What is Grain Sorghum in Dog Food?

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Grain sorghum is one of many ingredients that dog food companies use to create a balanced diet for your dog.

It is a whole grain, which means it has not been processed or refined to remove any of its parts.

Keep reading to learn more about grain sorghum in dog food, whether it is good or bad for your dog, how much you need to feed them, and where else you can find it!

What is Grain Sorghum in Dog Food

Grain sorghum, also called milo, is a cereal grain grown primarily for livestock feed.

According to the Journal of Nutrition[1], it’s higher in protein than corn and easier to grow as it’s drought-resistant.

Milo is also gluten-free, which makes it a great source of non-meat protein for dogs with sensitivities to other types of grain.

In addition to being a staple food in some parts of the world, grain sorghum is also used to make ethanol and animal feed.

It’s rich in protein, fiber, and other nutrients, so it’s an excellent source of nutrition for dogs.

Is Grain Sorghum Good for Dogs?

Yes! Grain sorghum is a healthy ingredient for dogs because it contains many nutrients that are essential for their growth and development.

It also provides energy from carbohydrates, which helps them stay active throughout the day. 

According to the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior[2], the high fiber content helps keep digestive systems running while keeping them feeling full for longer, so they don’t overeat other foods meant only as treats or snacks (like potato chips).

Is Grain Sorghum Bad for Dogs?

According to the National Institutes of Health[3], grain sorghum is not bad for dogs. It is a healthy whole grain that provides many important nutrients.

However, some dogs may be sensitive to certain types of grains, including sorghum.

If your dog has any allergies or sensitivities, please speak with your veterinarian before adding anything new to their diet.

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Sources of Grain Sorghum in Dog Food

Grain sorghum is a cereal grain that belongs to the grass family.

It is grown all over the world, mostly in areas with hot climates like India and the United States.

There are many different types of sorghum, and they can be used for food and animal feed. 

Because it has become more popular as an ingredient in dog food, it is also used in other products such as breakfast cereals or snack foods.

You can find it in kibble, wet food, and even treats. 

How Much Grain Sorghum Do Dogs Need?

How Much Grain Sorghum Do Dogs Need?

Most of your dog’s diet should consist of meat-based protein sources, with a smaller proportion coming from carbohydrates like grain sorghum.

According to the U.S. Food And Drug Administration[4], because it’s rich in fiber, grain sorghum helps keep your dog regular and feeling full without needing to eat as much.

Dogs love grain sorghum because it has a mild, sweet flavor found in many popular foods like popcorn and pretzels.

However, the amount of sugar present in grain sorghum varies greatly depending on the type of plant used for its production.

So if you are concerned about how much sugar might be present in your dog’s food, read the ingredient list and nutritional information carefully before buying anything new.

Dog Foods with Grain Sorghum

If you’re looking for a dog food that contains grain sorghum, there are many different brands and formulas to choose from.

Here are a few examples of popular brands that use grain sorghum in their recipes:

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Chicken Dog Food

This Blue Buffalo Wilderness dog food has grain sorghum as one of the main ingredients.

It contains chicken and other ingredients that are good for the health of your pet.

It also contains protein-rich ingredients like turkey meal and deboned duck.

Wellness CORE Natural Dry Dog Food

This food includes chicken, turkey, and salmon meal—all excellent sources of protein for your pet that support whole-body wellness and lean muscle growth.

Merrick Classic Wet Dog Food

This wet dog food includes quality animal meat products packed with good fats, nutrients, and minerals—grain-free food that boosts wellness and tastes great.

Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Recipe with Real Chicken

Nature's Variety Instinct Raw Boost Recipe with Real Chicken

Freeze-dried kibble gives a crunch that many dogs crave.

The natural salmon gives a healthy boost to all breeds of dogs, adding essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to their diets.

Newman’s Own Organic Adult Dog Food

Organic chicken ensures your dog is getting the best, and the brown rice and vegetables help your pup digest the lean protein.

The best part? Each can you buy gives back profits going to charity.

Dog Foods without Grain Sorghum

If you want to avoid grain sorghum in your dog’s food, there are plenty of options available.

Here are some examples of popular brands that don’t use grain sorghum in their recipes:

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dry Dog Food

Hill's Science Diet Adult Dry Dog Food

Specially formulated to aid digestion, promote a healthy coat, and build lean muscle.

Everything your dog needs has been specially prepared, so all you have to worry about is getting it in their bowl.

Eukanuba Adult Dry Dog Food

The specially shaped kibble cleans their teeth as they eat, prebiotics supports healthy digestion, and L-carnitine maintains weight.

Everything a healthy dog needs to live their best life. 

Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Dry Dog Food

This Royal Canin food is ideal for smaller adult breeds.

The individual packets of wet food contain all the energy your mini dog needs to keep going all day.

Wellness Core Grain-Free Wet Dog Food

Promote a healthy gut and digestion with grain-free wet food packed with rich protein.

The food is easily digestible and boosts the immune system for health you can see.

Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Grain-Free Wet Dog Food

This natural food is dense in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

Real meat gives a protein and energy boost while the antioxidants give long-term health and wellness.

Final Thoughts

Grain sorghum is a carbohydrate that is often used as a filler in dog food. It is high in fiber and helps keep your dog regular.

Grain sorghum also has a mild, sweet flavor that dogs love, but the amount of sugar present in different types of grain sorghum can vary. 

If you are concerned about how much sugar might be in your dog’s food, read the ingredient list carefully before buying anything new or consult your local veterinarian.

There are many different brands and formulas of dog food that don’t contain grain sorghum, so you have plenty of options to choose from.

Resources

  1. https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/132/6/1704S/4687724
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2251326/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6168022/
  4. https://www.fda.gov/files/animal%20&%20veterinary/published/Final-Qualitative-Risk-Assessment—Risk-of-Activity-Animal-Food-Combinations-for-Activities-(Outside-the-Farm-Definition)-Conducted-in-a-Facility-Co-Located-on-a-Farm.pdf

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