Can dogs eat pepitas? Pepitas are the seeds of pumpkin plants. They have a mild taste, and they can be consumed by humans as well as dogs, but only in modest amounts.
If you want to offer pepitas to your pup, there are some things you should keep in mind! Let’s find out more about it right now!
Further Reading: Can dogs eat pumpkin everyday?
Let’s see what the benefits are:
These are rich in fiber, minerals, vitamins A and E . Pumpkin seeds help with gastrointestinal problems because of their high dietary fiber content. They also stimulate appetite, which is great for both sick or anorexic dogs.
Like most vegetables, pepitas contain antioxidants that fight against free radicals that cause cancer and other health problems. They also help with kidney and liver diseases, as well as arthritis.
Pepitas are used to flavor some dog treats recipes. Since they are rich in fiber, their consumption will help your pup pass more easily through the intestinal tract.
There are also some concerns you should know about!
As for most vegetable foods, pepitas contain phytic acid, which can prevent your dog from absorbing minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. If you feed him more than 7 ounces of pepitas per day, make sure he has access to a balanced amount of essential nutrients or ask your vet about nutritional supplements.
You should not give these seeds to an upset stomach because they are known to cause flatulence.
Pepitas also contain an unhealthy amount of fats, so you should feed your pooch pumpkin seeds in moderation or avoid it completely if he is obese.
If you want to offer pepitas to your pup, make sure they are cooked and unsalted. Another way is to look for dog food recipes that include pumpkin seeds as their main ingredient!
It’s important you know what amount of pepitas can be given per day because these treats are not suitable for regular snacking.
Further Reading: Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds
How much should I feed my dog?
They are rich in fibers and oils, which can cause flatulence, so it’s recommended you give your dog no more than 1/2 -1 teaspoon of pepitas per day.
You can sprinkle few cooked pumpkin seeds on your pup’s food once or twice a week, but don’t overdo it!
You should pay close attention to your dog if he ingests too many pumpkin seeds all at once. Pumpkin seeds are harder for smaller breeds to digest because of their size.
The most important thing is not to let him gorge on these treats without supervision. If he eats some but then regurgitates them an hour later, this means that there was something wrong with the amount you gave him and that next time, you should give less.
Do not forget that pumpkin seeds are particularly harmful to small breeds because they can cause obstructions! Make sure your dog doesn’t have access to whole or large pieces of pepitas, no matter their size.
The best way is to cook the seeds before feeding them to your pup so that they are easier to digest. If you decide on giving him these treats for the first time, it’s better if you offer just a few pieces, or even better, ask your vet for other suggestions before trying anything yourself.
At first glance, pumpkin seeds seem harmless and healthy, but there are some things you should know about offering them as treats, especially if you don’t prepare them properly! Make sure your pup doesn’t eat too many or that they won’t cause any health problems!
Are pepitas good for dogs?
Yes, pumpkin seeds are full of nutrients and can help with your pup’s health. Make sure to have a balanced diet for your dog, though!
Fresh vegetables from your kitchen or fruits from the grocery store also make great treats for dogs! If you’re looking for a healthy snack idea, check out this article!
Never serve either cooked or raw pumpkin seeds in large pieces because they might cause obstructions or choke if swallowed whole.
Further Reading: Pumpkin seeds for worms in dogs
Are there any risks to feeding my dog pepitas?
Pepitas can be harmful to small breeds as they might cause obstructions if they eat whole or big pieces.
If your pup eats too many pumpkin seeds, make sure he doesn’t have access to large pieces. Cook the seeds before offering them to your pup, and never give him more than 1/2-1 teaspoon per day.
Can dogs eat raw pepitas?
Yes, dogs can eat raw pepitas. However, it’s better to cook them before serving them to your pup for easier digestion.
Do not give your dog whole or large pieces of pumpkin seeds though because they might choke on them!
Where can I buy pepitas for my dog?
You can find pepitas in some pet shops and supermarkets. Pumpkin seeds for dogs can also be purchased online through various pet supply stores and websites like Amazon.
