Wholemeal barley

What is whole grain barley?

Wholemeal barley is one of the oldest types of grain cultivated by humans. It belongs to the sweet grass family and originally comes from the Middle East. Wholemeal barley is also known as pearl barley or pearl barley and differs from hulled barley in that it still contains the outer husk and the germ. These parts of the grain contain most of the nutrients and fiber.

Wholemeal barley has a nutty taste and a grainy texture. It can be cooked or swollen and served as a side dish or in soups, stews or salads. Wholemeal barley can also be ground into flour or pressed into flakes and used as an ingredient in bread, pastries or muesli.

What are the benefits of whole grain barley for dogs?

Whole grain barley can have some health benefits for dogs when fed in moderation. Here are some of them:

• Promotes digestion: whole grain barley is a good source of soluble and insoluble fiber, which stimulates intestinal motility, prevents constipation and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Fiber can also help reduce diarrhea by binding excess fluid in the stool.
• Increases satiety: Whole grain barley has a low glycemic index, which means that it causes blood sugar levels to rise slowly. This can help your dog stay full for longer and be less likely to overeat. A healthy weight can reduce the risk of various diseases such as diabetes, arthritis or heart problems.
• Provides important nutrients: Whole grain barley contains many vitamins and minerals that are important for your dog's health. These include vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, E and K as well as iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium. These nutrients support the function of nerves, muscles, skin, coat, immune system and metabolism.
• Protects against oxidative stress: Wholegrain barley is rich in antioxidants such as phenols, flavonoids and lignans. These plant substances can neutralize free radicals caused by environmental pollution, stress or ageing. Free radicals can cause cell damage and trigger chronic inflammation, which has been linked to various diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's.

What are the disadvantages of whole grain barley for dogs?

Whole grain barley is not suitable for all dogs and can also have some disadvantages. Here are some of them:

• Can cause allergies or intolerances: Whole grain barley is one of the most common allergens in dogs. An allergy to barley usually manifests itself in skin problems such as itching, redness or hair loss. An intolerance to barley can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as flatulence, vomiting or diarrhea. If your dog shows signs of allergy or intolerance, you should take him to the vet and stop feeding him whole grain barley.
• Can affect nutrient absorption: Whole grain barley contains phytic acid, a substance that reduces the availability of minerals such as iron, zinc or calcium. This can lead to a deficiency of these minerals, which can have a negative impact on your dog's health. To avoid this, you should not use whole grain barley as the main ingredient in your dog's food, but only as a supplement in small amounts.
• Can lead to obesity: Although whole grain barley is low in calories, it is also high in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are not essential for dogs and can lead to weight gain if consumed in excess. Obesity can in turn increase the risk of various diseases. To avoid this, you should adjust the amount of whole grain barley to your dog's energy requirements and exercise him regularly.