18 Seeds Dogs Can Eat

As humans, we can eat and easily digest hundreds of varieties of seeds. And, many of us are willing to share these precious gifts of nature with our beloved pets.
However, a dog's digestive system has not necessarily evolved to handle seeds as humans do. Many varieties of seeds, though not toxic, are passed on by the dog's stomach through the excrement, deriving no nutritional benefit.
While dogs are not designed to survive on seeds, they can still handle a few seed varieties and can even nurture healthy nutrients from those seeds. These are 18 seeds that your dog can handle.
1. Flax Seeds
Flax seeds come from the plant flax, a flowering herb that mostly grows in temperate climates. As a natural source of essential fatty acids, these seeds can be fed to dogs in limited amounts.
In addition to providing nutrients, flax seeds are also good for improving canine immunity by providing antioxidants. Meanwhile, their dietary fiber content makes the seeds beneficial for a dog's digestive health.
On the other hand, pet parents should be aware that flax seeds contain traces of cyanide. While these seeds are technically harmless when consumed in small quantities, overeating can lead to poisoning in dogs.
2. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are safe for a dog's consumption, provided that those dogs are not particularly allergic. When feeding this treat to your dog, first remove the shells as they are a choking hazard.
Next, roast the seeds properly, but don't add any seasonings, salt, or oil. After roasting, you can directly feed the seeds to your dog or grind them into powder and mix them with the pup's primary food.
Due to the high-fat content, pumpkin seeds should be heavily regulated while feeding to dogs. For large dogs, the serving size per week should not exceed 20 seeds, whereas small dogs can eat only around 3-5 seeds before suffering from digestive issues.
3. Sunflower Seeds
As an occasional treat, sunflower seeds are fine for feeding to dogs. On the contrary, these seeds are not supposed to become a part of their regular food or daily snack.
Dogs can eat these nutritious seeds raw or roasted, but make sure no salt or seasoning is added. The canine digestive system is not designed to digest seeds, so you should be careful when introducing them to your dog.
Start by giving a few seeds weekly to check if the pet develops any negative reactions. If your dog is suited to digest sunflower seeds and loves the occasional munching, feed them 10-20 seeds per week; the amount should be controlled to avoid any digestive upsets.
4. Hemp Seeds
In recent years, hemp has emerged as a recreational plant, with people enjoying everything from its seeds to oil and more. The plant's consumption is beneficial in reducing joint issues and is linked to improving heart health.
Technically considered nuts, these seeds make tasty and healthy snacks for your beloved pet. Hemp oil, derived from hemp seeds, can be mixed with the dog's food or given directly to fulfill the dog's protein requirement.
And, if you're worried about the THC content in these seeds, you should know that these seeds contain less than 0.04% THC, below the maximum limit set by AAFCO.
5. Chia Seeds
Derived from the flowering chia plant, chia seeds can be served to your dog as a healthy supplement to their primary food. These seeds are extremely low-calorie, with 100 grams of seeds containing around 34 grams of fiber. Also, these seeds contain more calcium than milk, minus the high-fat content in milk.
On the other hand, you should also weigh the potential risks with the chia seeds before feeding them to pups. While not common, a severe allergic reaction can be triggered by the chia seeds. Additionally, these seeds, if dry, can cause a blockage in the dog's intestine.
6. Quinoa Seeds
Native to South America, quinoa seeds are extracted from quinoa plants. These grain-like seeds are often considered superfoods due to their high protein and low glucose content.
Quinoa seeds are generally safe for a dog's consumption unless it develops a severe allergic reaction. In fact, many high-quality dog foods have quinoa as one of the major ingredients.
Saponin, an organic compound found in these seeds, is normally considered toxic to dogs. However, saponin is very low in these seeds, not enough to cause any severe reaction.
7. Sesame Seeds
While sesame seeds are not considered healthy for dogs, they are not usually harmful to canines either. These seeds contain vital nutrients like protein and vitamins; however, they should be served as supplements and not the only source of protein.
Containing around 52 calories per tbsp, sesame seeds are not ideally low-calorie. But, compared to some other high-fat seeds, sesame is significantly more healthy for your dog's health.
Besides seeds, sesame oil is also a good food to fulfill your dog's protein intake. Just mix a few drops of sesame oil to the dog's meal and you're good to go.
8. Coriander Seeds
The coriander plant and its seeds are known for their miraculous effect on human health; is the plant equally beneficial to dogs? The short answer is yes.
While all the parts of the plant are safe for a dog's consumption, the most beneficial parts are the seeds and leaves. As the coriander seeds are a choking hazard, never give them directly to your dog. Instead, grind the seeds into fine powder before mixing it into the dog's food.
9. Carom Seeds
Also known as ajwain, carom seeds have a hot and bitter flavor which not all dogs will prefer. However, its health benefits can tempt any pet owner to mix these seeds in their pet's diet.
For instance, the antimicrobial and antiseptic properties of this plant in already well-known by many dog owners. Meanwhile, the thymol available in these seeds is extremely useful in lowering blood pressure.
Although most dogs can enjoy the benefits of these exotic seeds, they should never be given to pregnant or breastfeeding dogs as the chemicals in these can lead to birth defects.
10. Fennel Seeds
Despite popular beliefs, fennel seeds are not bad for your dogs. Instead, these are some of the most nutritious seeds that dogs can naturally digest. Whether it's for the iron, vitamins, or the mildly sweet flavor, dogs tend to naturally like the taste of these seeds.
For dogs, the best way to serve fennel seeds is by preparing tea. You can use the seeds directly or ground them before boiling them in water. The resulting drink isn't just good for your dog's stomach, it also gives your pet a refreshing breath.
