Spelt

Spelt (Triticum spelta) is an ancient grain that has gained popularity for its nutritional benefits, which include high protein content and high lipid content and a desirable fatty acid profile. In general, ancient grains are a richer source of proteins and fats than common wheat.

Spelt provides high-quality protein, essential vitamins and minerals, dietary fibre, and antioxidants, making it a valuable addition to the canine diet. In fact, spelt has a greater percentage than wheat of several nutrients, including magnesium, copper, phosphorus, iron and zinc[1]. The balanced nutrient profile and digestibility of spelt can support overall health, improve digestion, and provide sustained energy for dogs.

Main nutrients

Carbohydrates

Spelt is a high-carbohydrate grain, providing a good source of energy. Although carbohydrates are not essential to the canine diet, they can be a valuable and important source of glucose, on which dogs rely for their energy needs. (Protein can also provide glucose but studies have shown that carbohydrates can provide metabolic benefits: when carbohydrates are used as a source of energy, the body can use protein for other important processes, such as growth and tissue repair.)

Protein

Depending on cultivation location, spelt contains around 14-17% protein, which is higher than common wheat. The significant protein content in spelt supports muscle development, repair, and overall growth in dogs.

Fibre

Spelt is rich in soluble fibres. Studies have shown the beneficial effects of soluble fibres on health[2]. Fibre can modulate appetite, regulate digestion and act, through fermentation, as a microbial energy source. A vital component of nearly all canine diets, with key features including fermentability, solubility and viscosity, fibre has been shown to provide health benefits for dogs[3].

Vitamins

High in B vitamins, particularly niacin (B3), thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2) and pyridoxine (B6).

Minerals

Contains significant amounts of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and manganese. Spelt’s mineral content supports various physiological functions, including immune support (zinc), bone health (magnesium and phosphorus), and oxygen transport (iron).

Antioxidants

Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress, support the immune system and may protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

 

Use and availability

Baking

While spelt has higher protein content than wheat flour, it contains less gluten. For baking purposes, therefore, it is less elastic and its dough strength and stability can be enhanced in baking by combining with wheat flour.

Spelt availability

Spelt is available in many forms including flour (including wholemeal), flakes, couscous, spelt freekeh , organic green spelt, and even sprouted (germinated) spelt!

 

References:

[1] Tóth V, Láng L, Vida G, Mikó P, Rakszegi M. Characterization of the Protein and Carbohydrate Related Quality Traits of a Large Set of Spelt Wheat Genotypes. Foods. 2022 Jul 12;11(14):2061. doi: 10.3390/foods11142061. PMID: 35885303; PMCID: PMC9324691.
[2] Brennan, CS, and Cleary, LJ. The potential role of cereal (1→3,1→4)-beta-D-glucans as functional food ingredients. J Cereal Sci. (2005) 42:1–13. doi: 10.1016/j.jcs.2005.01.002
[3] Adam A. Moreno, Valerie J. Parker Jenessa A. Winston. Dietary fiber aids in the management of canine and feline gastrointestinal disease. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.22.08.0351 Volume 260: Issue S3. Online Publication Date:  26 Oct 2022

 

Want to know more? These studies may be useful:

  •  Gizzarelli M, Calabrò S, Vastolo A, Molinaro G, Balestrino I, Cutrignelli MI. Clinical Findings in Healthy Dogs Fed With Diets Characterized by Different Carbohydrates Sources. Front Vet Sci. 2021 Apr 22;8:667318. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.667318. PMID: 33969043; PMCID: PMC8100497.
  • Rankovic, A., Adolphe, J. L., & Verbrugghe, A. (2019). Role of carbohydrates in the health of dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 255(5), 546-554. Retrieved Jun 22, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.255.5.546
  • Georgia Frakolaki, Virginia Giannou, Evangelos Topakas, Constantina Tzia, Chemical characterization and breadmaking potential of spelt versus wheat flour, Journal of Cereal Science, Volume 79, 2018, Pages 50-56, ISSN 0733-5210, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcs.2017.08.023.

 

Nutritional information: Spelt, uncooked, 100 g

Nutrient table for spelt

For full nutrient content see Food Data Central

 

Important Considerations:

  • Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
  • If you are feeding commercial food, check the label for ingredients before giving more. Excessive intake of any foods can have adverse effects.
  • Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
  • Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
  • I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
  • Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.
  • I am not a professional canine nutritionist but supporting research is cited.
  • The recipes shared were created by me and tested in my kitchen – and tasted and approved by our doggy friends!