Many people enjoy eating sunflower seeds while they’re lounging on their back porch. Regardless of whether you love the seedless type or the taste of the salty shells, it’s important to understand what Pugs can eat and shouldn’t eat. If you’ve ever wondered “can Pugs eat sunflower seeds,” you’re in the right place.
Can Pugs Eat Sunflower Seeds?
The short answer is “yes” Pugs can eat sunflower seeds in moderation, as long as you follow some precautions.
First, never feed them sunflower seeds that are still in the shell. Lastly, avoid the salty and assorted flavors such as; Jalapeno, Hot Salsa, Cracked Pepper, Ranch, Dill Pickle and etc.
Can Pug Puppies Eat Sunflower Seeds?
Personally, I would avoid feeding a puppy sunflower seeds. While the seeds themselves are NOT toxic to dogs, if a puppy consumes a huge amount of sunflower seed oil, it can cause inflammation in the pancreas.
There are just NOT enough benefits to risk feeding a puppy. If you do share them with your small four-legged friend, make sure you don’t feed them too much.
Are There Any Benefits To Feeding Sunflower Seeds To Pugs?
Both pumpkin and sunflower seeds provide some health benefits for your canine friend. The biggest benefit is the extra source of antioxidants.
Antioxidants are great for your dog’s diet as they help protect your pooch’s body from free radicals.
Fatty Acids
Sunflower seeds are high in essential fatty acids, so they can give your dog a shiny coat and healthy skin. The fatty acids can also reduce the chances of hot spots, dry skin, and other skin ailments.
Vitamin E
Just an ounce of sunflower seeds will provide your pooch with essential Vitamin E levels that can help manage cholesterol levels.
Sunflower Seeds Can Help Relieve Stress and Depression
A recent study has shown that sunflower seeds can produce a calming effect in dogs that suffer from anxiety similar to chamomile herb.
Magnesium is a key ingredient that has been known to alleviate fatigue and depression. (source)
Sunflower seeds are also high in tryptophan, which is an essential amino acid that is responsible for increasing the serotonin in a dog’s brain.
Fun Sunflower Seeds Facts
These crunchy seeds are considered a health food because they are an incredible source of antioxidants, minerals, nutrients, and vitamins.
Most of their calories come from fatty acids.
The seeds have been known for culinary purposes such as cooking oil. They are also popular and birds love them that’s why they are sold as bird food.
You can eat them on salads, snacking, baked goods, rice, vegetable dishes and etc.
Nutritional Facts
One ounce of shelled, dry roasted seeds (30 grams or .25 cups):
- Selenium: 32% of the RDI
- Vitamin E: 37%
- Calories: 163
- Iron: 6%
- Manganese: 30% of the RDI
- Vitamin B6: 11% of the RDI
- Folate: 17%
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 grams
- Protein: 5.5 grams
- Zinc: 10% of the RDI
- Copper: 26% of the RDI
- Carbs: 6.5 grams
Are Sunflower Seeds Safe For Pugs?
The seeds themselves are NOT toxic to dogs. In fact, they can be a great occasional treat to your pooch, as long as you don’t make it a regular habit.
Sunflower seeds are high in copper so you should avoid feeding your Pug if they have liver problems.
Always consult with your veterinarian if you are unsure of whether your dog will have a negative reaction from certain foods.
Digestive Problems Can Be Common
Even though sunflower seeds are not toxic to dogs, they still can cause problems, especially if too many are consumed.
If your dog eats too many too fast, they may end up throwing up, experiencing diarrhea, or gas.
If your dog consumes too many, they may get a swollen stomach that is painful and prevents them from eating or drinking. At this point, you will want to take them to the veterinarian.
What Types of Sunflower Seeds Can Pugs Eat
Stay away from any flavored seeds or salty seeds. Your pooch will only benefit from the unsalted type of seeds.
Can Pugs Eat The Sunflower Seed Shells?
No, the shells and hulls can be dangerous for your pooch. They are NOT digestible and can get stuck in your dog’s gastrointestinal tract.
Dog’s can’t chew them up and spit them up as humans do. The sharp pieces can cause esophageal disorder or damage your dog’s digestive tract.
How Many Seeds Can I Give My Pug?
The number of seeds you feed your dog will depend on your dog’s age and weight.
Pugs are small dogs and don’t weigh as much as a big dog. Therefore you will only want to feed them about 5-10 seeds, which is about 30-60 calories.
The biggest thing to remember is that your dog’s snacks should never consume more than 10% of their regular dog food diet.
What Should I Do If My Pug Ate A Bag Of Sunflower Seeds?
If they ate a small bag of sunflower seeds, they should be fine. Monitor their behavior and if you notice any discomfort, swelling in the abdominal area, or they stop eating and drinking, then you’ll want to contact your veterinarian.
How Can I Feed My Pug Sunflower Seeds?
If your Pug has never eaten seeds of any kind, make sure you start out slowly. If they don’t have an allergic reaction, you can introduce sunflower seeds as an occasional treat.
You can feed them a few kernels throughout the day while you’re eating them. You can also sprinkle a few in their regular dog food if they enjoy eating them.
Alternatives To Sunflower Seeds For Pugs
If you love sharing food with your Pug, then you may want to consider some of these other nuts and seeds that can be used as an occasional treat:
- Cashews
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Almonds (Pugs Can Eat Almonds)
Final Word On Feeding Pugs Sunflower Seeds
Even though sunflower seeds are not poisonous to dogs, I wouldn’t make it a habit of feeding them too often.
Eating too many may cause an upset tummy and may even cause your pooch to gain unnecessary weight.
When sunflower seeds are fed in moderation, it can provide them with some healthy benefits.
I hope this article answered your question about feeding Pugs sunflower seeds.
References And Further Reading
VCA – Antioxidants
PubMed – Magnesium in Depression