Quinoa as a superfood for dogs: benefits & feeding

Superfood Quinoa for Dogs: Nutritious Supplement with Great Potential

Quinoa has long been established as a superfood in the human diet—but what about dogs? In this article, you'll learn why quinoa can also be a high-quality food option for dogs, what benefits it offers, what to look out for, and how to feed it properly. We'll also compare alternatives and offer concrete recommendations.

What is quinoa and how healthy is it for dogs?

Quinoa is a pseudocereal from South America and is characterized by its particularly high content of vegetable protein, fiber, minerals (especially magnesium, iron, and zinc), and antioxidants. Unlike wheat or rye, quinoa contains no gluten and is therefore considered hypoallergenic—an important consideration for many dogs with food intolerances.

Benefits of quinoa for dogs:

• Highly digestible for sensitive stomachs
• Rich in plant-based protein – good for BARF or vegetarian feeding
• Supplier of important minerals and fiber
• Regulates blood sugar levels thanks to its low glycemic index
• Gluten-free and therefore also suitable for allergy sufferers

What should you consider when feeding?

Quinoa must always be cooked and rinsed thoroughly. Raw, it contains saponins – bitter substances that can impair digestion in dogs. Furthermore, quinoa should only be used as a supplement , not as the sole source of food. A maximum of 10% of the daily ration is considered safe and beneficial.

How does quinoa compare to other supplements?

Quinoa isn't the only way to incorporate plant-based energy sources into a dog's diet. But how does it compare to common alternatives?

Groceries	Protein content	Fiber	compatibility	Special features
Quinoa (cooked)	approx. 4.5%	high	high (after rinsing & boiling)	gluten-free, rich in minerals
Rice (white)	approx. 2.5%	small amount	high	easily digestible
buckwheat	approx. 3.4%	medium	medium	gluten-free, contains allergen risks
oatmeal	approx. 2%	high	medium	contains gluten, filling

When does quinoa make particular sense for your dog?

Quinoa is a good choice especially if your dog:

• has a food allergy or gluten intolerance
• suffers from obesity or diabetes (low glycemic index)
• a protein-rich, vegetarian diet
• has digestive problems or diarrhea – fiber helps regulate

A common area of ​​application, for example, is nutritional counseling in the context of joint or muscle disorders. At Bones Hands, we combine therapies such as animal chiropractic with targeted nutritional therapy. In many of these cases, we rely on nutrient-dense side dishes such as quinoa to positively influence both the digestive system and muscle metabolism.

How to properly integrate quinoa into your dog's diet

Procedure:

1. Wash uncooked quinoa thoroughly under running water (remove saponins!)
2. Boil in a ratio of 1:2 (quinoa:water) and simmer for 15–20 minutes
3. Let cool
4. Replace a maximum of 10% of the daily feed with quinoa
5. Combine with a protein-rich main source (e.g. chicken)

If you're unsure whether quinoa is right for your four-legged friend, we at Bones Hands offer individualized nutritional advice with a customized feeding plan . We specifically address allergies, digestive issues, and the musculoskeletal system. You can find demo areas and sample plans directly in our shop .

Case study: How quinoa helped a dog suffering from arthritis

A customer of Bones Hands GmbH brought his male Labrador, "Balu," to our practice with chronic lameness due to hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis. In addition to chiropractic adjustments and lymphatic drainage, a gut-friendly feeding plan with quinoa, beef, and turmeric was developed. After just eight weeks, Balu was more active, more mobile, and showed significantly fewer signs of inflammation. The combination of targeted nutrition and exercise therapy was a turning point.

👉 Would you like to learn more? Then give us a call or send us an email . We'll be happy to help.

Our conclusion on feeding quinoa to dogs

Quinoa is a true superfood—not only for humans, but also for dogs. When prepared and dosed correctly, it's an excellent supplement, especially for dogs with allergies, digestive issues, or increased nutrient needs. For holistic care and a personalized assessment, you can contact our team at Bones Hands in Bochum at any time.

CONTACT: Bones Hands GmbH – Animal Chiropractic and Massages
Address: Herner Straße 299, Building C43, 44809 Bochum
Telephone: +49 (0)234 91 52 63 70
Email: info@boneshands.de / support@boneshands.de
Opening hours: Mon – Fri | 10:00 am – 6:45 pm