Can dogs eat millet?

Yes, dogs can eat millet. Millet is a nutritious, gluten-free and easily digestible ancient grain rich in B vitamins, iron, magnesium and phosphorus. It provides dogs with a healthy, low-fat source of carbohydrates that aids digestion and is a great alternative to wheat for dogs who are gluten-intolerant.

Canine nutritionist Gerald Pepin is the author of the book From Table to Bowl which seeks to take the mystery out of feeding dogs fresh food. Here the experienced dog nutritionist explains the benefits and safe serving tips for feeding a dog millet.

What is millet?

Millet is a gluten-free cereal crop which has been a major food source for humans and other animals for more than 7,000 years. Initially domesticated in arid climates such as East Asia, South Asia, West Africa and East Africa, the various species of millet are now grown the world over.

Contrary to popular belief though, millet is not a grain, despite the fact we often refer to it as being a grain. Millet is officially known as a pseudo-cereal or pseudo-grain. That is to say, it is a non-grass (cereals are grasses) which is used in much the same way as a cereal.

A major food source for many arid and semi-arid regions of the world, millet is an ancient grain, a grain essentially unchanged over thousands of years. It’s adaptable, and can be used as both a sweet and savoury source of plant-based protein for dogs. It’s grain and gluten-free, so, along with fonio, buckwheat, quinoa and amaranth, can take the place of grains for any dog unfortunate enough to suffer from a grain intolerance.

And while it may come as a surprise to many, millet is just as good for dogs as it is for humans. So if you’re someone who has been asking themselves can dogs eat millet, they most certainly can. Read on to learn more about millet for dogs!

The primary use of millet is as a staple food source, especially in arid regions of Africa and Asia where it serves as a nutritious, gluten-free grain for humans. It is a versatile ingredient, consumed as whole grain in dishes like porridge and salads, ground into flour for bread and cakes, and even used to make traditional beverages.

Beyond human consumption, it is also used for animal feed and in the production of ethanol.

What are the nutrients in millet?

High in fibre and protein, millet is a good source of vitamin B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9. That’s riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid and folate to you and I.

Millet is also a good source of magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, iron and is particularly rich in manganese.

What are the health benefits of feeding a dog millet?

One of nature’s least allergenic foods, millet is a healthy carbohydrate choice for hypoallergenic dogs with sensitive tummies.

Gluten-free and easier to digest than wheat, millet is not just good for wild birds. It’s a major source of food for humans and, used in moderation, it’s good for dogs too. Providing of course it’s not used to replace more canine-appropriate bioavailable sources of protein, millet can be a nice addition to any dogs diet.

Its key benefits include:

• As a gluten-free pseudo-grain, millet is hypoallergenic, gentle on the stomach and a safe alternative for dogs with wheat sensitivities.
• Millet is rich in B-vitamins, iron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, all of which aid in energy production, metabolism and maintaining strong bones.
• Millet’s high fibre content helps promote a healthy gut and can aid with constipation or diarrhoea.
• Because of its low glycaemic index, millet helps regulate blood sugar levels and is beneficial for overweight or diabetic dogs.
• Millet contains magnesium and potassium to support cardiovascular health, alongside antioxidants that reduce inflammation.

Millet is also excellent for dogs who suffer from allergies.

Is millet a human food that dogs can eat too?

Scientists have proven that not only have dogs and human beings shared the same diet for at least 12,000 years, they have demonstrated that the digestive systems of both species simultaneously evolved to process and benefit from that shared diet. From those same foods. At the time of the First Agricultural Revolution, when man became less reliant on foraging and more dependent on farmed produce, the digestive tract of both species underwent exactly the same genetic adaptation to allow us and our dogs to process that more limited farmed diet. In other words, we know that without any shadow of a doubt, long before the beginning of recorded time, dogs and human beings were sharing exactly the same diet. Eating the same food.

So even if you prefer to call the food that we humans eat “human food” and the food that dogs eat “dog food”, the fact is that human beings and dogs began to form their enduring relationship at exactly the same time as the First Agricultural Revolution, and likely largely because of our shared ability to benefit from the same foodstuffs. Back then, the food that humans ate was not considered human food, any more than the food dogs ate (exactly the same food remember), was considered dog food. The food that dogs and humans shared, the food that helped cement the bond we continue to enjoy to this day, was simply known as “food.”

So while many today speak of millet as being human food, the fact is, when it was first cultivated thousands of years ago, millet would have been eaten by human beings, their dogs and their other animals. Along with all the other foodstuffs they would have shared, millet would simply have been considered “food”, food that both dogs, other animals and human beings could eat, enjoy and benefit from.

So when you ask yourself, can dogs eat millet, can I feed my dog millet, is millet one of the safe human foods you can share with your dog, the answer is an unequivocal, yes. Dogs can eat millet because, just as is the case with we humans, it’s something they have always eaten!

Millet for dogs frequently asked questions

Q. Is millet safe for dogs?
A. Yes, millet is safe for dogs and is considered a healthy, nutritious and gluten-free grain option. It is rich in phosphorus, iron and fibre, making it an excellent source of energy and an easier-to-digest alternative to wheat. Millet can help manage blood sugar levels and is often used in high-quality dog foods.

Q. Do I need to soak millet before feeding it to my dog?
A. Yes, it is recommended to soak and cook millet before feeding it to your dog. While you do not need to soak it for a long period, washing and soaking it for at least 15-30 minutes before boiling helps soften the millet making it much easier to digest and reducing the risk of digestive upset.

Q. Can I feed my dog millet if it is gluten-intolerant?
A. Yes, you can feed your dog millet if it is gluten-intolerant. Like other pseudo-cereals, millet is 100% gluten-free.

Q. What are the health benefits of feeding dogs millet?
A. Millet is a healthy, gluten-free ancient grain that provides dogs with an easily digestible source of carbohydrates, fibre and essential minerals like magnesium and phosphorus. It supports digestive health, provides sustainable energy and is ideal for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities to wheat and soy.

Q. How much millet can I feed my dog?
A. As part of a properly balanced diet, millet can make up in the region of 10% of your dog’s overall food intake.

Q. Are there any risks or side effects of feeding my dog millet?
A. Millet is generally considered safe and nutritious for dogs when fed in moderation.

Q. Can dogs eat millet every day?
A. It is safe to feed your dog millet every day as part of a complete and balanced diet.

Q. Is millet better than rice for dogs?
A. Yes, millet is considered more nutritious than white rice because it is higher in fibre, gluten-free and less likely to cause allergic reactions in dogs.