Whole grains are one of the healthiest foods present on earth! Adding whole grains to your dog’s diet is an easy way to make them healthier. Whole grains are packed with nutrients including protein, fiber, B vitamins, antioxidants, and trace minerals (iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium). A diet rich in whole grains can reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some forms of cancer in omnivorous animals like dogs. Whole-grain diets can also improve a dog’s bowel health by helping to maintain regular bowel movements and promote growth of healthy bacteria in the colon.
Below are 5 whole grains you can incorporate in your dog’s diet:
1) Millet
Millet is one of the oldest cultivated grains in the world and has been grown throughout Africa and Southeast Asia for thousands of years. There are many types of millets like ragi, foxtail millet, pearl millet finger millets, proso millets, little millets, kodo millets and barnyard millets and all these varieties can be given to dogs. Millet is rich in niacin, which helps your dog’s body manage more than 400 enzyme reactions. Niacin is also important for healthy skin and organ function. Along with niacin, millets are also rich in other nutrients like protein, beta-carotene, potassium, iron, vitamin B complex and calcium. Millets can help in reducing damage to the cells as it also rich in antioxidants.
2) Brown Rice
The bran and germ, the two outer layers of brown rice, contain most of the vitamins and minerals in the grain. Those layers get removed when manufacturers make white rice, and that’s why brown rice is the healthier choice. Studies show that by eating three servings per day of whole grains like brown rice, can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 32% in humans. Brown rice is a rich source of phenols and flavonoids, two types of antioxidants that help reduce damage to cells and reduce the risk of premature aging. Brown rice also provides you with many vitamins and minerals: Calcium, Iron, Manganese, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine).
3) Oats
Whole oats are high in antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols. Most notable is a unique group of antioxidants called avenanthramides, which are almost solely found in oats. Avenanthramides have anti-inflammatory and anti-itching effects. Oats contain large amounts of beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber. Beta-glucan helps in the growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract and reduces the bad cholesterol in the body. Apart from this, oats are also a good source of protein, zinc, manganese and copper and vitamin B1.
4) Quinoa
Quinoa is high in protein than any other grain, quinoa is so nutritious that NASA has used it to feed astronauts on long-term space missions. It contains all the essential amino acids dogs need, often regarded as a complete protein. Quinoa is rich in antioxidants, which can prevent damage to your heart and other organs. A diet high in antioxidants has been linked with a decreased risk of heart disease. Quinoa is amazingly high in magnesium, copper, phosphorous, vitamin B6, folate and iron.
5) Amaranth
Amaranth is a complete protein, which implies that it contains all the amino acids. In fact, it’s believed to contain more proteins than milk. Amaranth is rich in Vitamin C and E as well as tons of minerals including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, Iron, Copper, and Selenium. Yes, it is the only grain that contains vitamin C! Vitamin E improves the texture of your dog’s coat and helps support his immune system.
Freshwoof is loaded with these healthy super grains along with other superfood ingredients and organic ayurvedic ingredients, especially formulated to help your dog become the healthiest they can ever be! Freshwoof meals are gently cooked, just like you would have cooked at home for your dog, at the same time complete and balanced (contains all the essential nutrients your dog needs) . We also, do not include any bad guys like preservatives, harmful chemicals, by-products and artificial flavours and colors in our meals. Just real and healthy food for your pooch!
