Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds?

Scoop seeds out of a pumpkin, rinse off the stringy pulp and pat them dry. Roast on a dry tray at 150°C (300°F) for 20 to 25 minutes until crisp. Let them cool, then grind or crush them. The white outer hulls are fibrous and can irritate the gut in small dogs, so shelled green pepitas are easier.

Raw seeds are safe but harder to digest.

Pumpkin seeds have about 560 calories per 100 g. A quarter of a teaspoon of ground seeds suits a small dog, half a teaspoon a medium dog and a teaspoon a large dog, sprinkled over food a few times a week. More than this adds a lot of fat.

Keep ground seeds in a sealed jar in the fridge and use within a week.

Pumpkin seeds contain a compound called cucurbitin, and some websites claim they clear intestinal worms. There is no good evidence this works in dogs. Relying on seeds can leave worms untreated, which is a risk to your dog and to people in the household. Ask your vet about a proven worming product and schedule.

Shop-bought roasted pumpkin seeds are usually salted and sometimes flavored with chili, garlic or tamari. Seed mixes for bread and salads may include poppy seeds or other seeds. Stick with plain seeds.

Carved pumpkins left out for days grow mould quickly, and mould can cause tremors and seizures in dogs. Throw them out promptly and do not let your dog chew them.