Amaranth in the kitchen

Amaranth is one of those ancient grains that feels both timeless and fresh. It stands out as a complete plant-based protein, which is relatively unusual in the plant world. It’s also naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for dogs with sensitivities. And it’s my new pantry favourite!

A Canine-Friendly Nutritional Powerhouse

Amaranth certainly has plenty to offer.

It’s high in protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth, and a great source of dietary fibre for gut health and digestion. It contains minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc, which support bone health, muscle function, fluid balance and immune system maintenance. Amaranth also provides B vitamins, important for energy metabolism, nerve and cognitive function and cellular health.

Good for the gut

Much of the digestible starch in amaranth is fermented in the gut during digestion, which contributes to the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids that help maintain a healthy microbiome. Amaranth also contains phenolic acids, including flavonoids, which act as antioxidants, helping to protect cells from damage and keep the gut balanced.

(For full information, see the DD Amaranth ingredient profile)

Adding amaranth as a thickening agent

Amaranth’s value in the pantry isn’t limited to nutrition: its versatility adds value too. When cooked, it has a distinctively creamy, slightly gelatinous texture. This quality makes it not only a nutrient-rich thickener for toppings (and for soups and stews for human consumption), but also a perfect carrier for other ingredients.

Amaranth Pudding Base

Cooking to a thick porridge-like consistency

Cooking to a thick porridge-like consistency

One of the easiest ways to use amaranth in your dog’s food is to make a simple but very functional pudding base. This soft, digestible base can be a fantastic way of adding fibre and even incorporating leftovers.

To make:

In a pot, combine one part amaranth with three parts fish or beef broth, vegetable cooking water or plain water. If you want to cook vegetables with the amaranth to make a more complete topping, add them at this stage.

Bring the mixture to the boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer.

Cover the pot and let it simmer until most of the water is absorbed and the mixture has a thick, porridge-like consistency (around 25 minutes).

Let the mixture cool completely. Don’t worry if it’s too thick, it’s easy enough to let out with stock or kefir. Better thick than thin – and it takes up less space in the freezer!

 

Once you have this creamy base, you can mix in a small amount of your dog’s regular food, or stir in any extras you have handy – from steamed veg or mushroom caviar to shredded chicken. These simple additions create a delicious, nutrient-dense topping or meal that’s both easy and beneficial. Today I even tried mixing in the protein that rose to the top in a beef stock (don’t throw it away – that ‘scum’ is coagulated protein and it’s nutritious!). As a mixture, it went down exceedingly well!

Potential

  • Cooked into a soft porridge, it creates a nourishing base for meals
  • As it  cools, it sets into a pudding-like consistency that holds together in portions – handy for batch cooking and freezing
  • Blended with kefir or mushrooms, it makes a smooth, easy-to-digest drink or topping
  • You can even make ices from the base mixed with kefir, vegetable puree or beef broth.

And I’m sure there are a hundred other permutations that will work wonderfully.

*****

Nutritional value and cooking flexibility – a perfect combination!

 

 

Important Considerations:

  • Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
  • If you are feeding commercial food, check the label for ingredients before giving more. Excessive intake of any foods can have adverse effects.
  • Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
  • Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
  • I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
  • Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.
  • I am not a professional canine nutritionist but supporting research is cited.
  • The recipes shared were created by me and tested in my kitchen – and tasted and approved by our doggy friends!