One of the healthiest snack foods for humans are sunflower seeds which are one of the super seeds because they contain lots of nutrients like vitamin E, B1, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and phosphorous, etc., but these seeds may not be good for dogs since they are poisonous when consumed in high amounts of sunflower seeds. Here we’ll look at some of the pros and cons of eating sunflower seeds.
Pros and Cons of Sunflower Seeds for Dogs
Health Benefits of Sunflower Seeds for Dogs
People often call the seed “the edible middle” or “kernel.” Other parts include the husks (or shells) which are the outside layers of the grain. Most dogs enjoy sunflower seeds (sunflower kernels) when they’re given them by their owners as special treats. Sunflower seeds contain an excellent source of proteins, fibers, essential vitamin E, B1, B6, B3, folate, iron, selenium, magnesium, manganese, and copper. These nutrients help keep your dog healthy. You must take out the black husks before giving them to your furry friends. You could add some sunflower seeds in moderation when making meatballs or baking them as a safe treat!
Helping improve skin and hair coat
According to studies, sunflower seed consumption can benefit dogs’ health by helping them maintain healthy skin and coats. Research has shown that the sunflower seed oil and other compounds found in sunflower seeds may be helpful for treating certain conditions in dogs.
Your dog needs to be fed an appropriate ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s for optimal health. Sunflower seeds contain approximately 50% of their weight in oil, making them one of the best sources of Omega 6 Fatty Acids (Omega 6). Linolenic acid is used for treating canine dermatitis. Furthermore, flax seeds oil or fish oil may be helpful for protecting pets from certain health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, joint pain, skin allergies, and even some types of cancer.
Improving overall health by the source of vitamins
Feeding your dog the right nutrients boosts his immune system and protects him from diseases. In addition to these needs, they’re also required almost everywhere else in the body, including the eyes, muscles, nerves, bones, joints, healthful skin, and internal organs.
Side Effects of Sunflower Seeds for Dogs
While there are a variety of health benefits of sunflower seeds, they also come with some risks for your pet. You must be aware of the potential health hazards associated with giving food to pets. Some health risks include these:
Sunflower Seed Shells
If sunflower seeds shells and hulls are not properly processed before they’re fed to animals, they could cause serious health issues for them. Unshelled sunflower seeds may be safe for your dog if he has no allergies to them. Being aware of unpeeled seeds could irritate his stomach lining and lead to gastrointestinal distress and upset stomach.
Salt and Seasoning Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds that have been salted or seasoned are the best tasting for humans. If salt is added to your dog’s food it can lead to his developing kidney failure. Avoiding seed products with added ingredients will help them stay healthy. Before giving any treats to your dog, ensure they’re safe for canine consumption by checking their ingredients first.
Excessive Quantities of Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds contain lots of vitamins and minerals, but it may not always be easy for dogs to digest them properly. They can cause upset tummies if fed too often. Eating too many sunflowers seeds could cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, and/or vomiting. Inflammation of the pancreas may occur in puppies or small dogs if they eat too much. Remembering that minerals can be obtained from food sources alone, it is unnecessary to take mineral supplements if one eats nutritious meals. If your pet has eaten too many sunflower seeds, then taking him/her to your veterinarian may be an appropriate course of action.
Last but not least, you should always keep an eye out for any potential side effects from dietary supplements. Excessive amounts of any particular substance may harm animals if they consume too much of it. Mixing sunflower seeds into other foods such as fruit or nut butter could lead to digestion issues. They aren’t a substitute for a healthy balanced diet. In addition to their nutritional value, sunflowers seeds can be used for various purposes such as improving your dog’s overall health by providing it with nutrients. You need to make sure that you purchase only natural sunflower seeds that contain no additives such as salt or any other flavorings. If you follow these instructions, sunflower seeds can help your pet’s health by making him healthier skin and hair coat. Before feeding any food to your dog, always ask for their advice from your vet first.