Nuts & Seeds for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Dogs have been eating nuts and seeds for millennia. Before choosing to live alongside humans around 35,000 years ago, the wild ancestors of modern dogs survived primarily as apex carnivores who were also opportunistic, facultative scavengers. Wild canids ingested seeds, grains and wild nuts indirectly by eating the stomach contents and internal organs of herbivorous prey. In times of scarce prey, ancestral dogs directly foraged for fallen wild fruits, berries and native seeds to stave off starvation. Over time, those early dogs underwent a genetic change that allowed them to break down starchy carbohydrates, grains and plant fats much better than wolves.
What are nuts & seeds?
Nuts and seeds are nutrient-dense foods that naturally contain essential fatty acids, plant protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals.
While often grouped together, nuts and seeds are different:
- Nuts grow on trees and include varieties such as almonds, walnuts and cashews.
- Seeds come from flowering plants and include chia seeds, flaxseed, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds.
Many seeds offer significant nutritional benefits for dogs and are commonly used in high-quality dog foods and supplements. Many nuts can also be fed safely in moderation, although one in particular should be avoided entirely.
What are the health benefits of feeding dogs nuts and seeds?
Nuts and seeds offer targeted nutritional boosts to a dog’s skin, coat, joints and immune system. They are dense sources of essential fatty acids, plant-based proteins, vitamins and minerals.
Key health benefits of nuts and seeds for dogs:
Skin and coat conditioning
The high concentration of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids helps nourish dry skin and reduces shedding.
Reduced inflammation
Omega fatty acids act as natural anti-inflammatories that support stiff joints and improve overall mobility.
Cellular and immune support
Cell-protecting antioxidants like vitamin E fight oxidative stress and strengthen your dog’s immune response.
Digestive regularity
Natural dietary fibre promotes healthy gut bacteria, firms up loose stools and assists with bowel regularity.
Natural deworming
Certain nuts and seeds contain specific amino acids that help eliminate intestinal parasites naturally.
Dog-friendly nuts & seeds
There are in fact a great many nuts and seeds your dog could enjoy on a regular basis. These nutrient-dense powerhouses include:
Chia seeds
Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fibre and antioxidants. They can be sprinkled over meals or soaked in water before feeding. We’re such huge fans of chia seeds, we’ve even added them to our range of wholefoods for dogs so other pet parents can discover their benefits.
Benefits:
- Support digestive health
- Provide omega-3 fatty acids
- Help maintain healthy skin and coat
- Good source of energy
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are a nutritional powerhouse packed with plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fibre and powerful antioxidants.
Benefits:
- Support skin and coat condition
- Improve digestive health
- Stabilise blood sugar levels
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are packed with nutrients.
Benefits:
- Rich in antioxidants
- Source of zinc and magnesium
- Supports overall dog health
- Natural wormer
We’ve now added ground pumpkin seeds to our range of wholefoods for dogs as well.
Sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds are nutrient-dense powerhouses packed with plant-based protein, dietary fibre and healthy fats.
Benefits:
- Rich in vitamin E
- Support heart health
- Reduce inflammation
- Boost immune function
Hemp seeds
Highly digestible and offer a balanced ratio of fatty acids.
Benefits:
- Support skin and coat health
- Provides protein and minerals
- Easy to digest
Hemp seeds are the latest dog-safe seed to be added to our range of wholefoods for dogs.
Cashew nuts
Nutrient-dense powerhouses that provide heart-healthy unsaturated fats, plant-based protein and essential minerals like copper and magnesium.
Benefits:
- Promote weight management
- Help regulate blood sugar
- Support brain health, skin vitality and immune function
Brazil nuts
Primarily celebrated as the world’s richest natural dietary source of selenium.
Benefits:
- Support thyroid function
- Reduce inflammation
- Protect heart health
- Promote brain function
Walnuts
Nutrient-dense superfoods packed with plant-based omega-3s, antioxidants and essential minerals.
Benefits:
- Support heart health
- Improve brain function
- Promote a healthy gut microbiome
- Help with weight management
Almonds
Highly nutrient-dense and an excellent source of plant protein, fibre and monounsaturated fats.
Benefits:
- Support heart health
- Regulate blood sugar
- Aid in weight management
How to feed nuts & seeds to dogs
While some seeds such as ground flax seeds and chia seeds can be fed as dog food toppers, the ideal way to feed your dog nuts and seeds is to make up your own ground blends which you can then keep in an airtight container.
Ground flaxseed and other nuts and seeds are easier for dogs to digest and absorb when ground. Then simply sprinkle small amounts over your dog’s meals to add variety and nutritional support.
How much nuts and seeds can dogs eat?
As with many dog-safe foods, there are no hard-and-fast rules dictating how much or how many nuts and seeds a dog can eat. The appropriate amount depends on your dog’s size, age, activity level and overall health.
But in terms of ground nuts and seeds as previously mentioned, I would suggest:
- Small dogs: ¼ to ½ teaspoon of seeds daily
- Medium dogs: ½ to 1 teaspoon daily
- Large dogs: 1 to 2 teaspoons daily
If your dog has a medical condition, pancreatitis or weight concerns, speak to your veterinarian before adding nuts or seeds to its diet.
Safety guidelines
Nuts & seeds dogs should avoid
While you’ll read lots of negative comments about feeding dogs nuts and seeds, the two nuts you should avoid feeding your dog, aside from mouldy walnuts, salted or flavoured nuts, are macadamia and black walnuts. Macadamia nuts are not actually toxic to dogs, but they do contain too much fat for most dogs to tolerate.
White walnuts are perfectly safe to feed your dog!
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can dogs eat chia seeds?
A. Yes. Chia seeds are safe for dogs and provide fibre, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
Q. Can dogs eat flaxseed?
A. Yes. Flaxseed is commonly used to support skin, coat and digestive health. Flaxseed is best fed ground.
Q. Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds?
A. Yes. Pumpkin seeds can make a nutritious snack in addition to being a natural dewormer. Once again, pumpkin seeds are best fed ground.
Q. Can dogs eat almonds?
A. Yes, dogs can eat almonds — ideally ground.
Q. Are sunflower seeds safe for dogs?
A. Yes, shelled sunflower seeds are safe for dogs.
Q. Are macadamia nuts safe for dogs?
A. No. While macadamia nuts are not toxic to dogs, their high fat content is likely to make most dogs ill.
The Dog Chef Guide to Homemade Dog Food
Looking to supercharge your dog's diet with fresh food?
100% Natural Dog Supplements
If you make homemade food for your dog, you'll need to supplement to make that food complete. My natural supplements are made in-house with canine nutritionist approved 100% natural ingredients with no additives or preservatives of any kind.
Browse individual posts
Sesame Seeds for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Historically, early dogs scavenged human food waste, which in ancient agricultural societies across . . .
Flaxseeds for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Flax is one of the oldest cultivated crops in human history. Historically, civilisations like the . . .
Sunflower Seeds for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Sunflowers are native to North America and were domesticated by Indigenous peoples as early . . .
Chia Seeds for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Chia seeds were first domesticated around 2600 BC and served as a staple crop . . .
Hemp Seeds for Dogs: A Complete Guide
The history of dogs eating hemp seeds (aka hemp hearts) traces back thousands of years to . . .
Nut Butters for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Peanut butter became commercially mass-produced in the United States during the 1920s . . .