Can Dogs Have Sunflower Butter? To Give Or Not To Give

What is the sunniest and brightest of all flowers? If you guessed sunflower, you are correct! This tall, sun-loving slender blossom with a big head full of delicious seeds and yellow petals all around it, framing it so delicately. Many people find sunflower seeds irresistible and engage in some movie-watching together with seed-indulging episodes. I think they were made for each other! Yet, some people prefer sunflower butter instead of seeds. They like the fact that it can be easily spread on toast in the morning or added to cereal and/or yogurt for added protein benefits.

Now, if humans can have it, can they share it with canines? Can dogs have sunflower butter and is it at all beneficial for them? Good questions indeed! But, first, let’s talk more about this peculiar plant and its good and bad characteristics so a pet owner can decide if it’s right for his/her pooch. 

What Are Sunflower’s Benefits and Drawbacks?

For a flower to look as good as a sunflower does, it has got to have good properties! Let’s discuss a few:

Benefits

• Nutritious: the sunny flower has a lot of good-for-you components like vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Vitamins B and E are especially beneficial for women who are planning to have a baby. They help keep a future mom’s reproductive health in check as well as keep hair strong and skin glowing. Need some protein boost after a workout? Sunflowers can supply it in abundance and, therefore will satisfy your hunger.
• Helps with wound healing: that same “women’s” vitamin B helps treat any cuts at the speed of light! Of course, it is best to clean and sanitize your wound first, but eating seeds will aid in quicker recovery.
• A natural antidepressant: who needs pills when you’ve got sunflower seeds? Yep, you heard it! A handful of seeds is going to help elevate your mood and get rid of the “winter blues.” So go indulge if you are feeling a little “under the weather.” But, remember everything is in moderation.
• Full of “good fats:” like polyunsaturated fats and fatty acids, for instance. Those aid in heart disease and stroke prevention. Also, they have been shown to lower blood pressure and help the body fight free radicals damaging healthy cells. 
• Prevents anemia: if you are struggling with iron deficiency, sunflower seeds may become your new mantra! They aid in red cell production and supply organisms with much-needed energy. Feel like you need a little pick-me-up after that strenuous work meeting? Eat some seeds and your strength will be back in no time!
• Helps develop healthy digestion: since the sunny flower is full of fiber, it can be placed in the same category as some fiber-rich veggies. Eating a handful of seeds a week may support healthy stool, especially for people who are prone to constipation.

Drawbacks

• Very high in calories: why does it happen often that the things you love the most are making you gain weight? Sunflower seeds are right there, topping the charts. If you tend to enjoy them often, don’t be surprised that your waistline will start expanding like a risen dough. In case you absolutely cannot live without them (and I get you on that, trust me), try cutting down portions. A few spoonfuls several times a week will neither hurt you nor your physique.
• Can increase bad cholesterol levels: not only do sunflower seeds have good fats, but they also have bad ones, unfortunately. They are abundant in saturated fats, therefore you should consume them in moderation and closely watch your cholesterol level.
• Causes dental problems: well, that’s a no-brainer if you go grinding on sunny seeds too often. Tooth enamel is very fragile and can be easily destroyed in this case. Not only that, but one can also develop excessive tartar by overindulging. 
• Accumulates water in your body: if you eat too many roasted seeds instead of raw, they lead to water accumulation in the body. This, in turn, can lead to bloating problems and poisoning (in extreme cases), as one won’t be able to get rid of body toxins properly. 

Now, since we’ve just covered the benefits of seeds for humans, are sunflower seeds safe for dogs? A pet parent has to be sure his/her pooch won’t get an adverse reaction. Better to play it safe than be sorry later. 

Related Reading: The Best Treats For Pug Puppies: The Most Wholesome Snacks For Your Most Beloved Friend!

Can Dogs Have Sunflower Seeds?

The answer to this question is yes! A pet parent just has to make sure a pooch eats them in moderation. You can add a tablespoon or two of the seeds to dog food and make the meal into a wholesome feast! They will be just as beneficial to a mutt as they are to the two-legged. It is crucial to buy them unsalted though as too much sodium can negatively impact a hound’s health. It can develop heart and/or kidney failure if its diet contains too much of the “white stuff.”

“And what about sunflower oil?” you may be wondering. Can Dogs eat sunflower oil? If you are a fan, most likely you would want to share your passion with your best friend who happened to have fur. Adding a little of the “sunny oil” might be a great addition to your mutt’s healthy diet. Try adding a teaspoon of it to your friend’s bowl and mix it well with its dry kibbles. Sunflower oil contains linoleic acid, which is an excellent coat “conditioner,” making it shinier and canine’s skin hydrated. Just watch for any allergic reactions and start with smaller portions, gradually increasing them if no outbreaks happen.

I’m sure you have heard that dogs love peanut butter (and you probably have given some to your furry creature). However, several studies have proven that sunflower butter is even better as far as its health properties are concerned. Hence, you might be wondering: “Can dogs have sunflower butter?” Let’s dig into it without delay.

Can Dogs Have Sunflower Butter?

Logically, if dogs can have sunflower seeds and the oil extracted from them, then they can most likely consume sunflower butter as well. Yep, you guessed it, that’s right! And pooches just love it! You can either buy it in a store or make it at home. In case you don’t know how to DIY it, you can google great recipes for irresistibly delicious homemade butter! You can stuff it in a Kong toy and watch a mutt gobble it away as it has never been fed before! A rule of thumb is to give about a tablespoon several times a week for some added health benefits.

Curl-Up

Hope this article answered your question “Can dogs have sunflower butter?” and you are on a mission to treat your furry fella to some creamy goodness. It is probably a better idea to make your butter from scratch as a lot of store brands contain unnecessary ingredients like sodium chloride, preservatives, and artificial flavors. Please, watch the portions you administer, especially for prone-to-obesity breeds, like Pugs, for instance. Remember, too much of the good stuff will have an unwanted effect. 

Related Reading: Can Dogs Have Pomegranate Juice?