Are Sorghum and Flaxseed Good for My Dog?

Are Sorghum and Flaxseed
Good for My Dog?

If you’ve ever looked at the ingredients list on your dog’s kibble and you’ve been unsettled by what you saw, you’re not alone. As people become more and more knowledgeable about dog nutrition, they become far more likely to question what, exactly, their canine companion is eating. Two substances that sometimes catch people off-guard are flaxseed and sorghum. Sure, both of these foods are good for people, but are sorghum and flaxseed good for my dog, too?

Are sorghum and flaxseed good for my dog?

What are flaxseed and sorghum?

As its name implies, flaxseed is the cultivated seeds of a flax plant. Flaxseed is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber; despite its tiny size, it packs quite a nutritional punch! Flaxseed that was grown and processed in the United States is relatively easy to find. However, if you’re serious about avoiding non-GMO foods, make sure to buy flaxseed specifically labeled as non-GMO.

Meanwhile, sorghum is considered an ancient grain that is non-GMO and has a low glycemic index, making it superior russet potatoes, white rice, etc. It tends to be less expensive, too, which has caused some folks to eye the stuff with suspicion; they wonder if it’s just some kind of cheap filler ingredient. But these concerns are, for the most part, unfounded. Sorghum is a whole grain, rich in antioxidants, and a good source of various vitamins and minerals.

Furthermore, because sorghum is gluten-free, it’s a smart choice for dogs who have trouble digesting wheat. Additionally,  Sorghum contains Inulin, a prebiotic type fiber that can improve gut health. Like flaxseed, American-grown sorghum is widely available. Our sorghum is grown by local family-owned farms which are all within 60 miles of our mill.

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Are flaxseed and sorghum good for my dog?

Generally speaking, yes. All dogs have slightly different dietary needs, and some are more sensitive to certain foods than others. In most cases, though, flaxseed and sorghum are excellent choices for providing your pooch with essential nutrients and fiber.

“I think my dog could benefit from eating more flaxseed and sorghum. How can I make this happen?”

Neither of these ingredients is particularly rare or hard to find. There are two main ways you can add them to your dog’s daily intake:

  • Put them in his regular food.  Many health food stores and certain supermarkets sell flaxseed and sorghum, so feeding them to your dog can simply be a matter of adding some to their kibble during mealtimes. Both foods are easiest to digest in ground-up (as opposed to whole) form, so we recommend that you either buy the stuff already prepared or grind it at home by yourself. Then, either dump it on top of the dog’s food or mix it all up according to Sparky’s preferences!
  • Switch her to a dog food that contains flaxseed and/or sorghum. A web search can help you find companies that use these ingredients in their recipes. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can just visit your local pet store and started reading the bags! Flaxseed has gained popularity in recent years as a superfood, which means that edibles that contain it aren’t shy about saying so. Sorghum may not be promoted as a selling point for the food (because it lacks flaxseed’s “star power”), but it will be included in the ingredients list.

You should always consult with a veterinarian before starting your dog on a new supplement regimen; your vet will be able to tell you about the latest research and suggest proper amounts. Also, when switching your dog to a brand new food, do so gradually over the course of 10 days, as an abrupt change in diet can cause stomach trouble and other issues.

In Conclusion

Pet nutrition is definitely a topic worth looking into. After all, any pet parent worth their salt really wants to do right by their critter and feeding them high-quality, nutritious food is one way to promote long-term health and happiness. Dogs generally don’t keep up with the latest research in canine nutrition, so it falls on their owners to stay informed and make good decisions on their behalf.

So, for foods containing these nutrients, are flaxseed and sorghum good for my dog? In most cases, the answer is “Yes!”

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Muenster Milling brand pet food is natural, holistic, and made in Texas. For more information about our 80+ years in the animal feed business, or to see on our offerings of dog, cat, horse, and fish food, please visit our website at MuensterMilling.com

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