Chia is also known as the forgotten crop. This flowering plant was cultivated as one of the main foods of the Mayans and Aztecs. It is also used by these people in their traditional worship and as currency for trading purposes. It is increasingly popular in recent times for its ability to offer energy and enhance the stamina of both human beings and dogs.
Yes, dogs can eat chia seeds. This superfood contains 25% fiber, 34% oil, and 19-23% protein. Thus, it is a highly nutritious plant that can enhance the health of your pooch. Interestingly, its protein is also gluten-free. So, if you are considering giving this food to your canine, you are making the right decision.
Chia seeds are healthy and nutritious for dogs. As a dog owner, your pooch will benefit immensely by eating this food that is packed with nutrients. Nonetheless, it is critical that you understand how to go about it. In this article, you will learn how to give chia seeds to your dog, the feeding frequency, and the quantity that is healthy for your four-legged furry friend.
Why Are Chia Seeds Good For Dogs?
Dogs find the taste of chia seeds delightful. Besides, this food offers several nutritional and health benefits because it contains vitamins and minerals.
Can Chia Seeds Kill Dogs?
Ideally, seeds are safe for dogs except for the seeds of apples and poppies. These seeds contain cyanide, which leads to poisoning. So, it is best that your canine is not exposed to apple and poppy seeds. On the other hand, chia seeds are safe for your pooch.
What you need to watch out for is the preparation of this food before giving it to your dog. Due to their small size, the chances are low that they can choke your pooch. Nonetheless, it is recommended that you soak them before giving your pooch to eliminate the likelihood of choking hazards.
Another factor you need to consider is the quantity of these seeds you give your canine. Despite its numerous health benefits, this food can hurt dogs when they eat it excessively. It is best to sprinkle them on the meal of your pooch once in a while to avoid issues. Once you consider these factors, you can be certain that your canine will be safe while ingesting this food.
Benefits Of Chia Seeds For Dogs
Chia seeds offer several health and nutritional benefits to dogs. For example, they contain antioxidants, which preserve the health of your canine. The free radicals in the body of dogs threaten their health by impairing cell functions. Sadly, these toxins are products of normal metabolism.
So, you can only help your dog control them, but you cannot prevent their production. You can prevent the activities of these free radicals through the introduction of antioxidants into your canine’s body. The good news is that chia seeds contain antioxidants such as kaempferol, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, caffeic acid, and myricetin.
These antioxidants help to boost the immune system of your canine. It also protects the liver and heart of dogs. Besides, they have anti-cancer properties, which are vital in the modern world, where this terminal disease is increasingly prevalent.
Apart from antioxidants, this superfood also contains the following nutrients:
- Fiber
- Minerals
- Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are present in chia seeds. They are important to the skin, coat, eye, and joint health of your dog. They are also vital to the brain development and growth of your canine. Giving chia seeds to your canine also helps balance the omega-6 fatty acids that are usually in excess of your dog’s daily meal.
Fiber
The fiber content of chia is one of the reasons many dog owners give this food to their canines. According to nutritional experts, each oz of chia contains 10 grams of dietary fiber. More so, the fiber in this food is soluble and easy to digest. Thus, it will not pose any issues to the digestive tract of your pooch.
Minerals
Interestingly, the calcium content of chia seeds is more than what you will find in whole milk. It is also a rich source of iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, potassium, and phosphorus. In fact, the iron and magnesium content of chai seeds is more than what is obtainable from raw spinach and broccoli, respectively. Thus, this superfood will improve the bone density and gut health of your dog.
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) is an essential fatty acid your dog needs. However, you need to give your pooch because canines do not produce this substance naturally in their bodies. The good news is that chia is a rich source of ALA. When your dog’s body does not have enough fatty acids, it also converts ALA to make up for it.
How Much Chia Seeds Should I Give Dogs?
Giving your dog excessive quantities of chia seeds can lead to health challenges like digestive problems and intestinal blockage. Thus, moderation is important.
Can Dogs Eat Chia Seeds Every Day?
Indeed, chia seeds are full of nutrients that offer nutritional value to your pooch. Yet, this should not make you assume that you can give your dog this food every day. Besides, some canines are allergic to this food. Such dogs should not even have chia in the first place. So, the first thing you need to consider is the safety of chia for your pooch.
You can tell if your dog is allergic to this superfood when you notice the following signs after giving it you your pooch:
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Gassiness
- Digestive issues
- Rashes
- Excessive scratching
- Eyelid inflammation
You might not like the fact that your dog has issues digesting this food. Yet, it is important that you do what is best for your pooch. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, then you should avoid them.
Even if your dog is not allergic to chia seeds, it is best to avoid giving them to your pooch every day. The excessive quantity might lead to health issues like a partial or complete intestinal blockage. Soaking the seed before giving your pooch also helps in preventing this health problem.
