Sorghum, often referred to as “the forgotten grain,” is a cereal grain that has been cultivated for thousands of years and is gaining renewed attention for its nutritional benefits and versatility. A great addition to the dry pantry, sorghum flour offers a range of nutritional and health benefits, including digestive health support, blood sugar management, heart health promotion, and antioxidant properties. Its environmental sustainability also contributes to its appeal.[1]

Research has shown the nutritional effects of sorghum in the canine diet, and sorghum is already used to replace rice in commercial dog food.[2]

Nutritional Profile
Sorghum is a nutrient-dense grain, rich in fibre, vitamins, protein, essential minerals such as iron, phosphorus, and potassium. It is also gluten-free, making it a suitable option for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Rich in Antioxidants
Sorghum contains various antioxidants, including phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Research has studied the link between these antioxidants and a reduced risk of diabetes in dogs.[3]
Digestive Health
The high fibre content of sorghum supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements, preventing constipation, and supporting a healthy gut microbiome.
Heart Health
Research suggests that incorporating sorghum may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Versatility in Cooking
Sorghum is incredibly versatile and can be used in various culinary applications. It can be cooked and enjoyed as a whole grain, ground into flour for baking, or popped like popcorn. Sorghum flour can also be used as a gluten-free alternative in baking recipes.
Environmental Sustainability
Sorghum is a “green” product, in that it is a drought-tolerant crop that requires fewer resources, such as water and fertilizer, compared to other grains like corn and wheat. Its ability to thrive in arid climates makes it an environmentally sustainable option for food production, particularly in regions prone to drought or water scarcity.

Nutrition facts (per 100g)
Sorghum meal
Water                         9.41 g
Energy                       375 kcal
Protein                       8.27 g
Carbohydrate                 0 g
Total dietary fibre         6 g
Magnesium                 116 mg
Phosphorus                 262 mg
Calcium                        11 mg
Potassium                   335 mg
Thiamine                      0.27 mg
Riboflavin                    0.15 mg
Niacin                          3.95 mg

For full nutrient content see Food Data Central

Want to know more? These studies may be useful:

[1]  Medeiros, Denis & Vázquez Araújo, Laura & Chambers, Edgar. (2011). Sorghum: The forgotten grain. Food technology. 65. 53-60.
[2] Teixeira L, Pinto CFD, Kessler AM, Trevizan L. Effect of partial substitution of rice with sorghum and inclusion of hydrolyzable tannins on digestibility and postprandial glycemia in adult dogs. PLoS One. 2019 May 16;14(5):e0208869. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208869. PMID: 31095559; PMCID: PMC6522124.
[3] Teshima E, Brunetto MA, Teixeira FA, Gomes MOS, Lucas SRR, Pereira GT, Carciofi AC. Influence of type of starch and feeding management on glycaemic control in diabetic dogs. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2021 Nov;105(6):1192-1202. doi: 10.1111/jpn.13556. Epub 2021 Apr 27. PMID: 33904623.

Rankovic A, Adolphe JL, Ramdath DD, Shoveller AK, Verbrugghe A. Glycemic response in nonracing sled dogs fed single starch ingredients and commercial extruded dog foods with different carbohydrate sources. J Anim Sci. 2020 Aug 1;98(8):skaa241. doi: 10.1093/jas/skaa241. PMID: 32770217; PMCID: PMC7455921.

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!