Can Dogs Eat Sunflower Seeds? What You Need To Know

Read this guide if you have wondered, “can dogs eat sunflower seeds?” Learn about dogs and sunflower butter and oil too.

It happens all the time – you’ll be eating some sunflower seeds and your canine friends will sit there, begging to share in this salty treat with you.

Before you let your dog eat sunflower seeds, read this guide. It will tell you everything you need to know about whether it is a good idea to share this with them or not.

For ultimate pet safety, please ask your vet any questions you have regarding your dog eating sunflower seeds.

Can Dogs Have Sunflower Seeds

Have you ever asked, “can my dog eat sunflower seeds?” Dog owners, read this guide. There is a difference between salted and unsalted sunflower seed kernels. One of them is safe to share in your pet’s dog food, and one is not.

These crunchy snacks with the iconic conical shape are safe for your dog’s diet, as long as you give it to them without the shell and without any added salt or seasonings. Plain, shelled, sunflower seeds are safe – and actually healthy – for your pet.

As with everything, pay attention to the amount of sunflower seeds you give your pet. If you give your dog a lot of sunflower seeds, they might get an upset stomach.

Are Sunflower Seeds Bad For Dogs

The only bad thing about sunflower seeds for your furry friends is the salt, the seasonings, and the hard outer shell.

Salted sunflower seeds put your dog at risk for serious health problems. In fact, too much salt can lead to sodium poisoning. This is why you should never give your dog anything with any added salt.

Another risk of sunflower seeds for dogs is they might be contaminated with a toxin that can cause liver problems like cancer. This is a very low risk, so just don’t give your dog a lot of seeds at once and they should be ok.

Are Sunflower Seeds Toxic To Dogs

As pet owners, we worry about whether sunflower seeds are poisonous, harmful, or dangerous to dogs. It is safe to add a few unsalted and shelled sunflower seeds to your dog’s food. They are not toxic.

Are Sunflower Seeds Good For Dogs

Yes, crunchy sunflower seeds are good for dogs. In fact, they have benefits for your dog’s hair, coat, brain, and cholesterol.

Benefits Of Sunflower Seeds

There are lots of benefits of sunflower seeds for your dog’s health. Just like flax seeds and pumpkin seeds, there are lots of health benefits of sunflower seeds.

In a cup of sunflower seeds, there are:

• Calories
• Fat
• Protein

Just check out all the essential nutrients and benefits they have.

• Vitamin E – This is important for healthy skin, healthy coat, and can even help combat dry skin.
• B Vitamins – These vitamins are essential for healthy energy production.
• Healthy Fats – They have monounsaturated fats that provide essential fatty acids like omega-6 fatty acids to your dog’s brain
• Amino Acids – These are the building blocks of cells and will support your dog’s overall health and immune system.
• Linoleic Acid – This acid is good for your dog’s skin health.

Swapping unhealthy snacks for some shelled sunflower seeds can help your pet increase brain activity and improve brain function. If your fur baby suffers from high blood pressure, foods with healthy fatty acids can help lower blood pressure and increase the production of good cholesterol. In turn, this lowers the production of bad cholesterol.

The high fat content of sunflower seeds will basically improve good cholesterol levels.

Finally, did you know that sunflower seeds have tryptophan in them? This helps if your dog has a low serotonin level in the brain. It can help reduce aggressive behavior.

Are Sunflower Seeds OK For Dogs

Yes, unsalted sunflower seeds are fine for dogs of all shapes and sizes, as long as they are unsalted. In fact, they are an excellent source of protein for large dogs or even a small dog – both.

Are Sunflower Seeds Safe For Dogs

Yes, sunflower seeds are safe for dogs as long as they are unsalted and the sunflower seed shells are removed first.

Are Dogs Allergic To Sunflower Seeds

If you do not know if your dog is allergic to sunflower seeds, then give them small amounts at first and watch for any signs of allergies.

This includes things like itching, sneezing, scratching, or coughing. If you notice your dog acting like this after eating sunflower seeds, contact your dog’s veterinarian.

Should Dogs Eat Sunflower Seeds

It is up to you whether you add a few pieces of sunflower seeds to your dog’s snack routine. Remember, the bulk of your dog’s nutrition should come from dog food. They do best with a diet high in animal protein.

