I use Animal Diet Formulated software to build balanced dog food recipes - the software calls for the addition of raw sunflower seeds and organic hemp seeds in my recipes. Adding nuts and seeds to a dog’s diet is a simple way to boost nutrition and variety. While not all nuts are safe for dogs, many seeds and a select few nuts can provide valuable vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and antioxidants. The key is knowing which ones are safe, how much to feed, and how to choose high-quality options.
Safe Seeds for Dogs
1. Sunflower Seeds
Benefits: Rich in Vitamin E (an antioxidant that supports skin, coat, and immune health), B vitamins, selenium, and healthy fats.
How to Feed: Unsalted, shelled, and raw. Avoid flavored or salted varieties.
2. Hemp Seeds
Benefits: Excellent source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in an ideal ratio, plus protein, magnesium, and zinc. Supports skin, coat, joint health, and immune function.
How to Feed: Sprinkle raw hemp seeds or hemp hearts directly into meals. Hemp seed oil is another safe option.
3. Pumpkin Seeds
Benefits: High in antioxidants, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Known for supporting urinary tract health and providing natural parasite-fighting properties.
How to Feed: Raw, unsalted, and ideally ground to aid digestion. Feed in moderation to avoid stomach upset.
4. Chia Seeds
Benefits: Packed with fiber, Omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and antioxidants. Helps with hydration, digestion, and blood sugar regulation.
How to Feed: Soak in water before feeding to prevent clumping and improve digestibility.
5. Flax Seeds
Benefits: High in fiber, lignans (antioxidants), and Omega-3s. Supports digestion, skin health, and hormonal balance.
How to Feed: Always grind before feeding - whole flax seeds pass through undigested. Flaxseed oil is also safe.
6. Sesame Seeds
Benefits: Good source of calcium, manganese, zinc, and antioxidants. May support bone health and immune function.
How to Feed: Best fed ground or in tahini form (plain, unsalted, and in moderation).
Nuts: Which Are Safe for Dogs?
Safe in Small Quantities
Cashews: Contain protein, magnesium, and antioxidants. Feed sparingly due to high fat content. Must be unsalted and unseasoned.
Pine Nuts: High in magnesium, vitamin K, and antioxidants. Safe occasionally, but fatty - overfeeding can cause stomach upset.
Peanuts (technically legumes): Protein-rich and contain healthy fats. Feed as unsalted, dry-roasted peanuts or natural peanut butter without xylitol or added sugar.
Brazil Nuts: One of the richest sources of selenium, they are also high in magnesium, phosphorus, and thiamine (Vitamin B1). Not recommended as a regular treat due to its high fat content, which is even higher than that of peanuts and cashews.
Avoid These Nuts
Macadamia Nuts: Toxic to dogs - can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and neurological issues.
Walnuts (especially moldy ones): Risk of mold contamination (aflatoxins and tremorgenic mycotoxins).
Pecans: Can contain harmful molds and are high in fat.
Almonds: Not toxic but hard to digest, may cause GI upset or obstruction.
Pistachios: High fat, risk of aflatoxin contamination, and often salted. Best avoided.
Risks of Feeding Nuts and Seeds
High Fat Content: Overfeeding can lead to pancreatitis or weight gain.
Aflatoxins: Mold toxins commonly found in peanuts, pistachios, and walnuts. Aflatoxins can damage the liver and even be fatal in high doses.
Choking Hazard: Whole nuts may cause choking, especially in small dogs.
Digestive Upset: Feeding too many seeds or nuts at once may cause gas, loose stool, or vomiting.
Buying Tips for Pet Parents
Choose Raw: Avoid salted, flavored, or candied varieties.
Organic and Human-Grade: Reduces risk of pesticides and mold contamination.
Check for Freshness: Nuts and seeds go rancid quickly. Store in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer.
Avoid Bulk Bins in Grocery Stores: Higher risk of contamination and mold.
How to Feed Nuts and Seeds to Dogs
Moderation is Key: Think of them as a supplement, not a main food source. A pinch or a teaspoon per meal is usually enough for seeds; 1–2 small nuts as an occasional treat.
Grind or Crush: Improves digestibility and reduces choking risks.
Mix into Meals: Sprinkle over raw or cooked food bowls.
Watch Portions: Especially important for overweight dogs or those with pancreatitis risk.
How I Feed Nuts and Seeds to My Dogs
I source raw sunflower seeds from a local market and organic hemp seeds from Costco. I add them both to my meal preps, in varying amounts based on the other ingredients in the recipe.
Once I open the packages, I store the seeds in the refrigerator to avoid oxidation.
I have fed other seeds (chia and pumpkin), but haven’t had reason to add them to my dogs’ diet in a while.
I quickly learned that tossing in ground nuts and seeds without intention doesn’t balance a diet. For instance, if my recipe requires more selenium, adding ground Brazil nuts may correct the deficiency, but it’ll also add more fat, magnesium, phosphorus, and thiamine - throwing off those nutrients.
Nuts and seeds can be powerful little additions to a fresh food diet, offering vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats. But not all are safe, and even the safe ones must be fed in moderation. Stick to dog-friendly seeds (such as sunflower, hemp, pumpkin, chia, flax, and sesame) and only a handful of safe nuts on occasion. Always source high-quality, fresh products and watch for signs of digestive upset.
Your dog’s body will thank you with a shinier coat, a stronger immune system, and better overall health. Plus, it’s fun to share an occasional snack with them.
Header image source: DepositPhoto