We've all seen our dogs munching on the lawn.
And usually, it's because their stomach is upset.
But did you know there is other grass they can munch on that is excellent for them?
It's called wheatgrass!
Just kidding, you'd probably have to feed it in powder form in their food.
Like I said before, there are several benefits of wheatgrass for dogs.
Keep reading to find out how safe wheatgrass is for dogs, what its uses and benefits are, and if there are any side effects to look out for.
In this article, we will discuss:
- What is wheatgrass?
- Is it safe for dogs to eat wheatgrass?
- What are the side effects of wheatgrass for dogs?
- What are the health benefits of wheatgrass for dogs?
- Ways to feed wheatgrass to your dog
Wheatgrass For Dogs 101
What Is Wheatgrass?
Before we get into all that, let's talk about what wheatgrass is.
As the name suggests, wheatgrass is a plant variety of the wheat family.
You may be familiar with it as a super-food often seen in the media being consumed in health restaurants as a very green drink from a shot glass.
Wheatgrass is very nutrient-dense, and while it may be an acquired taste, its health benefits are highly regarded.
It contains a vast range of vitamins for a start, not to mention amino acids, chlorophyll, fiber, and enzymes.
This is a shot of green goodness that really does pack a punch.
Knowing your dog's taste for ordinary grass, the burning question is, can I feed wheatgrass to my dog?
Feeding Wheatgrass to Dogs – Is It Safe?
The good news is YES – it is perfectly safe to feed wheatgrass to your dog.
As it stands, wheatgrass is not known to be toxic to dogs, and there have not been any associated problems.
In fact, wheatgrass is extremely popular with cats and a terrific edible alternative to them chomping on your houseplants.
It is an excellent way to get some healthy greens into your pet's diet.
Wheatgrass is much safer for your pet than eating lawn grass.
Landscaping companies treat and spray outdoor grass with fertilizers and insecticides.
These can be harmful to your pets, making them ill.
You also never know what other dogs or animals have been in the grass where your dog is snacking.
If they have been to the area toilet, they could easily have left parasite eggs for your dog to ingest.
You can also grow your wheatgrass indoors, giving you greater control over your dog's consumption.
Your pup will be less likely to search for nutritional supplements during walks.
What Are the Side Effects of Wheatgrass for Dogs?
Before we look at the incredible health benefits wheatgrass can have for dogs, let's quickly take a look at the potential side effects.
Wheatgrass is generally very safe for dogs, but you should always consider the size of your dog and the recommended dosages.
If a dog overeats wheatgrass, it will probably experience some uncomfortable symptoms, such as indigestion, nausea, or vomiting.
What Are the Health Benefits of Wheatgrass for Dogs?
Wheatgrass is a nutritious and cleansing supplement to your dog's diet.
Chewing on wheatgrass can be a great breath freshener and provide your pet with an opportunity to floss their teeth.
In the wild, dogs would get good flossing action from chewing on raw meaty bones, grass, and shrubs, but many commercial dog foods don't provide the right texture to help clean inside your dog's mouth.
They usually do quite the opposite, crumbling or sticking to your dog's teeth and contributing to tartar and decay.
Wheatgrass also has a certain amount of antiseptic activity, which may benefit your pet's oral care routine.
The antioxidant activity of wheatgrass is suitable for your pet too.
Wheatgrass is an effective digestive aid, helping to prevent constipation.
It is also organ and blood cleansing and a great energy booster.
An added perk is that it helps to control body odor for those of you who have particular stinky dogs.
Ways to Feed Wheatgrass to Your Dog
If you are delighted to hear about these wheatgrass health benefits, you may be eager to stock up and start feeding this super-food to your dog.
Be aware that offering your dog any human wheatgrass supplements is not a good idea.
These may be too potent or contain other ingredients that may be good for you but toxic for your dog.
Here are some perfectly safe ways to offer wheatgrass to your dog
1. Grow wheatgrass in a pot – You can create a mini indoor garden for your dog (it works great for cats, too) by growing wheatgrass like a plant in a big pot.
Keep it near your dog's food and water dishes so that your dog can help himself when he fancies it.
As long as you keep it trimmed and watered, with access to sunlight, the wheatgrass should keep re-growing so that you don't have to keep replacing it.
2. Chop it up and add it to your dog's dinner – It's like seasoning your dog's meal with a sprinkling of herbs, and it will look so pretty!
Although your dog may not appreciate the Instagram-worthy aesthetic of your masterpiece, they'll wolf it down.
3. Juice it – Yes, you can feed wheatgrass juice to your dog!
To make sure that you don't give too much and make your dog sick, as it will be very concentrated, just add a little of the juiced wheatgrass to your dog's water.
Like we said earlier, you can add it to your dog's food.
Pour wheatgrass juice into the food and stir for added moisture and goodness.
Grind it – Did you know that when you grind wheatgrass up and let it soak in its own juices, you can use it as a poultice for minor wounds and scrapes?
For more serious cuts and injuries, you should always consult a veterinarian.
Avoid smearing into deep open wounds, sores that aren't healing, or anything that is oozing or unpleasant.
Best Wheatgrass Growing Kits for Dogs
The easiest way to continuously give your dog wheatgrass is to grow some of your own at home.
Here are some of our favorite wheatgrass growing kits, which can be specifically grown to feed your pet.
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Organic Wheat Grass Seeds, Cat Grass Seeds, 16... | 5,684 Reviews | Check Price |
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Deluxe Organic Cat Grass Kit - Includes 5 Pounds... | 44 Reviews | Check Price |
|
Handy Pantry Organic Cat Grass Kit - Includes 3... | 2,221 Reviews | Check Price |
|
Todd's Seeds - 1 Pound of Wheatgrass Seeds - Non... | 5,607 Reviews | Check Price |
FAQs on Wheatgrass for Dogs
Can Cats Eat Wheatgrass?
Yes! We said earlier that it is popular for cats.
However, some of the parts of the plant cannot be digested.
How Much Wheatgrass Should I Give my Dog?
The amount you would normally have is totally different than what a dog would consume. We recommend that you give your dog 1 fl oz per 20lbs of body weight.
For example, my dog is just shy of 40 lbs, so I try to get just shy of 2 fl oz.
Wheatgrass for Dogs: Summary
Isn't it great to discover that something so healthy for you can also be used to boost your beloved dog's health?
Chewing on grass is also excellent mental stimulation for your dog, as this is a natural behavior.
This means that wheatgrass for dogs not only benefits their physical health but can also boost their mental well-being.
Now spread the word about all the incredible health benefits of wheatgrass so that other dog owners can give their dogs the same boost.
READ NEXT: Why Are Dogs Eating Grass?
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