Brown millet

What is brown millet?

Brown millet is an unhulled form of golden millet, which has a dark brown color. It contains more nutrients than the hulled variety, as it still has the outer layer and the germ. Brown millet is particularly rich in silicon, iron, magnesium, zinc and silicic acid. These substances can strengthen your dog's immune system, skin, coat, bones and joints. Brown millet is also high in fiber, which can aid digestion and regulate blood sugar levels.

How can brown millet help your dog?

Brown millet can help your dog in various ways, depending on what ailments he has. Here are some examples:

• If your dog has skin or coat problems, such as dandruff, itching or hair loss, brown millet can improve skin function and make the coat shinier. This is because brown millet contains a lot of silicon and silica, which are important for the formation of collagen.
• If your dog suffers from osteoarthritis or other joint problems, brown millet can support cartilage formation and reduce inflammation. This is because brown millet contains a lot of magnesium and zinc, which are important for bone health.
• If your dog tends to be overweight or has diabetes, brown millet can stimulate the metabolism and stabilize blood sugar levels. This is because brown millet contains a lot of fiber, which creates a longer feeling of satiety and slows down the absorption of sugar.

What should you watch out for?

While brown millet is healthy for your dog, there are a few things you should consider before feeding it to him. Here are some tips:

• Brown millet must be cooked before eating, otherwise it is difficult to digest and can cause bloating. You can buy brown millet either as a whole grain or as flakes. The whole grain should be cooked for about 20 minutes, the flakes only for about 10 minutes.
• Brown millet should only be given as a supplementary food, not as the main food. The recommended amount is about one teaspoon per 10 kilograms of your dog's body weight per day. You can mix brown millet with your dog's normal food or serve it as a side dish.
• Brown millet should not be combined with dairy products, as these can hinder the absorption of the minerals. You can use water or broth for cooking instead.
• In rare cases, brown millet can lead to allergic reactions. If you notice that your dog shows symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting or a skin rash after eating brown millet, you should stop feeding it!