Pumpkin Seeds

Known for their distinctive shape and rich, nutty flavour, pumpkin seeds are a nutrient-dense food with a long history. They have been a dietary staple in many cultures for centuries and are celebrated not only for their taste but also for their potent health benefits. With a history of traditional use in herbal medicine, their value as a functional food is now well-established.

Pumpkin seeds bring together protein, healthy fats, fibre and a rich spectrum of vitamins and minerals – a compact, functional ingredient to support dogs’ health from digestive health to immune function. Grinding improves digestibility and nutrient availability.

I feed a spoonful (around 7 g) of ground pumpkins seeds most days, including one day in combination with calcium – in the form of ground eggshell. While combining these might sound antagonistic to zinc absorption, the minimal and temporary zinc loss on those days is an acceptable trade-off. The small amount of eggshell used (one to two 7 g spoonfuls a week for a 25 kg dog) corrects the crucial calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for skeletal safety. This approach illustrates the value of weekly nutritional balancing through rotation and synergy, as zinc absorption is fully recovered on the days the seeds are fed without eggshell.

 

Nutritional breakdown:

Main Nutrients

Protein

Protein is a macronutrient made up of amino acids, including essential amino acids like tryptophan. Tryptophan is a precursor for serotonin and melatonin, which play roles in mood regulation, sleep cycles and neurological balance, alongside its contribution to protein synthesis. Protein is essential for the growth and repair of tissues, muscle development and the production of hormones, enzymes and antibodies. A dog’s diet must contain adequate protein for overall health and vitality.

Fat

Fat is a macronutrient that is a concentrated source of energy for dogs. It also helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and is crucial for healthy skin and a shiny coat. Essential fatty acids, which the body cannot produce on its own, are found in fats and are vital for cellular function.

Fibre

Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that is not digested by a dog’s body but is crucial for digestive health. It promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, helps regulate bowel movements, and can contribute to a feeling of fullness. Sources include vegetables, fruits, and grains.

Main Vitamins

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) is a water-soluble vitamin that is crucial for converting carbohydrates into energy. It plays a key role in nerve function, helps with muscle activity, and supports digestion and appetite. Natural sources include pork, liver, and whole grains.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the body use energy from fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. It’s also vital for healthy skin and a shiny coat, normal vision, and a healthy nervous system. Riboflavin acts as an antioxidant. Good sources include liver, eggs, and dairy products.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin), a water-soluble vitamin, is crucial for turning food into energy by assisting enzymes in converting carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into usable fuel. It supports the health of the nervous system, skin, and digestive tract. Niacin also aids in the synthesis of hormones and helps improve circulation. Sources include poultry, fish, liver, and some whole grains.

Vitamin B9 (Folate), or folic acid, is a water-soluble B vitamin essential for cell growth and DNA synthesis. It is especially important for growing puppies and pregnant dogs. Folate helps in the formation of red blood cells and works with vitamin B12 to create healthy new cells. Sources include liver, leafy greens, and kidney.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage.It supports the immune system, promotes healthy skin and coat, and is essential for muscle function. It often works alongside selenium to protect cell membranes. Sources include vegetable oils, seeds, and green leafy vegetables.

Minerals

Calcium is an essential mineral for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. It is also critical for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and blood clotting. A proper balance of calcium and phosphorus is vital for skeletal health, especially in growing puppies. Sources include bone meal, dairy products, and leafy greens.

Phosphorus is a mineral that works with calcium to form and maintain healthy bones and teeth. It is involved in energy metabolism, as it is a component of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body’s main energy currency. It also plays a role in kidney function, nerve signaling, and muscle contraction. Found in most protein-rich foods like meat, eggs, and dairy.

Magnesium is a mineral that plays a part in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It is vital for nerve and muscle function, bone health, and energy production. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Sources include leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

Potassium is an electrolyte that is essential for proper nerve and muscle function, including the heart muscle. It helps maintain fluid balance in the body and supports a healthy nervous system. It works with sodium to regulate fluid levels within cells. Found in sweet potatoes, bananas, and potatoes.

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that supports the immune system, aids in wound healing, and is necessary for proper thyroid function. It also plays a crucial role in protein and carbohydrate metabolism and is vital for healthy skin and coat. Found in meat, poultry, and fish.

Iron is a vital mineral that is a key component of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. It is essential for energy production and a healthy immune system. Sources include red meat, liver, and some beans.

Copper is a trace mineral that works with iron to form red blood cells. It also supports bone, nerve, and immune function. It plays a role in the formation of collagen and elastin, which are important for connective tissue. Sources include organ meats, nuts, and seeds.

Manganese is a trace mineral essential for the formation of bones and cartilage. It is a cofactor for many enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also supports nervous system function and is an antioxidant. Found in whole grains, leafy vegetables, and some fruits.

Selenium is a trace mineral and a powerful antioxidant that works with Vitamin E to protect cells from damage. It is crucial for a healthy immune system, thyroid function, and reproduction. Sources include meat, seafood, and some grains.

 

Benefits – Key Takeaways:

Immune Support: The zinc in pumpkin seeds is an essential trace mineral that supports the immune system. Additionally, the Vitamin E and Selenium content are powerful antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative damage. This combination helps to bolster a dog’s natural defenses and supports overall cellular health.

Digestive Health: Pumpkin seeds are a good source of dietary fibre, which is crucial for digestive health. Fibre promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, helps regulate bowel movements, and can contribute to a feeling of fullness.

Healthy Skin and Coat: The healthy fats, along with zinc and Vitamin E, make pumpkin seeds beneficial for a dog’s skin and coat. Fats are crucial for a healthy skin and a shiny coat, while zinc is vital for healthy skin and coat, and Vitamin E promotes healthy skin and coat.

Energy and Vitality: Pumpkin seeds are a great source of energy due to their content of healthy fats and carbohydrates. The presence of B vitamins like Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), and Niacin (B3) is crucial for converting these macronutrients into usable energy, helping to maintain a dog’s overall vitality.

Bone and Muscle Health: The mineral content of pumpkin seeds, particularly calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese, contributes to strong bones and proper muscle function. Phosphorus works with calcium to form and maintain healthy bones and teeth. Magnesium is vital for both nerve and muscle function and bone health, while manganese is essential for the formation of bones and cartilage.

 

Important Considerations:

  • Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
  • If you are feeding commercial food, check the label for ingredients before giving more. Excessive intake of any foods can have adverse effects.
  • Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
  • Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
  • I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
  • Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.
  • I am not a professional canine nutritionist but supporting research is cited.
  • The recipes shared were created by me and tested in my kitchen – and tasted and approved by our doggy friends!