Amaranth
3 foods contain this ingredient
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About Amaranth
Amaranth is a small, gluten-free seed harvested from a broadleaf plant, formulated into pet food as a grain-like carbohydrate and protein contributor.
Amaranth is a gluten‑free pseudo‑grain used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and plant-based protein and fiber source, notable for a relatively high lysine content and minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium compared with common cereal grains. It can be a useful ingredient for dogs and appears in some cat formulas when cooked, but because cats are obligate carnivores and plant proteins do not supply nutrients like taurine, amaranth should complement rather than replace animal proteins; it also contains phytates and oxalates that can modestly reduce mineral absorption, so proper processing and balanced formulation are important.
- Derived from
- seed of the Amaranthus plant (a pseudocereal, not a true cereal grass)
- Primary role
- gluten-free carbohydrate, protein, and mineral source
Why it's used
Because amaranth is botanically a broadleaf plant rather than a grass, it is grouped with pseudocereals like quinoa and buckwheat and is often chosen in gluten-free formulations. Its amino acid profile is comparatively well balanced, with lysine levels reported as roughly double or more those in wheat, corn, or rice, which are typically the limiting amino acid in those grains.
Common concerns
- Oxalate content Grain amaranth has been documented in peer-reviewed analysis to contain oxalates, which can bind divalent minerals in the gut and, at high dietary intake, has been associated with calcium oxalate crystal or stone formation in some species.
- Phytate content Amaranth is noted among plant foods with comparatively higher phytate levels, an antinutrient that can inhibit absorption of minerals like zinc, iron, and calcium unless reduced through processing such as soaking, fermenting, or cooking.
- Not a complete protein for cats As a plant-derived protein, amaranth does not supply taurine, an amino acid that is essential in feline diets and must come from other formulated sources when amaranth is included in cat food.
Also relevant
Processing methods such as fermentation and cooking have been shown in food science research to reduce phytate levels in amaranth and improve mineral accessibility, which is relevant to how it is handled in commercial pet food manufacturing.
5 sources cited
- Amaranth is a pseudocereal with a well-balanced amino acid profile and lysine content reported as multiple times higher than common cereal grains
- Peer-reviewed analysis of oxalate content in grain amaranth
- Phytates and oxalates in amaranth act as antinutrients affecting mineral bioavailability
- Fermentation of amaranth (and related pseudocereals) reduces phytate and improves mineral accessibility
- Cats require taurine, which is not supplied by plant proteins, and taurine deficiency has documented clinical consequences
Common Questions
What category is Amaranth?
Amaranth is categorized as a grain ingredient in the KibbleLab database.
Is Amaranth part of an allergen group?
Yes. Amaranth is grouped under the Grains allergen group in the KibbleLab database.
Which foods contain Amaranth?
3 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Amaranth, including Zesty Paws.
Foods with Amaranth
Alphabetical by brand. Scores run 0 to 10, higher is better, on published veterinary science.
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