Most pet owners love their pets like their own children and they always make sure that the pet eats well and stays healthy. If the dog gets all the nutrients he needs, he will not suffer from any problems. Most people do a lot of research when selecting dog food.

However, the main debate is whether to feed dog’s grain or a grain-free diet. Both grains and grain-free diets have their own benefits, but if the diet includes the ancient source of grain, it will make your dog’s diet more valuable.

If you want to know what are ancient grains that can be added to your dog’s diet, what are their benefits and what are the best ancient grains for dogs, read this article to the end.

What are ancient grains?

Ancient grains are a special type of grains that are used in the same way as traditional grains but have the same nutrient composition from the last few thousand years. Other than that, hundreds of grains have been developed, but these ancient grains remain the same during that time.

For this reason, these grains have been part of the diet in almost the entire world. These grains are gaining popularity in the western world.

What Are a Few Examples of Ancient Grains?

Some people are surprised when they hear about ancient grains and think about what they look like. The most common example of ancient grains that can be included in a dog’s diet is

Quinoa

Most of you are familiar with this grain as it is packed with nutrients. Quinoa is a rich source of magnesium, iron, and fiber. The key component that quinoa has is that it is the only plant source that has all the essential amino acids.

Amaranth

Amaranth has been a part of the diet for more than 8000 years. Amaranth is gluten-free and most people like to use it in place of rice, couscous, and quinoa.

Millet

Millet is one of the main ingredients in bird feed. It is a main part of the diet in India, Ethiopia, China and Nigeria. Millet is also a cereal-free grain and most people use it as a breakfast cereal.

Sorghum

Sorghum is one of the famous ingredients that has been consumed throughout the world. Sorghum is gluten-free and packed with many nutrients and is typically used in baking as a powder.

These are the most commonly used ancient grains and if you are thinking of adding them to your puppy’s diet, it is important to look at their health benefits first.

Benefits of ancient grains for dogs

There are numerous reasons why ancient grains are beneficial to your dog’s health. All ancient grains are a great source of fiber and protein that makes them an excellent alternative to grains that are commonly used in dog food. The main benefits of feeding your dog’s ancient grains are:

Contain no fillers

The main benefit of using ancient grains is that they do not contain fillers. Most of the fillings used are rice, soy, and wheat. Instead, ancient grains only provide nutrients without any alteration. This is why most pet owners add ancient grains to their dog food instead of the traditional ones.

Slower absorption rate

As you know, ancient grains are a great source of fiber, that is why they are easier to digest and will not place any burden on your dog’s digestive tract. Another benefit of the slow absorption of the ancient grain into the bloodstream is that there is less chance of spikes in blood sugar. This will help decrease the chances of metabolic problems.

Good source of omega-3 fatty acid:

Another important benefit of ancient grains is that they are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. This fatty acid can keep your dog strong and also helps lower blood pressure, reduce cardiovascular disease, lower cholesterol, reduce atherosclerosis in the blood vessels, and decrease the chances of a heart attack.

High in minerals

Almost all ancient grains are a great source of minerals that your dog needs in his daily diet. For example, magnesium is present in millet and plays an important role in different enzymatic reactions. Also, it plays an important role in keeping your dog’s bones strong.

What are the Best grains for dogs?

There are different grains that can be added to your dog’s food, all of these grains are safe for your pet and have different nutritional and health benefits. The most common grains that can be part of the dog’s diet are’

  • Whole Wheat
  • Barley
  • Brown Rice 
  • Oats
  • Quinoa
  • Millet
  • Rye
  • Sorghum

Are ancient grains good for dogs?

Yes, ancient grains are super healthy and play a successful role in your puppy’s diet. For most dogs, normal grains are not suitable, however, for other dogs, grains provide benefits such as preventing loose stools and maintaining weight. As you know, ancient grains are a great source of protein and fiber, making them a great alternative to traditional grains like rice and wheat.

Is sorghum good for dogs? Is grain sorghum bad for dogs?

Sorghum is an ancient gluten-free grain, packed with protein and rich in fiber. If sorghum is added to your dog’s diet, its nutrient-rich carbohydrates do not cause complications even in allergic dogs.

However, sorghum contains starch that is not easy to digest in the intestinal tract due to the protein in the starch matrix, but during the extrusion process, the starch gelatinizes and becomes more digestible.

Grain sorghum in cat food is it good? Can cats eat sorghum? List benefits

Sorghum can be used in cat food. It is more commonly known as a food ingredient, which means that it can be added to the feed of livestock and companion animals such as dogs and cats. Sorghum has many benefits

  • It is an excellent source of antioxidants.
  • Sorghum is full of dietary fibers.
  • It contains a good amount of necessary minerals.
  • Sorghum can be easily processed into pet food.
  • Sorghum is an environmentally friendly grain.

Cherish dog food with ancient grains

Cherish cat and dog food contains superfood that gives your pets a super life. Our food has complete and balanced ingredients and nutrients. Cherish pet food is filled with ancient grains that can have a wonderful effect on your pet’s mind, body, and spirit. It is available for different age groups according to your needs.

Conclusion

Ancient grains can be added to your dog’s diet and there are many health benefits associated with them. However, it is important to consult your veterinarian before adding any ancient grains to your dog’s diet.

Reference

https://iheartdogs.com/sorghum-should-it-be-in-your-dogs-food/

https://jiminys.com/are-ancient-grains-good-for-dogs/

https://www.petfoodindustry.com/articles/6736-infographic-5-ancient-grain-pet-food-ingredients?

https://www.dogster.com/dog-food/what-are-ancient-grains-and-should-your-dog-be-eating-them

https://iandloveandyou.com/blogs/pet-blog/why-should-my-dog-eat-ancient-grains