Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds? Can dogs eat Sunflower Seeds? Can Dogs Eat Sesame Seeds? Are Chia Seeds Good for Dogs? Are Flax Seeds Good for Dogs? Poppy Seeds for Dogs?
Are you a dog parent starting to home cook? Whether it be homemade treats, full meals or toppers, we are always looking for new ways to enhance our recipes with healthy ingredients. Seeds can be a simple and fun way to add extra nutrients to your home cooking. Read along to learn more about what seeds you can and cannot feed your dog, how to best serve seeds to your dog and, of course, fun recipes that include seeds.
As a responsible dog parent, a balanced and nutritious diet is important. Adding a variety of seeds, such as flax seeds, sesame seeds, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and sunflower seeds, can significantly improve your dog's nutrient intake. However, you must always introduce new foods to your dog's diet slowly and in moderation to avoid digestive issues.
Flax Seeds for Dogs - YES!
Flax seeds can provide essential nutrients like protein, fibre, and omega-3 fatty acids, making them an excellent addition to your dog's diet. Flax seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for promoting healthy skin and a shiny coat. They can reduce inflammation, prevent dry skin, dandruff, and hot spots, and help maintain a healthy skin barrier, which keeps allergens and bacteria at bay.
But that’s not all, flax seeds are also an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fibre, which is beneficial for digestive health. Soluble fibre helps regulate blood sugar levels, while insoluble fibre adds bulk to the stool, making it easier for dogs to pass. Fibre also promotes healthy gut bacteria, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Flax seeds are a great source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid linked to improved cardiovascular health.
By adding a small amount of ground flax seeds to your dog's food daily, you can give them a boost in their nutrient intake. It's important to note that flax seeds should be ground before they are fed to your dog, as whole flax seeds can pass through their digestive tract undigested. And did we mention that flaxseeds make a perfect egg substitute when baking treats for your dog? Give your pup a treat that's both delicious and nutritious.
If you’re looking for an easy way to incorporate flaxseeds into your home cooking, Dog Child’s Essential Nutrient Mix includes ground flaxseeds.
Check out this delicious peanut butter cookie recipe for dogs.
Can dogs have Sesame Seeds? YES
Did you know that sesame seeds can provide your pup with many health benefits? These tiny seeds are packed with essential nutrients such as protein, fibre, calcium, magnesium, and healthy fats, all of which can help keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
Sesame seeds are a good source of fibre, which aids in digestive health by regulating bowel movements and preventing constipation. Fibre also promotes healthy gut bacteria, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Sesame seeds can also help boost immunity since they contain zinc.
Sesame seeds also contain healthy fats like omega-6 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats that help to lower cholesterol levels. These healthy fats also reduce inflammation in the body, which can benefit dogs with arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
You can easily incorporate sesame seeds into your dog's diet by adding a tiny amount of fresh, unsalted ground seeds or mixing in a sesame seed paste to their food. Please be careful and only offer small amounts.
Can dogs have Hemp Hearts or Hemp Seeds? YES
Discover the power of hemp seeds, the ultimate superfood for your dog. Loaded with vital nutrients such as protein, fibre, healthy fats, and minerals, hemp seeds are a must-have addition to your dog's diet. They're a stellar source of essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, which promote healthy skin and coat and reduce inflammation.
Hemp seeds are an excellent plant-based protein source for muscle and joint health, as they contain all nine essential amino acids, making them a complete protein source. This can be beneficial for dogs with joint pain or stiffness.
Hemp seeds also contain antioxidants like vitamin E, which help to boost the immune system. Antioxidants help to protect the body from free radicals, which can cause cell damage and lead to chronic diseases.
Hemp seed oil for dogs is a great way to add it to foods, or even hemp seed powder can be added safely to your dog’s diet.
Try out our Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal, it has healthy hemp hearts for added protein.
