The Benefits of Grains for Dogs: Millet, Oats and Quinoa

Should dogs eat grain-free or should dogs eat grains? Practically every dog parent has faced this dilemma when trying to find the best dog food for their pup. Here’s what you should know. 

Grains are carbohydrates, and similar to the foods you eat in your own diet, not all carbs are bad. Good carbs, like millet, oats, and quinoa give your dog energy and supply fiber to promote digestion.

Not to mention that grain-free diets often still contain carbs, however the carbs in these recipes are not typically considered beneficial. You’ll see ingredients like potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams and tapioca in place of beneficial grains. These types of filler ingredients contain little or no nutritional value, whereas grains like quinoa provide a wide range of essential nutrients that support a dog’s optimal health.

Grains and Allergies in Dogs

Because of how these foods are marketed, it’s easy to think that a grain-free diet may be preferred for sensitive pups with allergies. But as noted above, a grain-free diet for dogs will still have carbohydrates in it–and more often than not potato carbohydrates. These types of carbs can heighten allergies and systemic yeast infections in some pups.

All of the grains included in Sundays are not only high quality, but also gluten free. Gluten allergies are rare in dogs, but due to the constraints of our USA-based human-grade production facilities, we are required to be gluten-free and therefore can pass that benefit on to customers for dogs that may have wheat sensitivities. Plus we use the proper proportions of grains in relation to protein, healthy fats and fiber. 

Dog food should not be grain-based, but instead should be based on protein from quality meat sources, like our USDA-Grade Beef,  All-Natural Turkey and Chicken recipes.

The Benefits of Grains for Dogs

Not all grains are created equal. Oats, millet and quinoa are three grains that provide unique benefits and act as more than carb fillers. Millet, oat and quinoa all have beneficial fiber profiles that result in improved digestion and a slower rise in blood sugar–preventing the spikes often seen with highly refined grains. 

• Oats are naturally rich in antioxidants.
• Millet is rich in niacin and beta-carotene.
• Quinoa is naturally rich in magnesium, potassium, iron, fiber, and folate.

What to Look to for in Grain-Inclusive Dog Food

Make sure that you see meat-first on the ingredient label. A grain-first food will not be an ideal formula. The grain should be used as carbohydrate components and not as the main source of protein or as a filler agent. You’ll also want to ensure the dog food is human-grade and if the recipe is gluten-free, like Sundays, that is definitely a plus!