Can Dogs Eat Quinoa?
Yes. Well-rinsed, cooked quinoa is a gluten-free pseudocereal that provides protein, fiber and minerals. Rinse it first to remove the saponins on its surface.
What it gives your dog
Quinoa is not a grain but a seed, and it has more protein than rice (about 4 g per 100 g cooked versus 2.5-3 g), with all the essential amino acids, plus fiber, iron, magnesium and phosphorus. Because it is gluten-free, it is an alternative for dogs who do not tolerate wheat.
Its coating contains saponins, bitter, soapy compounds that irritate the gut in large amounts. Most quinoa sold is pre-rinsed, but it is still worth rinsing it under the tap, rubbing it with your hands, until the water stops foaming. It also contains a moderate amount of oxalates, something to keep in mind for dogs with calcium oxalate stones.
How to serve it
- Rinsed and rubbed under the tap before cooking
- Cooked for about 15 minutes in unsalted water, until the germ shows as a little thread
- Drained and lukewarm, mixed with their protein and vegetables
- Never in salads dressed with onion, garlic or vinaigrette
How much can they eat?
As a side or extra: small dog (under 10 kg / 22 lb), 2-3 tablespoons of cooked quinoa (20-40 g); medium dog (10-25 kg / 22-55 lb), 50-90 g (about 1/3-1/2 cup); large dog (over 25 kg / 55 lb), 100-140 g (about 2/3-3/4 cup).
Risks
- Saponins if not rinsed: digestive irritation
- Oxalates: take care with dogs prone to oxalate stones
- Too much fiber: gas and soft stools at first
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to rinse quinoa for my dog?
Yes, even if the label says it is pre-rinsed. Rinsing quinoa in a fine sieve under the tap for a minute, rubbing it, removes the leftover saponins that make it bitter and can irritate the gut. You will know it is ready when the water stops foaming. Then cook it in unsalted water for about 15 minutes.
Quinoa or rice: which is better for my dog?
Both are good options when cooked. Quinoa provides more protein, fiber and minerals, and is gluten-free. White rice is easier to digest, which is why it is better in bland diets or when there is diarrhea. For everyday meals you can alternate them: rotating carbohydrates also reduces exposure to the arsenic that rice accumulates.
General information reviewed against veterinary sources. If your dog has eaten something that worries you, call your vet or a 24-hour emergency vet right away, without waiting for symptoms.