Yes, quinoa for dogs is a real thing and actually comes with quite a few benefits. Quinoa is a grain that is actually a seed and it contains proteins, nutrients and vitamins that dogs need to stay healthy. In fact, quinoa is a very healthy food for dogs. It is low in fat and high in protein, which makes it the perfect food for your dog.
What is Quinoa?
Quinoa is a grain-like seed that is high in protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. It’s also a source of vitamins A, E, and K, along with several minerals. It has been used as an alternative to animal feed since its discovery in the Andes Mountains in Peru over 3,000 years ago.
Introducing Quinoa to the Diet
You should start by feeding your dog a small amount of quinoa at first, just to make sure she does not have any allergies or other problems with it. If you notice that she does not like the taste of quinoa or if she has any negative reactions after eating it then you should not feed her any more of it.
If your dog does not like the taste of quinoa then you can try mixing it with her regular food so that she gets used to eating it without even realizing what she’s eating at first! You can also try sprinkling some quinoa over some chicken or adding some into meatballs before serving them up as treats!
If you decide that your dog will benefit from eating quinoa regularly then please remember never allow her to eat more than 10% of her total daily caloric intake in one sitting because this may cause stomach problems like diarrhea or vomiting later on down the road.
Quinoa for Dogs: Who Shouldn’t Eat It?
The main problem with feeding your dog quinoa is that many types of quinoa contain saponins, which are toxic to dogs. Saponins are a natural defense mechanism of plants and help protect them from insects and other predators by irritating their guts.
If you want to feed your dog quinoa, it’s best to stick with organic varieties that have been tested for saponins and are safe for dogs to eat.
Dogs with chronic kidney disease should avoid quinoa (or any other foods high in oxalates) because the oxalate content can be toxic to their kidneys. If you’re unsure whether or not your dog has chronic kidney disease, talk to your vet before feeding them any high-oxalate foods like quinoa.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach or is prone to vomiting after eating certain foods, then it might be best not to feed them quinoa since it can cause gastrointestinal upset in some animals (although this is rare).
How Much Quinoa Can Dogs Eat?
A serving size for an adult dog would be one cup per day (that’s about half a cup for a puppy). It’s even safe for puppies under six months old! However, red quinoa isn’t safe for dogs at all—it can cause gastrointestinal upset or vomiting if eaten by your pup. So make sure you read labels carefully before feeding your dog any kind of quinoa!
Quinoa has a high caloric value (about 300 calories per cup)—so if you feed too much, your pup could end up getting fat or sick from eating too much sugar and salt (which are both found in quinoa).
Preparing Quinoa for Dogs
Give the quinoa a thorough rinse before preparing it for your dog. Then you’ll boil it in liquid (the ratio should be 1 part quinoa and 2 parts liquid). Water works just fine as a fluid, but if you want to add flavor, you can cook it in some bone broth.
Quinoa should be taken off the heat once the liquid has evaporated. With a fork, fluff it, then let it to cool. You can give it to your dog warm, but watch out for overheating. Serve with their regular food portion or separate; whichever they prefer.
Read more:
Saponins from edible legumes: chemistry, processing, and health benefits
What is chronic kidney disease?