Top 5 grains meant for your pets
Back in March, we wrote an article about the evolution of food and how it relates to our beloved pets. We mentioned that there are harmful grains, when digested, that can cause serious health issues. We also mentioned that there are coveted grains that provide benefits to pets, despite there being the rising trends in grain free pet food. There is a huge amount of controversy all over the internet surrounding this subject, but we decided to help provide some clarity on grain benefits.
Humans and animals have different digestive systems. Many studies have shown that gluten and various grains are not linked to some illnesses thought to be the cause of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes in animals. In fact, some of the most common grains can still hold beneficial effects on pets.
Whole grains are said to be fillers. These grains are considered controversial. Grains like wheat, corn, and rye still can produce meaningful results even when fed to our pets, but the processes used for extraction and production are often the reason why they are more complicated and require strict consideration.
These processes surround partial grains. Truthfully, according to some animal nutritionists and veterinarians, partial grains can still hold the same nutritional value as the whole grain itself and don’t provide much more benefit than the whole grain.
Safe grains?
There are five grains we will talk about here. These grains, amongst many others, are considered the most beneficial sources for both their nutritional value and health benefits. Not one is more important than the other, so don’t use this list to prioritize one over the other. It is meant to show the variety of options to consider, when choosing grain foods for your pet.
1. Sorghum
Sorghum is an ancient grain cultivated and originating in Africa. It is also considered a gluten free grain, which is high in protein, fiber, and full of antioxidants. It is also a complex carbohydrate, which allows for slower digestion and lower consumption rate.
Possible health benefits:
- Helps reduce inflammation
- Helps manage blood sugars
- Helps protect against cancer
- Improves heart health
- Lowers cholesterol
2. Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole grain cultivated and originating all over the world. The husk is removed and unprocessed to keep the bran and germ layer intact. It is another gluten free grain high in fiber, which is also a good source of protein, minimum natural sugar, and full of vitamins and minerals. It is also a complex carbohydrate allowing slower digestion and energy distribution.
Possible health benefits:
- Helps maintain weight
- Helps manage blood sugar
- Helps with bone development
- Improves heart health
3. Quinoa
Quinoa is an ancient grain cultivated and originating in Africa. It is considered a gluten free grain, which is high in protein, fiber, and full of antioxidants. It is also a complex carbohydrate, which allows for slower digestion and lower consumption rate.
Possible health benefits:
- Helps prevent constipation
- Helps manage blood sugar
- Helps lower cholesterol
- Helps maintain weight
4. Barley
Barley is an ancient grain cultivated and originating in Africa. It is considered a gluten free grain, which is high in protein, fiber, and full of antioxidants. It is also a complex carbohydrate, which allows for slower digestion and lower consumption rate.
Possible health benefits:
- Reduces hunger
- Helps maintain weight
- Helps improve digestion
- Helps lower cholesterol
- Improves heart health
- May help prevent cancer
5. Millet
Millet is an ancient grain cultivated and originating in Africa. It is considered a gluten free grain, which is high in protein, fiber, and full of antioxidants. It is also a complex carbohydrate, which allows for slower digestion and lower consumption rate.
Possible health benefits:
- Helps lower cholesterol
- Helps manage blood sugar
- May help prevent diabetes
Conclusion
It’s not up to us to convince you of what your pet’s needs are. This is meant to serve as a suggestion in support of your pet’s general health and what you can do to help them live longer, happier, healthier lives.
We deeply care for animals, and it’s because we love them like they’re our own, sometimes it’s hard to not be able to say anything. Our goal is to help you stay informed and involved with your pet’s health. After all, it’s important to care for them as much as they care for us.
For more information about these grains and other sources of pet food, or other concerns for your pet, please consider visiting Pet Health Network.
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