Can Dogs Eat Chia Seeds?

The quick answer: Yes, you can give chia seeds to your dog without worry, though some recommend soaking the seeds before serving them.

Perhaps best known as the star of Chia Pet products, chia seeds are rich in antioxidants and high in fiber, providing both humans and animals with the nutrients they need to avoid constipation and stay active. Small in size but big in benefits, it’s nevertheless vital to limit the number of chia seeds you allow your pet to have. Chia seeds should never be used as a substitute for an appropriate diet catered to their age, breed, and/or health conditions. For more information, talk to a trusted veterinarian.

Benefits of chia seeds

Chia seeds contain phosphorus, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, and several vitamins, making them ideal for sprinkling on meals and snacks. Dogs with a hearty, constant appetite feel fuller, cutting down on the food they eat and providing crucial support for weight loss in cases of obesity. Chia seeds also help regulate blood sugar levels, strengthen cells in the body, encourage shiny coats, and improve eyesight, elevating an animal’s quality of life. There are downsides to ingesting too many chia seeds, however. Above all, use your best judgment and keep your pet’s individual needs in mind.

Because of their small size, chia seeds don’t need to be ground down before you use them.

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Hazards of chia seeds for dogs

While hazards are few, they should be noted. Because of the fatty acids found in chia seeds, you need to make sure you don’t feed your dog too many in one sitting. Some pet owners also recommend soaking the seeds before adding them to food – this makes it less likely that your pet will choke on them or experience discomfort. If you’re unsure about something, do your homework first.

Chia seeds dog treats recipe

While some prefer to mix chia seeds in their pet’s regular food, recipes are another excellent way to use them.

Chia seed dog treats recipe from The Creek Line House.
Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 3 tablespoons of water
• 1 ½ cups of beef or vegetable broth
• 2 cups of whole-grain flour
• 3 tablespoons of ground chia seeds (use a coffee bean or spice grinder for grinding)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F.
2. In the small bowl, combine the water and chia seeds. Let it sit for 30 seconds.
3. Blend the chia seeds, water, flour, and oil in the stand mixer’s bowl.
4. Put the stand mixer on a low setting and pour in the broth as slowly as possible. This should create a dough.
5. Lightly coat your kitchen counter with flour and roll out the dough. Use the cookie cutter to create shapes. Unused dough portions can be rolled up and spread out again.
6. Place the cookies on the parchment-lined sheets and bake for about 30 minutes.
7. Allow cookies to cool before serving.

If you’re not sure what to share, Healthy Paws has a great list of foods that are safe and not safe for dogs; Pets at WebMD has a thorough list of no-no’s for cats.