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of healthy fats, potassium, and magnesium, which are important for healthy digestion, strong bones, and decreased risk of chronic diseases. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in antioxidants like vitamin E that can help improve skin and coat health.
Another great thing about pumpkin seeds is that they act as a natural diuretic. This means they can help to promote healthy urinary function in dogs. Additionally, pumpkin seeds are a good source of magnesium, which can help to prevent the formation of urinary stones and crystals. And, of course, like all the seeds on this list, pumpkin seeds are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a great choice for dogs who need to manage their weight.
You can include pumpkin seeds in your dog's diet by roasting them or grinding them into a powder and adding them to their food in small amounts. Roasted seeds will be easier to digest than raw. Always remember no salt or spices. Next Halloween, save your extra seeds for your dog!
Are Chia Seeds Good for Dogs?
If you love a good chia seed pudding, you’re probably wondering if your dog can enjoy these super seeds. The answer is YES! These seeds are loaded with important nutrients like protein, fibre, healthy fats, and essential minerals. The fibre in chia seeds can also help keep your dog full for longer, reducing the risk of overeating and weight gain. What's more, chia seeds are known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be especially beneficial for dogs with conditions like arthritis.
One of the best things about chia seeds is that they're a rich source of essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6. These fatty acids are crucial for maintaining healthy skin and coat and can also help reduce inflammation throughout the body. That's why chia seeds are a great choice for dogs with skin allergies or other skin conditions. Additionally, the omega-3 in chia seeds can help to lower cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart disease.
Chia seeds can be added to your dog's food in small amounts. It is best to grind down or soak the seeds prior to serving as seeds can be hard to digest for dogs.
Check out our Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe for Dog’s that include Chia Seeds
Can dogs eat Sunflower Seeds?
Sunflower seeds are a great source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins B and E. They also contain magnesium, which is beneficial for nerve and muscle function. Sunflower seeds are a rich source of omega-6 fatty acids, which are crucial for maintaining healthy skin and coat. These fatty acids can also help to reduce inflammation and alleviate dry, itchy skin in dogs.
Another benefit of sunflower seeds is that they contain healthy fats like linoleic acid and oleic acid. These fats can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and reduce inflammation in the body. And like the other seeds on this list, sunflower seeds are low in calories and high in fibre, making them an excellent choice for dogs who need to manage their weight.
Sunflower seeds can be included in your dog's diet by grinding them into a powder or using them as a topping on a treat. Or sunflower seed butter that has no added salt or spices.
Poppy Seeds for Dogs? NO
You may wonder are poppy seeds bad for dogs? While poppy seeds are rich in iron, zinc, and magnesium, poppy seeds are also known to contain trace amounts of codeine. Therefore, it's best to avoid feeding your dog poppy seeds or anything from the poppy plant altogether.
How can you incorporate seeds into your dog's diet?
If you are adding seeds to your dog's diet for the first time, it is best to start slow and monitor their reaction. You can incorporate seeds into your dog's diet in many ways, such as sprinkling them over their food, adding them to lick mats, or making homemade dog food using seeds. However, it is crucial to measure the amount of seeds that you are feeding your dog as an excess can cause an upset stomach. Consult with your vet before adding seeds to your dog's diet, especially if they have any underlying health conditions.
Delicious Recipes with Seeds For Dogs
If you want to add the nutritious value of seeds in your dog's diet, there are many delicious and easy dog food recipes that you can make at home. Check out our recipe community which has lots of recipes packed with healthy seeds for your dog.
If you prefer to add these nutrients to food you know your dog already loves, check out our Essential Nutrient Mix For Dogs. Dog Child Essential Nutrient Mix provides your dog with their optimal nutrients when mixed into home cooked meals.
If your dog has any underlying health concerns or is on medication, you should always check with your veterinarian before adding new foods to their diet. With proper research and consideration, seeds can be a beneficial supplement to your dog's meals. So why not give your pup the extra boost of nutrition they deserve?
