As a pet parent, it can be a hassle to think of the best nutrition for dogs, especially knowing that not all human foods are good for dogs. But what about quinoa? Can dogs eat quinoa? Or does it have side effects?
In brief- yes! You can feed your dog quinoa, but it comes with quite a few conditions. So before you give your dog a bowl of this grain, give this a read!
Is Quinoa Good For Dogs?
Besides being a trendy health food for humans, quinoa can also be a great addition to your dog’s meals, considering how picky they can be! So below are some reasons why we love quinoa for dogs:
1. Nutritional value
When we talk about quinoa, all we see is a grain, which is a powerhouse of nutrients as it contains everything from protein and fiber to multivitamins and minerals. So even if you top it with some fruits, vegetables, and animal protein, your dog will have their balanced meal ready within a minute.
2. Gentle or harsh?
Like every coin has two sides, so do the tales of quinoa for dogs! While some believe quinoa can cause digestive problems, others believe that quinoa is actually sensitive and gentle on a dog’s tummy. Our opinion says that you start feeding small amounts of it and check for any allergies; if not, feed more, but only in moderation!
3. A change of taste
Imagine your dog waking up thinking, “This hooman will again give me the same old kibbles,” while you surprise them with a burst of flavor, texture, and a twist in their bland meals. Or even better—top it off with their favorite wholesome fruits and vegetables to turn plain quinoa into a delight!
How to Prepare Quinoa For Dogs?
Here are some steps you should take note of when preparing quinoa for your dog:
Step 1: Rinse all the impurities and dirt from the quinoa so your dog only gets the best bits of it.
Step 2: DO NOT serve raw quinoa! Only stick to cooking quinoa and infuse it with your love.
Step 3: Make sure you do not add any flavorings, colorings, or seasonings, as quinoa is better served plain
Step 4: there isn’t any!
So yes, it is THAT simple to prepare quinoa for your dog. So you basically do not even have to sit for hours and create recipes for your pooch because quinoa can make anything super healthy.
Conclusion
It’s time to wrap it up! So what did we learn about “can dogs eat quinoa?” well, one thing for sure is that you and your pooch both can enjoy cooked quinoa. However, even if you wish to, and your dog loves it, do not feed your dog raw quinoa, as it can be difficult to digest. Rest assured, if you don’t add any seasonings and serve it plain, your dog will have the healthiest gut out there!
Frequently Asked Questions
Both quinoa and rice are great for dogs as they are nutritious and make a balanced meal for dogs. So, if you want, you can get help from your veterinarian, who can guide you through what aligns more with your dog’s dietary needs.
While allergies to quinoa are relatively rare in dogs, they can occur. This is why we recommend starting with small amounts of food and then gradually increasing the dosage if your dog is able to tolerate and digest well.
Yes, cooked quinoa can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, but only if you feeed it in moderation. You see, anything in excess amounts is bound to cause digestion problems— be it unhealthy chips or healthy quinoa.
The amount of quinoa to feed your dog depends on their age, size, and activity level, which determines their dietary needs. So, it would be best to consult with your veterinarian before introducing quinoa to your dog.
Quinoa can be hard to digest for dogs if served raw or uncooked. It has a lot of fiber, which is known for eliminating poop issues, but it can turn the other way around if fed in high amounts, and that too, raw.
