Can a dog eat quinoa? Benefits & Risks

Can dogs eat quinoa? This is a question many dog ​​owners ask themselves when it comes to ensuring their four-legged friends have a healthy, varied diet. This article explores whether quinoa is a suitable plant-based protein source for dogs, its benefits and risks, and what to consider when feeding it.

What is quinoa – and what ingredients make it special?

Quinoa is a pseudocereal native to South America. It is gluten-free and rich in nutrients, particularly:

• Plant protein: Ideal for supplementing a meat-based diet.
• Fiber: They support digestion and promote healthy intestinal flora.
• Minerals: Iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc are contained in significant quantities.
• Vitamins: The B complex is particularly well represented.

Quinoa is considered a superfood for humans – but does this also apply to dogs?

Can a dog eat quinoa – yes or no?

In principle, dogs can eat quinoa if it is prepared properly and fed in moderation . Raw quinoa is unsuitable for dogs because it contains saponins – bitter substances that could potentially irritate the stomach. However, thorough washing and cooking largely removes these.

Benefits of Quinoa for Dogs

• Protein source: Quinoa can be an animal-free protein alternative, especially for dogs with food allergies.
• Hypoallergenic: It rarely triggers allergies - ideal for elimination diets.
• Easily digestible: When prepared correctly, quinoa is very gentle on the stomach.

Possible risks

• Too much can cause digestive problems.
• Saponins in insufficiently washed quinoa irritate mucous membranes.
• Uncooked quinoa is not suitable for dogs.

Comparison: Quinoa vs. typical carbohydrate sources for dogs

Groceries	Advantages	Suitable for dogs?
Quinoa	High-quality protein, rich in minerals, gluten-free	Yes, in cooked form
rice	Easily digestible, often used for gastrointestinal problems	Yes
oatmeal	Fiber, slow-digesting energy source	Yes
Wheat	Inexpensive, but can cause allergies in sensitive dogs	With caution

How much quinoa can a dog eat?

The amount depends largely on the dog's size, activity level, and general health. As a rule of thumb,

• Small dogs: Max. 1–2 teaspoons of cooked quinoa per day.
• Medium-sized dogs: 1–2 tablespoons daily.
• Large dogs: 2–3 tablespoons daily.

Quinoa should not make up more than 10% of the daily feed ration and should always be given in combination with high-quality proteins (meat or similar).

When should quinoa not be fed?

There are situations in which its use is not recommended:

• In acute gastrointestinal diseases
• In case of known cereal/pseudo-cereal intolerances
• If you are overweight: Quinoa is relatively high in calories

If in doubt, we recommend booking a nutritional consultation with Bones Hands before changing your dog's food. Our experts will help you create the best individualized mix for your dog.

Use case: Quinoa in nutritional counseling at Bones Hands

At Bones Hands, we offer massages as well as comprehensive nutritional advice for dogs. Quinoa is regularly used in:

• Dogs with grain allergies
• Animals with chronic digestive problems
• Vegetarian or partially vegetarian diet

In one client case, a Labrador was suffering from constant itching and diarrhea. After a comprehensive analysis by our experts and the targeted inclusion of quinoa in his diet, his skin condition and digestion improved significantly within a few weeks.

Book your personalized dog nutrition consultation now: Click here to visit our online shop . If you have any questions, you can reach us by phone at +49 (0)234 91 52 63 70 or by email at support@boneshands.de .

How to integrate quinoa into your dog's diet in a species-appropriate way

To successfully integrate quinoa into your diet, the following steps should be followed:

1. Wash thoroughly to remove saponins
2. Cook until soft (at least 15 minutes) , do not add salt
3. Only mix into the feed after cooling
4. Combine with animal proteins (e.g. chicken, beef)
5. Slowly introduce: Start with a small amount and observe the effect

Fellness meets nutrition – holistic approach at Bones Hands

At Bones Hands GmbH, we combine a balanced diet with targeted animal physiotherapy. Our Fellness massages for dogs not only help relax muscles and reduce stress, but also promote general well-being—especially when combined with species-appropriate food.

Address: Herner Straße 299, Building C43, 44809 Bochum
Opening hours: Mon–Fri | 10:00–18:45

Follow us on TikTok at @boneshandsanimals or on Instagram: @bones_hands_animals

Summary: Is quinoa a good choice for dogs?

Quinoa is generally a suitable addition to a dog's diet – provided it is prepared correctly and fed in moderation. As a nutrient-rich, allergy-friendly side dish, quinoa can be particularly valuable for sensitive or older dogs. If unsure, professional nutritional advice from Bones Hands is recommended.