Grains & bread
Can cats eat quinoa?
A little plain cooked quinoa is safe, but cats are carnivores and don’t need grains or seeds.
Why Saponins on the seed coat (removed by rinsing)
By Maya HartIf your cat ate some
- A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
- Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Signs to watch for
- Wind and loose stools
- Stomach upset from unrinsed seeds
How much, how often
A teaspoon at most.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Rinse thoroughly before cooking
- Cook plain in water, no stock or salt
- Avoid quinoa salads with onion, garlic or dressing
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs In moderation
Yes, plain cooked quinoa is safe for dogs in small amounts. It appears in some dog foods. Rinse it well and serve it unseasoned.
How much: A tablespoon or two mixed into food.
Can dogs eat quinoa?Cats In moderation
A little plain cooked quinoa is safe, but cats are carnivores and don’t need grains or seeds.
How much: A teaspoon at most.
The details
Quinoa is a seed rather than a grain, and it contains protein, fibre and minerals. Its natural coating contains saponins, bitter compounds that can irritate the gut; most packaged quinoa is pre-rinsed, but another rinse does no harm.
Leftover quinoa dishes often include onion, garlic, raisins or lots of oil, so only share the plain version.
Safer treats your cat can have instead
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat quinoa?
A little plain cooked quinoa is safe, but cats are carnivores and don’t need grains or seeds.
How much quinoa can a cat have?
A teaspoon at most.
What makes quinoa risky for cats?
Saponins on the seed coat (removed by rinsing).
What are the signs to watch for in cats?
wind and loose stools, stomach upset from unrinsed seeds.
What should I do if my cat ate quinoa?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Is quinoa safe for dogs too?
Yes, plain cooked quinoa is safe for dogs in small amounts. It appears in some dog foods. Rinse it well and serve it unseasoned.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
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