" you could feed them any way you desire , " she explain . Grinding would make them easy for andiron to digest and pass . crunch is used by some to turn pumpkin seeds intoa protein supplement .
So , while it ’s true that multitude eat pumpkin seeds for nutritional benefits , Canis familiaris have different nutritional motivation . Schmid says your best best for a intelligent , happy dog is a adept dog food . " If the dog is on a high-pitched - quality , balanced dietspecifically designed for click , there ’s no need to append with pumpkin semen , " she says .
Other Natural Foods Dogs Can Eat
Whether you ’ve decide to feed a few pumpkin seed to your dog in the sprightliness of the autumn season or not , there are otherall - innate human foodsthat are also OK to share with weenie safely , including :
Before introducing any new foods into your dog-iron ’s diet , however , it ’s very important to always consult your veterinary surgeon beforehand . If the vet says it ’s all right , then verify you supervise your dearie as they try any new foods to watch for signs of congest , allergies , or adverse reaction .
Can Pumpkin Seeds Kill Intestinal Worms?
Some herbalists claim that pumpkin seeds are an all - natural domicile remedy for enteric worms . Schmid says not so fast : " No way . This is not correct . "
If your dog has an intestinal sponger , liketapewormsorhookwormsthat are common pestis that can easily be pick up from other animals and the environment , it ’s important to talk a with your vet . They ’ll be able to prescribethe correct medicineto address your pup safely and effectively . It ’s important to keep your pet on a preventative medication that can avail stave in off these galling sponge , and your veteran will be able-bodied to help you choose the one that ’s ripe for your dog .
