Wheat is commonly used in human and animal food. Different parts of the wheat plant were also found have medicinal uses, such as the anti-cancer properties of wheat bran and the antimicrobial activities of wheat sprouts [1]. Wheatgrass, derived from the young grass of the common wheat plant (Triticum aestivum), has been heralded for its nutritional benefits in human diets for decades. And now wheatgrass presents a valuable addition to canine diets, offering a range of health benefits from enhanced immune function and digestive health to anti-inflammatory properties and improved skin and coat condition. This application is a more recent development that has garnered interest among pet owners and, by extension, the pet food and supplement industry.

Herbal products have become increasingly popular as nutraceuticals (organic and/or traditional foods that are consumed in the context of a healthy lifestyle). Wheatgrass contains minerals, vitamins and active enzymes that are easily absorbed. It is proven to be beneficial, owing not least to its antioxidant properties, with anti-cancer, anti-fungal and antimicrobial effect[2]. Due to the presence of resistant starch, lignans, phenolic acids and numerous antioxidant components, including carotenoids, this herbal plant is deserving attention as a source of dietary fiber.[3]

Wheatgrass is already included in some commercial diets and commercial canine dietary supplements.

Nutritional profile

Wheatgrass is a potent source of phytonutrients, including some B vitamins and other vitamins (A, C, E, and K); minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium); amino acids, active enzymes, and antioxidants. Its high chlorophyll content is particularly notable, often linked with detoxifying properties and promoting overall health.
Antioxidant Properties and Immune Support
Wheatgrass is rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenolic acid, and chlorophyll. These antioxidants help to combat oxidative stress by neutralising the free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to various diseases.
Digestive Health and Detoxification
The high fibre content in wheatgrass can aid in improving digestive health. It supports regular bowel movements and can help prevent constipation. Moreover, the chlorophyll in wheatgrass is known for its detoxifying effects, helping to cleanse the liver and bloodstream from toxins.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Inflammation is a common underlying factor in many chronic conditions, including arthritis, which can affect older dogs. Wheatgrass contains several anti-inflammatory compounds, including chlorophyll and flavonoids, which can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain
Enhancing Skin and Coat Health
The nutrients in wheatgrass, particularly vitamins A and E, are essential for maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat. These vitamins play a critical role in cell regeneration and repair, which is crucial for maintaining the health of a dog’s skin and fur.

References:

[1] Zhao, Y.; Shi, L.; Hu, C.; Sang, S. Wheat bran for colon cancer prevention: The synergy between phytochemical alkylresorcinol
C21 and intestinal microbial metabolite butyrate. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2019, 67, 12761–12769.
[2]Parit SB, Dawkar VV, Tanpure RS, Pai SR, Chougale AD. Nutritional Quality and Antioxidant Activity of Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) Unwrap by Proteome Profiling and DPPH and FRAP assays. J Food Sci. 2018 Aug;83(8):2127-2139. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.14224. Epub 2018 Jul 30. PMID: 30059150.
[3] P Minocha N, Saini S, Pandey P. Nutritional prospects of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) and its effects in treatment and chemoprevention. Explor Med. 2022;3:432–42. https://doi.org/10.37349/emed.2022.0010

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Want to know more? The studies may be useful:

  • Francisco Cores Rodríguez, Eimear Gallagher, Dilip K. Rai, Catherine M. Burgess, Nutritional and physiochemical properties of wheatgrass juice and preservation strategies, Food Chemistry Advances, Volume 1, 2022, 100136, ISSN 2772-753X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.focha.2022.100136.
  • Lee JH, Lim JY, Jeon YD, Yun DH, Lee YM, Kim DK. Extract of Wheatgrass and Aronia Mixture Ameliorates Atopic Dermatitis-Related Symptoms by Suppressing Inflammatory Response and Oxidative Stress In Vitro and In Vivo. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022 Dec 23;12(1):27. doi: 10.3390/antiox12010027. PMID: 36670888; PMCID: PMC9854678.

Important Considerations:

  • Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
  • As some commercial foods contain wheatgrass as an ingredient, check the label to see whether it’s in your dog’s food 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.