Can dogs eat quinoa?

Updated 25/04/2024

Quinoa: a seed staple to many South American diets and a popular ingredient in the world of health foods. And for good reason - it's bursting with fiber, minerals and protein that make it a great alternative to carbohydrates like rice and couscous. And if you've got a rather curious furry friend at home, we wouldn't be surprised if you've found yourself wondering - can dogs eat quinoa? And is quinoa safe for dogs? Well we're happy to let you know that quinoa is safe for dogs, but it should still be served with caution, just like any other food popular amongst us humans. So to find out how to safely let your pooch try quinoa, take a look below as we dive into popular questions from pet parents on feeding dogs the seed.

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Is quinoa poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat quinoa of any kind, or can the seed sometimes be toxic to dogs, for some reason? Well we’re glad to let you know that quinoa isn’t toxic to dogs - it doesn’t contain any compounds poisonous to our canine companions. With that said though, you’ll still need to tread carefully when feeding your doggo quinoa. Why? Well while the chances are slim, your pooch could potentially have an intolerance to the seed, so be sure to start with small portion sizes and look out for signs of a food intolerance in the hours following. For more on feeding dogs quinoa safely, take a look below.

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Is quinoa good for dogs?

So can dogs eat quinoa and get the range of health benefits we humans can? Certainly - in fact, you might have seen quinoa dog food on the market, where the seed is used instead of other popular grains that provide your pup with the carbohydrates they need. But, as you might have guessed, just because it's an ingredient found in many high-quality dog foods, that doesn't mean you can serve it up to your pup willy-nilly. While your pooch certainly needs carbohydrate and fiber in their diets, too much and they could either be excessively over-eating, or they could experience gastrointestinal issues associated with eating too much fiber. 

You might have also heard that quinoa naturally produces a chemical known as saponin which helps to protect the plant from insects. It's thought that the chemical can irritate the intestines of both us and our furry friends if enough is consumed. But, rest assured, it's highly unlikely that either you or your pooch would ever consume enough quinoa for any irritation to occur. And if you're worried, simply give the seeds a wash before cooking to remove any chemical residue.

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Health benefits of eating quinoa for dogs

So, now we've settled the question - can dogs have quinoa - let's dive into some of the health benefits of the seed for dogs. Quinoa is rich in protein, carbohydrate, fiber, folate, magnesium, zinc and iron. This range of nutrients will help your pup feel full, as well as maintaining the health of their digestive system, helping with red blood cell production, maintaining strong bones, supporting the immune system, and so much more. 

And as always, rest assured that your furry friend doesn't need to be munching on expensive seeds and grains to lead a happy, healthy life. Rather, the dog food you choose for them will have been formulated with all the micro and macronutrients they need to have a healthy life, without any added extras. But, if you're particularly taken with feeding you dog quinoa, why not explore the quinoa-based dog foods on the market so that portioning and calorie-counting is one less thing to think about?

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Feeding your dog quinoa

Thinking about adding quinoa to your pup's diet? Well as we've mentioned, quinoa contains carbohydrate, which means you'll need to be careful with portion sizes to make sure your pup doesn't exceed their recommended daily calorie intake. If you're serving quinoa as an added extra into your pup's diet, consider it a treat and make sure it (alongside other treats) don't take up more than 10% of their calorie intake. And be sure to always keep a plain portion aside for your pup before adding any salts and other seasonings or ingredients - these are often seriously bad for canine health. 

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Other grains

So now we've cleared up your query - can dogs have quinoa - you might be wondering about the other grains safe for dogs to eat. While we always advise checking that any new addition to your pup's diet is safe for dogs, there are many grains seriously good for dogs. These include brown rice and oats, containing heaps of fiber and a range of minerals great for both pups and their humans. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Greg

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Greg Steele MA VETMB MRCVS. A mixed vet working in the UK since qualifying from Cambridge University in 2015. Greg enjoys working with all species of animals in all settings, but equally takes pride in communication and education of clients too. He lives with his wife and their cat, and enjoys a variety of sports, gardening, and the great outdoors.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So, now we know that quinoa and dogs are quite the hit, why not explore the other foods dogs can eat?

• Seaweed
• Edamame
• Radish