If you're a devoted animal lover looking to enhance your pet's diet, adding nuts and seeds might have crossed your mind. If you love them, why wouldn't they??
But before tossing a handful of trail mix into your dog's or chicken's meal, it's essential to understand which nuts and seeds are beneficial (or not) and how to prepare them properly.
In this article, we'll cover which seeds and nuts you can incorporate into the diets of your beloved horses, chickens, dogs, and cats!
READ MORE: Homemade pet treats for your fury friends
Your Horse and Snacking
Chia Seeds: A Superfood for Horses
Horses can benefit from chia seeds as they support skin and coat health, digestive health, and have anti-inflammatory properties. The high-fat content in chia seeds provides "cool energy," helping maintain a calm demeanor and preventing spikes in blood sugar. Fat is also more efficiently digested by the horse's gut and produces less heat than protein or carbohydrate digestion.
One of our customers buys 25lbs of chia seeds at a time to feed their horse and it hasn't had Colic in 2 years!
Serving: Feed an 1100 lb (500 kg) horse between 1/4 to 1 cup (40 – 170 g) of soaked chia seeds daily. For the majority of horses, the total fat content in the diet should be less than 8%. However, horses in heavy work may be fed up to 20% of their digestible energy requirement as fat.
Mix with soaked forage cubes or pellets to minimize the risk of the small seeds irritating or getting stuck in the airway and consult an equine nutritionist for tailored guidance. Buy organic chia seeds here!
Horses and Nuts
Feeding nuts to horses can be done, but it should be approached cautiously and given in small amounts.
Nuts are rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals such as magnesium and vitamin E, which can be beneficial for energy and overall health. They are a concentrated source of energy, making them potentially useful for horses that need additional calories, such as those in heavy training or those trying to gain weight.
Almonds: Almonds are an excellent source of monounsaturated and unsaturated fats, vitamin E, biotin, and a variety of minerals, including manganese and copper—all involved in maintaining and improving hoof health. Almonds also contain a variety of other anti-inflammatory compounds, molecules that help the immune system, and even intestinal microbiome booster.
Like seeds, nuts should be prepared correctly. Chopping or grinding them and mixing them with other feed can aid in digestion and reduce choking hazards.
Chickens: Pecking Their Way to Health
Seeds for Chickens: Balanced Treats
Seeds can be a nutritious supplement for chickens but they should be fed in moderation to prevent overconsumption of fats and calories.
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds: Sunflower seeds are high in fat and protein, providing energy and supporting feather health. Their thin shells make them easy for chickens to eat. About a tablespoon per day for a small flock is recommended to avoid excessive fat intake. Buy unhulled sunflower seeds here
Pumpkin Seeds: Rich in vitamins E and K, zinc, iron, and fiber. These seeds can also help with digestive health and may assist in treating internal parasites. Offer them whole or ground to make them easier for chickens to consume. Buy pumpkin seeds here!
Chia Seeds: Chia seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, protein, calcium, and other essential minerals. These seeds support overall health and can improve skin and feather quality. Mix them with other feed or sprinkle a small amount as a supplement. Buy chia seeds here
Flaxseeds: High in omega-3 fatty acids, which help promote healthy eggs and improve feather quality. Feed ground or soaked flaxseeds to ensure easy digestion and nutrient absorption. Buy organic flaxseeds here!
Nuts for Chickens: Safe in Small Doses
Chickens can enjoy nuts like almonds and walnuts in small, chopped amounts. Nuts can be a great source of healthy fats and protein, especially for egg-laying hens.
Make sure to give raw, unsalted nuts and remove the shells and avoid moldy nuts as they can be toxic. Buy blanched almonds here!
DOGS: BOOSTING THEIR NUTRITION WITH SEEDS & NUTS
Why Add Seeds to a Dog's Diet?
For dogs, seeds can be a nutritional powerhouse when incorporated properly. Seeds such as hemp seed hearts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds are packed with essential nutrients that support a balanced raw diet.
Hemp Seed Hearts: These small seeds are rich in essential fatty acids like GLA and ALA, providing balanced fats to a raw diet. They also offer magnesium and manganese, supporting muscle function and metabolism. Buy hemp seeds here!
Sunflower Seeds: High in vitamin E (a fat-soluble nutrient often lacking in raw diets) and B vitamins like B6 and B9. They provide linoleic acid, which is vital for maintaining healthy skin and coat. Buy sunflower seeds here
Pumpkin Seeds: Known for their linoleic fatty acid content and rich in minerals like iron, magnesium, and tryptophan. Pumpkin seeds are also famous for preventing and treating intestinal parasites. Buy pumpkin seeds here!
Chia Seeds: True to their name's origin meaning "strength," chia seeds are packed with protein, calcium, zinc, and other nutrients. They can be sprinkled onto meals for added nutrition. Buy organic chia seeds here
Nuts for Dogs: A Cautious Approach
Nuts, while nutritious, should be handled with care and given in small amounts:
Almonds: High in vitamin E and essential minerals. They should be soaked and finely ground for optimal digestion. Buy sliced almonds here!
Brazil nuts: Rich in selenium, an antioxidant, but only a tiny amount is needed due to their high selenium content. Buy organic Brazil nuts here
Warning: Some nuts are toxic. Macadamia nuts and black walnuts should never be fed to dogs as they can lead to severe health issues.
Preparation Tip: Always soak nuts and seeds in lightly salted water (1/4 tsp per ½ quart of water) for 12-24 hours, strain, and rinse before grinding to remove phytic acid and improve digestion.
Cats: Carnivore Lovers
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Seeds for Cats: Occasional Health Boosts
Cats are obligate carnivores and rely primarily on meat for their nutrients. While seeds are not a dietary staple, some can offer health benefits in moderation:
Sunflower Seeds: Non-toxic and packed with protein, vitamin E, and healthy fats. Ensure seeds are shell-free and unsalted to avoid digestive upset. Buy sunflower seeds here!
Pumpkin Seeds: Provide iron, calcium, zinc, and fiber, aiding in digestion and possibly treating worms when ground finely. Buy pumpkin seeds here
Chia Seeds: High in amino acids, fiber, and minerals. They can support bone and fur health and are best served in small, blended amounts. Buy chia seeds here!
Nuts and Cats: Proceed with Caution
Nuts are generally high in fat, which can lead to weight gain and health issues such as pancreatitis if overconsumed.
For an occasional treat, unsalted, shell-free nuts in very small amounts may be given, but this should not be a regular practice.
Warnings for Feeding Your Pets Nuts & Seeds
A few things to consider when giving your pets nuts & seeds:
High Fat Content: Too many nuts and seeds can lead to issues such as weight gain, digestive upset, or even more severe problems like colic.
Choking Hazard: Whole nuts and larger seeds pose a choking risk, especially if not prepared or introduced gradually.
Mold and Contamination: Nuts and seeds should always be fresh and free of mold. Moldy nuts can produce toxins harmful to your animals.
Moderation is Key: Nuts and seeds should be a small part in their overall diet, mainly used as a supplement or treat.
Introduce Slowly: Introduce any new food gradually to monitor their reaction.
Consult a Professional: Always talk to an equine nutritionist or veterinarian to ensure that any dietary changes suit your animal's specific needs and health conditions.
Incorporating nuts and seeds into your animal's diet can provide significant nutritional benefits, but moderation and proper preparation are essential.
Always choose pet-safe options, avoid known toxins, and consult a veterinarian or animal nutritionist for personalized guidance. By understanding which seeds and nuts suit your pet, you can enrich their diet safely and effectively!
Stay tuned for our blog on feeding legumes and grains to your animals!
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