Nuts and Seeds for Dogs
Following on from the discussion about peanut butter for dogs, it is valuable to consider the broader role of nuts and seeds in a canine diet. Nut and seed butters can provide superior nutrition compared to peanut butter, offering a wider range of essential nutrients and health benefits.
When prepared correctly, nuts and seeds supply concentrated amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids that support skin, coat, and overall wellbeing. They are a nutrient-dense addition to a fresh food diet and can complement other whole food ingredients.
Best Practice for Feeding Nuts and Seeds to Dogs
Nuts and seeds contain natural compounds such as oxalates and phytates, which can interfere with nutrient absorption. To ensure maximum safety and nutritional benefit:
Soak, sprout, activate, or ferment to reduce anti-nutrients.
Dehydrate or dry roast at 100–150 °C to improve digestibility and reduce mould risk.
Grind into a paste, powder, or butter to prevent obstructions and increase nutrient uptake.
Sprouted or activated nut and seed butters are sometimes available from health food stores.
Tree nuts can carry aflatoxins (mould toxins), so sourcing fresh, high-quality raw nuts and applying preparation techniques such as boiling, fermenting, or roasting is important.
As these foods are energy-dense, moderation is recommended. In a BARF-style diet, nuts and seeds should make up no more than 2% of daily intake.
Nutrient Highlights: Nuts & Seeds for Dogs
Chia Seeds
Rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid (inefficiently converted in dogs).
Provide calcium and protein.
Preparation: Grind dry seeds or soak for 30 minutes in a 1:4 ratio of seeds to water to prevent water absorption in the digestive tract.
Flaxseeds (Linseeds)
High in ALA, manganese, magnesium, and vitamin B1.
Preparation: Soak, drain, and grind into a paste, or use flax meal hydrated into a gel. Ensure no additional water can be absorbed before feeding.
Hemp Seeds
Provide an optimal omega-3:6:9 ratio, along with iron, magnesium, calcium, and zinc.
Preparation: Soak overnight with a pinch of Celtic salt, rinse, and grind. Can also be dehydrated before grinding.
Pumpkin Seeds
Source of zinc, manganese, iron, potassium, fibre, and healthy fats.
Preparation: Soak overnight in salted water, rinse, then grind. Seeds may be fed moist or dehydrated.
Sesame Seeds
High in calcium, protein, and omega-6 fatty acids.
Preparation: Soak, rinse, and grind into a paste. Unhulled tahini is a suitable store-bought alternative (activated varieties preferred).
Sunflower Seeds
Provide high levels of vitamin E, along with iron and copper.
Preparation: Soak, rinse, and grind either moist or dehydrated.
Almonds
Contain vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium.
Preparation: Soak, gently roast to reduce aflatoxins, and grind to improve bioavailability.
Pine Nuts
Supply magnesium, manganese, and vitamin E.
Preparation: Soak overnight, rinse, and grind moist or after dehydrating.
Brazil Nuts
Extremely high in selenium, along with magnesium and copper.
Caution: As little as 4 g can meet the daily selenium requirement of a 20 kg dog. Feed sparingly, particularly if the diet already includes selenium-rich foods such as organ meats.
Preparation: Soak, rinse, and dry roast before grinding.
Macadamia Nuts (Toxic)
Toxic to dogs and should never be fed.
Even small amounts can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, fever, and neurological symptoms.
These effects may last up to 48 hours or longer, and in severe cases, veterinary treatment is required.
Storage and Safety Tips
Moist pastes or gels: Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Dehydrated or roasted seeds/nuts: Grind into butter and store refrigerated for longer shelf life.
Avoid pantry storage for roasted nuts, as this increases mould risk.
Always use purified water with a pinch of Celtic salt for soaking.
Sprouting or fermenting are suitable alternatives to soaking and improve digestibility.
Key Takeaway
When prepared correctly, nuts and seeds can be a safe and valuable addition to a dog’s diet. They provide nutrients often lacking in commercial or raw feeding plans, supporting immune health, skin condition, and coat quality.
However, not all nuts are safe—macadamia nuts are toxic and must be strictly avoided. Used with care and proper preparation, safe nuts and seeds can serve as a nutrient-dense enhancement to meals rather than a staple food.