Can dogs eat sunflower seeds?

Updated 25/04/2024

Rich in vitamin E - a powerful antioxidant - and nothing short of an alphabet of other vitamins, it's no wonder the humble sunflower seed is so popular on the health food scene at the moment. And as such nutritious morsels of goodness, we wouldn't blame fellow pet parents for wondering - can dogs eat sunflower seeds? And do they offer up as many health benefits for our furry pals? Well luckily for your snack-curious canine, sunflower seeds are safe for dogs, and are in fact a pretty healthy snack for them if served in moderation. For more on feeding sunflower seeds as a snack to your doggo, take a look below as we unpick common questions from pet parents on the topic.

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Are sunflower seeds poisonous to dogs?

So are sunflowers toxic to dogs, or can dogs eat sunflower seeds with no worries? Luckily - at least on the toxicity front - sunflower seeds aren't poisonous to dogs. Unlike other products we humans consume a fair amount of (onions and garlic, we're looking at you), sunflower seeds don't contain any compounds toxic to dogs that could cause any nasty reactions. There are of course a few precautions you'll need to take when sharing the snack with your pooch, so take a look below for more on those.

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Are sunflower seeds good for dogs?

And can dogs eat sunflower seeds and get the full range of health benefits that we humans can? Well as you'll probably know, the foods we humans consume interact slightly differently in our pups, but it's safe to say that your pooch can benefit from the range of nutrients in sunflower seeds. Take its high vitamin E content - it'll help prevent the spread of free radicals which helps to reduce the chances of disease, but more on the nutrients in sunflower seeds below.

And are sunflower seeds bad for dogs in any way? Well unlike the old saying, dogs can have too much of a good thing when it comes to sunflower seeds. As you might know already, sunflower seeds are high in 'good fats', which in small amounts, can help to lower cholesterol. But, if eaten too regularly, this could cause an upset stomach leading to signs such as vomiting, reduced appetite, and lethargy.

Then there's the shells - sunflower seed husks are near-on impossible to digest, which means they could obstruct your pup's digestive tract if eaten in large enough numbers, and very rarely may pose a small choking hazard for smaller dogs. So, while sunflower seeds themselves are perfectly digestible for dogs, the shells aren't.

And naturally you might be wondering what to do if your dog eats sunflower seed shells - if it's a large handful, contact a vet for advice and potentially treatment. If it was one or two, no further advice or treatment is needed, they will pass through the digestive system naturally. 

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Health benefits of eating sunflower seeds for dogs

If you share the odd handful of sunflower seeds with your pup every now and then, there are multiple health benefits they could reap (but just remember that it’s not necessary to add extras into their diet - the dog food you choose has you covered on the nutrition front). And as you might know, sunflower seeds are high in fatty acids, which contributes to the health of your pup’s skin and coat - keeping the skin’s oils balanced and the coat shiny. The seeds are also high in vitamin E - an antioxidant that helps to prevent the spread of disease-causing free radicals, along with protein, fiber and a plethora of B vitamins.

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Feeding your dog sunflower seeds

So, now we’ve settled the question  - can dogs have sunflower seeds - you probably want to know the safest way to feed the seeds to your pooch. Firstly, make sure you serve them up without the husk, and never consider letting your pooch have a try if they’re coated in salt. As long as they’re plain and husk-free, you can treat your doggo to a handful of sunflower seeds on occasion, making sure you follow the 10% rule for canine snacking, where no more than 10% of your dog’s calories comes from snacks and treats.

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Other seed products

So now we've unpicked your query - can dogs have sunflower seeds - what about other products made from sunflower seeds? Take a look below as we settle common questions from pet parents.

Can dogs have sunflower butter?

Homemade or fully natural sunflower butter is safe for dogs, but you should always check that every ingredient added is safe for canine consumption before serving up, and don't be tempted to add any salt, sugar, or sweeteners. Feed in small amounts as too much sunflower butter can cause a tummy upset.

Can dogs have sunflower oil?

Sunflower oil can provide the fatty acids your dog needs for healthy, hydrated skin and a shiny coat, but ask your vet for advice on portion sizes, as this will vary greatly depending on your dog's size and their specific health status. Too much sunflower oil can cause diarrhea.

Can dogs eat bird seed?

It really depends on what's in the mix, but generally, your pooch shouldn't have any nasty reactions if they managed to swipe a handful of bird seed. Just make sure it's not a regular occurrence as it's incredibly high in fat which could lead to health complications in your doggo.

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So, now we know that sunflower seeds and dogs are a rather tail wag-inducing match, check out the other foods dogs can eat.

• Zucchini
• Ginger
• Brussels sprouts