Is it safe to give a puppy pepitas?
Pumpkin seeds for dogs can be given to older and larger breeds, but pups should avoid them until they’re fully weaned. Make sure your pup doesn’t eat whole or large pieces of the seeds because they might cause obstructions!
Cooked pumpkin seeds are safe for all breed sizes and can even help with some health problems after consulting a veterinarian.
If you decide to give pepitas as treats to your pup, make sure he doesn’t gulp down bigger chunks so that there’s no risk of him choking on them! If you want to know which other vegetables are healthy for dogs, check out this article!
How to cook pepitas For dogs?
You can cook pumpkin seeds for dogs to make them easier to digest. Pepitas are also used in some dog food recipes!
If you want to try cooking pepitas for your pup, make sure you only give him cooked ones and avoid giving him whole or large pieces because they might choke on them.
Here’s what you need to do if you decide on making your own pumpkin seed recipe: Cook the seeds beforehand so that they’re softer and more digestible.
Don’t overcook them, though! Let them dry out afterward by leaving them out in the open air. Make sure there is no moisture left when you offer these treats to your pup.
Crush or grind the seeds into powder before serving. You can add the powder to your pup’s food, or you can give it to him straight from a spoon. If you want a simple and healthy pumpkin seed recipe for dogs, check out this one here!
Pumpkin seeds are full of nutrients that can help with your dog’s health! Make sure he doesn’t eat too many or has access to bigger pieces, though, because they might cause obstructions! Cooked pepitas are safe for all breeds and sizes and even puppies after consulting a veterinarian!
Further Reading: Can dogs eat salted pumpkin seeds
Recipes with pepitas?
You can make pumpkin seed treats by cooking the seeds beforehand and crushing them into powder. The powder can be mixed with your pup’s food or given to him straight from a spoon.
Pumpkin seeds are also used in some dog food recipes! Why not give it a try? Here’s one easy pumpkin seed recipe for dogs you might like!
Make sure there is no moisture left on the cooked pepitas, then leave them out to dry before giving them to your pup or adding them to his food. Don’t serve your dog too many of these treats, though, because they contain more calories than a regular diet!
Never give un-cooked or large pieces of pumpkin seeds because this can lead to choking or obstructions!
What are some other tasty treats for dogs?
There are lots of other healthy and delicious treats for dogs!
Here’s a list with some:
- – chicken – garlic – peanut butter
- – liver – yogurt – banana – unsweetened apple sauce – carrots – berries (strawberries, blueberries) – unsweetened coconut flakes – applesauce or cooked apple – uncooked rice or oatmeal – moist scrambled eggs without the shells
Please always make sure your pup doesn’t have any allergies to any ingredients before serving him new food items!
Further Reading: Can dogs eat kiwi seeds
How do you know if your dog has allergies?
If your dog is itching, it might be an allergy. Here are some symptoms of allergies:
– dry skin or hair – dandruff – excessive scratching of the head, ears, or paws – redness around his eyes and/or on his belly area – scabs on different parts of the body – loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea If you think your pup might have an allergy, make sure to take him to a veterinarian! Allergies can cause more serious problems for dogs if they’re not treated right away!
Every dog has their own unique tastes! Make sure to keep an eye out for any allergic reactions before giving your pup new food items, though!
The Bottom Line: can dogs eat pepitas?
Dogs can eat pepitas! However, it’s important to only give your pup cooked pepitas in small amounts because these treats contain more calories compared to regular dog food.
It’s also wise to avoid giving your pup larger pieces of pumpkin seeds because these treats might cause choking or obstruction if they get stuck in your dog’s throat.
If you want to make sure that the pepitas are healthy for your dog, cook them beforehand and grind or crush them into powder before serving or mixing with his food.
Be careful when feeding your pup pumpkin seed treats, though, because these treats contain more calories than his regular diet! Always keep an eye out for allergic reactions too! Join us today by signing up for our newsletter and stay healthy with your Pooch!
