Not all grains harm your dog or cat. Find healthy grains for dogs and cats that can benefit your pet’s well-being.

Nutrition is one of the foundations of good health. It’s the first thing to consider when raising the bar on your dog or cat’s well-being. Whether you buy packaged food or prepare meals at home, you know that a diet made from high-quality, whole food ingredients keeps your four-legged friend healthy and happy. Those ingredients usually include fresh meats, vegetables, fruits, and often grains. However, not all grains are good for your dog or cat. Take a look at which grains you should avoid and learn about healthy grains for dogs and cats. 

“Whole” grains are the key

Refined white flour is no better for our dogs and cats than it is for us. It’s stripped of most of its nutrients and has a negative effect on health by raising blood sugar levels. The refining process removes the bran and germ from the grain. These parts contain all the goodness.

Bran contains fiber, while the germ provides B vitamins, proteins, and fatty acids. This means you should give your dog or cat only whole grains, not refined, nutrient-depleted versions. 

Whole grains provide complex carbohydrates, which are healthier than simple carbs from sugar and corn syrup. Complex carbohydrates are rich in vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and phytochemicals. They help maintain your dog or cat’s energy levels and support the function of his liver, thyroid, heart and brain. 

Grains and allergies in dogs and cats

Many dogs and cats have allergies to certain grains. The two biggies are wheat and corn. Unfortunately, many low-end commercial pet foods contain both these grains, and in quantities out of proportion to healthy ingredients such as meat. 

Animals that eat these foods regularly may experience itchy skin, recurring ear infections, poor coat quality, excessive shedding, and other allergy-related problems.

4 good grains for your dog or cat 

1. Barley 

Barley offers both soluble and insoluble fiber. It’s also one of the world’s healthiest foods, rich in selenium, a mineral that acts as an antioxidant.
Selenium boosts the immune system and supports brain and thyroid health. It also protects against cognitive decline, heart disease, and cancer. Barley contains additional minerals such as copper, manganese and phosphorus.

2. Brown rice 

Nutritionally, white rice isn’t much better than refined white flour. Brown rice is made with the whole grain, so retains its nutritional content. It’s richer in protein and a great source of manganese, selenium and magnesium. It also provides fiber and is easy to digest. 

3. Oats 

Also among the healthiest of foods, oats are a nutrient-dense grain packed with protein and good fats. They contain plenty of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins B1 and E, as well as iron, selenium, magnesium and other minerals.
Oats boast high levels of beta-glucan, a unique type of fiber that helps reduce the risk of heart disease, bolster the immune system, and keep blood sugar levels where they should be. This grain also has anti-inflammatory and anti-itching qualities, which is why it’s often used in shampoos for animals with allergies. 

4. Sorghum 

This whole grain dates back thousands of years. It’s full of fiber and antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, good for helping reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
Sorghum is a source of B vitamins (particularly B1 and B6) as well as minerals like copper, iron, zinc, potassium and selenium. It’s an excellent source of plant-based protein.
When shopping for pet foods, read labels and switch wheat and corn for healthier whole grains. Your dog or cat will soon start to look and feel better!

Don’t forget the “pseudo grains”

Though not true grains, pseudo grains make healthy additions to your animal’s diet.

• Amaranth was a staple for the Mayans, Aztecs and Incas. It’s a good source of protein, fiber, antioxidants and minerals. 
• Buckwheat is not related to wheat, despite its name. It’s full of antioxidants and minerals, and because it’s relatively low on the glycemic index it may help control blood sugar.
• Quinoa is a complete protein, which means it contains all the amino acids required for maintaining body tissues. It also offers an array of other nutrients, including vitamins B and E, folic acid, magnesium, potassium, zinc, etc.
• Teff is native to Ethiopia and is rich in calcium and iron. Like quinoa, it boasts all the amino acids necessary for health. It has especially high levels of lysine, which can help speed wound healing and is essential for collagen production. 

Shopping list

These companies include healthy grains in their pet foods

Earth Animal (earthanimal.com) — uses quinoa, oats, and ancient grains in their recipes 

NutriSource (nutrisourcepetfoods.com) – their foods include brown rice

ZIWI (ziwipets.com) — quinoa features in some of their recipes

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Source: Animal Wellness Magazine