Can Dogs Eat Buckwheat? What You Need To Know

It’s not really wheat, so can dogs eat buckwheat? Keep reading to find out how safe it is and what risks there might be from giving it to dogs.

There’s a lot of confusing information out there about buckwheat and dogs. Is it safe? Is it ok? Can dogs with gluten intolerance or sensitivities eat it? As a devoted pet parent, I created this guide with other dog owners in mind.

Before you give your dog buckwheat, read through this guide so you understand whether this human food is a healthy snack for them.

For ultimate pet safety, I recommend consulting with your vet about all the questions you have about your dog eating buckwheat.

What Is Buckwheat

Buckwheat is regarded as a healthy substitute for wheat. The seeds are used the same way that wheat germ is used. It has an impressive nutritional profile and you’ll find it among other healthy ingredients in high-fiber foods.

Buckwheat is a cousin to rhubarb and has been cultivated for more than 8,000 years, which is why it is called an ancient grain. It comes from the Fagopyrum esculentum plant.

It used to be a common crop worldwide. Today, you’ll find it mostly in Eastern European cuisines.

Even though it has the word wheat in the name, buckwheat is gluten-free. In fact, it’s not related to wheat at all. Just like quinoa, it’s a great source of plant-based protein and it’s also classified as a pseudocereal.

You’ll find buckwheat as an ingredient in pasta and baked goods and sold as flour.

Can Dogs Eat It?

Yes, dogs can safely eat buckwheat in small portions. It’s a nutritious substitute for wheat in a lot of recipes.

Just remember that it is a seed and also considered a carbohydrate. Carbs should only make up a portion of your dog’s diet, which should be high in animal protein. So, buckwheat should only be given in small amounts.

If your dog has health issues, please contact your veterinarian before giving them even a small amount of buckwheat. It’s best to prevent adverse reactions before they happen.

Gluten-Free Flour Alternative

Buckwheat doesn’t contain the protein that’s found in wheat. For this reason, it’s a gluten-free alternative to other ancient grains, such as bulgur, wheat berries, spelt, and freekeh.

Cooked buckwheat seeds are a healthy gluten-free alternative to wheat flour. You might even find buckwheat as an ingredient in gluten-free treats.

Safe Types Of Buckwheat

Buckwheat is non-toxic and actually pretty nutritious for dogs. Buckwheat seeds are often dried and ground into a flour. You might also see the seeds sold as whole-grain kernels.

There are also buckwheat groats. What are groats? This word describes a whole kernel that is barely processed, basically removing the outer husk or hull.

Buckwheat can be dried and turned into flour, whole-grain kernels, or groats.

At the store, you will also find buckwheat and soba noodles. Dogs can eat these, too, but in small amounts. Too many noodles put them at risk for weight gain.

Buckwheat Poisoning

Buckwheat seeds are nontoxic, but the rest of the plant isn’t safe for dogs to eat. Don’t let your dog eat buckwheat leaves, stems, or roots.

The buckwheat plant contains a compound called fagopyrin. If dogs eat it, they could become photosensitive. This doesn’t mean they won’t like their picture taken! Photosensivity is extreme sensitivity to sunlight.

Photosensitivity from the toxin could cause painful skin lesions and even necrotic skin tissues.

Thankfully, dogs have to eat a lot of buckwheat leaves to get to this point, but it’s still a good idea to keep your dog away from them.

Treatment

The good news is that photosensitivity is a temporary symptom that naturally goes away after about 48 hours.

Keep your dog away from sunlight during the time that it is experiencing this symptom. Other treatments include giving your dog corticosteroids, antihistamines, and anti-inflammatory medications.

Please speak to your dog’s veterinarian before treating them at home.

If your dog’s skin becomes necrotic, they might need surgery to remove it.

Allergic Reactions

Are dogs allergic to buckwheat? Most dogs aren’t, but some dogs might be. That’s why you should introduce it in small amounts at first.

These are the symptoms of a buckwheat allergy:

Itching or skin irritation
Vomiting or diarrhea within a few hours of consumption
Lethargy or lack of energy
Painful bowel movement that contains mucus or blood clots

Benefits

Just like other whole grains, there are a lot of health benefits of buckwheat for your furry friend.

Buckwheat is a good source of protein, fiber, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins. In fact, the vitamins in buckwheat could support a healthy smile, coat, and skin.

Here are the main nutrients in buckwheat:

Protein – contains the essential amino acids lysine and arginine.
Fiber – the high fiber content can naturally help with constipation
Vitamin B – natural source of energy and hormone regulation
Manganese – increases metabolism
Copper – supports healthy bones
Magnesium – good for muscle and bone development
Iron – forms red blood cells and hemoglobin to carry oxygen throughout the body.
Phosphorus – supports healthy bones and teeth
Antioxidants – rich in polyphenols, which reduces inflammation and supports a healthy immune system.

Buckwheat also has a low glycemic index. This means it doesn’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels.

How To Give Buckwheat To Dogs

How much buckwheat can dogs eat? It’s best to limit cooked buckwheat to less 1 cup per 14 lbs of body weight or 10% of daily caloric intake every day.

You can use it in different ways. Use the buckwheat flour in homemade dog treats. Or, mix a tablespoon of it into their kibble.

Tips

Don’t overdo it. Since it’s high in fiber, it could give your dog digestive issues like bloating and gas.

And if dogs eat way too much of it, they might even have gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea.

If you don’t know if your dog will be allergic to it, introduce it in small amounts at first. This is always a good idea when you introduce new food to your dog.

Final Thoughts

Containing B Vitamins and essential minerals, buckwheat is a safe ingredient for dogs to eat. It’s also really high in fiber, so large amounts might cause them gastrointestinal distress. If your pups have sensitive stomachs, it might be best to keep them away from buckwheat.

Additional Dog Food Resources

Check out more grains dogs can and can’t eat:

Find lots of articles on food dogs can and can’t eat here on Spoiled Hounds!

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