Conditions apply
Can dogs eat sunflower, sesame, chia, flax and pumpkin seeds?
Most plain seeds are safe in small amounts and some are genuinely useful. Poppy seeds are the exception and should be avoided.
Signs to watch for
- sedation and pinpoint pupils with poppy seeds
- loose stools
What makes it harmful
Opium alkaloids in poppy seeds
Sunflower, sesame, chia, flax and pumpkin seeds are safe shelled and plain, though fatty. Poppy seeds contain morphine and codeine residues and can cause sedation or, in quantity, respiratory depression.
How to prepare it
Shelled, unsalted, plain, ground where possible — whole flaxseed passes through undigested.
Never in this form
Poppy seeds. Salted seeds. Sunflower seeds in the shell.
Also check for
- shells
- salt
- poppy seeds in baked goods
How confident is this
established
Well established in the veterinary literature and consistent across sources.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
- USDA FoodData Central
Further reading
Check another food
Informational only, and not a substitute for veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and this page cannot account for your dog's age, size, health conditions or medication. If you are worried, phone a vet — that call is always the right call.