Your Dog May Want to Eat Your Snacks, but Should They Eat Chia Seeds?

When it comes to feeding your dog, it's not always as easy as it seems. Dogs can be picky, and plenty of pet parents do their best to give their pups a well-rounded diet, including treats they love. Sure, they can buy specific dog foods, but so many of our canine friends like human foods — including chia seeds.

But can dogs eat chia seeds safely? Or should we keep these nutritious seeds away from our animal companions? Here's everything you need to know.

According to Einstein's Pets, dogs can eat chia seeds. In fact, they are a very healthy option for pups. Chia seeds include nutrients that all dogs can benefit from, including:

• Calcium
• Copper
• Fiber
• Iron
• Omega 3 fatty acids
• Phosphorous
• Potassium.

Because of their fatty acids, chia seeds can provide your dog with support for their brain function, joints, and energy. But there are some downsides to chia seeds that you should be aware of.

Although chia seeds are healthy, you shouldn't give your dog too many at one time. A-Z Animals points out that just 2 tablespoons of them is enough for your pup to get all kinds of nutrients. Especially when you consider that chia seeds have lots of fiber, a dog could end up with issues when it's time to poop. So be mindful not to overfeed them.

Dog food brand Sundays for Dogs points out that chia seeds are usually safe for dogs to eat. But they can be difficult for your pup to digest straight out of the pack. To avoid this issue, you should soak them in water before you add them to your dog's bowl of food.

Additionally, when you feed your dog chia seeds for the first time, be sure to monitor them. If your dog seems sick or is acting differently than usual after they eat, it's important to contact your vet and get medical attention as soon as possible. As a precaution, don't be afraid to ask your vet before you feed your pup anything new. That way, this medical pro can expect you if anything happens and can even guide you through the process.

According to Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, you can simply mix chia seeds with water, and then mix that into your dog's regular food. But if you want to use a recipe, check out Creek Line House's recipe for chia seed dog treats, which combines chia seeds with olive oil, broth, and flour.