Soaking The Troubles Away: Seeds & Nuts

Nuts and seeds are a great addition to the dog's meals as they can provide a plethora of phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals, and more, but there are a few things to know about them before just adding them into the bowl.

Benefits

Each type of nut and seed will have a slightly different array of benefits, but overall, nuts and seeds provide...

• Essential Fatty Acids: such as Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA), have not been found essential in dogs and cars, but evidence may suggest it aids in a healthy eater barrier. But ALA should not be depended on as the only source of Omega-3s. Dogs and cats must consume EPA & DHA from other sources as they cannot convert ALA.

• Essential Vitamins & Minerals: Nuts & seeds are sources of nutrients such as vitamin E, selenium, fiber, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, niacin, folic acid, and more. But it isn't easy to use for requirements such as vitamin E due to the high volume needed.

What Type To Feed? There are so many nuts and seeds that it can be hard to know which ones are best to feed. The most common nuts and seeds fed and benefits are

• Hemp Seeds

• Sunflower Seeds

• Pumpkin Seeds

• Almonds

• Brazil nuts

• Pine Nuts

• Chia seeds

• Flax seeds

• ⚠️ Toxic seeds & nuts should be avoided. Seeds and pits from fruits such as cherries, apples, avocado, pears, peaches, plums, etc., and nuts such as macadamia nuts cause toxicity.

Preparation Methods

Dogs & cats do not have the biological tools necessary to digest and absorb the nutrients from raw seeds and nuts as they are very high in phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antinutrient that inhibits ingested absorption of other nutrients. Taking the proper steps to prep the plant matter allows for maximum absorption. Below are two different preparation methods.