What Are the Health Benefits of Chia Seeds for Dogs?

As pet parents begin to adjust their dogs' diets to be healthier, they consider features like nutritional value, shelf life, quality and taste of food. One superfood, chia seeds, checks all the boxes. Chia seeds have a shelf life of four to five years. Preparing meals for your dog is as simple as sprinkling the flavorless seeds onto his food. Perhaps the leading feature of chia seeds is their abundant health benefits.

Chia seeds were once used by the Aztecs and Mayans as a staple food. The seeds contain B vitamins, antioxidants, fatty acids, protein and fiber. The nutrients in chia seeds support your dog's skin, joints, vision, immune system, brain development, blood sugar levels, healthy digestion and weight maintenance.

Since chia seeds are very absorbent, a little goes a long way. Lots of water should be available to your dog to help the seeds go down more easily. Sprinkle a dash of dry chia seeds, or chia seeds soaked in tap water, into his food bowl with each meal; one quarter of a teaspoon is sufficient for every 10 pounds your dog weighs.