Can Your Dog Eat Quinoa — Or Will It Backfire?

More than ever, the dog food industry is providing healthy alternatives to the traditional kibble that can be calorie-dense but nutritionally deficient. This change in what dogs are fed has been fueled by dog owners taking matters into their own hands. They’re making balanced meals for their dogs out of the most nutritious foods possible.

When making dog food from real food, however, it’s essential to understand that while some food is healthy for people, it can be toxic to dogs. With quinoa being all the rage over the last decade or so, given it is a “complete protein,” many dog owners wonder if their dogs can eat quinoa. As it turns out, quinoa is safe for dogs to eat, but not all dogs tolerate it well, meaning it is a case-by-case basis as to whether this complete food should be offered to dogs or skipped completely.

What is Quinoa?

While often called a grain, quinoa is actually a protein-rich seed. In addition to being filled with protein, quinoa is also gluten-free, high in fiber, and filled with antioxidants. Many refer to quinoa as a “complete protein,” given how nutrient-rich the seed truly is.

Given the health benefits of quinoa, it makes sense that people would want to include it as part of a balanced diet for their dogs. After all, it has anti-inflammatory benefits and helps metabolic health in addition to being chock-full of nutrition. But just because something is healthy for people does not mean it is healthy for their dogs. In this instance, however, quinoa can be beneficial for both people and man’s best friend.

Quinoa Can Be Healthy For Dogs

Quinoa is typically healthy for dogs. In fact, some dog food companies have started to replace things like corn, wheat, and other fillers with quinoa to make dog kibble more nutritious. But, to make quinoa healthy, it needs to be prepared properly and fed in small increments to avoid stomach discomfort in dogs.

It is recommended to wash quinoa for both people and dogs before cooking, as the nutrient-dense seed has a chemical called saponin covering it. This chemical is naturally occurring and stops insects from eating the quinoa plant as it grows. However, saponin has been known to cause stomach discomfort. Therefore, it is necessary to give quinoa a thorough washing before consuming.

Additionally, large amounts of quinoa should not be fed to dogs at one time. Instead, smaller amounts are recommended as a tasty topper to daily food portions. The recommended amounts of quinoa for dogs by weight include:

This is the most quinoa per day that dogs should have. However, those dogs who have never had quinoa should start with a much smaller amount and gradually work up to the daily recommendations to ensure there are no ill effects from adding quinoa to the diet.

Quinoa Needs To Be Introduced Slowly To Dogs

Not all dogs react the same way to quinoa. While it can be a healthy part of some dogs’ diets, for others, it can be a meal addition that causes nothing but allergies.

While all dogs should be served quinoa in moderation, those dogs who have never had quinoa should receive smaller amounts than recommended to begin with. This is because if there is an allergy present, even small amounts of quinoa will trigger a flare-up.

The most common ill effects dogs have to quinoa include:

• Stomach issues, including vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
• Hives, rashes, or hot spots
• Ear infections
• Sneezing or coughing
• Itching or swelling of the airway, leading to a medical emergency

While massive medical emergencies are rare for dogs who eat quinoa, they do exist. This is why quinoa should be given in small amounts when introducing it into a diet to ensure dogs can tolerate it well without any irritations to contend with.

Alternatives for Dogs Who Cannot Tolerate Quinoa

If a dog is unable to tolerate quinoa but its owner still wants to provide a nutritious topper to a meal, there are alternatives that are just as healthy, but do not have the same potential for stomach irritation when consumed.

Some of the best alternatives for dogs who cannot stomach quinoa include:

• Barley
• Oats
• Brown rice
• Sweet potato
• Butternut squash
• Pumpkin

Of course, just like quinoa, these alternatives should be given in moderation. Too much of a good thing could lead to weight gain instead of providing added health benefits to a dog’s meal. Therefore, follow the recommended guidelines when adding these foods to keep dogs happy and healthy.

Why Dogs Should Never Be Fed Quinoa Off A Dinner Plate

When quinoa has made its way from the stovetop to the dinner table, it has likely had some oils or spices added to it to give the high-protein seed flavor that complements the meal. This particular quinoa should not be fed to dogs, as many of the spices typically used to season quinoa are unhealthy or even poisonous to dogs.

Things like onion, garlic, and salt are typically added to quinoa to give it flavor. Unfortunately, these seasonings, particularly the onion and garlic, are toxic to dogs. This is why only plain quinoa can be served to dogs.

It is worth mentioning that some quinoa brands are already seasoned. Preseasoned quinoa should be avoided as well, as it can contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs.

Quinoa can be a very healthy addition to a dog’s daily diet. As long as it is prepared plain, given in moderation, and the dog it is being served to does not have any adverse side effects to quinoa, it is an easy way to add fiber and protein to a dog’s diet without adding processed foods or an excess of calories in the process.