What is Quinoa?
Quinoa is a whole grain that has recently become very popular due to its numerous health benefits. It contains various ingredients including protein, calcium and much more. It is gluten-free and is also very popular among people with special diets as an alternative to rice and other grains. Even though humans have been eating quinoa for thousands of years, how safe is quinoa for pets and is it safe for dogs to eat quinoa? In this article, we will try to answer this question so you can figure out if your pet should eat quinoa.
Can you include quinoa in a dog's diet?
In general, the answer to this question is: yes. Although dogs are carnivores by nature, certain grains and seeds are not off limits. Quinoa is one such food. Due to its numerous nutritional benefits, this edible seed is often used as an ingredient in dog food. Quinoa is an alternative to soy, wheat, corn and other starches in dog food.
Is quinoa useful for dogs?
Not only is it safe to feed dogs quinoa, but this whole grain is also very useful as an ingredient in dog food. It is a rich source of nutrients such as complex carbohydrates, essential amino acids, fatty acids and minerals. In addition, the nutrients contained in quinoa are also beneficial for various body functions and general metabolism. Some of the benefits of quinoa for your dog include:
Benefits of Quinoa in Dog Nutrition
Quinoa is a pseudograin with many nutritional benefits for humans and pets. First of all, it is gluten-free, which is a big reason for its popularity among people who follow a plant-based diet. It is also a good source of insoluble fiber and free of trans fats. Other important nutrients that quinoa contains are:- essential fatty acids,
- Antioxidants such as quercetin, kaempferol and flavonoids
- B vitamins
- Minerals such as iron and magnesium.
This nutritional composition makes quinoa a good choice for your dog's diet.
Healing properties
The richness of antioxidants in quinoa makes it an effective healing agent. Antioxidants help rid the body of free radicals, reducing the risk of cancer and inflammatory diseases such as arthritis in older dogs.
Strengthens the cardiovascular system
Quinoa is a healthy whole grain that is very good for your four-legged friend's cardiovascular system. Suppose your dog needs to eat a heart-healthy diet because of the risk of cardiovascular disease. In this case, quinoa is one of the best plant-based ingredients to add to your dog's diet.
What are the risks of quinoa for dogs?
Despite all of these benefits, feeding quinoa to your dog also comes with risks. As a pet owner, you should be familiar with these risks and food allergies to be sure of what to avoid when feeding quinoa to your dog. Some of the dangers you should watch out for are:
Saponin
Saponin is a chemical that occurs naturally in quinoa and can harm dogs. The main purpose of saponin is to protect quinoa seeds from insects. However, there is speculation that this chemical may also irritate humans and pets if ingested in large quantities. Saponin is hardly a problem for humans. However, a dog's digestive system is generally more sensitive to these chemicals than a human's, making it particularly dangerous. As a general rule, washing the quinoa before cooking should eliminate most of these chemicals.
Undercooked
Dogs' digestive tracts are generally not adapted to absorbing plant substances, especially if they are not properly cooked. Feeding your dog poorly cooked quinoa can cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and other problems.
Oxalates
Plants like quinoa contain compounds known as oxalate or oxalic acid. Although humans have no problems consuming oxalates, this compound is known to increase the risk of inflammation in dogs. Therefore, feeding quinoa may worsen pain in dogs that already suffer from arthritis.
Additional ingredients
When feeding dogs foods prepared naturally for humans, be careful not to add any additional ingredients that could be harmful to dogs, such as: B. Onions, spices, salt and seasonings. These additional ingredients are harmful to your dog's health. It's best to prepare your dog's meal separately rather than feeding it from your plate.
How to safely feed quinoa to your dog
If you have decided to feed your four-legged friend quinoa, you need to prepare it carefully. First, you should wash the quinoa seeds thoroughly before you start cooking. This helps get rid of the saponins contained in it. Then you can boil them in water before serving them to your dog. It's okay to add additional ingredients like bones or vegetables. But make sure they are safe for dogs too.
As mentioned above, you should not feed your dog directly from your plate. People usually add garlic, salt, and onions to their quinoa recipe to enhance the flavor. Dogs cannot eat these additional ingredients. Cook your dog's meal separately, free of these ingredients.
The most important point is that you should consult your veterinarian before adding quinoa (or any other new food) to your dog's diet. He can assess your dog's health and determine whether the food is perfect for him.
How much quinoa should you give your dog?
Moderation is important when giving your dog plant-based foods. First, try mixing about a teaspoon of quinoa into your pet's food. Watch how he reacts and pay attention to any unwanted effects. Over time, you should be able to mix a tablespoon of quinoa into your dog's food. Note that this amount may be higher, especially for larger dog breeds.
Can quinoa make your dog fat?
No, it doesn't!If your dog accepts it, quinoa can have a number of great health benefits, such as:
- Strengthening the cardiovascular system
- Increases the number of antioxidants that help fight potential cancer cells
- Maintaining high energy levels through its complex carbohydrates
- Helps fight inflammation better
As you can see from the statistics above, quinoa is a healthy food for dogs.
Its high fiber content has already made it a popular ingredient in many dog food brands.
Negative symptoms to watch out for
If your dog is eating quinoa for the first time, we recommend starting with a small amount. Although this food grain is generally safe and healthy for dogs, some dogs may have difficulty digesting it. Since it is impossible to predict how your dog will react, you can start with a small amount and gradually increase the amount to monitor your dog for negative symptoms and discontinue the food if necessary.Some of the symptoms to look out for are:
- Vomit
- Drooling
- Loss of appetite
Serving suggestions
Quinoa can be served to your dog in many different ways, depending on your time, imagination and preferences. You should always make sure that the quinoa your dog eats is fully cooked so that it can be digested well.
Proper preparation of quinoa for dogs
To prepare quinoa, rinse a cup under clean, cold water and place it in a pot. Then add 2 cups of pure water or broth and bring the liquid to a boil. As soon as the liquid starts to boil, stir the quinoa briefly and then turn the stove to simmer. Cover the pot and let the quinoa cook for about 20 minutes or until the liquid is used up. Once cooked, you can simply mix some quinoa into your dog's dry or wet food.
You can also offer your four-legged friend some cooked quinoa with pureed pumpkin and a snack. Pumpkin is an excellent source of antioxidants, it can relieve digestive problems. Other ways to serve include:
Recipe ideas with quinoa for dogs
- Make quinoa treats by mixing peanut butter and quinoa and rolling the dough into small balls.
- Make a stew by cooking pieces of chicken or beef, broth, grated carrots, sweet potato pieces, and quinoa in a pot until tender. Allow the stew to cool to room temperature before serving.
- Make a casserole for your dog by piling cooked quinoa, wet dog food, and carrots into his food bowl.
- You can combine quinoa with all of your dog's favorite foods to boost the nutritional value of his meals and snacks. Make a list of the foods you know he loves and use that list as a guide to create your own recipes for him.
Conclusion
Occasionally we treat our dogs to a little quinoa. But the truth is, it's not a superfood that will completely transform your dog's health. So give your dog some quinoa if you feel like it. If not, there are many other great options to feed them besides commercial dog food.
