Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds? German Shepherd Caught Eating a Whole Pumpkin.
Aniston — a German Shepherd — was busted by her owner eating a whole raw pumpkin. In a video shared by her owner on TikTok account @littleaniston, sweet Aniston can be seen lying on the floor while busy devouring the pumpkin. But when she realizes she’s been caught, her facial expression changes from relaxed to guilty, as though pleading, “I’m sorry, please don’t be angry at me.” It then begs the question “Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds”
Aniston immediately lowers her head and hunches her shoulders slightly as she looks away when her owner approaches. What she didn’t expect, though, was that her submissively guilty posture would earn her belly rubs. Yes, Anniston’s owner chose to acknowledge her innocent pumpkin theft skills with a good belly rub session.
Four words from us: Good for you, Ani!
Watch the funny clip below:
@littleaniston awww she thought we were mad at her. Ani loves her little pumpkin 🎃 #halloween #germanshepherd #pumpkin #fall #dogsoftiktok ♬ Oh No – Kreepa
Is Pumpkin Good for Dogs? Nutrition and Health Facts
If you’re anything like us, your mind likely switches to one special ingredient when the weather starts getting cooler: pumpkin.
From soup to pies, desserts, bread, salads, pancakes, and much, much more, the humble pumpkin is indeed an all-rounder in the kitchen. But beyond being delicious and unbeatably versatile, pumpkin is a nutrition powerhouse, too. It’s packed with vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, beta-carotene (responsible for the yellow-orange pigment in pumpkin), and fiber that boost our immune system, sharpen our eyesight, improve gut & heart health, and promote healthy bones.
This leads us to the big question: Can dogs eat pumpkin? Thankfully, pumpkin is safe for dogs to eat as an occasional treat, provided it’s plain, cooked, fresh, and fed in moderation.
The health benefits of pumpkin to dogs are pretty much similar to those it offers humans. For instance, it’s low in calories, making it a healthy treat for dogs trying to lose weight. The vitamins A, E, and C as well as the antioxidants, potassium, iron, and beta-carotene in pumpkin help support your dog’s immune system, skin health, vision, and bones & joints, among many other things.
Not to mention, pumpkin is an excellent source of digestible fiber, making it an ideal treat for dogs with diarrhea or constipation.
“Pumpkin can be helpful for pets with digestive issues such as constipation or diarrhea. Its high fibre content adds bulk to stool. However, always consult your vet before offering it for this purpose,” advises Dr. Charlie of Charlie the Vet.
What to Know Before You Feed Your Dog Pumpkin
While pumpkin is generally safe for our canine friends, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before serving it to your dog to avoid any negative health outcomes:
- Feed in Moderation
As we mentioned earlier, pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, a provitamin responsible for the yellow-orange pigment. While beta-carotene is healthy for dogs, it can cause issues if consumed in high amounts since it’s usually converted to vitamin A while in your dog’s body.
Therefore, constantly consuming large amounts of pumpkin puts your dog at risk of vitamin A poisoning, which is associated with symptoms such as drowsiness, skin peeling, vomiting, poor skin health, and body weakness.
- Avoid Feeding Raw Pumpkin
Raw pumpkin isn’t necessarily toxic for dogs to consume. However, the uncooked pulp can be hard for your dog to comfortably digest and may thus cause an upset stomach or intestinal blockage. Plus, the raw pumpkin rind and stalk are also not easily digestible to dogs and can be a choking hazard when consumed.
“Freshly cooked or baked pumpkin is perfect for both dogs and cats. Avoid feeding raw pumpkin, as it’s tougher for them to digest,” says Dr. Charlie.
- Consult Your Vet
Even though pumpkin isn’t a common food allergen for dogs, we recommend consulting your vet before feeding it to your dog, just as you would when introducing a new food. They’ll advise you accordingly depending on your dog’s current state of health.
- Start With a Small Quantity
If it’s your dog’s first time eating pumpkin, it’s best to start with a small amount first to see if they will experience any side effects from consuming it.
- Avoid Sweetened or Seasoned Forms of Pumpkin
Pumpkin is safest for dogs to consume when in its plain form. That means pumpkin pies, pumpkin spice lattes, and other pumpkin blends containing spices and added ingredients like sugar should be avoided for the sake of your dog’s overall health.
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
According to Dr. Diana Watkins of 143 Veterinary Services, pumpkin seeds aren’t toxic to dogs. However, they shouldn’t be consumed in excess since they can be difficult for your dog to digest. As a result, your dog may end up suffering from stomach upset or constipation.
“Dogs don’t break down the shells in pumpkin seeds very well. They usually just pass through the GI tract undigested,” Dr. Watkins told USA Today. In other words, letting your furry friend indulge in a few pumpkin seeds here and there may not cause any health problems. Moderation makes all the difference.
Also, before you feed pumpkin seeds to your dog, be sure the seeds are plain. What we’re trying to say is, if you plan on taking things to the next level by roasting or cooking the seeds, avoid adding oil, salt, or seasoning.
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin FAQs
Can dogs eat pumpkin?
Yes, fresh pumpkin is safe for dogs to eat, provided it’s plain, cooked, and fresh. Plus, it should also be fed in moderation.
Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds?
Pumpkin seeds are not toxic for dogs, so dogs can eat them. However, experts advise that pumpkin seeds be consumed in moderation since they can be difficult for your dog to digest.
Can dogs eat raw pumpkin?
It’s not advisable to feed your dog raw pumpkin because the tough flesh and skin can be quite hard for them to digest comfortably.
Can dogs eat pumpkin pie?
No, it’s not advisable to feed your dog pumpkin pie as the ingredients in the pie could be toxic to your dog.
Can dogs eat pumpkin puree?
Yes, pumpkin puree is safe for dogs to eat, as long as it’s completely plain.
Can dogs eat canned pumpkin?
Yes, dogs can eat canned pumpkin, provided it’s plain canned pumpkin.
Can dogs eat raw pumpkin seeds?
Yes, that’s right. Raw pumpkin seeds are non-toxic to dogs. However, as explained earlier, these seeds should be fed in moderation.
Can dogs eat pumpkin bread?
Pumpkin bread is safe for dogs to eat, as long as it doesn’t have any added ingredients besides plain pumpkin.
Can dogs eat pumpkin every day?
As noted earlier, pumpkin should be given as an occasional treat in moderation due to its high beta carotene content, which can trigger Vitamin A poisoning if consumed in excess.
Can dogs eat pumpkin spice latte?
No, it’s not advisable to offer your dog any pumpkin spice latte as the ingredients added could be toxic to them.
Can a dog eat pumpkin pie?
No, it’s not advisable to feed your dog pumpkin pie because the ingredients added could cause health issues.
Can dogs eat pumpkin rind?
It’s best if the rind is cooked and not in its raw form. This is because the raw pumpkin rind can be hard for your dog to digest.
Can dogs eat cooked pumpkin seeds?
Yes, dogs can eat cooked pumpkin seeds, provided the seeds are plain — not roasted with oil, salt, or seasoning. Additionally, the cooked pumpkin seeds should be fed in moderation.
Can dogs eat pumpkin pie filling?
It’s not advisable to offer your dog pumpkin pie filling since the ingredients used could be toxic to them.
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