Amaranth – God’s own grain

Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is one of the ancient grains like quinoa, kamut and spelt that finds itself among the numerous forgotten ingredients now experiencing a revival, although technically it’s not a grain but a pseudocereal (a seed that behaves like a grain).

This food goes back to ancient times: amaranth was cultivated as a sacred food and a vital ritual ingredient by civilizations like the Aztecs, Incas and Maya, who used its seeds to craft religious artifacts. It remained a traditional food and important cultural element for Indigenous peoples in the Americas and is known in India as “Ramdana,” meaning “God’s own grain”.

In canine diets, amaranth is a digestible, nutrient-dense alternative to traditional grains and valuable for its macronutrient and micronutrient benefits. Feeding trials in dogs have shown that amaranth is well-digested, supports ideal stool quality and increases beneficial short-chain fatty acids in the colon.

Nutritional Information

Amaranth is recognised as a superfood. One of few plants to be considered a ‘complete protein’, its list of nutrients is impressive, including unsaturated fatty acids, dietary fibre, flavonoids and vitamins like thiamine and riboflavin. Its slow-release carbohydrates provide steady energy, while the fibre helps maintain healthy digestion and a balanced gut microbiome.

Amaranth also stands out against other grains for its relatively high magnesium and phosphorus content and is among the richest sources in the world of the lipid squalene. Not a nutrient that we often encounter, squalene is associated with immune response, improved skin and coat health and potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Main nutrients

Protein

At around 14%, amaranth is a rich source of protein: almost twice as much as rice or corn. And with adequate amounts of all nine essential amino acids, it is one of the few plant foods to be considered a complete protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones and supporting a healthy immune system, and it provides the amino acids dogs need for muscle maintenance, growth and post-activity recovery. Unlike many cereals, amaranth provides adequate amounts of tryptophan, an amino acid that supports protein synthesis and also serves as a precursor for serotonin and melatonin, which influence mood regulation, sleep cycles and overall neurological balance

Fibre

With around 6–7 g of dietary fibre, amaranth is a good source of fibre for dogs. It contains both soluble and insoluble dietary fibre: soluble fibre helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome and promotes the production of short-chain fatty acids, while insoluble fibre supports bowel regularity and healthy stool formation. In canine feeding trials, amaranth increased beneficial short-chain fatty acids in the colon, which play a role in gut health and may have wider benefits for immune function and metabolic health.

Complex carbohydrates

Amaranth is a rich source of complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady release of energy and help maintain stable blood sugar levels. In working dogs, this sustained energy supply supports endurance and can help prevent post-meal energy spikes and crashes. Much of the digestible starch in amaranth is fermented in the gut in the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids.

Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidants

Amaranth contains phenolic acids, including flavonoids, which act as antioxidants by neutralising free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. Phenolic compounds can help protect cells from damage and support the immune system. They also play a role in gut health by influencing the composition and function of the gut microbiota.

Main Vitamins

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin that is crucial for protein metabolism, supporting the use of amino acids for energy and growth. It plays an important role in the development of the nervous system by aiding in neurotransmitter production, which is vital for brain function and mood regulation. Vitamin B6 also contributes to the creation of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body. In addition, it supports immune function and a range of metabolic processes.

Folate (Vitamin B9)

Whilst dogs can synthesise some folate, dietary intake is crucial for optimal health. It is essential for DNA synthesis and repair, cell division and the production of red blood cells which carry oxygen throughout the body. Folate is involved in the breakdown and utilisation of amino acids, ensuring efficient protein synthesis. It is vital for maintaining a healthy brain and nervous system function. Some studies suggest links to cardiovascular, joint and even cognitive health and mental wellbeing in dogs, though more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and one of the body’s most important antioxidants, protecting cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. By limiting this damage, it helps reduce inflammation, strengthens the immune system and supports the body’s natural defences against disease. Vitamin E also plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin and coat, supporting muscle function and contributing to neurological and cardiovascular health. Its protective effects on the heart are linked to improved circulation and reduced oxidative stress within blood vessels. Vitamin E also supports cellular function more broadly, helping to maintain the integrity of cell membranes.

