Are Chia Seeds Good For Dogs? Can Dogs Eat Chia Seeds?

You might find chia seeds as an ingredient in most recipes for humans because of their numerous advantages. But are they suitable for dogs? Can your canine companion eat them? The simple answer is YES!

They’re safe to use and are a great source of plant-based proteins. With an adequate concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients, they serve as a great alternative to fish oil which might be risky in some dogs. The following nutrients make them robust and best to use in a dog’s diet.

The good news is that the nutrients comply with the average nutritional needs of the dogs. You can also check the estimates. Despite their small size of 1 mm diameter, they can absorb a large amount of water to keep the dog hydrated.

Chia Seeds Benefits For Dogs

Chia seeds can be beneficial for the health of your dog in the following prospects:

1. Source Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Chia seeds are a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid). They serve great in preserving the skin of the dog, leading to a shiny coat. Also, it reduces inflammation and promotes the health of joints. Moreover, the seeds serve great in strengthening cardiac system cells, leading to a healthy heart.

2. Inflammation Reduction

The regular intake of chia seeds can also reduce inflammation in joints. Mainly, it shows excellent perks in dogs suffering from osteoarthritis. Also, it helps with pain reduction in joints.

3. High Fiber Content

The high fiber content in the chia seeds promotes the digestive system of the dogs. The seeds help the body absorb nutrients properly and are great for adequately working healthy bacteria in the gut, hence, keeping the digestive tract healthy.

4. Protein Rich Source

Chia seeds are a great source of plant-based proteins. When it couples with the protein in meat, the collective effect brings numerous advantages. It works in an excellent way to keep muscle cells nourished by increasing their strength and growth.

5. Promote Healthy Bones

The chia seeds contain more calcium as compared to milk. That calcium, along with phosphorous, plays its part in bone maintenance and development. It also prevents joints diseases like hip dysplasia in dogs.

6. Regulate Blood Sugar

Chia seeds also help in regulating blood sugar. Hence, they are great for diabetic dogs. They also help in glucose tolerance and the proper functioning of insulin, serving the overall dog’s health.

7. Weight Maintenance

The high fiber content in the chia seeds helps dogs to maintain their weight. Also, the water-absorbing capacity enables the dog to feel full. It’s because chia seed absorb water about 12 times. They’re incredibly best for dogs that overeat a lot.

8. Help In Brain Functions

The chia seeds help in brain functioning by supporting the myelin sheath. They strengthen this fatty substance, improving the neurotransmitter speed in return. Hence, they help a lot in brain functioning leading to proper memory development.

These were some of the perks, dogs can enjoy by consumption of chia seeds.

How Much Chia Seeds Can I Give My Dog?

The amount of chia seeds you can feed your dog depends on weight. Follow the rule of providing 1/4 teaspoon according to 10 pounds of dog’s weight. You can follow the following dosage for small and large dogs.

How To Feed Chia Seeds To Dogs?

You can feed chia seeds to your dog either by fermentation and soaking.

• In case of fermentation, you can use chia seeds in a vegetable jar with oil. Or you can follow your recipe for seed fermentation.
• In case of soaking, you can add seeds to the water with a concentration of 1:10. It means one part of seeds and ten parts of water. You’ll attain a gel-like mixture by soaking them for 1-2 hours.

Please don’t feed the chia seeds in the usual dry form to dogs because it can lead to health risks.

Dog Food With Chia Seeds

If you are looking for a commercial dog food that contains chia seeds, you can try Cherish Pet Food. The superfood chia is included in your dog food ingredient list with other valuable nutrients. We have different food options based on the age of your dog.

For cats, you can try their formulated food Complete Cat to boost the health and energy levels.

Are Chia Seeds Bad For Dogs?

No, chia seeds can’t be considered bad for the dogs. But there are certain risks associated with their improper use. They are as follows:

1. Omega-3 Imbalance

If you don’t feed the chia seeds in balance to your dog, it may lead to an imbalance between omega-3 and omega-6. This hassle won’t happen if you’ll serve in moderation.

2. Digestive System Upset

If fed in large amounts, the chia seeds can lead to digestive system issues because of fiber content. If your dog has recurring digestive system issues, like IBD, try to avoid chia seeds.

3. Blockages

Feeding the chia seeds in dry form can pose serious threats. They can absorb the moisture present in the intestine and esophagus. It will lead to dysfunction, blockage, or hassle in swallowing. 

Just feed the soaked form of chia seeds in moderation, and your dog will remain safe from these issues.

Can Dogs Be Allergic To Chia Seeds?

It’s pretty uncommon, but there can be a possibility. Just stay vigilant while feeding it for the first time, and you’ll be good to go.

Can Cats Eat Chia Seeds?

Yes, cats can safely eat chia seeds like other pets. The concentration and method of feeding also remain the same. If fed properly, they’ll serve best for your cat’s overall health by providing numerous perks.

Summing Up

Hence, chia seeds are great and have numerous advantages concerning dog’s health. Avoid them if your dog has recently encountered any digestive or swallowing issues. Also, make sure to feed them in the proper form and amount, and you’ll be good to go.

References:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hcyYBTau1DwlR9dsAzM8Z2sUNHR08qwLzeWhk-SUBLI/edit#gid=420562467

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/6/1242/pdf

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284265278_Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia_Seed_Science

https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/chia-for-pets/