If you’re looking for healthy new foods to add to your pet’s diet, you may be wondering, ‘can dogs eat quinoa?’ It’s well known that quinoa is very healthy for humans, but can dogs eat quinoa?
You can give your dog quinoa in small amounts as a treat; it’s a healthy snack that can be beneficial to your pet’s health. Quinoa even contains an ingredient that’s only included in the best high-end dog food brands. Read on to find out what this ingredient is and discover the amazing canine health benefits that quinoa contains.
Can I give my dog quinoa?
Quinoa is a grain that’s a healthier alternative to wheat, corn, or soy. Many low grade dog kibble is bulked up using soy or corn, and some dogs will even develop a wheat allergy. Nowadays, there are many grain-free dog foods on the market, which may be a healthier choice for your pet.
Quinoa is healthy for your dog in moderation. It’s best given as a snack only occasionally and can also be mixed into a main meal. Quinoa naturally contains a chemical known as saponin, and this can be toxic to dogs if consumed in large quantities. Luckily you won’t need to worry whether your dog has eaten too much saponin, with quinoa. The grain doesn’t contain enough of this bad chemical to affect your dog. You would have to give your pet quinoa for every meal over a long period of time for him to suffer from adverse effects. For this reason, quinoa is considered a very safe food for dogs.
The Nutritional Benefits of Quinoa for dogs
Quinoa should be given in small amounts as it contains a high number of calories. One hundred grams of the grain contains approximately 372 calories. The benefit of this is that these aren’t empty calories; quinoa is very healthy for your dogs as it’s packed full of nutrients. It contains vitamins and minerals, which are excellent for creating a balanced, healthy canine diet.
Quinoa is often considered a superfood as it has thiamin, iron, protein, and calcium. The grain is suitable for dogs as it also provides them with a healthy source of fat and carbohydrates. Another benefit of quinoa is that its gluten-free and contains essential amino acids. Quinoa includes amino acids that aren’t present in many other foods. These are often added to top brand expensive dog foods as they are so beneficial to your pet.
If your vet tells you to feed your dog a diet that’s high in protein as well as complex carbohydrates, ask whether it’s a good idea to add quinoa to your pets’ diet. There are many health benefits your dog will receive from eating quinoa. The grain can help to prevent heart disease and certain cancers. It also helps to lower the risk of diabetes. Quinoa contains powerful antioxidants and is high in vitamin B12, which helps with blood cell formation and blood circulation.
Feeding your dog Quinoa
If you think adding quinoa will be beneficial to your pet, you should do so in small amounts. Start with a minimal amount first to ensure that your dog doesn’t experience any adverse reactions. This will allow you to check that it hasn’t caused your pet any digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. If your dog has any problems, you can avoid quinoa in the future. You should use this approach when giving your pet any type of food that he hasn’t had before.
If your dog doesn’t have any adverse side effects, you can start feeding him quinoa two or three times a week as part of a main meal. Ensure that you only give your dog plain quinoa.
Don’t feed your pet quinoa that you’ve cooked for yourself if you’ve added any seasoning or other ingredients. You should especially avoid salt, garlic, and onions, as these are toxic to dogs.
When preparing quinoa for your pet, you should rinse it under running water first before cooking. Always ensure that the grain is properly cooked to avoid stomach issues.
Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Quinoa?
Quinoa is a very healthy choice for dogs. If you’re unsure whether your dog will benefit from having quinoa in his diet, you should seek advice from a veterinary professional.
It’s likely that your vet will encourage you to offer your dog quinoa as it is so healthy and helps prevent heart disease and some forms of cancers. Ensure that the quinoa is fully cooked and has been prepared without seasonings, garlic, or onion before giving it to your dog.
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