Nuts & seeds
Can cats eat sunflower seeds?
A few plain shelled seeds are unlikely to harm, but they are fatty and of no benefit.
Why Salt; fat; shells (blockage)
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.
- If a dog ate a large bag of shells, watch for signs of constipation or blockage and call your vet.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Constipation or blockage after eating many shells
- Thirst after salted seeds
How much, how often
Avoid.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Shelled and unsalted only
- A pinch sprinkled over food
- Keep bird feeders and seed mixes out of reach
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs In moderation
Shelled, unsalted sunflower seeds are safe in small amounts. Salted snack seeds and the shells are not good for dogs.
How much: A small pinch, occasionally.
Can dogs eat sunflower seeds?Cats In moderation
A few plain shelled seeds are unlikely to harm, but they are fatty and of no benefit.
How much: Avoid.
The details
Sunflower seeds contain healthy fats and vitamin E, but they are calorie-dense, so the amount should stay small. The bigger problems come from salted, flavoured snack seeds, and from dogs who eat piles of shells beneath bird feeders, which can cause constipation or a blockage.
Safer treats your cat can have instead
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat sunflower seeds?
A few plain shelled seeds are unlikely to harm, but they are fatty and of no benefit.
How much sunflower seeds can a cat have?
Avoid.
What makes sunflower seeds risky for cats?
Salt; fat; shells (blockage).
What are the signs to watch for in cats?
vomiting and diarrhoea, constipation or blockage after eating many shells, thirst after salted seeds.
What should I do if my cat ate sunflower seeds?
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. If a dog ate a large bag of shells, watch for signs of constipation or blockage and call your vet.
Is sunflower seeds safe for dogs too?
Shelled, unsalted sunflower seeds are safe in small amounts. Salted snack seeds and the shells are not good for dogs.
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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