Amaranth for Dogs: A Complete Guide

How to feed a dog amaranth

Much like quinoa and buckwheat, amaranth is not a true grain but a seed harvested from a broadleaf plant. It is an exceptional choice for dogs with wheat or gluten allergies. Amaranth offers a complete amino acid profile — meaning it is unusually high in plant-based protein, particularly in the essential amino acid lysine which supports muscle development and tissue repair. It is also packed with calcium, iron, magnesium and squalene, a natural compound that supports skin health and reduces cellular inflammation.

Amaranth should always be thoroughly rinsed and boiled in water (typically a 1:2.5 or 1:3 ratio of amaranth to liquid) for 20 to 25 minutes until it forms a porridge-like consistency.

Here are four creative, dog-safe ways to incorporate cooked amaranth into your dog’s diet:

1. High-Protein Amaranth & Turkey Porridge
Because cooked amaranth turns into a thick, naturally gelatinous porridge, it serves as a comforting, nutrient-dense base that easily coats dry food and provides slow-release energy.
Boil 50g of amaranth seeds in water until soft, thick and porridge-like. In a separate pan, cook 50g of lean minced turkey or chicken.
Mix the warm amaranth porridge and minced meat together with 3 tablespoons of warm bone broth. Ladle a small spoonful over your dog’s regular food to add healthy B vitamins and a rustic texture boost.

2. Frozen Amaranth & Cottage Cheese Recovery Bites
This combination combines the complete amino acids and magnesium of amaranth with the digestible proteins of low-fat cottage cheese, making it an excellent snack for active dogs after exercise.

• Stir 2 tablespoons of cooked and cooled amaranth porridge into 100g of plain, low-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt.
• Spoon the mixture into silicone moulds and freeze for 3 hours. Pop them out as a refreshing summer snack that assists with muscle repair and optimal gut health.

3. Sticky Amaranth & Pumpkin Enrichment Toy
The tiny, granular texture of cooked amaranth blends perfectly with smooth purees, creating a complex surface consistency inside an enrichment toy that slows down fast lickers.

• Mash a tablespoon of cooked pumpkin or sweet potato. Stir in one tablespoon of cooked amaranth porridge.
• Spoon the mixture inside a rubber enrichment toy like a Kong. Freeze the toy for 2 hours before giving it to your dog to keep it mentally stimulated and calm during stressful events like storms.

4. Baked Amaranth Flour Training Drops
You can buy amaranth flour (which is entirely grain-free and gluten-free) to bake a batch of crisp, non-crumbling training treats for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

• Finely grate half an apple. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated fruit with one medium chicken egg and 120g (1 cup) of amaranth flour.
• Roll the dough into tiny, marble-sized balls and flatten them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and crisp. Allow them to cool completely before using.

Like spinach, amaranth contains oxalates which can interfere with calcium absorption. While boiling significantly reduces oxalate levels in the seeds, it is generally advised to avoid feeding amaranth if your dog has a history of kidney disease or is a breed prone to calcium oxalate bladder stones.

Because amaranth is a carbohydrate-dense seed, it is significantly higher in calories than watery vegetables. If your dog is sedentary, managing canine obesity or dealing with diabetes, keep portions very small to prevent unwanted weight gain.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Can dogs eat raw amaranth seeds?
A. No. Raw amaranth seeds are highly indigestible for dogs. They must always be boiled or thoroughly puffed before serving.

Q. Are amaranth leaves and greens safe?
A. No. While humans can safely eat the greens, many species of the amaranth family contain high levels of oxalates and nitrates. These compounds can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, nitrate poisoning or kidney damage in dogs.

Q. Is amaranth considered a grain?
A. Technically, no. Amaranth is a pseudo-cereal — a seed that behaves like a grain, similar to quinoa and buckwheat. This makes it an excellent choice for grain-free canine diets.

Q. What are the health benefits of amaranth for dogs?
A.

• Complete protein: amaranth contains all nine essential amino acids, boasting nearly twice the protein found in rice or corn, which aids muscle repair.
• Gut health: amaranth is rich in soluble and insoluble fibre. It acts as a prebiotic to promote healthy stool quality and colon health.
• Skin and coat support: amaranth contains squalene, a unique lipid with anti-inflammatory properties that improves skin moisture and coat shine.
• Essential minerals: amaranth is packed with magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc to support bone health and metabolic function.

Q. Can amaranth cause kidney stones in dogs?
A. Yes, but only if fed excessively. Amaranth seeds naturally contain oxalates, which can bind to calcium and potentially lead to calcium oxalate kidney or bladder stones in susceptible breeds.

Q. How do I cook amaranth for my dog?
A. Wash the seeds thoroughly to rinse away bitter saponins. Boil them in water (using a 1:3 ratio of amaranth to water) for roughly 20 to 25 minutes until the seeds are tender and porridge-like.

Q. Can I use amaranth flakes or flour?
A. Yes. Pre-processed organic amaranth flakes can be rehydrated quickly by pouring hot water over them and letting them swell for 15 minutes before mixing into dog food.

Q. How much amaranth can I give my dog?
A. Amaranth can be a regular ingredient in a balanced home-cooked diet.