As parents become more health conscious, superfoods like chia, kale, blueberries, turmeric, and coconut are making their way from our kitchens and into our ’s bowls. Today we’re here to talk about chia - the tiny seeds that pack such a nutritional punch they truly have earned the superfood label. More specifically, we're talking about .
You’ll learn:
- What exactly is;
- The benefits of ;
- How to give your ;
- And how much chia to give your .
What is Chia?
When you hear the words “” you probably have visions of Chia - rubbing wet seeds all over a clay animal and waiting for it to grow. And, while Chia are still fun to play with (My new Willie Nelson is sprouting some epic braids at this very moment), chia is useful for so much more than just entertainment!
Chia, or Salvia Hispanica, is a flowering plant native to Central America. It’s said that the Aztec warriors were able to sustain themselves on just a tablespoon of chia seeds per day! But the powerful super-seeds aren’t just great for humans. Chia seeds are just as good for our canine friends.
Here’s our list of 14 reasons chia seeds should be part of your ’s daily diet. (And after you read it, you’ll probably want to add chia to your own daily diet, too!)
1. Chia has 3 times more than
are an essential part of your ’s diet. They help with energy, reduce , help your pup absorb vitamins, process, hormones, and more. Most foods don’t contain enough omega 3’s, so it’s a good idea to supplement this in your ’s diet, either with , , or .
2. It’s great for your ’s
Just 100 grams of chia seeds provides 34 grams of . Increasing your ’s dietary is a wonderful way to aid a pup with tummy troubles. It can also help with and issues with impacted anal sacs.
3. Chia has more than whole milk
It’s also got more iron than raw spinach and more magnesium than broccoli. Plus, those little powerhouses are packed with phosphorous, potassium, zinc, iron, and copper. They’re truly like nature’s tiny non-allergenic multi-vitamins!
4. Chia supports a ’s
Let’s circle back to those amazing omega 3’s for a minute. Did we mention how important they are for your ’s cognitive function? It’s important for developing puppy noggins, but supplementing with can also help senior dogs who have brain disorders, like canine cognitive dysfunction.
5. It’s also great for joints
Yes, the omegas are at work here, too. But also, chia seeds are an of and phosphorus - two minerals that are important for bone development and healthy bone maintenance, and preventing problems like hip dysplasia.
6. Chia seeds are a good source of plant
Now, chia should not be a primary source - that should come from meat - but when combined with meat proteins, chia seeds help build muscle mass and preserve muscle tissue. In other words, it can help prevent ‘wasting away’ that is common in eldery dogs.
7. It helps with weight management
If you’ve got a chonky pup who is on a plan, chia seeds can be a huge help keeping hungry pups satisfied between meals. That’s because they absorb up to ten times their own weight, helping them feel full for longer periods of time.
8. They’re helpful for diabetic dogs
If you’ve got a diabetic or pre-diabetic , you know how important it is to watch their glucose. Chia supports insulin function and regulation.
9. Chia supports vision health
You didn’t think we’d finish this list without bringing up those amazing omega 3’s again, did you? They’re important for eye development and vision health, too!
10. It boosts immunity
It should come as no surprise that all these vitamins and minerals (and yes, omegas!) are great for your ’s immunity. And that leads to healthier, happier, longer-living best furry friends!
11. Chia seeds support your ’s heart health
Studies show that supplementation helps dogs with arrhythmias and those with heart failure. What’s more, the inflammatory reduction can also lead to overall improved heart health.
12. They are a good source of manganese
What are the of manganese? A lot of things, actually! And you’ll be glad you’re going to be adding it to your ’s diet with chia after you read this list: it supports bone health, it is a of antioxidants for fighting cancer, it helps reduce for joint pain, it helps support a healthy metabolism, and supports healthy thyroid...just to name a few.
13. Chia is packed full of antioxidants
Dogs benefit from antioxidants in the same way we do - to help their bodies eliminate free radicals, that can cause health issues from allergies to autoimmune disorders, to arthritis, and even cancer. Chia has three times more antioxidants than blueberries!
14. Chia is a convenient superfood for dogs
Chia seeds have no taste or smell, so even the pickiest pups won’t know they’re getting a healthy dose of from this potent superfood!
That’s why we add chia seeds to every batch of Einstein dog !
Are you convinced about the superpowers of this superfood? So are we! And that’s why the entire line of from Einstein , from our beloved everyday favorites PB’N Jelly Time to our seasonal popular picks like Ugly Sweater Party - you’ll find the healthy goodness of chia in every drool-worthy bite!
How to give chia seeds to your
Besides the chia seeds your will get from eating delicious Einstein , you can easily add them to their , too. Chia seeds are tiny, odorless, and flavorless so they don’t need to be ground up or hidden in any way. You can simply sprinkle them right on top of your ’s meals, though some people like to soak them first to make them easier to eat. If your has any difficulty swallowing, you should definitely give them a soak ahead of time.
The amount of seeds your should get depends on your ’s size and weight. The dosage is roughly ¼ teaspoon for every ten pounds of body weight per day. But, talk to your veterinarian first if your has any dietary restrictions.
Final thoughts on giving chia seeds to your
These days, it’s easy to find chia seeds in the healthy aisle of your local supermarket. When you’re ready to add this powerhouse to your ’s diet, look for milled, organic seeds whenever possible. Or, you can start by giving your Einstein , since we’ve already added the chia for you!