Wheatgrass for Dogs
Wheatgrass is a nutrient-dense type of plant in the wheat family. It is purported to have many health benefits and contains a large range of vitamins, amino acids, chlorophyll, fiber, and enzymes. Many people also love giving wheatgrass to their dogs, but they may wonder if it's safe to do so. There are no known toxicities or problems associated with giving wheatgrass to dogs. In fact, there are some possible benefits to sharing it with your canine pal.
Potential Nutritional Benefits of Wheatgrass for Dogs
Below are some of the many health benefits that consuming wheatgrass may offer to your dog:
- Antioxidant activity
- Organ cleansing
- Breath freshening
- Body odor control
- Blood cleansing
- Digestion aid
- Constipation prevention
- Energy boosting
- Antiseptic activity
Additional Wheatgrass Benefits for Dogs
Have you ever seen your dog eating the grass in your lawn? It's a common canine behavior, and there may be more than one reason for them to engage in it. But eating grass outside can be dangerous for dogs because lawns are often treated with fertilizers and insecticides. It's also possible that your dog could ingest parasite eggs deposited on the grass when another dog previously used it as a place to defecate.
Giving your dog wheatgrass that you grow inside is safer than letting him eat grass outside. In fact, it may satisfy his urge to munch on grass so that he no longer tries to eat the lawn. And, when you've grown it yourself, you'll know that there isn't anything on it that may be harmful to him.
Ways to Feed Wheatgrass to Your Dog
As with all human supplements, we don't suggest you give human wheatgrass supplements to your dog. They might contain other ingredients or be too potent. Here are some great ways to give wheatgrass to your dog:
- Provide it in a pot, fully-grown, next to your dog's food and water dishes. This product is an example of an easy way to grow wheatgrass at home.
- Chop it up, and mix it with your dog's food or treats.
- Juice it, and add a small amount to your dog's food or water.
- Grind it up, let it soak in its own juices, and use it as a poultice for your dog's minor wounds and scrapes. Consult with your veterinarian for open wounds or sores that aren't healing or those that appear angry or oozing.
As you can see, giving your dog wheatgrass regularly may provide important health benefits as well being a positive enrichment activity.
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