How to Give Chia to Dogs

Chia has been used for centuries as an all-natural dietary supplement. Harvested from the Salvia Hispanica plant, chia seeds were used by the Aztecs to treat a variety of ailments. Chia is high in omega 3 fatty acids and has natural antibiotic properties, making it a popular supplement for humans and animals alike. Many dog owners use chia to add weight to thin pets and keep them healthy without the use of artificial medications. Giving chia to dogs is not difficult and can help your dogs thrive with just a little effort.

Things You'll Need

  • Chia seeds
  • Dog food
  • Canned dog food
  • Food and water bowls
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Instructions

    • 1

      Schedule your dog for an appointment with your veterinarian before adding any supplements to his diet. Your vet will give your dog a thorough physical to make sure he is not suffering from any medical conditions that might be affecting his health before giving you the green light to introduce the chia seeds to his normal feed.

    • 2

      Weigh your dog to determine how much chia to feed him. It is a very potent supplement and only a small amount is needed to keep your dog healthy. A half teaspoon for every five pounds of body weight is enough to allow your dog to maximize the chia seed benefits without gaining too much weight.

    • 3

      Add your dog̵7;s normal ration of dry dog food into his bowl and mix it together with a couple of tablespoons of canned dog food. Sprinkle the chia seeds over the dog food and mix gently to combine. The canned food helps the seeds stick to the food and entices him to eat it all without wasting any seeds.

    • 4

      Fill a bowl with plenty of fresh, clean water to prevent your dog from becoming dehydrated. Chia seeds can absorb many times their own weight in water and can suck vital liquids from his stomach if he does not drink enough.

    • 5

      Feed your dog extra chia seeds when his digestive system is upset or his appetite is less active than normal. Chia turns into a gel-like substance when combined with water and will coat the lining of the stomach and intestines, easing upset stomach and boosting appetite.