Dog Food

Can Dogs Eat Quinoa?

Basepaws

One of the common questions with dog owners is, “Can dogs eat quinoa?” We will show you whether you can share this food with your dog.

Is Quinoa Good for Dogs?

As a whole, gluten-free grain, quinoa is good for dogs. It's a healthy alternative, especially for dogs with sensitivities or food allergies. It's a good source of minerals and fiber intake, required for the pet’s health. It's packed with minerals like potassium, manganese, phosphorus, and folate.

You can serve it on its own or as a food topper to your dog's regular food.

Health Benefits of Quinoa for Dogs

As a dog owner, you want your dog to eat healthy meals. You may wonder, “Is quinoa healthy?”

Quinoa has a number of health benefits for your dog including:

Essential Nutrients

Quinoa is rich in vitamins, essential amino acids, minerals, fiber, and fatty acids. These nutrients are good for your dog's muscle structure, teeth, brain function, and overall health.

Gluten-free

A large percentage of dog's dry food is made from grains like wheat and corn. These contain gluten, which may cause allergic reactions in highly sensitive dogs. Quinoa is gluten-free and a good alternative for sensitive dogs.

Fiber

Fiber is good for your dog's gut health and digestive system.

Anti-inflammatory Value

Quinoa has anti-inflammatory properties that are good for dogs with inflammatory health conditions or cancer.

Healthy Carbohydrate

The majority of dog owners have gone down the guilt trip by feeding their dogs snacks and treats that contain unhealthy carbohydrates. Many commercial dog food brands use fillers for their carbohydrate content which have no nutritional value. Alternatively, quinoa is a healthy food with natural, healthy carbohydrates that you can serve your dog without feeling guilty.

Potential Risks and Precautions

Is quinoa good for dogs? While dogs can safely eat quinoa, it can cause potential risks and you must take the necessary precautions.

Raw Quinoa

Avoid feeding raw or dry quinoa to your dog. Quinoa contains saponin, a natural chemical, which is fatal to dogs if eaten raw.

Preparation

Ensure you serve your dog with plain quinoa only. Avoid using spices and ingredients like garlic and onions which are harmful to dogs. Also, avoid using excess salt.

Sensitivity

When introducing new food, start slow and serve small portions. Observe and monitor your dog's reaction and look out for symptoms like drooling, distress, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea.

If you notice any of these signs, stop serving quinoa. If your dog shows no allergic reaction or sensitivity, gradually increase the portions.

Other Health Conditions

If your dog has other health conditions like pancreatitis or kidney disease, consult your veterinarian before feeding them quinoa. If your dog has arthritis, don't feed them with quinoa. The oxalate in quinoa will result in more joint pains.

Moderation

The key to quinoa is moderation. Excess consumption of quinoa will result in digestive issues. Also, remember that it's a supplement food, not your dog's core diet.

How to Safely Prepare Quinoa for Dogs

Can dogs have quinoa? Yes. The secret to your dog enjoying quinoa is proper cooking. If not properly cooked, even the smallest amount of saponin can result in fatal consequences.

To safely prepare quinoa for your dog:

Thoroughly wash and rinse quinoa.
Cook it plain with no added ingredients.
Once cooked, let it cool and serve it on its own or as a food topper.

Conclusion

Can dogs eat quinoa? Yes. Quinoa for dogs is a safe and healthy combination. It's packed with nutrients that are good for your dog's overall health.