The Right Dosage
Determining the perfect chia seeds quantity to give your dog can be tricky. Yet, you can consider the following tips:
- Consult your vet before incorporating these seeds into the food of your dog.
- Avoid chia seeds that were planted with the aid of chemicals like pesticides.
- Always buy organic chia seeds.
- Soak the seeds in water before giving them to your pooch.
- Serve chia seeds to your dog based on the size of the canine.
- Monitor the reaction of your pooch after serving a particular quantity.
Generally, once you know the weight of your dog, feed a quarter teaspoon of this food per ten pounds of the canine’s body weight. Chances are high that your dog will not display any symptoms when you use this approach. Nonetheless, if you notice anything strange, it is best that you speak to your pet as soon as possible.
Also, ensure your dog’s pet food does not contain chia seeds. Check the label of your dog’s pet food to confirm. If it is already part of the pet food of your pooch, then it is best to avoid it to prevent overserving.
Can Dogs Eat Chia Seeds And Flaxseeds?
Before the emergence of chia, flaxseeds have been around as a superfood with multiple health benefits for dogs. Flaxseed is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, making it beneficial to the skin and coat health of your pooch. It also has linoleic acid, which supports skin hydration, improves the rate of healing, and also limits inflammation for your pooch.
Flaxseed is also a rich source of antioxidants such as lignans, which limits the activities of free radicals. These antioxidants boost the immune system of your pooch by helping in the maintenance of healthy cells. This superfood also aids the digestion of dogs because it is high in fiber. It has 30% carbs, of which 90% is fiber.
The reality is that both chia seeds and flaxseeds have similar nutritional and health benefits. Thus, it is not recommended that your pooch have both together. Either of the two in moderate quantities is okay for your dog. Besides, if the pet food of your canine already contains either of the two, there is no point in adding it to the meal of your pooch.
How Do You Prepare Chia Seeds For Dogs?
Even the pickiest of dogs like to eat chia seeds. Yet, it is important that you prepare them well for your pooch to avoid health issues.
Do Chia Seeds Need To Be Soaked For Dogs?
It is best that you soak chia seeds in water before giving your dog. In fact, you should soak every seed before giving your pooch. The dangers of not using this approach can be devastating.
For example, if you do not soak chia seeds, they can end up swelling in the digestive system of your canine. The implication of this food swelling in the system of your pooch is that it can lead to intestinal blockage.
It can also make it difficult for your canine to digest the seeds, leading to constipation. So, it is recommended that you soak these seeds for at least thirty minutes before feeding them to your dog.
Apart from the potential health risk this approach averts, it also makes it easier for your pooch to digest this food. Some creative ways of feeding chia seeds to your dog include baking them. Whatever you do, helping your dog digest the food better should be your priority.
It is recommended that you do not add dangerous additives such as onions or seasonings when preparing them.
Are Chia Seeds Good For Dogs With Diarrhea?
One of the allergic reactions of dogs to chia seeds is digestive problems, such as gassing, bloating, and constipation. However, this superfood can help a dog deal with diarrhea. This health benefit is possible because these seeds soak up a lot of water. So, instead of soaking the seeds, a canine battling diarrhea can have them dry.
When you give dry seeds to such dogs, the seeds will soak up the extra fluid in the digestive system. At that point, you have no reason to be afraid of intestinal blockage. Many dog owners take advantage of the medicinal ability of chia seeds to improve the health condition of their pooches.
Nonetheless, this should be more like first aid rather than what you rely on to take care of an ailing dog. If your dog is battling diarrhea, it is best that you speak to your pet because you might not know the cause of the issue. So, it is best that you contact medical experts rather than try to take matters into your hands to avoid complicating things.
Can Dogs Eat Chia Seed Pudding?
Dogs enjoy puddings of various forms, such as sweet potatoes, fruit popsicles, and pumpkin-flavored cakes and cookies. You can also make chia seed pudding for your pooch. It is nutritious and safe. You can make one for your dog with the following ingredients:
- ½ cup chia seeds
- Dog-friendly fruits like raspberries
- 1 can of unsweetened coconut milk
Follow the steps below to prepare this meal for your four-legged furry friend:
- Pour the milk into a bowl and mix it until it is smooth.
- Add the chia seeds and stir until you are satisfied.
- Leave the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes and stir once in a while.
- Let the seeds absorb the liquid until it is thick enough to form a pudding.
- Keep adding seeds to achieve the desired texture.
- Add the fruit as you prepare to serve.
- Keep it in the fridge to make it chill until you are ready to serve it.
As always, it is important that you ensure that the pudding does not contain any dangerous substance to avoid health issues for your dog. Your best is always your best source when it comes to canine nutrition.
