By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Put a spoonful of chia seeds in a glass of water and come back in fifteen minutes. The seeds will have formed a thick gel, absorbing many times their own weight in water. That is the most important thing to know about chia and dogs. Chia is not toxic, and Australian-grown chia from the Kimberley sits in many pantries, but a dog who eats a dry bag of it, or gulps dry seeds and then drinks, can end up with a lot of swelling material in a small space.
Key takeaways
- Chia seeds are not toxic to dogs and can be an occasional small extra.
- Dry chia swells dramatically in water. Soak it first or sprinkle a tiny amount over moist food.
- A dog who eats a whole bag of dry chia needs monitoring and possibly a vet check.
- Chia puddings and bars may contain chocolate, xylitol, sultanas or macadamias.
- Chia's omega-3 is a plant form dogs use poorly. It is not a fish oil substitute.
- Related: flaxseeds, xylitol poisoning, chocolate poisoning.
Why the swelling matters
Chia's outer layer is made of soluble fibre that forms a gel when wet. In people, there have been reports of dry chia swallowed with water swelling in the food pipe and causing a blockage. Dogs are not people, but they do gulp, and they often eat things straight from the packet. A large amount of dry chia can expand in the stomach, causing discomfort, vomiting or, rarely, a blockage. Small dogs and dogs with existing swallowing or oesophageal problems (such as megaoesophagus) are at greater risk.
How to offer chia safely
- Mix a small amount of seeds with water in a ratio of roughly one part chia to six to eight parts water.
- Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes until it forms a gel.
- Stir a teaspoon of the gel into your dog's food for a medium dog, less for a small dog.
- Introduce it gradually over a week and watch the stools.
Alternatively, sprinkle a very small pinch of dry seeds over a wet meal so they soak as your dog eats. Never offer a spoonful of dry seeds on its own.
What chia can and cannot do
Chia contains fibre, some protein, minerals and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant omega-3. Dogs convert only a small portion of ALA into EPA and DHA, the omega-3s studied for skin and joint support. So chia is better seen as a fibre-containing extra than a health supplement. A complete and balanced dog food already supplies what your dog needs. Ask your vet before using chia for any health purpose, such as managing stools.
Chia puddings, bars and breakfast bowls
The chia your dog is most likely to steal comes in a breakfast pudding or a snack bar. These often include:
- Chocolate or cacao, which is toxic to dogs
- Sugar-free sweeteners, which may include xylitol, dangerous to dogs even in small amounts
- Sultanas or raisins, which can cause kidney injury
- Macadamias or other nuts, which can cause weakness and wobbliness
- Coconut milk, which is high in fat
Check the full ingredient list. If any of these are present, call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738.
What to do if your dog ate a bag of dry chia
- Remove access and estimate how much was eaten.
- Offer water in small, frequent amounts rather than letting your dog gulp a whole bowl.
- Watch closely over the next 12 to 24 hours.
- Call your vet promptly if your dog is small, ate a large amount, or shows any discomfort.
- Do not try to make your dog vomit at home.
Signs to watch for
- Repeated vomiting or regurgitation
- Retching without producing anything
- Drooling, gulping or discomfort when swallowing
- A swollen or tense belly
- Restlessness or not wanting to lie down
- Not passing stool, or very loose stools
When it is an emergency
Go to a vet urgently if your dog's belly is swollen and tight, they are retching unproductively, they are restless and uncomfortable, or they collapse. These signs can also point to bloat, especially in large, deep-chested breeds, which is a life-threatening emergency (see bloat in dogs).
How vets help
Your vet will examine your dog and may take X-rays to see whether a large mass of seed is in the stomach. Many cases settle with monitoring and supportive care. Some need further treatment. If other ingredients like chocolate or xylitol were involved, care will be tailored to those.
FAQ
Can I give my dog chia seeds every day?
It is not necessary. Occasional small amounts of soaked chia are fine for most dogs.
Black or white chia, which is better?
They are nutritionally similar. The preparation matters more than the colour.
Can chia help my dog's diarrhoea?
Do not treat diarrhoea at home with fibre without advice. Talk to your vet, especially if it lasts more than a day or there is blood.
Talk with a vet
If your dog has got into a bag of chia or a chia snack and you are unsure how worried to be, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you decide on next steps. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- Ullah R, Nadeem M, Khalique A, et al. Nutritional and therapeutic perspectives of chia (Salvia hispanica L.): a review. Journal of Food Science and Technology. 2016;53(4):1750-1758.
- Bauer JE. Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2011;239(11):1441-1451.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Xylitol toxicosis in dogs.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Gastrointestinal obstruction in small animals.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.