Can dogs eat quinoa?

Yes, dogs can eat plain cooked quinoa in moderation. Quinoa is nutritious and is actually used in some high-quality dry dog foods, offering protein, calcium, and other nutrients as a healthy alternative to corn, wheat, and soy. It naturally produces saponin to deter insects, but the amount present is typically too small to cause problems, though dogs prone to kidney or bladder stones should avoid it. It should be cooked plain, since salt, garlic, and onions in quinoa recipes are toxic to dogs.

A small amount of plain, cooked quinoa with no salt, garlic, or onion, introduced gradually.

Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away (a consultation fee may apply). Have the food, the amount, and your dog's weight ready. Do not induce vomiting without professional guidance.