Ancient Grain Sorghum, An Ingredient Spotlight

Ancient Grain Sorghum, An Ingredient Spotlight

Sorghum may not be a household name yet, but this ancient grain is one of the smartest ingredients you can put in your dog's bowl. Dogs digest it well, it helps keep stools firm and healthy, and is packed full of beneficial fiber, protein and natural antioxidants. That's why we include grain sorghum in all of our Big Canyon kibble recipes.

What Is Sorghum?

Sorghum, also called milo, is a small, round grain first grown in Africa. Today it's a homegrown American crop, grown mostly across the Great Plains in states such as Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma (Iowa State University). It's also one of the most earth-friendly grains, using one-third to one-half less water than corn (United Sorghum Checkoff Program).

 

What the Research Shows

Researchers at Kansas State University looked at 38 studies on sorghum in pet food, and the results are great news for dogs:

  • Dogs digested about 82% of the protein and 89% of the fat in sorghum-based diets, so the nutrition in the bowl goes to work.
  • Stools were firm and close to ideal.
  • In a separate study, dogs digested sorghum as well if not better than other common grains in dog food. (PLOS ONE).

Why Sorghum Is Good for Your Dog

  • Healthy digestion. Sorghum is a natural source of fiber, which helps keep stools firm and regular.
  • Steady energy. Its complex carbohydrates fuel walks, play and everyday adventures.
  • Protein and antioxidants. Sorghum contains plant protein and natural antioxidants called polyphenols.
  • Good for the planet. Sorghum grows with far less water than corn, so it's a choice you can feel good about.

How Big Canyon Uses Sorghum

Grain sorghum is one of the top five ingredients in our Adult Chicken & Multigrain and Senior Chicken & Multigrain recipes, and it's in our Ocean White Fish Recipe as well. It's paired with real animal protein, always the #1 ingredient, and our signature multigrain blend, selected by university pet Nutrition Scientists.

Together, with the other purposefully selected ingredients in Big Canyon's recipes, sorghum helps support healthy digestion and firm, healthy stools. To learn more about why Big Canyon is purposely grain-inclusive, read Grain-Free vs Grain-Inclusive Dog Food: What the Science Actually Says.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sorghum good for dogs?

Yes. Dogs digest sorghum well, and it provides beneficial fiber, plant protein and natural antioxidants. Research has also found that sorghum-based diets support firm, healthy stools.

Why is sorghum used in dog food?

Sorghum is a highly digestible whole grain that provides complex carbohydrates for energy, fiber to support healthy digestion, plant protein, and, naturally occuring antioxidants called polyphenols.

Is sorghum a sustainable ingredient?

Yes. Sorghum is naturally drought-tolerant and requires significantly less water than many other crops.

Which Big Canyon recipes include sorghum?

All three of our Big Canyon kibble recipes include sorghum: Adult Chicken & Multigrain, Senior Chicken & Multigrain and Adult Ocean White Fish.

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Kansas State University

Iowa State University (Agricultural Marketing Resource Center)

United Sorghum Checkoff Program

 

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