[Narwal]

I’m not planning on giving my pup Chia seed pudding or anything, but one of the dog treat recipes we have (pup-friendly pumpkin chia seed muffins) calls for Chia seeds and I wasn’t sure if that was a good idea?

[Tara Maurer]

@Narwal dogs can absolutely eat chia seeds in moderation! They are a superfood powerhouse. Chia seeds are packed with nutrients, including protein, fiber, healthy fats, calcium, magnesium, selenium, and copper. They contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support the brain, heart, eyes, joints, skin, and coat. Chia seeds contain other phytonutrients, too:

• Quercetin, which functions as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihistamine
• Kaempferol, a flavonoid studied for its anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant capabilities
• Caffeic acid, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

When soaked, chia seeds retain up to 10 times their weight in water, so they can help keep your pup hydrated. They are also a good alternative to fish oil for those who want to boost their pup’s omega-3 intake.

Side note: I fell in love with chia seeds after reading Christopher McDougall’s “Born To Run.” In it, McDougall reports that Mexico’s Indigenous Tarahumara people, known for their excellent long-distance running, make a water-based chia drink called “iskiate”, or chia fresca. According to the book, this drink provides the drinkers vast amounts of energy and endurance. So, let us know if your pup is bouncing off the walls after snacking on pumpkin chia seed muffins! 😉

[Narwal]

Haha thanks for the in-depth reply Tara! Now I need to add some chia seeds to my diet as well!

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