Calcium

Calcium is a major mineral that is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also plays a central role in muscle contraction, nerve transmission and blood clotting. In dogs, calcium works closely with phosphorus to maintain skeletal structure and ensure proper growth and development. Research indicates that recommended calcium levels depend on the composition and digestibility of the diet, and that a proper balance of calcium and phosphorus is crucial, particularly during growth. Adequate intake also supports heart health, as calcium is involved in the normal contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle.

Potassium

Potassium is a major mineral and electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance in the body, aiding hydration and supporting performance during physical activity. It is essential for normal muscle function and nerve transmission and contributes to the proper functioning of the heart muscle, thereby supporting cardiovascular health. Potassium also plays a role in enzyme activity and energy metabolism.

Magnesium

Amaranth is notable for its relatively high magnesium content compared with other pseudocereals. As a major mineral and cofactor, magnesium is involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions, supporting energy production, protein synthesis and muscle and nerve function. For dogs, it is vital for healthy muscle activity, nerve transmission and strong bones. Magnesium also plays a key role in cardiovascular health by regulating blood pressure and heart rhythm, in blood coagulation and in supporting the immune system.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a major mineral that works closely with calcium to build and maintain strong bones and teeth, with its metabolism regulated in part by vitamin D. It is also a structural component of DNA and RNA and is central to the body’s energy systems through its role in ATP, the molecule that stores and transfers energy in cells. Many proteins and sugars in the body are phosphorylated, reflecting phosphorus’s wide involvement in metabolism. It also contributes to enzyme activation, the regulation of gene transcription and the maintenance of normal pH in body fluids. The balance of calcium and phosphorus is especially important during growth, as an imbalance can affect skeletal development.

Trace minerals

Iron

Iron is a vital trace mineral for dogs, essential for producing red blood cells. It is an essential component of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the bloodstream, and myoglobin, which stores oxygen in muscle tissue, thus supporting energy levels, stamina and overall vitality.

Benefits – Key Takeaways

Gut Health

Its soluble and insoluble fibre regulate bowel movements, improve stool quality and nourish beneficial gut bacteria, strengthening digestive balance.

Muscle Maintenance and Repair

Amaranth provides complete, highly digestible protein that helps maintain lean mass, supports tissue repair and aids recovery after activity.

Immune and Anti-inflammatory

Support Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress, reduce inflammation and support immune response. They strengthen immune defences and support resilience against stress, disease and chronic conditions.

Energy and Stamina

Complex carbohydrates, together B vitamins and minerals, provide a steady release of energy and support efficient metabolism and endurance in active dogs.

Bone and Joint Health

Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium contribute to strong bones and healthy joints, supporting skeletal development and mobility throughout life.

Cardiovascular and Blood Health

Potassium, magnesium, iron and folate support normal heart rhythm, circulation and the production of healthy red blood cells, sustaining vitality and preventing anaemia. Vitamin E protects blood vessels from oxidative stress and helps maintain cardiovascular health.

Cognitive Support

Vitamin B6, iron and antioxidants support neurotransmitter synthesis, oxygen delivery to the brain and protection against oxidative stress, contributing to healthy cognitive function.

Skin and Coat Condition

Zinc helps maintain skin integrity and coat quality, supporting barrier function and a healthy appearance.

*****

This unusual, versatile ingredient has some very practical uses:

Thickening Agent

The high starch and fibre content in amaranth makes it a naturally effective thickener for sauces, soups, and other dishes.

Baking

Amaranth can be ground into flour and used for baked training treats, if gluten-free is required.

Functional ingredient

Amaranth’s unique properties make it a useful functional ingredient in various food products, especially for those requiring a gluten-free or high-nutrient profile.

References:

  • Talabi, A. O., Vikram, P., Thushar, S., Rahman, H., Ahmadzai, H., Nhamo, N., et al. 2022. Orphan crops: A best fit for dietary enrichment and diversification in highly deteriorated marginal environments. Frontiers in Plant Science, 13, 839704
  • FAO. 2019. The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture, J. Bélanger & D. Pilling (eds.). FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture Assessments. Rome. 572 pp
  • Ruiz-Cano, Domingo, and Marino B. Arnao. 2024. “Beneficial Effects of Nutraceuticals, Especially Polyphenols on Canine Health” Pets 1, no. 3: 228-254. https://doi.org/10.3390/pets1030017

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!

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