Quinoa has become popular as people increasingly seek out healthy choices.
Because pet parents are no different in this regard, we frequently get asked if dogs can be fed this particular food.
Here’s the deal:
Quinoa is an excellent option if you aren’t against occasionally giving your dog human foods.
We think it is a terrific treat!
What is really wonderful about Quinoa is how light it is compared to potatoes or most other starches.
Dogs Can Eat Quinoa (cooked and small amounts)
It is an amazing gluten-free grain-cereal, though technically it’s a seed.
In any case, Quinoa is super nutritious with high levels of essential amino acids.
It’s likely your dog can handle it, but start out with modest portions.
What’s the Catch With Quinoa?
It is difficult to criticize this super food, but there is a downside.
The oxalates in quinoa could affect some dogs.
Listen, there’s no perfect food. But, in general, it is a winner!
Taking everything into account, our verdict is quinoa offers outstanding nutritional value and is fabulous for Fido!
Let’s Take a Closer Look!
The following is a 100 gram breakdown:
- Calories – 372
- Carbs – 71.2 grams
- Protein – 11.5 grams
- Fat – 4.9 grams
- Calcium – 66 milligrams
- Iron – 8.5 milligrams
- Niacin – 1.4 grams
- Thiamin – 0.24 of a gram
- Riboflavin – 0.23 of a gram
Of course, different types of quinoa have slightly different nutritional values.
In any case, dogs do not typically get to consume such quality foods. But, your pooch is worth it!
A Conservative Approach
Quinoa is a great treat especially if your dog gets lots of exercise.
The protein and complex carbohydrates make sense.
Nevertheless, be careful whenever introducing anything new. Your dog’s stomach may not agree with this grain.
A definitive answer comes after you give a taste. That’s a reasonable approach for feeding quinoa.
Rinse, Wash and Cook It
Be sure to rinse, wash and cook your quinoa before serving it to your dog.
The reason?
It is very important to remove an unseen chemical called saponin. It’s a bit toxic and likely more dangerous for pets than it is for people.
Quinoa Question Mark
There’s another arguable drawback to Quinoa:
Animals typically don’t have digestive systems that are geared towards plant-like food. Some dogs don’t take well to oxalates.
For one, they’re often insoluble. And sometimes oxalates cause inflammation.
It’s really a judgement call!
You may want to reconsider feeding quinoa if your dog has arthritis.
And again there’s always a chance of a bad reaction since quinoa comes from a plant, even though it’s actually the seed. Pawing at the mouth, poor appetite, drooling, vomiting, oral pain and swelling are possible yet unlikely.
Will Your Dog Try It?
The only way to know if a dog can consume this seed cereal crop is to give them a small portion.
Stick to dog food if the above symptoms sound scary. Pets, after all, don’t need to eat quinoa.
The Bottom Line
Most canines can consume quinoa.
Provide a small amount to see if their stomach agrees.
Keep in mind that arthritic dogs may experience inflammation. Otherwise, quinoa is healthy and a great snack.
Just make sure to wash it before cooking.
Remember: Quinoa is loaded with nutrition, yet it can’t replace meat-based protein in quality dog food.