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Tailwise

Nuts & seeds

Can dogs eat sunflower seeds?

A little In moderation

Shelled, unsalted sunflower seeds are safe in small amounts. Salted snack seeds and the shells are not good for dogs.

Why Salt; fat; shells (blockage)

By Maya HartReviewed by Tailwise Editors ·

If your dog ate some

  1. A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
  2. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
  3. 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

A small pinch, occasionally.

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.

Cats In moderation

A few plain shelled seeds are unlikely to harm, but they are fatty and of no benefit.

How much: Avoid.

Can cats eat sunflower seeds?

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 dog can have instead

Questions owners ask

Can dogs eat sunflower seeds?

Shelled, unsalted sunflower seeds are safe in small amounts. Salted snack seeds and the shells are not good for dogs.

How much sunflower seeds can a dog have?

A small pinch, occasionally.

What makes sunflower seeds risky for dogs?

Salt; fat; shells (blockage).

What are the signs to watch for in dogs?

vomiting and diarrhoea, constipation or blockage after eating many shells, thirst after salted seeds.

What should I do if my dog 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 cats too?

A few plain shelled seeds are unlikely to harm, but they are fatty and of no benefit.

Sources

  1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: people foods to avoid
  2. Merck Veterinary Manual: food hazards
  3. WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines

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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