Yes, in moderation
dogs can eat plain, shelled, unsalted sunflower seeds in small amounts. They contain healthy fats and vitamin E. Avoid the shells and salted or flavored seeds.
| Can dogs eat it? | In moderation |
| Calories | About 17 kcal per 1 teaspoon shelled unsalted sunflower seeds |
| Main benefit | Vitamin E and healthy fats |
| Main risk | Shells can cause choking or blockages |
| Puppies? | In tiny amounts once on solid food; puppies have sensitive stomachs |
Free · instant · based on veterinary formulas
Vets recommend keeping all treats under 10% of daily calories. One 1 teaspoon shelled unsalted sunflower seeds has about 17 kcal. The chart shows the most a typical spayed or neutered adult dog could have in a day if sunflower seeds were the only treat.
| Dog weight | Daily treat budget | Max sunflower seeds per day |
|---|---|---|
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 35 kcal | 2 × 1 teaspoon shelled unsalted sunflower seeds |
| 20 lb (9.1 kg) | 59 kcal | 3 × 1 teaspoon shelled unsalted sunflower seeds |
| 40 lb (18.1 kg) | 98 kcal | 5.5 × 1 teaspoon shelled unsalted sunflower seeds |
| 60 lb (27.2 kg) | 133 kcal | 7.5 × 1 teaspoon shelled unsalted sunflower seeds |
| 80 lb (36.3 kg) | 166 kcal | 9.5 × 1 teaspoon shelled unsalted sunflower seeds |
Eating more than the recommended amount usually causes nothing worse than an upset stomach: soft stool, gas or vomiting. Skip treats for the rest of the day, keep fresh water available and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours or your dog seems unwell.
Planning treats? Check your dog's full daily needs with the dog food calculator or dog calorie calculator.
Yes, dogs can eat plain, shelled, unsalted sunflower seeds in small amounts. They contain healthy fats and vitamin E. Avoid the shells and salted or flavored seeds.
No. Shells are indigestible and can cause stomach upset or a blockage.
Yes, in very small amounts once they are eating solid food. Puppies have sensitive stomachs, so offer a tiny piece and stop if you see loose stool. Most of their calories should come from a complete puppy food.
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This guide is general information for healthy adult dogs. Dogs with medical conditions (such as diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies) may need different advice from their vet.
In moderation
Yes, dogs can eat plain, shelled, unsalted sunflower seeds in small amounts.