The dogs generally love to gobble any food that drops down in front of them. Whether this is your favourite t-shirt, snack, or anything else – it will not miss any chance.
But as an owner, you can not give everything to your pet. There are certain rules that you should follow for feeding your dog.
Now the question is, ‘Can your dog eat sunflower seed’ or if it eats it accidentally, then what can happen.
Yes, the sunflower seeds are extremely safe for your dog, and they are non-toxic and will not create any harmful reaction generally.
The sunflower seeds can provide your dog with several benefits. But it would help if you made sure that the seeds were peeled well and not salted or seasoned.
Let’s read the full article to get additional information on this.
What are Sunflower seeds, and can dogs eat them?
Yes, the dogs can eat sunflower seeds as it is packed with vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, etc. Your dog will get all the health advantages by eating sunflower seeds.
But make sure to prepare these tiny seeds properly. The sunflower seed shell is not good for your dog, so peel it off and give them only the kennel inside of the seed.
The sunflower seed shell can form gastrointestinal distress and diarrhoea for your dogs. Apart from that, ensure that the seeds are not salted.
Now the question is, What are sunflower seeds.
The sunflower seeds are one of the most specific plant seeds that pose many benefits. The sunflower seeds are generally conical in shape and derived from the middle part of the herbaceous plants.
The sunflower seeds are also available in all parts of the US, making them popular throughout the country.
The sunflower seed size may vary according to its species. You have to find those species that are used only for eating.
There are most common three types of sunflower seeds are available in the market, such as:
- linoleic sunflower seeds
- high oleic Sunflower seeds
- Sunflower oil seed
These types of sunflower seeds are generally different as per their fat level.
For example, you can identify sunflower seeds by their husk and shell colour. If the shell is black of any seed, then this is black sunflower seeds.
The black sunflower seeds are used for oil pressing, not for eating. The edible sunflower seed comes with black stripes on its body.
How To Feed Sunflower Seeds To Your Dog
You should only purchase peeled and unsalted sunflower seeds for your dog. The dogs can only enjoy and digest the soft kennel inside the shell of Sunflower seed.
The shell and husk can form gastrointestinal disorders and choking hazards. Too much salt can also cause blood pressure issues in them.
The sunflower seeds are tasty, and your dog will enjoy them as a snack. Or, you can mix it with their meal also to feed them.
If you are getting trouble, you can paste them and prepare powder from them. Now mix the powder with the meal.
You can also find sunflower seed butter and oil in the market. But you should only give sunflower seed butter or oil under special treatment.
Benefits of Sunflower Seeds For Your Dogs
1. Improve Dog’s Coat and Skin
Study shows that after digesting sunflower seeds for some time, the dogs have improved their cost and skin. The sunflower seed gives a high concentration of essential fatty acid, which also contributes to healthy skin.
However, this fat is also free from saturation, making it healthy for dogs. To have sunflower seeds regularly, your dog will be away from rashes, hot spots, and dryness.
2. It Supports The Production Of Good Cholesterol
The presence of fatty acid in sunflower seeds controls their suction of bad cholesterol, and high cholesterol levels create several illness problems in dogs.
As the sunflower seeds have a good percentage of Vitamin E, they can prevent the cholesterol issue in your dog.
3. Vitamin E Acts as An Antioxidants
Daily, one ounce of sunflower seeds can give your dog a required level of vitamin E supplementation. The vitamins E can provide your dog number of benefits, such as
- Manage cholesterol level
- Fat metabolism formation
- Cell respiration
- Membrane creation around the cell.
- Protects the skin from harmful oxygen-free radicals.
4. It Relieves The Dog from Stress and Depression
Study shows that sunflower seeds are also helpful for dogs who experience anxiety. In that case, you can say that the sunflower seeds act as its relative chamomile herb that produces a calming effect in the body.
The key ingredient of sunflower seeds is magnesium, which helps minimize fatigue and depression. The sunflower seed has a high concentration of vitamin B complex that can help in reducing neurosis.
Apart from that, the tryptophan present in sunflower seeds increases the secretion of serotonin in the dog’s brain. Serotonin is responsible for stress and depression recovery in dogs.
5. Improves Overall Health
The sunflower seeds are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They help you in various ways, such as improving your immune system, helping your dog be stressed free, and balancing the haemoglobin and hormones in their body.
What Are The Side Effects of Sunflower Seeds
There are several benefits of sunflower seeds for dogs. But make sure the seeds are peeled well and do not contain salt. There are some possible side effects of sunflower seeds, and here are those given below so that you can watch out.
1. Salted Sunflower Seeds are Harmful
Humans generally like salted sunflower seeds as a snack, which are also safe for humans. But it would help if you gave your pet salted seed.
It can cause sodium imbalance in your dog, leading to several health problems. Your dog could have symptoms like an extreme third, repeated utilization, excessive thirst, etc.
2. Cause Gastrointestinal Distress
The sunflower seeds with shells can cause Gastrointestinal issues in your dog. The dogs can not chew the shells of sunflower seeds, so they split them out like humans.
But if the hulls and shells are not chewed properly, it can be a choking hazard. Apart from that, these are not digestible.
Sometimes, it also blocks the gastrointestinal tract, and this blockage sometimes leads to death also. So make sure it is shelled properly to avoid choking hazards and gastrointestinal issues.
3. Excessive Oil in Sunflower Seeds Can Be Harmful
The sunflower seeds generally come with a high level of fat. If your dog gets this oil, it upset your dog’s stomach.
Apart from that, if your dog consumes a large number of sunflower seeds, it can face vomiting. If your puppy has a large number of seeds, then consult a doctor immediately.
4. It causes Hypersensitivity
Some dogs can also have an allergic reaction to consuming sunflower seeds. Some parts of sunflower seeds can also cause vomiting.
If your pet becomes lethargic, then immediately consult your vet. Before you give your pet seeds, make sure they are not allergic.
In that case, give your pet 3-5 seeds as a snack. Now observe if your dog shows any signs of hypersensitivity or allergic reaction.
Otherwise, you can opt for other fatty acids or vitamin E rather than sunflower seeds.
How Much Sunflower Seeds Should You Give Your Dog
Each cup of sunflower seeds has 269 calories. So, quantity is one of the most important concerns that you must consider.
Research says you should not give your puppy more than 10-20 seeds and 20-40 to your large dog. You can give your dog this quantity only once a week.
It would help if you did not use sunflower seeds more than 2-3 in any cookies. Needless to say that using sunflower seeds in your cookies can make them tastier.
The sunflower seeds are also full of calories or fat. So more than needed of the requirement can cause serious health problems.
In that case, you can ask your vet about giving sunflower seed oil or butter. Or, calculate how many calories your dog needs as per its weight and age. So, you can give it the right quantity of sunflower seed.
Conclusion
You can give your furry friend sunflower seeds at the end of the article. But remember that moderation is the key.
Make sure you have unshelled the seeds and these are not pre-seasoned.
Moderate amounts of sunflower seeds can provide tons of health benefits to your pup. The sunflower seed is packed with minerals and vitamins, so your dog can start a healthy lifestyle.
FAQs
Q: What happens if my dog eats sunflower seeds?
The sunflower seeds are good for your dog. But make sure it has only eaten the inside of the seed rather than its shell and husk. Otherwise, it can create several health issues.
Q: Are sunflower seeds toxic?
No, sunflower seeds are not toxic, and it is packed with all the minerals and vitamins that make them tastier and safer than others.
Q: Is there any benefit of sunflower seeds for the dog?
Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of Vitamin E, iron and copper and are great for your dog’s health.
