Why Your Dog Needs Chia Seeds This Fall

If you’re anything like me, you’ve already noticed the signs that summer is wrapping up. The mornings are a little crisper, leaves are starting to scatter across the sidewalk, and somehow your dog’s fur has multiplied into enough tumbleweeds to knit a sweater.

Ah yes—the magical season when we find dog hair in our coffee, on our pillows, and mysteriously stuck to the inside of the fridge.

On top of that, dogs’ skin and coats can get a little wonky this time of year. 

The shift from warm, sunny beach days to cool, dry fall air often means duller fur, extra shedding, and sometimes itchy skin. 

Ciccio—my fluffy partner in crime—spent half the summer swimming at the beach. He loved every minute, but I noticed his coat has lost some of its shine. 

Which is exactly why, once we’re home, I’ll be leaning into one of my favorite superfoods for dogs: chia seeds.

 

Why Does Your Dog’s Coat Change in Fall?

Shedding is natural—dogs blow out their coats in spring and fall to prep for the changing weather. But autumn can feel particularly dramatic. 

One day your pup looks like a sleek summer star, the next they’re dropping fur like confetti at a parade. The cooler, drier air doesn’t help either; it can sap moisture from skin and fur, leaving coats dull and itchy.

And let’s not forget the seasonal chaos: colder morning walks, more indoor heating, less sunlight. 

All of it can add up to a less-than-lustrous coat. While there’s no magic wand to completely stop shedding (if only!), what you feed your dog plays a huge role in how healthy their skin and fur look and feel.

Enter: chia seeds.

What’s So Special About Chia Seeds for Dogs?

Chia seeds might be tiny, but they’re bursting with nutrients that support dog health from the inside out. Think of them as a secret weapon for shiny coats and happy tummies.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Chia seeds are one of the richest plant-based sources of omega-3s, which are essential for skin hydration, reducing inflammation, and promoting that glossy, pet-me-once-more shine.
• Fiber for Digestion: Ever find yourself squinting in the park, trying to spot your dog’s poop camouflaged in fallen leaves? Chia’s high fiber helps keep digestion regular, meaning… let’s just say “poop patrol” gets easier.
• Protein Power: Chia packs a surprising punch of plant-based protein—great for maintaining muscle and energy, especially as the cooler months encourage longer, brisker walks.
• Antioxidants: These little seeds are also loaded with antioxidants that help support overall dog health, from immune defense to cell repair.

(And yes, flaxseed has many of the same benefits—which is why I pair chia with flax in some of my treats for double the coat-loving goodness.)

Extra Seasonal Perks of Chia

Aside from coat health, chia offers some bonus benefits that are especially handy in the fall:

• Hydration Helper: When soaked, chia seeds form a gel-like coating. This can help dogs stay hydrated, especially after a summer of beach days, hikes, or extra outdoor play. As we transition into cooler, drier air, hydration is key to keeping skin soft and fur strong.
• Joint Support: Omega-3s also fight inflammation, which is wonderful for senior dogs or pups who love bounding through leaf piles but feel a little stiff afterward.
• Immune Boost: With colder temps often comes more sniffles (for humans and pups). The antioxidants in chia can give your dog’s immune system a seasonal leg up.

How to Use Chia Seeds for Dogs

Chia is simple to add into your dog’s diet, but moderation is important. You only need a small amount—a sprinkle on their food or mixed into toppers or treats. Always introduce chia slowly and watch for changes in digestion.

A few easy ideas:

1. Mix a spoonful of hydrated chia into your dog’s meal.
2. Bake it into homemade dog treats.
3. Sprinkle a little onto a topper for added crunch and nutrients.

Just remember: we’re going for chia sprinkles, not a chia avalanche.

Cozy Solutions: Treats and Toppers with Chia

If the idea of soaking chia seeds and experimenting in the kitchen sounds like more work than you want to add to your fall to-do list (I see you, fellow dog moms navigating school runs, muddy paw prints, and early sunsets), I’ve already done the heavy lifting for you.

✨ Chia Seed Crunch: These handmade treats are packed with chia seeds and flaxseed for omega-3s, plus coconut oil for skin and coat health. Add in honey for natural sweetness and peanut butter for irresistible flavor, and you’ve got a crunchy little powerhouse that supports your dog’s fur, skin, digestion, and overall health.

 

 

Order Chia Seed Crunch here

 

✨ Blueberry & Chia Toppers: For an antioxidant-rich boost, these toppers combine chia seeds with blueberries, coconut, oats, and coconut oil. They’re naturally gluten-free, delicious, and perfect for sprinkling over meals to keep your pup’s coat gleaming and their immune system strong.

 

 

Order Blueberry & Chia Toppers here

 

Both are baked in small batches with premium, human-grade ingredients, so you can feel good about what you’re giving your dog while they enjoy every bite.

Wrapping It Up (Preferably in a Cozy Blanket with Your Dog)

Fall is full of beauty—crisp walks under changing leaves, cozy evenings with a warm drink in one hand and your dog curled up beside you. But it’s also a season of fur tumbleweeds, dry air, and the occasional “where did that clump of hair come from?” drama.

Adding chia seeds to your dog’s diet is one of those small, simple changes that can make a big difference. Shiny fur, hydrated skin, better digestion, stronger immunity—it’s all packed into those tiny seeds.

So while you’re fluffing the pillows and vacuuming the endless piles of fur, know that there’s a delicious way to help from the inside out. Try adding chia into your pup’s routine—or let them enjoy the benefits the easy way with my handmade Chia Seed Crunch and Blueberry & Chia Toppers.

Because your dog deserves to look as good as they feel this fall—no matter how many leaf piles they dive into.