Quinoa
carb · base score 1 · also listed as quinoa, white quinoa, red quinoa
What is it?
Quinoa is a carbohydrate (starch/filler) ingredient. Graded good: a real, recognisable ingredient that adds nutritional value, so it lifts a product’s score.
At a glance
- Category
- carb
- Grade
- good
- Base score
- 1 (from −1 to 1; higher is better)
- Found in
- 72 products
- Also listed as
- quinoa, white quinoa, red quinoa
Common questions about quinoa
Is Quinoa good for dogs?
Yes, we grade it as a good ingredient: recognisable and nutritionally useful, so it lifts a product’s score. Bear in mind that no single ingredient decides quality; the whole recipe and its balance matter more.
How many UK dog foods contain quinoa?
72 UK products list quinoa as an ingredient in our database. The full list is shown below, sorted by rating.
What else is quinoa called on labels?
Manufacturers list it under several names: quinoa, white quinoa, red quinoa. We match all of these to the same glossary entry when we read a label.
How does Open Dog Food grade quinoa?
We grade it good, our highest grade, reserved for recognisable ingredients that add real nutritional value. Every ingredient is converted to its dry-matter share and scored from our glossary before a recipe gets its 1-100 rating; the full method is on our methodology page.
Is quinoa safe for dogs?
Yes, quinoa is generally safe and is used as a gluten-free carbohydrate source in some dog foods. It provides protein, fibre, and some minerals. It should be cooked and included as part of a balanced diet.
What does quinoa add to dog food?
It adds a plant-based source of energy and amino acids. It is often used in grain-free or novel carbohydrate recipes. Some dogs may be sensitive to it, so introduce new foods slowly.
