NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods.” What might be OK for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet unless your veterinarian tells you it’s fine to do so.
The satisfying crunch may be hard to resist—for you and your pup—but can dogs eat sunflower seeds? Yes, they can—with a few caveats.
Plain, shelled (meaning with the shell removed), and unsalted sunflower seeds are safe for healthy, adult dogs to eat. But be mindful of amounts and how they’re prepared.
Key Takeaways
- Dogs can safely eat plain, unsalted, and shelled sunflower seeds in small amounts.
- Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E, healthy fats, and antioxidants, which can support skin, coat, and metabolic health.
- Too many sunflower seeds can cause digestive issues, weight gain, or even an intestinal blockage in smaller dogs (especially if they’re in their shells), so portion control and safe prep are essential.
Can Dogs Have Sunflower Seeds?
Yes, dogs can have sunflower seeds but only certain kinds. The safest option is plain, unsalted, shelled sunflower seeds. These are free of added salt and don’t pose a choking risk from the hard outer shell.
Avoid giving your dog salted or flavored sunflower seeds or any that have been roasted in oil. Too much salt or fat can upset your dog’s stomach and potentially lead to more serious health issues, like pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas.
The tough shells can also be difficult to digest and may cause an intestinal blockage, especially in smaller dogs.
If you don’t want to share your snack, sunflower seeds are also used as an ingredient in some commercial dog treats and foods that you can give your dog. Here are some options:
Are Sunflower Seeds Good for Dogs?
While they’re not essential to your dog’s diet, sunflower seeds do contain a handful of beneficial nutrients that can support your pup’s overall health.
Some of the potential health benefits of sunflower seeds for dogs include:
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They’re rich in nutrients. Though tiny, sunflower seeds are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, protein, and fatty acids—nutrients that can help improve a dog’s skin and coat. One study found that dogs fed diets rich in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in sunflower seeds, had healthier skin and shinier coats.
Are Sunflower Seeds Bad for Dogs?
But while sunflower seeds offer some health benefits, they come with some risks too:
They Can Present a Choking Hazard
The shells of sunflower seeds can pose a choking hazard to your dog. Be sure to remove the husk before sharing or purchase them shelled.
They Could Cause Digestive Upset
If your dog does get ahold of sunflower seeds still in their shell, watch out for signs of digestive distress.
One or two seeds likely won’t cause an issue if your dog is able to swallow them easily, but a few mouthfuls could cause an upset stomach or even an intestinal blockage.
Signs of an intestinal blockage include:
Call your vet if you notice any of these symptoms after your dog eats sunflower seed shells, as your dog may need medical attention.
They Can Lead to Weight Gain or Pancreatitis
While sunflower seeds are small, they’re also high in fat. Too much fat can contribute to weight gain over time or trigger pancreatitis. If your dog has a history of pancreatitis, avoid sunflower seeds altogether.
How Many Sunflower Seeds Can a Dog Have?
All healthy treats combined, including sunflower seeds, should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s diet. The other 90% should come from a well-balanced dog food.
The following are general guidelines for serving sizes for healthy, adult dogs. If your pup has any health issues or dietary restrictions, it’s best to talk to your vet before introducing a new food to their diet.
| Extra-small dogs (2–10 pounds) | ½ teaspoon | 2–3 times per week |
| Small dogs (11–20 pounds) | 1 teaspoon | 2–3 times per week |
| Medium dogs (21–50 pounds) | 2 teaspoons | 2–3 times per week |
| Large dogs (51–90 pounds) | 1 tablespoon | 2–3 times per week |
| Extra-large dogs (91+ pounds) | 2 tablespoons | 2–3 times per week |
How To Safely Feed Sunflower Seeds to Dogs
If you do want to share sunflower seeds with your dog, follow these guidelines for safe feeding:
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Only offer your dog plain sunflower seeds. Raw or toasted sunflower seeds are fine as long as they are unsalted and unseasoned and not cooked in oil. Do not offer spicy sunflower seeds (or anything spicy, for that matter) to your dog.
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Start slow and watch for any reactions. Try offering one or two sunflower seed kernels at first and monitor your dog for stomach upset. If they show no symptoms after a few hours, you can share a few more.
Once the sunflower seeds are prepped, there are a few ways you can feed them to your dog:
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Sprinkled over food: Add a small pinch of shelled, unsalted seeds to your dog’s food bowl to enhance their regular meal.
Can Dogs Eat Sunflower Seeds FAQs
Can dogs have sunflower butter?
Yes, dogs can have sunflower butter, as long as it’s plain and free from added sugar, salt, or xylitol (a sugar substitute that’s toxic to dogs). Stick to small spoonfuls, though—it’s still high in fat, so moderation is key.
Are sunflowers poisonous to dogs?
No, sunflowers aren’t toxic to dogs. If your dog nibbles on sunflower petals or leaves, it shouldn’t cause harm, though eating large amounts of the plant could lead to mild digestive upset.
Can dogs eat sunflower seeds with shells?
No, dogs shouldn’t eat sunflower seeds with shells. The shells are hard to digest and can be a choking hazard in smaller dogs.
Are sunflower seeds toxic to dogs?
Plain sunflower seeds aren’t toxic to dogs but added ingredients can be. Check the ingredient list before giving any sunflower seeds to your dog to make sure there’s no added salt or seasonings.
