Do you want to feed your dog amaranth seeds? If yes, then before you feed them, learn everything you need to know about “can dogs eat amaranth?”
Well, in short—yes! You can feed your doggo amaranth grains, but not the greens! Let’s clear off all your doubts regarding amaranth seeds, leaves, flowers, and its plant! We will discuss all about its benefits and risks you should keep in mind.
Is Amaranth Good For Dogs?
A very common mistake people make is to prefer taste over health, and that is so wrong! Before adding it to your dog’s meals, you should always know the benefits a food can bring. Keeping that in mind, here are some reasons why amaranth seeds or grains are good for dogs:
1. Easy on stomach
Amaranth is easily digestible if you cook it well and feed it to your dog in moderation. They are a quick source of energy, and the best part is that they are hypoallergenic grains. It means that this human food goes well with dogs, who are often sensitive to bold-flavored food items. Although, it is best to contact your veterinarian before introducing any new food item to your dog.
2. Gluten- free
Another fantastic health benefit is related to the previous point that amaranth grains are gluten-free. So, if you and your dog often struggle with finding nutritious and healthy yet gluten-free food items, amaranth grains are the one for you!
3. Full of nutrients
Lastly, the amaranth is rich in protein! So, if you have been searching lately for plant-based proteins to add to your dog’s diet, this is it. Not just protein, but amaranth is also super fibrous and packed with vitamins and minerals which are essential for your dog’s overall well-being.
Things to Keep in Mind When Feeding Your Dog Amaranth
Now that you know amaranth seeds are nutritious and safe for dogs, there are still some risks you should be aware of! As it is a human food, there are some things you should keep in mind when feeding your dog amaranth:
1. Cooked and raw
ALWAYS cook amaranth before you feed it to your doggo or make it for yourself! The raw amaranth seeds may or may be absorbed well by their bodies, and well, that defeats the whole purpose of “eating something light”. Also, you would be happy to know that there is a very simple process to cook these seeds. All you have to do is:
Rinse > Boil > Simmer > Cool it > Serve
2. Leaves and flowers
One of the most controversial parts about amaranth is the leaves and the flowers. The amaranth seeds alone are not toxic to dogs, but some varieties of its plant have poisonous leaves. This is why you should never feed your dog the leaves or flowers of amaranth to dogs. If your dog ingested the plant, please consult your veterinarian immediately.
3. Moderation
Even though amaranth grains are non-toxic and full of nutrients, it’s not the best human food out there! There are far better food items that should be included in your dog’s menu than just some boiled seeds. It would be best to serve your dog amaranth along with their main meals so that it is all balanced. You can also feed amaranth grains alone to your dog, but it should be an occasional practice as dogs have other nutritional needs as well.
Conclusion
Our final thoughts on “can dogs eat amaranth?” are a yes, but only for the grains and seeds! This means you can feed your dog cooked amaranth grains, just like you would make it for yourself (avoid adding too much salt, though). But if the question is about amaranth greens, flowers, or its plant—then it’s a big NO! The greens of amaranth can be extremely toxic to dogs, so it is best to avoid them.
Rest, next time you feel lazy about making dinner for you and your pup—cook some amaranth grains!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the amaranth grain is absolutely OK for dogs, and can even serve health benefits. It is loved by humans, and we are sure if prepared properly, your dog would love it too. The only catch is to maintain moderation and make a balanced diet for your doggo.
Yes, dogs can eat amaranth seeds as they are pretty nutritious and not considered toxic for dogs. You should only feed your dog a cooked version, as raw is unhealthy for dogs. They are a rich source of protein and vitamins, which makes amaranth seeds a perfect addition to your dog’s plant-based diet.
You can feed your dog amaranth flour, but only if it is cooked! No matter which flour you use, it should always be cooked, as raw or dry flour is not digestible. Even though flour is a rich source of nutrients, it should not be a substitute for your dog’s other dietary needs.
We do not recommend feeding your dog amaranth leaves as some varieties can be toxic to both dogs and humans. Also, the primary nutritional value is present in the amaranth seeds, not the plant! So it is best to avoid feeding your dog raw or cooked amaranth leaves, flowers, or the plant in general.
