Hello dogs and dog lovers! Have you ever wondered about what kinds of seeds would be good as a snack or supplement for your dog? Here are seven different kinds that each have several benefits for your buddy!
Seeds may seem small and nondescript, but they’re packed with goodness. Many varieties have become highly popular thanks to their nutritional benefits. Here’s a look at seven of the best.
1. Camelina
A new arrival on the “seed scene” is Camelina sativa, whose seeds are similar to flax. In fact, Camelina has been called false flax, but I prefer its other nickname, Gold of Pleasure. It’s an ancient oilseed crop, a member of the Brassicaceae family native to Northern Europe and Central Asia. Its oil has a very long shelf life and is not prone to rancidity, partly because of its naturally high levels of vitamin E. It’s a rich source of Omega 3 and Omega 6.
Camelina oil is similar to almond oil in texture and flavor, and is a great addition to your dog’s diet for skin health. Camelina seeds are rich in phytosterols, including campesterol, which helps prevent inflammation-induced damage to cartilage; and stigmasterol, a potent antioxidant that helps reduce cholesterol and blood glucose levels. Its oil has a high smoke point of 475°F, making it great for cooking.
2. Chia
Chia seeds can be found on many of the world’s healthiest food lists. They were cultivated by the Aztecs, Mayans and Incas; in the Mayan language, chia means “strength”. The Aztecs used chia seeds for relieving joint pain and skin conditions.
Chia seeds are a rich source of B vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, protein and zinc. They’re also an excellent source of antioxidants and alpha linolenic acid, a plant-based form of Omega 3. Chia seeds help boost the immune system and are a great stress-busting food. They even support electrolyte balance, which makes them a great choice for endurance training with dogs.
3. Hemp
Hemp seeds are a super food that can help ease joint pain and inflammation, support cardiovascular and skin health, and even act as a digestive aid. They contain Omega 3 in the form of alpha linolenic acid, Omega 6 in the form of linolenic and gamma linoleic acids, and Omega 9 in the form of oleic acid. Hemp oil’s fatty acid profile is closer to fish than any other vegetable oil. Hemp seeds are a valuable source of gluten-free protein, and are packed with vitamins C and E, chlorophyll, and amino acids.
4. Pumpkin
The seeds of this well-known vegetable are also among the world’s healthiest foods. One ounce of seeds contains almost nine grams of protein, along with amino acids, fiber, iron, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium, folic acid and niacin. Pumpkin seeds are also a valuable source of manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, tryptophan, iron, copper, vitamins A, B, E, and K, and zinc, as well as Omegas 3 and 6.
Pumpkin seeds contain the amino acid cucurbitin, which paralyzes and helps eliminate worms from the digestive tract. Studies have shown that adding pumpkin seeds to the daily diet helps reduce inflammatory response due to conditions like arthritis, and helps prevent calcium oxalate stone formation.
5. Quinoa
Long revered as the “mother grain”, quinoa isn’t really a grain at all. It’s an amino acid-packed protein seed that’s related to beets, chard and spinach. It is considered a complete protein because it contains all nine essential amino acids, including lysine, which is essential to tissue growth and repair. Quinoa is high in fiber and unsaturated fats, and is a valuable source of vitamin B6, niacin, thiamin, potassium, riboflavin, zinc, copper, manganese, magnesium, folic acid and vitamin E.
6. Sesame
Sesame seeds have been grown since prehistoric times, and were one of the first crops to be processed for their oil. They were brought to the United States from Africa during the late 17th century.
Sesame seeds are an excellent source of copper and a good source of manganese, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin B1, zinc, molybdenum, selenium and dietary fiber. They also contain sesamin and sesamolin, unique substances that belong to a group of fibers called lignans, which have been shown to lower cholesterol, prevent high blood pressure, and increase vitamin E stores. Sesamin has been found to protect the liver from oxidative damage. In a study published by the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, sesame seeds were found to have the highest total phytosterol content.
Juliette de Bairacli Levy, author of The Complete Handbook for the Dog and Cat, routinely included sesame seeds in her dogs’ diet, crushing them to make a paste we know as tahini, lightly roasting the seeds and adding them to meat meals – and even making a version of the traditional energy bar, which you can do too. Simply combine 1 cup of honey with 1 cup of toasted sesame seeds and a ½ teaspoon of sea salt.
7. Sunflower
Another nutrition-packed seed, the sunflower is thought to have originated in Mexico and Peru. Due to their high fat content, sunflower seeds are prone to rancidity, so should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of vitamin E, magnesium, manganese and selenium. They also contain vitamins B1, B3 and B6, copper, folate and phosphorus. It is believed that sunflower seeds help reduce blood levels of cholesterol, and enhance the immune response, because they are such an excellent source of phytosterols. Sunflower seeds also have anti-inflammatory and heart healthy benefits.
Incorporating these seeds or their oils into your dog’s diet – and your own – is easy to do. And you’ll love the flavors and health benefits!
(source: Animal Wellness Magazine)
Shadow the Husky 