While some dog foods contain the recommended amount of animal protein needed for dogs, we often don’t consider the amazing benefits of plant-based protein when feeding our dogs. Chia seeds are an amazing source of protein, calcium, b-vitamins, phosphorus, manganese, copper, and zinc.

The chia seed can help your dog’s heart health by reducing blood pressure and strengthening the cells in the heart in the same way fish oil does. However, since many dogs are sensitive to fish products, the fatty acids chia seeds contain are more beneficial as they’re easier for most dogs to digest. Omega 3 fatty acids are also beneficial for helping prevent degenerative bone diseases.

Chia seeds can also help improve brain function in a dog by helping to build up the fatty myelin sheath covering their nerves and synapses. This helps speed up electrical impulses from the brain to your dog’s nervous system.

In addition to those nutrients, chia seeds contain Omega 3 fatty acids which are essential for helping dogs prevent degenerative bone diseases, which up to 70% of dogs eventually suffer from.

Omega 3 fatty acids in chia seeds help reduce inflammation and joint pain in older dogs and help with bone development and bone maintenance in puppies.

JOINT PAIN - They can help dogs that already suffer from osteoarthritis by giving them increased mobility and reducing joint pain. A super health food, these seeds are rich in fat and fiber content which, in moderation, is incredibly beneficial to overweight dogs. By adding a small amount to their food every day, chia seeds help in addition to a weight loss regimen by making dogs feel fuller longer. This can help them attain and achieve a healthy body weight.

Chia seeds are rich in fat and fibre which, in moderation, is also incredibly beneficial to overweight dogs.

CALCIUM - Chia seeds also have more calcium than milk and many vegetables, and they also contain a significant source of phosphorus. These minerals aid in bone development as well as healthy muscle mass which can help prevent issues that are common in larger dogs such as hip dysplasia, and help control diabetes as they help maintain insulin function.

HOW TO FEED - The seeds should be introduced gradually as although they are non-allergenic, they can still upset some dog’s stomachs, so you should introduce them in small amounts at first. It’s recommended to start with a 1/4 of a teaspoon for every 10 pounds of weight. From there you can slowly increase the amount up to 1 teaspoon for small dogs up to 2 teaspoons per day for large dogs. A popular way to give chia seeds is mixed in with home made bone broth as they soak up moisture and given dry dogs will want to drink more water and you may want to soak them before adding to dried food. Milled or organic chia seeds are the most beneficial.