Homemade Ground Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs

Turn fresh pumpkin seeds into something special for your pup with Homemade Ground Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs. Roasted pumpkin seed powder is nutritious, delicious, and easy to sprinkle over food or add to your favorite dog treat recipes.

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Why Grind Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs

Turning pumpkin seeds into powder makes them easy to use in all sorts of ways for your pup. Here are a few reasons to grind them instead of serving them whole:

• Easier to Eat – Grinding the roasted seeds, including their hulls, makes them easier for dogs to eat than whole seeds.
• Plain and Unseasoned – Making your own means there’s no added salt, oil, or seasonings like you’ll find on many roasted pumpkin seeds made for people.
• Versatile – Pumpkin seed powder is easy to sprinkle over food or incorporate into homemade dog treats.
• Great Use for Pumpkin Seeds – If you’re already cooking a fresh pumpkin, you can use the seeds instead of throwing them away.

What to Know About Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs

Plain pumpkin seeds can be an occasional addition to your dog’s diet when given in moderation. They contain protein, fiber, fats, and minerals including magnesium, zinc, and copper.

Roasting and grinding the seeds makes them easy to sprinkle over food or incorporate into homemade goodies. You can grind the entire seed with the white hull intact, so there’s no need to shell fresh pumpkin seeds individually.

Pumpkin seeds are calorie-dense, though, and large quantities may cause digestive upset. Think of ground pumpkin seeds as an occasional extra rather than a nutritional supplement or treatment for a health condition.

You may have heard that pumpkin seeds are a natural dewormer for dogs. While pumpkin seeds contain a compound called cucurbitin, feeding pumpkin seeds has not been proven to effectively treat intestinal parasites in dogs. If you suspect your dog has worms, contact your veterinarian for appropriate testing and treatment.

What You Need to Make Pumpkin Seed Powder

You only need one ingredient, and you can get it straight from a fresh pumpkin or buy it at the store:

• Raw Pumpkin Seeds – Use whole seeds, including the white hulls, removed from a fresh pumpkin. Plain, raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds from the store will also work.

If you’re using store-bought seeds, check the package carefully. Don’t use pumpkin seeds with added salt, oil, sugar, spices, or seasonings.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any special equipment beyond something to grind the seeds. If you’re starting with a fresh pumpkin, you’ll also need a few basic kitchen items:

• Large sharp knife and cutting board for cutting open a fresh pumpkin.
• Colander – For rinsing seeds from a freshly cut pumpkin.
• Baking sheet – For roasting the seeds in the oven.
• Air Fryer – If you prefer to roast the seeds this way.
• Food Processor – For grinding the roasted seeds into powder.

How to Prepare Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs

Roasting and grinding pumpkin seeds is a simple process. Here’s what to do:

Preparing Fresh Pumpkin Seeds

1. Cut the pumpkin in half from stem to bottom.
2. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp.
3. Place the seeds in a colander and rinse them thoroughly, removing the strings and bits of pumpkin flesh.
4. Spread the seeds in a single layer on paper towels and place additional paper towels on top.
5. Pat the seeds dry and allow them to dry thoroughly before roasting.

Tip: Don’t toss the pumpkin flesh! Use it to make pumpkin puree for dogs.

Oven Method

1. Preheat the oven to 320°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
3. Spread the pumpkin seeds on the baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, or until dry and lightly golden. Watch them closely toward the end so they don’t burn.
5. Remove the seeds from the oven and allow them to cool completely before grinding.

Air Fryer Method

1. Spread the pumpkin seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the tray.
2. Air fry at 320°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until dry and lightly golden.
3. Check the seeds frequently toward the end of the cooking time because air fryers can vary.
4. Remove the seeds and allow them to cool completely.

Grinding the Pumpkin Seeds

1. Place the cooled roasted pumpkin seeds in a food processor, high-powered blender, or coffee grinder.
2. Grind until the seeds become powder.

Recipe Tips for Success

There isn’t much to making pumpkin seed powder, but these simple tips will help you get the best results:

• Dry the seeds thoroughly. Excess moisture can prevent the seeds from roasting evenly and may make them more difficult to grind.
• Keep an eye on them. Pumpkin seeds can go from toasted to burned quickly, so watch them closely toward the end of the roasting time.
• Cool them completely. Let the roasted seeds reach room temperature before grinding them.
• Grind in batches if needed. If your grinder or food processor is small, working with smaller amounts can help you get a finer, more even powder.
• Don’t add seasonings. Keep the seeds completely plain for your dog.

Ways to Use Homemade Pumpkin Seed Powder

Once you’ve made a batch, there are several easy ways to use it for your pup:

• Dog Treats – Replace about 1 tablespoon of flour in dog treat recipes.
• Dog Food – Incorporate a small amount into homemade dog food.
• Food Topper – Sprinkle a small amount over your dog’s regular food as an occasional topper.

How to Store Ground Pumpkin Seeds and How Long They Last

Place the ground pumpkin seeds in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

For longer storage, place the powder in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag and freeze it for up to 6 months.

Because pumpkin seeds contain natural oils that can eventually become rancid, discard the powder if it develops an unusual or stale odor or flavor.

How Much Ground Pumpkin Seed Can Dogs Have?

Pumpkin seed powder should be given in small amounts as an occasional addition to your dog’s regular diet. There isn’t a well-established serving amount based on a dog’s weight, so start with a small sprinkle and see how your dog tolerates it.

Pumpkin seeds contain fat, fiber, and calories, and eating too much may cause digestive upset, including loose stools, diarrhea, or vomiting. Treats and extras should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

If your dog hasn’t had pumpkin seeds before, introduce them gradually and watch for any allergies, sensitivities, digestive upset, or other adverse reactions.

Consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure whether pumpkin seeds are appropriate for your dog or how much to give them.

Can people eat these ground pumpkin seeds?

Yes, they sure can! Sprinkle pumpkin seed powder over oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, salads, and other foods, or add it to baked goods. You can also read more about pumpkin seed powder benefits from Healthline.

More Homemade Dog Treat Recipes

Want to make tasty treats and food for your dog? Check out these recipes:

• Applesauce for Dogs
• Bone Broth for Dogs
• Chicken Soup for Dogs
• Dog Food Seasoning
• Golden Paste for Dogs
• Peanut Butter Smoothie for Dogs
• Pumpkin Seed Dog Treats

Find even more easy pumpkin dog treat recipes right here on Spoiled Hounds!