Why
Quinoa is used in some dry foods as an alternative to corn, wheat and soy.
How to serve quinoa
- Rinse, cook plain in water and cool.
Watch out for
- No onion, garlic or seasoning.
How much quinoa can a dog eat?
Treats of every kind should stay under 10% of a dog's daily calories, says the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Here is that daily treat budget by size, and how much quinoa it buys if quinoa is the only treat that day. Quinoa has about 120 kcal per 100 g; 1 cup (185 g) is about 222 kcal.
| Dog size | Daily treat budget | Max quinoa a day |
|---|---|---|
| Small (10 lb) | 26 kcal | 22 g (an eighth of cup) |
| Medium (30 lb) | 59 kcal | 49 g (a quarter of cup) |
| Large (60 lb) | 100 kcal | 84 g (half of cup) |
| Giant (90 lb) | 136 kcal | 113 g (two thirds of cup) |
Less is better for small, overweight or diabetic dogs. Work out your own dog's numbers with the dog food calculator. Calories: USDA FoodData Central, Quinoa, cooked.
Other grains and bread: quick answers
| Food | Verdict | Short answer |
|---|---|---|
| Bread | Small amounts | A small piece of plain bread is safe, but it offers nothing useful. |
| Oatmeal | Small amounts | Yes, plain, cooked with water, as an occasional treat. |
| Popcorn | Small amounts | Yes, plain air-popped popcorn with no butter, salt or unpopped kernels. |
| Raw bread dough | Toxic | No. Raw yeast dough can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol. |
| Rice | Safe | Yes. Plain cooked white rice is easy to digest and often used for upset stomachs. |
Rules for any new food
- Plain is the rule: no salt, butter, oil, onion, garlic, sugar or sweeteners. Most of the danger in human food comes from what is added to it.
- Keep all treats under 10% of your dog's daily calories (WSAVA). The rest should come from a complete dog food.
- Check labels for xylitol, raisins, chocolate and macadamia nuts, which turn up in baked goods, snacks and spreads.
- If your dog has a health condition, such as diabetes, pancreatitis or kidney disease, ask your vet before adding any new food.
Frequently asked questions
Is quinoa safe for dogs?
Yes. Plain cooked quinoa is safe and appears in some dog foods.
How much quinoa can a dog eat?
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of a dog's daily calories (WSAVA). For a 30 lb dog that is about 59 kcal a day, or roughly 49 g of quinoa if it is the only treat that day.
Sources
- American Kennel Club, "Human Foods Dogs Can and Can't Eat" (updated Aug 17, 2026)
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee, "Feeding treats to your dog"
- USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy (April 2018 release)
Checked October 17, 2026. We are a reference, not a vet: if in doubt, call yours. How we check.