Can dogs eat chia seeds?

Are chia seeds good for Dogs?

Yes, you can and should give chia seeds to your dog. Consumption of chia seeds can result in many kinds of health benefits but it is advised that chia seeds should be gradually introduced to a dog. Depending on the size of your dog, you can give from 1 teaspoon to small dogs and 2 teaspoons to grown up dogs a day. But to start with, make sure you give it only one fourth-half of a teaspoon to see if it can digest the seeds well.

Many veterinarian recommend chia seeds to dogs as it can soak twelve times more water than their weight, due to this a dog will feel full and satisfied to an extended period of time. In other words chia seeds can do wonders for dogs who are overweight.

What are chia seeds?

A desert plant Salvia Hispanica gives tiny oval seeds, which has different trademark names but commonly known as “chia”. It has a diameter of 1 mm. and can be seen in 4 different colors i.e. brown, grey and black and white.

What are nutritional contents in chia seeds?

Chia seeds are rich in proteins, antioxidants, fatty acids, fiber etc. But most importantly it is a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids which has a number of benefits in both internal and external health of the dog.

How to prepare it before giving it to a dog?

Usually chia seeds are soaked in water / milk before giving to the dog. You can also mix the chia seeds with normal food or squashed fruits / vegetables or can prepare a chia seeds jelly after you soak the seeds into water.

Benefits of chia seeds

The presence of Omega 3 fatty acids in Chia seeds is beneficial for heart, as it strengthens the cardiac muscular tissue and can give thickness and shine to the coat of your dog particularly when your dog is allergic to fish or fish products.

Chia seeds boosts the immune system, improves the digestion system, reduces the inflammation in body, regulates level of sugar in blood, and strengthens the memory and learning power of the dog.

It can reduce joint pain of canines with osteoarthritis if consumed regularly. They are high in proteins and if mixed with meat proteins, can build muscle mass and preserve muscle tissue and health.

As compare to whole milk chia seeds contain more calcium, combined with phosphorus it can make bones strong and prevent conditions like Hip dysplasia ( a condition where hip joint is malformed i.e. rubs instead of sliding) which can be very painful for a dog.

What precautions should be taken while feeding chia seeds to dog?

Being a dog parent comes with a lot of responsibilities including what/how to give the desired food to your dog. Chia seeds should be tested if dog can take chia seeds and digest properly as it is rich in fats and proteins.

It is advised to take care of the quantity you are giving to your dog as they are rich in fats and carbohydrates.

Due to high levels of calcium a dog parent should monitor not just chia seeds but other calcium rich food too as it can lead to overgrowth.

Can chia seeds be given regularly?

Yes, you can give chia seeds to you dog regularly but they can never replace the regular diet of dogs as it might result in increase in cholesterol and make the dog lethargic day by day.

Therefore, giving chia seeds to your dog can be very helpful for growth and development of your dog but a dog parent should always give attention towards the quantity and need of the dog.

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