You might enjoy the taste and benefits of the occasional shot of wheatgrass for yourself but wonder about wheatgrass for dogs.
Benefits of wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is one of the best living sources of chlorophyll available. It has over 100 elements that are needed by our bodies. It’s loaded with amino acids, enzymes, protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a wonderful detoxifier and rebuilds the bloodstream. Chlorophyll washes away drug deposits in the body and neutralizes toxins. It also helps in purifying the liver. On top of all that, it neutralizes odors and gives your dog fresh breath.
How to grow and juice wheatgrass
If you are growing your own wheatgrass, always start with high-quality organic seeds.
- Soak 1/2 – 1 cup of seeds overnight, depending on your tray size (1/2 cup is perfect for a 10″ x 10″ tray and 1 cup for a 10″ x 20″ tray)
- Rinse and drain your seeds a few times. Watch for the seeds to begin sprouting a tiny root
- Plant in a tray filled with coconut coir that has been rehydrated and is moist
- Spread your seeds out evenly and cover with another tray to create a dark and humid environment
- Mist your seeds a few times daily
- Once they begin to sprout and grow, remove the top tray when the grass is an inch or two high
- Keep the coir moist by carrying your tray to the sink and pulling away the edges to add water and swishing it from side to side.
- Continue to mist your grass daily
- After 6-10 days, your grass will be 4-10″ high and ready to harvest.
- Cut the grass just above the growing medium when you are ready to juice
The benefits of wheatgrass are highest if you drink it within 20 minutes of juicing, but you can keep some in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze it in small amounts in small ice cube trays. I like to measure out 1/4 teaspoon in each cube section.
How much wheatgrass to feed your dog
When you are starting your dog out on wheatgrass for the first time, dip your finger in it and offer a small taste. If your dog likes it, you can very slowly build up the amount fed. If your dog is not so keen on the taste of wheatgrass, you can also add it to food or water.
Powdered wheat or barley grass is a good option as well if you are short on time. Just make sure you are buying a product that does not have other stuff added to it that may be harmful to your dog.
The key to using wheatgrass for dogs is to use it in small amounts. Too much wheatgrass too soon can be too detoxifying and cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. My dog is 12 pounds and gets 1/8 teaspoon but we started with a tiny drop and built up from there over time. A 50-pound dog can build up to 1 teaspoon daily.
Remember Go Low and Slow. Happy juicing!
