Did you hear the one about the pumpkin seeds that were drilled out and left all alone? They were bored out of their gourd. Ha ha snort snort. Dad jokes are the best, but don’t encourage my dad he can go all day with these.

Pumpkins are part of the Gourd family (get it now, Gourd) along with watermelons, zucchini and cucumbers. But the best part of the pumpkin and the healthiest part is the seeds.

I love to give my dogs pumpkin seeds as a treat, I through them in the backyard and let them hunt for them. It stimulates their hunting instincts and keeps their brains healthy as well as provide them with so many health benefits.

Pumpkin seeds provide so many health benefits but they can also keep your pet’s gut free of intestinal parasites.

I buy them peeled and roasted but I have also given them raw. Pumpkin seeds contain; Vitamin K , Iron, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, copper, and magnesium. They are also high in fiber which can provide exceptional gut health.

Some studies suggest that pumpkin seeds can help prevent cancer, improve heart health and reduce inflammation. Yummy, did you order yours yet? No! Well here is another great reason to through some seeds around. Pumpkin seeds contain a deworming compound called cucurbitacin and live stock owners have been using pumpkin seeds to get rid of tapeworms and roundworms for years. So now you don’t have to use harsh dewormers that ruin your pet’s gut and cost you lots of money. To get rid of worms, you would need to give about a quarter teaspoon per 10 lbs two times a day until worms are gone. Shhh don’t tell your vet.

As a snack I give about a handful two times a week.

Who knew that a little tiny seed could provide your pet with so much? I knew and now you know and now you can tell all your friends.

Why did the pumpkin take a detour? To avoid the seedy part of town.

Dedicated to all the dads, dogs and cats. Oh shoot didn’t I mention, your cat can eat pumpkin seeds too, well if you can get them to.