Two Ancient Grains Your Dog Should Be Eating (Beyond White Rice)

Ancient grains are having a moment, and for good reason. As a Registered Dietitian, I always recommend including ancient whole grains like quinoa and farro in your diet for humans. But here’s what might surprise you: whole grains are just as beneficial for your dog as they are for humans!

Ancient grains have been cultivated for thousands of years all over the world. They’re highly nutritious for both humans AND dogs

Let me introduce you to two ancient grains that are packed with nutrients for your pup!

Quinoa

Quinoa has been cultivated by the Inca in the Andes Mountains for 7,000 years. Along with corn and potatoes, it was one of the dietary staples for the Inca, who called it chisaya mama, or “mother of all grains”.

Surprisingly, quinoa isn’t technically a grain. It’s actually a seed, and is most related to beets and spinach! However, we cook and eat quinoa like a grain, so it’s become synonymous with other whole grains like brown rice and farro.

Why Quinoa is Healthy for Dogs

• Complete Protein: Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. This is rare for plant-based foods, which typically lack sufficient amounts of one or more essential amino acids.
• High in Protein: Quinoa has about 8 grams of plant-based protein per cooked cup. Digestive Health: The high fiber content supports healthy digestion, a healthy gut microbiome, and promotes regular bowel movements for your dog.
• Gluten-Free: For dogs with sensitivities, quinoa provides all the benefits of whole grains without the gluten.
• Mineral Rich: Quinoa contains magnesium, iron, zinc, and manganese.

You can find quinoa in our Chicken, Quinoa & Pumpkin Protein Bowls recipe.

Red Rice

Red rice has been cultivated for thousands of years in many parts of Asia and Africa. The pigment that gives red rice its color comes from anthocyanins. These are antioxidant compounds, and are the same type found in blueberries, blackberries, red cabbage, and cherries.

Why Red Rice is Healthy for Dogs

• Higher Protein Content: Red rice contains more protein than white or brown rice.
• Antioxidants: Anthocyanins fight inflammation and oxidative stress at the cellular level. In dogs, chronic inflammation can contribute to joint issues, skin problems, lethargy, and other health concerns.
• Fiber and Healthy Fat: Red rice has an intact bran and germ layer, which white rice loses during processing. These layers are where the fiber and healthy fats live in whole grains.
• Essential Minerals: The bran and the germ layers of rice also house essential minerals, such as  iron, zinc, and magnesium.
• Gluten-Free: Red rice is another great gluten-free option for dogs with gluten sensitivities.

You can find red rice in our Lamb, Red Rice & Peas Protein Bowls recipe.

As a Registered Dietitian, I’m here to remind you that whole grains are an important part of our diets (and our dogs diets). Whole grains like quinoa and red rice offer so much nutritional value, including fiber, plant-based protein, antioxidants, and micronutrients. They’re not just filler ingredients like highly processed, nutrient-poor grains are!

Your dog is going to love eating the ancient grains in our shelf-stable Protein Bowls recipes!