Wheatgrass

What is wheatgrass?

Wheatgrass is the young plant of wheat (Triticum aestivum), which is harvested before it forms seeds. Wheatgrass has a high content of chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes. Wheatgrass is gluten-free as it is harvested before gluten is formed.

What are the benefits of wheatgrass for dogs?

Wheatgrass has many beneficial effects on dog health. Here are some of them:

• Detoxification: wheatgrass helps to cleanse the body of harmful substances by supporting the liver and promoting blood formation. It also binds heavy metals and pesticides and helps to eliminate them.
• Immune system: Wheatgrass strengthens the immune system by activating defense cells and inhibiting inflammation. It also has an antibacterial and antiviral effect and can prevent or fight infections.
• Digestion: Wheatgrass promotes digestion by improving the intestinal flora and stimulating intestinal movement. It also alleviates gastrointestinal complaints such as flatulence, diarrhea or constipation.
• Skin and coat: Wheatgrass improves the appearance and well-being of skin and coat by promoting blood circulation and accelerating cell renewal. It is also effective against itching, dandruff and eczema.
• Cancer prevention: Wheatgrass has an antioxidant effect that reduces cell damage caused by free radicals. It can also inhibit or slow down the growth of cancer cells.

How do you feed wheatgrass to dogs?

Wheatgrass can be fed to dogs in various forms. The most common are:

• Fresh wheatgrass: You can grow wheatgrass yourself or buy it from a health food store or online. Fresh wheatgrass should be thoroughly washed and chopped before giving it to your dog. You can give it pure or mix it with food.
• Wheatgrass juice: You can process fresh wheatgrass into juice using a juicer or blender. Wheatgrass juice should be fed as fresh as possible, as it loses its nutrients quickly. You can give it to your dog pure or diluted with water.
• Wheatgrass powder: You can buy wheatgrass powder in health food stores or online. It is dried and ground wheatgrass that has a long shelf life. You can give it to your dog dry or dissolved in water.

How much wheatgrass should you give dogs?

The recommended amount of wheatgrass for dogs depends on the dog's weight and tolerance. The following is a guideline:

• Fresh wheatgrass: 1-2 teaspoons per 10 kg body weight per day
• Wheatgrassjuice: 5-10 ml per 10 kg body weight per day
• Wheatgrass powder: 2-3 g per 10 kg body weight per day

It is advisable to start with a small amount and increase this slowly to observe the dog's reaction. If there are signs of intolerance such as vomiting, diarrhea or itching, the amount should be reduced or the wheatgrass discontinued.

Are there any disadvantages or risks when feeding wheatgrass to dogs?

Wheatgrass is generally well tolerated and safe for dogs. However, there are a few points you should bear in mind:

• Quality: make sure that the wheatgrass is organically grown and free from harmful substances. Avoid wheatgrass that is yellowish or brown or smells bad.
• Allergy: Some dogs can have an allergic reaction to wheatgrass, especially if they have a grass allergy. Watch out for symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, eye irritation or skin rash.
• Overdosing: Too much wheatgrass can overload the body and cause side effects such as nausea, headaches or dizziness. Therefore, stick to the recommended amounts and do not feed wheatgrass daily over a longer period of time.