Millet in dog treats is a healthy and inexpensive ingredient, a grain used in livestock feeds worldwide.
Rich in B vitamins, iron and potassium, millet is low in calories and a nutritious addition to Homemade dog treat recipes.
Millet is an ancient grain, one of the very first grains known to have been cultivated. In fact, it is believed to have been eaten by people living as long ago as 8300-6700 B.C.
Today it remains a staple in many countries, especially where drought is a problem.
Millet is one of the almost forgotten foods in the West, even though it has high nutritional value.
However, while most Westerners don’t eat millet themselves, they may feed it to their animals or to the birds.
Especially if your dog suffers from celiac disease, you should take a look at this ancient grain with such high nutrition…
Is Millet Good for Dogs?
Millet is rich in protein and it has no gluten. As such, millet can be used in hypoallergenic dog treats and dog foods, and it is well tolerated by dogs with allergies.
Here are some of the benefits of using millet in your homemade dog treats:
- Health – Millet is high in phosphorus, B vitamins, and iron. It is rich in amino acids and is made of 10-20% protein.
- Easy Digestion – easier to digest than wheat.
- High Energy – gives your dog lots of energy.
- Soothing – Millet is often recommended for dogs with colitis or ulcers.
- Gluten Free
Using Millet in Dog Treats
When I add millet to a dog treat recipe, I usually exchange about 1/4 cup of millet flour, for the same amount of flour. Millet flour is better for dog treats than hard millet seeds, especially for puppies or old dogs.
I grind the millet pellets in my coffee grinder or blender to make the flour.
Or, alternatively, you might want to soak the millet or cook it until it is softened, before adding it to the other ingredients.
Either way, the nutrients are preserved, and your dog will benefit from this healthy grain!
Millet will stay fresh, at room temperature for 4-5 years. So you can probably store both the millet and your homemade dog treats, unrefrigerated, in a cool dry place.
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