11. Cumin Seeds
Cumin seeds, while beneficial for humans due to their antioxidant and digestive properties, should be used cautiously with dogs. In small amounts, cumin can support digestion and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. However, feeding large quantities of cumin to dogs may cause stomach upset or other adverse effects.
When introducing cumin to your dog’s diet, moderation is key. Mix a small pinch of ground cumin with your dog's food occasionally; it's best to avoid whole seeds, as they might be harder to digest.
Meanwhile, dogs with pre-existing conditions or sensitivities might react poorly to spices. Therefore, you should first prioritize your dog's specific dietary needs and health when adding supplements or spices to their meals.
12. Millet Seeds
Millet seeds are gluten-free and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals; they make a healthy alternative to common grains like rice or wheat.
To prepare millet seeds for your dog, cook them thoroughly in plain water without adding salt, oil, or spices. Uncooked millet is hard for dogs to digest, so cooking helps make the nutrients more bioavailable. Once cooked, let the millet cool and mix a small portion with your dog’s regular food. Avoid feeding raw millet or millet-based products with added sugars or seasonings.
13. Basil Seeds
If you are looking for a low-calorie snack for your pet dog, look no further than basil seeds. These seeds are best for dogs that have issues with weight gain.
As they are hard to digest, feed basil seeds only after thoroughly grinding or soaking in water. Similarly, you can also add the seeds to the dog's food or drinks.
On the contrary, the high amount of vitamin K in these seeds should warrant concern, especially if your dog is taking blood-thinning medicines. If yes, immediately remove all traces of basil from the dog's diet.
14. Blueberry Seeds
Unlike seeds of most fruits, blueberry seeds are actually good for a dog's health. In fact, the fruit, along with its seed, is a favorite for canines, especially due to its sweet taste and nutty flavor.
Besides being a great source of fiber and vitamins, blueberries are also known to help fight major health conditions, including cancer. The anti-oxidants contained in these fruits protect the cells and molecules in the dog's body by fighting free radicals.
The consumption of blueberry seeds has shown to be helpful for senior dogs that can benefit from the plant's slow aging effects.
15. Cantaloupe Seeds
Cantaloupe is a great summer fruit for dogs, with its hydrating qualities and tasty melon flavor. But, did you know that your dog can also enjoy the seeds produced by this fruit?
Like most seeds, cantaloupe seeds can be either fed raw or roasted to your dog. But, don't add any salt or seasoning if you frying the seeds. Similarly, due to its large size, cantaloupe seeds can pose a choking hazard to dogs. You can make it safer by turning the seeds into powder form or by soaking them in water.
16. Nigella Seeds
Grown as an ornamental plant, the nigella plant will not just add beauty to your garden, it is also a medicinal herb that comes with several health benefits for humans and dogs alike. The plant's seed, also known as black cumin, is also suitable for dogs in moderation.
However, not all dogs will find this seed appetizing due to its pungent smell and bitter taste. If your dog doesn't enjoy the flavor but you can't them to eat the seeds to lower the risks of arthritis, simply grind the seeds and mix the powder with dog food. But, beware of the serving portion as too much of these seeds can cause diarrhea.
17. Amaranth Seeds
Amaranth seeds are technically grains that can be used as a gluten-free substitute for dogs with allergies. If your pet is on a meat-free diet, possibly due to some health issues, amaranth is a healthy protein source that can compensate for the lack of the nutrient.
Additionally, amaranth seeds are also regularly used to produce high-quality dog food. New pet owners should be aware that while the seeds of the amaranth plant are healthy for dogs, other parts can be highly toxic. If accidentally consumed, immediately consult a vet.
18. Caraway Seeds
Caraway seeds are safe for dogs in limited quantities, due to their digestive and antioxidant properties. However, they contain compounds like carvone and limonene that can be harmful to dogs. These compounds may cause digestive upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, and in larger quantities, could lead to more severe toxicity symptoms.
As dogs have different metabolic systems and are more sensitive to certain plant compounds, they will not be able to derive the same benefits as humans do from these seeds. But, feeding in minimal quantities poses no unnecessary risks.
Recent posts
Dog Foods
What Vegetables Can Dog Eat Safely
Unlike cats, that are obligate carnivores, dogs are omnivores and do not need to get along on a purely carnivorous diet. While the canines primarily derive their nutritional requirements from animal proteins, they may also be fed vegetables and fruit...
Why Bone Broth For Dogs Are Superfood
Bone broth is regarded as a superfood because of all of its health advantages. Packed with vital nutrients including minerals, collagen, and amino acids, it helps with digestion, maintains joint health, and encourages healthy skin and fur. Collagen i...
Homemade Dog Food Recipes That Are Easy And Nutritious
Creating homemade dog food is not just a mundane cooking ritual but an exciting culinary journey that adds a dash of love to your furry friend's bowl. Say goodbye to store-bought blandness and dive into the world of DIY dog food recipes that are deli...
20 Fruits That Will Make Your Dog Wag Their Tail
Many dogs can eat fruits in moderation, and in fact, fruits can be a healthy and fun treat for them. With its naturally sweet flavors, fruits make for a tasty alternative to traditional treats. So, incorporating a variety of fruits into a dog's diet ...
Can Dogs Eat Bones Safely?
Dogs can eat bones, but it must be done with caution. Raw bones, such as chicken, turkey, lamb, or beef, can be safe and beneficial, providing minerals and helping to clean teeth. However, cooked bones should be avoided as they can splinter, causing ...
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?
Dogs can eat broccoli in moderation, making it a potential addition to their diet. This vegetable can be served to dogs either cooked or raw, depending on their preference. Incorporating a variety of vegetables into a dog's diet can provide them with...