Can dogs eat Quinoa?

Overview

Can dogs eat quinoa? Yes, quinoa is healthy for dogs. It has a higher nutritional profile than other grains like wheat. With its antioxidant properties, quinoa acts as an immune system booster. Wash the quinoa properly before feeding to dogs as it contains saponins, which can cause stomach upset.

Benefits

Quinoa is packed with calcium, protein, and nine essential amino acids.
It is also high in fiber and antioxidants.
Quinoa is a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin B12.
It has been used as one of the ingredients in some high-quality dog food.

Risks

Quinoa contains saponin, a compound that may cause digestive problems in dogs. Wash the quinoa before cooking it to eliminate the saponins,
Some dogs might find it difficult to digest quinoa.
Quinoa contains calcium oxalate, which can cause kidney and bladder stones if consumed excessively.
Dogs with kidney problems or that are prone to kidney stones should not be given quinoa.

Servings

Wash the quinoa before cooking it to remove the saponin content.
Only serve cooked quinoa to a dog, cooking the quinoa to make digestion easier.
Make sure it's served in moderation. Quinoa should not make up for the majority of your dog's diet since it is a carbohydrate, and the majority of your dog's diet should be from quality meat-based protein.