Although pumpkin seeds are not toxic to cats, they can become a choking hazard, especially when eaten quickly. If your cat eats too many, it could result in an intestinal obstruction. If you do give your cat pumpkin seeds, they are best fed in small quantities with you close by.
How Are Pumpkin Seeds Good For Cats?
Pumpkin seeds are packed full of vitamins and minerals which can have a beneficial effect on your cat’s health. Some of these vitamins and minerals include vitamin A, vitamin B6, copper, zinc, and beta-carotene.
They are also a good source of fiber, which is beneficial if your cat is experiencing digestive problems. In fact, because pumpkin seeds are low in calories and high in fiber, they are occasionally added to meals to aid cats who are obese.
Are pumpkins safe for pets?
The good news about pumpkins is that their flesh and seeds aren’t just safe.
They’re actually spookily good for pets!
Mexico is the original home of pumpkins, and humans have been eating them for over 9,000 years. Pumpkins are actually a type of fruit. These berries, like cucumbers, melons, and courgettes, are members of the squash family.
Pumpkins have 4 layers:
- The stem connecting it to the plant it originated on
- The hard skin or rind
- The orange flesh or pulp
- The seeds and stringy fibrous strands surrounding them
Your pet is safe to eat everything inside your Halloween pumpkin. This includes the orange flesh and seeds.
A word of caution though!
While neither cats nor dogs can ingest pumpkins or their seeds, there are still some risks associated with using pumpkins for your pet.
- Hard pumpkin rind can’t be digested. While it might be entertaining to chew, if your pet swallows it, there’s a chance of choking hazards or intestinal blockage.
- Puppies, cats, and very small dogs may choke on raw pumpkin flesh and seeds.
Should I let my cat or dog eat pumpkin?
In addition to being edible, pumpkins are paw-sitively full of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients.
Pumpkin is a tasty treat for pets, whether it is roasted, boiled, pureed, or fresh. However, it also contains a wealth of beneficial minerals and vitamins to maintain your pet’s paw-somely good health. Because pumpkin flesh is rich in:
Fibre:
- including soluble and highly digestible fibre
- great for digestion!
Vitamins:
- Vitamin A supports bone growth, eyesight, and the immune system.
- Being a naturally occurring antioxidant, vitamin C aids in preventing cell damage in the body.
- Folate aids in the formation of blood cells, nerve growth, and heart and digestive system function.
Minerals:
- Potassium supports healthy nerve and muscle function. Since kidney disease can make it difficult for dogs and cats to maintain adequate potassium levels in their bodies, pumpkin is a huge bonus in this case!
- Blood, muscles, bones, and nerves all depend on iron, phosphorus, and magnesium.
Are equally pumped with goodness, including:
- Fatty Acids: oleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid. Great for healthy skin, coat, growth and immune systems.
- Vitamin E supports healthy skin, bones, nerves, and muscles and aids in the prevention of cell damage.
- In coagulation and blood clotting, vitamin K is crucial. Pets with liver disease often lack Vitamin K.
- Minerals: Zinc, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Iron and Copper
All of these vitamins and minerals are important to animals. However, it’s crucial to understand that your pet may consume too many beneficial supplements. Inappropriate supplements and extreme diets, such as consuming raw liver, can seriously injure otherwise healthy pets.
Your pet will have all the nutrition they require from a healthy, balanced diet to be the joyful, sometimes energetic, and always loving rascals that we all adore! Furthermore, pumpkin is a natural, healthful source of gourdness in abundance!
FAQ
Are pumpkin seeds toxic to pets?
Will pumpkin make my cat sick?
Are pumpkin seeds a dewormer for cats?
Are any pumpkin seeds poisonous?