Always shell the sunflower seeds so that that husk doesn’t get stuck in your dog’s gastrointestinal tract.

Can Dogs Eat Black Sunflower Seeds

The black sunflower seeds are only safe for birds to eat. Do not let your dog eat them. If they do, they will probably get an upset stomach.

Dogs and Sunflower Seeds – Different Parts and Kinds

Now let’s look even closer at these delicious seeds and how safe they are for dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Sunflower Seeds In the Shell

Are sunflower seed shells bad for dogs? The shells are not good for your dog’s digestive system. Not only do the hard shells pose a choking hazard, but there are other health issues they might pose.

They can hurt your dog’s stomach and might even suffer from extreme diarrhea as they try to pass it.

Can Dogs Eat Sunflowers

Dogs should not eat raw plants of any kind since they have so much fiber that it might upset their stomach. This includes plants like sunflowers. Even though they might not show any symptoms after eating them, it is still a risk.

Can Dogs Eat Sunflower Kernels

Yes, sunflower kernels are a great addition to your dog’s snack rotation. In fact, they are great for your dog’s skin.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Sunflower Seeds

Yes, raw sunflower seeds make a great snack, but most dogs probably won’t enjoy eating them raw. They taste the best if they are roasted.

Can Dogs Eat Roasted Sunflower Seeds

Yes, dogs can eat roasted sunflower seeds. When it comes dogs, sunflower seeds are safest if you serve them unsalted and without any seasonings.

Can Dogs Eat Salted Sunflower Seeds

Even though small quantities of salted sunflower seeds probably won’t hurt your dog, it is best to keep them away from anything with added salt.

Dogs that eat too much salt are at a really high risk of sodium toxicosis. The symptoms of sodium ion poisoning include:

• Extreme thirst
• Diarrhea
• Vomitting
• Siezures
• Coma
• Drowsiness
• Irritability

Can Dogs Eat Unsalted Sunflower Seeds

When it comes to your dog, sunflower seeds without any salt are the safest option. Yes, dogs can eat moderate amounts of unsalted sunflower seeds. Do not give your pet anything that has any added salt in it.

Can Dogs Eat Flavored Sunflower Seeds

Dogs should not eat flavored sunflower seeds. Not only do they have too much salt in them, but all the ingredients put your dog at risk for experiencing side effects like a stomach ache.

My Dog Ate Sunflower Seeds – What Do I Do?

If you know your dog at salted, flavored, or sunflower seeds with the shells, then watch for signs of an upset stomach like diarrhea or vomiting. Give your dog plenty of water and trips outside. Call your veterinarian if you notice them acting lethargic or more irritable than normal.

More than likely your dog will be just fine.

Food Made With Sunflower Seeds – Are They Safe For Dogs

Now that we know about dogs and sunflower seeds, let’s look at a few of the most common types of food made with them.

Can Dogs Have Sunflower Butter

Sunflower seed butter is a fantastic alternative to peanut butter if your pup has a peanut allergy. As long as it is unsweetened and has a low amount of salt, it is safe to give your pet in small amounts.

Can Dogs Have Sunflower Oil

Sunflower seed oil has actually been shown to have a positive effect on the inflammation of the pancreas. Please do not take my word for it. Ask your veterinarian about sunflower oil and its effect on the pancreas.

It is a safer alternative to coconut oil and you can use it to cook your dog’s food.

Can Dogs Eat Sunflower Seed Crackers

This all depends on the ingredients in the crackers. Garlic, onion, and too much salt are not good for your pet’s diet. It is also a good idea to limit how many high-carb foods (like crackers) your dog eats since this can lead to weight gain.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to sunflower seeds and dogs, the important thing to remember is to only give them to them without the shells and make sure the seeds are unsalted and unflavored.

Sunflower seeds can be a healthy snack for dogs in small amounts.

More Dog Food Resources

Here are some more resources about different seeds, nuts, herbs, and spices dogs can and can’t eat:

• Can Dogs Eat Cilantro
• Can Dogs Eat Chia Seeds
• Can Dogs Eat Flax Seeds
• Can Dogs Eat Poppy Seeds
• Herbs Good for Dogs
• Nuts Dogs Can Eat
• Spices Good for Dogs

Be sure to read my article about beans for dogs and find lots more articles on food dogs can eat here on Spoiled Hounds!

📌 Pin this to save and share 📌