Food safety
Can Dogs Eat Quinoa? Yes, Rinsed, Cooked and Plain
Yes, dogs can eat quinoa. Plain, cooked quinoa is not toxic to dogs and is used as an ingredient in some dog foods. The AKC notes it contains saponin, a natural coating that can irritate the gut, so rinse it well before cooking. The bigger risk is your own dinner: quinoa salads and pilafs are often made with onion, garlic and salt, which should never be shared. Cook a plain portion and serve a spoonful.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 13, 20264 min read2 sources
Why plain quinoa is safe for dogs
Quinoa is a seed that is cooked and eaten like a grain. The AKC says it is generally safe for dogs and appears in some high-quality dry dog foods as an alternative to corn, wheat or soy. It carries protein, fiber and minerals, and is gluten-free.
It is still an extra. A complete dog food is balanced to meet a dog's needs, and quinoa on its own is not. Think of a spoonful as a topper or a treat, not a replacement for a meal.
Saponins, seasonings and other cautions
Quinoa seeds are coated in saponin, a bitter compound that protects the plant from insects. The AKC notes it may irritate the intestines and that dogs may be more sensitive to it than people, although the amount is usually small. Rinsing the quinoa under running water before cooking removes most of it.
Never share quinoa from your plate. Recipes often include onion, garlic, salt, oil, cheese or dressings, and the ASPCA lists onion and garlic among foods that damage red blood cells. If your dog ate a large amount of seasoned quinoa with onion or garlic, call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661; a fee may apply.
How to prepare quinoa for your dog
Put the dry quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse it under cold water for a minute, rubbing it with your fingers. Simmer it in plain water, about two parts water to one part quinoa, for around 15 minutes until the grains are soft and the little tails show. Add no salt, butter, oil or broth.
Let it cool completely, fluff it with a fork, and stir a spoonful into your dog's regular food. Cooked quinoa keeps in the fridge for three to five days in a covered container. Never feed it raw or undercooked.
For dogs that gulp anything new, a slow feeder bowl or a lick mat keeps portions small and eating slow.
How much quinoa a dog can have
Keep extras under about 10% of daily calories. A practical guide is one teaspoon of cooked quinoa for dogs under 20 lb, one tablespoon for dogs of 20 to 50 lb, and up to two tablespoons for dogs over 50 lb, a few times a week.
Introduce it slowly. The AKC advises stopping if your dog vomits, has diarrhea or becomes constipated. If your dog is on a prescription diet or has a grain or seed sensitivity, ask your vet before adding it.
Can puppies eat quinoa?
A weaned puppy can taste a little plain, well-rinsed, cooked quinoa, but there is no need to add it. Puppies need the carefully balanced calcium, protein and calories of a complete puppy food, and extras can crowd that out.
If you share some, offer half a teaspoon once and watch for soft stools over the next day. Do not add quinoa to a homemade puppy diet without a plan from your vet.
Signs quinoa disagreed with your dog, and when to call the vet
Mild digestive upset usually appears within 6 to 24 hours as gas, loose stool, vomiting or, sometimes, constipation, and passes within a day once the quinoa stops. Some dogs are sensitive to the saponin coating if the quinoa was not rinsed.
Call your vet the same day if vomiting or diarrhea continues past 24 hours, if there is blood, or if your dog is lethargic or stops eating. After seasoned quinoa with onion or garlic, watch for pale gums, weakness and dark urine over the next few days, and get them seen if these appear.
Other plain grains and toppers
Plain cooked brown or white rice, plain cooked oatmeal made with water, and plain cooked pumpkin are other simple toppers dogs commonly enjoy. As with quinoa, they should be unseasoned and given in small amounts.
For more flavor, a few pieces of plain cooked chicken or turkey work well mixed with a spoonful of grain. Ask your vet before changing your dog's diet in a bigger way.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Can dogs eat raw quinoa?
No. Raw quinoa is hard to digest and keeps its saponin coating. Always rinse it and cook it until soft before sharing a small amount with your dog.
Is quinoa better than rice for dogs?
Both are fine plain and cooked in small amounts. Quinoa has a little more protein and fiber, while plain rice is often easier on a sensitive stomach. Ask your vet which suits your dog.
Can dogs eat quinoa every day?
A spoonful of plain cooked quinoa a few times a week is a sensible limit. Daily extras add calories and can unbalance a complete dog food, so keep it occasional.
Can dogs eat quinoa salad?
No. Quinoa salads usually include onion, garlic, salt, dressing or cheese. Set aside plain cooked quinoa before you season it if you want to share.
Can dogs eat red or black quinoa?
Yes. Red, black and white quinoa are treated the same way: rinse well, cook plain until soft, cool, and serve a small amount alongside your dog's regular food.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
