Grains & Starches
Can dogs and cats eat quinoa?
Short answer on quinoa: safe for both dogs and cats. See what to watch for and the veterinary sources behind each answer.
One food, two pets
What changes between dogs and cats?
Dogs and cats both have a safe verdict.
The label matches, but the two answers are not interchangeable. Check the bottom line and serving guidance for your pet below.
- Bottom line differs
- Serving guidance differs
Quinoa safety for dogs
Plain, fully cooked quinoa is safe for most healthy dogs as a small addition to a complete diet, but seasoned blends can contain onion, garlic, or excess salt.
Safe serving: A small amount of plain, fully cooked quinoa with no salt, broth, butter, onion, garlic, or seasoning.
Quinoa safety for cats
Plain, fully cooked quinoa is safe for most healthy cats in a small amount, but it cannot replace the animal-derived protein and taurine supplied by complete cat food.
Safe serving: A very small amount of plain, fully cooked quinoa mixed with the cat's normal complete food.
Questions owners ask about quinoa
Can dogs eat quinoa?
Plain, fully cooked quinoa is safe for most healthy dogs as a small addition to a complete diet, but seasoned blends can contain onion, garlic, or excess salt.
How much quinoa can I give my dog?
A small amount of plain, fully cooked quinoa with no salt, broth, butter, onion, garlic, or seasoning.. Introduce any new food gradually and watch for stomach upset.
Can cats eat quinoa?
Plain, fully cooked quinoa is safe for most healthy cats in a small amount, but it cannot replace the animal-derived protein and taurine supplied by complete cat food.
How much quinoa can I give my cat?
A very small amount of plain, fully cooked quinoa mixed with the cat's normal complete food.. Introduce any new food gradually and watch for stomach upset.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.
More grains & starches
Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.