Nuts & seeds
Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds?
Plain, roasted, unsalted pumpkin seeds are safe for dogs in small amounts. Grinding them makes them easier to digest.
Why Salt and seasoning; fat
By Maya HartIf your dog ate some
- A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
- Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Signs to watch for
- Loose stools
- Vomiting after a large amount
How much, how often
A few seeds, or half a teaspoon ground, for a medium dog.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Plain, roasted, no salt
- Grind for easier digestion
- Don’t rely on them as a wormer
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs In moderation
Plain, roasted, unsalted pumpkin seeds are safe for dogs in small amounts. Grinding them makes them easier to digest.
How much: A few seeds, or half a teaspoon ground, for a medium dog.
Cats In moderation
A little ground, plain seed is unlikely to harm a cat, but cats get no real benefit.
How much: A pinch, if at all.
Can cats eat pumpkin seeds?The details
Pumpkin seeds are often recommended online as a natural wormer. There isn’t good evidence that they work in dogs or cats at safe amounts, and relying on them can leave pets with untreated worms. Use a licensed product from your vet — see our worming guide.
As an occasional, crunchy treat, plain pumpkin seeds are fine. Plain canned pumpkin purée, rather than the seeds, is the more useful kitchen ingredient for dogs with soft stools.
Safer treats your dog can have instead
Apples
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Beef
Bell peppers
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Blackberries
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Questions owners ask
Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds?
Plain, roasted, unsalted pumpkin seeds are safe for dogs in small amounts. Grinding them makes them easier to digest.
How much pumpkin seeds can a dog have?
A few seeds, or half a teaspoon ground, for a medium dog.
What makes pumpkin seeds risky for dogs?
Salt and seasoning; fat.
What are the signs to watch for in dogs?
loose stools, vomiting after a large amount.
What should I do if my dog ate pumpkin seeds?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Is pumpkin seeds safe for cats too?
A little ground, plain seed is unlikely to harm a cat, but cats get no real benefit.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
More foods for dogs
Macadamia nuts
Almonds
- Dogs
- In moderation
- Cats
- In moderation
Cashews
- Dogs
- In moderation
- Cats
- In moderation