Quinoa is the seed of a plant that been eaten by humans for thousands of years. It has gained popularity in recent times as it is a gluten-free and provides a wide array of nutrients. For humans, it is often eaten as an alternative to rice and other grains. But is quinoa safe for dogs? Read on to discover the potential benefits of feeding quinoa to dogs — as well as the potential drawbacks.

Can Dogs Eat Quinoa?

Black dog with tongue out licking side of mouth.

Quinoa is an ingredient in many dog foods today. It's often used as a replacement for grains like wheat, corn and rice. Besides being a source of complex carbohydrates, fiber and essential amino and fatty acids, quinoa provides a number of vitamins and minerals. These include:

  • Iron
  • Calcium
  • Copper
  • Zinc
  • Phosphorus
  • Potassium
  • Magnesium
  • Manganese
  • Vitamin E
  • B vitamins

The essential nutrients found in quinoa support a healthy and shiny coat, healthy teeth and nails and strong bones. The nutrients in quinoa (and other grains and seeds) help support metabolism, blood sugar levels, brain function and can be good sources of energy for daily activities.

Is Quinoa Safe For Dogs?

Quinoa is coated with a naturally-occurring chemical called saponin that protects it from insects while it grows. This chemical has been known to cause intestinal irritation in both humans and dogs, says American Kennel Club. Additionally, when feeding your dog a balanced food, adding any additional ingredients, including quinoa, is not recommended as it will add extra calories and upset the balance of the nutrients in the meal. This can lead to health issues over time.

Some dogs run into digestive difficulties when consuming plant matter that hasn't been properly cooked. Feeding them quinoa might cause an upset stomach along with vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. The oxalates contained in plants can also increase inflammation in dogs, which could exacerbate pain in dogs with arthritis. Another thing to keep in mind is that quinoa is often prepared with other ingredients, such as salt, onions, beans, meats and spices, which might be harmful to your dog's health. For this reason, it's never a good idea to feed your dog quinoa that's been prepared for humans — not even a small taste off of your plate.

Feeding Quinoa to Your Dog

Before feeding anything to your dog it is always best to consult your dog's veterinarian, but can dogs eat quinoa? Yes, when it's properly prepared in a digestible form and in the right amounts as part of a complete and balanced meal can be fed to dogs. In general, it's always best to bypass all of the associated risks by avoiding giving your dog table food.

Jean Marie Bauhaus Jean Marie Bauhaus

Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger, and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of fur babies.

Related articles

Helping Your Puppy Behave While Eating

Learn how to help your puppy learn good behaviors by starting with proper table manners. Follow these helpful feeding tips.

No Matter What Kind of Trip, This Dog Travel Checklist Can Help.

Whether you're taking your dog on a road trip, camping, or flying with him, use these helpful travel checklists to make sure you pack everything he needs.

Why Does My Dog Keep Burying Stuff?

Learn why dogs often seem fixated on burying all kinds of items, which dog breeds like to bury stuff the most and how to curb your dog's burying behavior.

How Fatty Acids Can be Healthy for Your Dog

Understand the role that Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids play in your dog's overall health, and how you can ensure they are getting enough.

What Is the Cost of Owning a Dog?

You've made the emotional decision to get a dog, but have you crunched the numbers? The cost of owning a dog requires upfront funds to get started.

How to Recognize and Ease Stress in Dogs

Learn the physical signs that your dog is stressed, such as changes in appetite or increased urination, common causes of stress and tips for stress relief.

Velcro Dogs: Managing Your Dog's Clinginess

Velcro Dogs: Managing Your Dog's Clinginess

Can My Dog Eat Spicy Food?

Find out if you can feed your dog spicy food or add some spicy flavor to his dog food, and any health implications of doing so.

An Introduction to Crate Training Your Puppy

Find out why crate training your puppy should be a necessary step in your home obedience teaching. Learn about all of the benefits of kennel training.

How to Use Dog Diapers

Learn all about the different types of dog diapers, how to use them and why it might be beneficial for pups that are getting older to wear one.

What Happens When a Dog Drinks Alcohol?

Learn what happens when a dog drinks alcohol, how serious alcohol can be for his health, and the steps to take if your pup ever sneaks a sip.

Choosing the Best Dog Food

Learn what to look for when choosing the best dog food for your pup. Healthy ingredients, your dog's age & his physical condition are important factors.

Transportation and traveling

If you're planning on transporting or traveling with your puppy any time soon, you should consider following these helpful suggestions to keep them safe.

Cardiomyopathy in Dogs: What You Need to Know

Learn the basics about cardiomyopathy in dogs, including types of this condition, breeds affected, symptoms dogs might show and how veterinarians treat it.

How to Tell If Your Dog Has an Upset Stomach & How to Treat It

Learn how to recognise if your dog has an upset stomach or sensitive stomach issues, how a veterinarian might treat it and how nutrition can help.

Aggression in Dogs: How to Train It Out of Them

Learn tips for identifying an aggressive dog, causes of aggression, and training methods to alleviate aggression toward an owner, other people & other dogs

How to Prevent and Treat Fleas on Dogs

Learn how to protect your dog from fleas, as well as how to provide your dog with the proper treatment if you notice they have been infested.

Dogs & Holiday Sweets: Which Are Bad & What To Do if a Dog Eats Them

If you suspect that your dog has eaten holiday sweets or candy, find out which common treats might be dangerous for him and what you should do next.

How to Treat A Cut on A Dog (& What to Put on It)

Learn basic steps & precautions for treating a cut on your dog, including what you can put on the cut, and when you should take them to the vet.

Things to Keep in Mind When Feeding Your Puppy

Learn how much to feed your new puppy, how to handle a pup that's a picky eater, and whether wet or dry dog food is best for his needs.