Ragi is super healthy and is also known as finger millet. It is a versatile grain that grows in hot, dry climates and at high altitudes.
For the past centuries, it has been one of the most important sources of nutrition for many people around the world.
Can Dogs Eat Ragi?
Dogs can safely eat ragi when thoroughly cooked and given in porridge form. Ragi is a rich source of carbs, calcium and fibers. Generally, well cooked ragi is easy to digest but undercooked ragi can cause indigestion in dogs. Make sure to balance the puppy diet with other required nutrients.
Ragi, also known as finger millet, is grown in India and Africa. It is also known by its scientific name of Eleusine Coracana.
It is the sixth most widely grown millet in India after wheat, rice, maize, sorghum and bajra. It is widely grown and consumed in Karnataka and in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Goa and Uttarakhand to some extent.
Ragi has a variety of other names depending on the language. In India, it is commonly called Ragi in Hindi, Kannada, and Telugu, Kodra in Himachal Pradesh, Mandia in Oriya, Kezhvaragu in Tamil, Mandua/Mangal in Hindi and Taidalu in Telangana.
Why is Finger Millet (Ragi) Good for Dogs?
Being gluten free, Ragi is safe to consume for dogs, even those who are suffering from celiac and gluten allergy. It is non-acidic and thus easy on the stomach.
Ragi is rich in amino acids and is considered one of the most nutritious cereals. Check out the below mentioned nutritional value of finger millet. 100 grams of Ragi has 336 KCal of energy, approximately.
Nutritional Value of Ragi
| Protein | 5–8% |
| Carbohydrates | 65–75% |
| Dietary fiber | 15–20% |
| Minerals | 2.5–3.5% |
| Ether extractives | 1–2% |
| Calcium | 344 mg % |
| Potassium | 408 mg % |
| Fat | 1.3% |
Ragi is Great Source of Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are a very important source of energy. They help maintain your dog’s metabolism.
Dogs may have difficulty in digesting other forms of carbohydrates like wheat but finger miller is one of the nutritious and healthiest sources of carbs. This is what makes it easy to digest for most dogs. Start feeding them small quantities of ragi and see if they can digest it well.
Ragi is Great Source of Calcium
Finger millet is thrice nutritious than milk. Calcium is an essential part that makes the bones stronger because bones are made up of phosphates and calcium. Thus, make sure to include a healthy source of calcium into your dog’s diet.
Ragi is Great source of Dietary Fibers
Ragi contains approximately 15%-20% dietary fiber. Usually, dogs do not require a diet that is rich in fiber unless they have any gastrointestinal issues.
Fiber helps in maintaining a good gut balance which results in regulating bowels and keeps the colon healthy.
How to Make Ragi Porridge for Dogs?
Making ragi porridge is super easy. Below-mentioned are the ingredients required:
- Water – 1 liter
- Ragi flour – 1 cup
- Little jaggery
Steps to make ragi ganji –
- Boil 1 liter of water in a pot and add jaggery to it once it starts boiling
- Take a separate pot/pan and add 1 cup of ragi in it
- Add little water to it (liquid consistency) and mix well with your hands
- Add ragi mixture to the boiling water and keep stirring while adding it to avoid lumps
- Leave the mixture for 10 minutes (stir occasionally) until it starts boiling
- After it has boiled, turn off the flame and let it cool down
- After the porridge cools down completely, it will thicken and form a semi-liquid consistency
- That’s it! Ragi porridge is ready for your furry friend.
Can I give ragi to my puppy?
Yes, but ensure to cook the ragi well. Also, notice any indigestion signs after your pooch has consumed ragi. Feeding your adult dog with ragi porridge in moderate quantities every alternate day is acceptable but for puppy you need to keep watch on the signs of indigestion.
Make sure to avoid wheat as it is not healthy for your furry friend.
Conclusion
Feeding ragi to your pet in moderate quantities is perfectly fine. Make sure to watch your dog for any indigestion signs after they have consumed ragi. We hope to have helped you understand the nutritional values of ragi for you to make an informed decision.
Image Source – Wikimedia Commons, via – Sunder