In recent years, higher quality diets have become more prominent among loyal dog owners, with ingredients like grains coming under intense scrutiny. As consumers embrace trends like gluten-free diets, many are applying these values to their dogs’ food, often failing to understand the risks of grains to humans and animals.
Although grain-free food is beneficial for some pets, Ingredients like barley are generally safe for dogs and are a nutritious part of a balanced diet.
Why can dogs eat barley?
Barley is a popular ingredient in commercial dog food. Once cooked, it is easily digestible for dogs and is a good source of fiber and several micronutrients. Like wheat, barley is a grain that is widely used in food for humans, pets and livestock, and also plays an important role in beer production.
Although barley grass is considered a superfood, the seed is the part that is usually found in foods. The most common variety in stores is pearl barley, which does not contain the hard, indigestible outer shell (the bran).
Benefits of feeding barley to dogs
Proteins from animal meat should be the main ingredient in any food you offer, but dogs can eat barley in moderation. If barley is present in your dog’s store-bought food that has the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on the label, you can usually be confident that it contains a healthy serving as part of a balanced diet.1
Barley supports the heart, circulation, bones and immune system with its numerous valuable vitamins and minerals, including:
- phosphorus
- potassium
- magnesium
- manganese
- B vitamins
- selenium
Barley also contains more calcium than rice, another grain commonly used in dog food, and contains valuable antioxidants such as vitamin E, lutein and beta-carotene to protect cells from damage.
Soluble fiber
Barley is a starch-rich beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that can help regulate blood sugar levels. Beta-glucan slows sugar absorption in the gastrointestinal tract while increasing insulin sensitivity. Because barley has one of the lowest glycemic indices of all grains and contains about three times more beta-glucan than oats, it can be an excellent option for overweight or diabetic dogs.
Soluble fiber promotes healthy gut flora by being fermented into beneficial short-chain fatty acids, improving the dog’s digestive efficiency. It optimizes nutrient absorption and can reduce inflammation and improve immune health by feeding the healthy bacteria in your dog’s gastrointestinal tract. The slow-digesting grain also increases satiety, so your dog feels full faster, further reducing the risk of obesity.
Insoluble fiber
Barley is also an important source of insoluble fiber, which aids in stool formation and prevents constipation, allowing your dog to maintain good gastrointestinal function. Barley can help stabilize blood sugar levels and provide a feeling of satiety, which allows for better weight control.
When your dog should not eat barley
There are some cases in which you should not consider including barley in your dog’s diet. Like wheat and rye, barley contains gluten, a protein that can affect sensitive dogs. Although this is rare, the risks of negative health effects may be enough to warrant a conversation with your veterinarian before adding barley to your dog’s diet.
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Gluten intolerance
Adverse food reactions to gluten can occur, but are less common in dogs than food allergies to animal proteins such as beef, dairy, and chicken. Food allergies in dogs most commonly cause itchy skin symptoms and gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive flatulence.
Studies have shown that Irish Setters may be prone to enteropathy, which may be related to gluten intolerance. Dogs with this disease display similar symptoms to humans with celiac disease, including vomiting, diarrhea, and chronic weight loss, but the disease is not directly comparable.
Gluten intolerance may also play a role in a condition called paroxysmal dyskinesia in some dogs, particularly Border Terriers and possibly Malteses. This neurological disorder causes seizure-like episodes of involuntary movements and postural changes that can last from a few minutes to several hours.
Excessive barley consumption
Regardless of the health concerns, barley should always be a limited part of your dog’s diet. While reasonable amounts can promote gastrointestinal health, too much fiber can cause uncomfortable bloating and gas when fermented.
Too much insoluble fiber can bind important nutrients and cause vomiting or diarrhea. Improper preparation can contribute to these problems, so it’s important to cook barley thoroughly when including it in a homemade dog food.
Preparing barley for your dog
How you prepare barley depends on the type you use. Pearl barley takes less time to cook and is generally easier for dogs to digest, but it doesn’t provide as many nutrients as hulled barley.
Hulled barley, also known as whole grain barley, has the added benefit of the germ and bran. The outer hull increases the vitamin, mineral, protein and fat content of the barley compared to pearled varieties and contains most of the grain’s fiber.
How to prepare pearl barley
Rinse the barley thoroughly. Place the barley and water (or unseasoned stock) in a saucepan in a ratio of 1:2. Bring the pan to the boil and simmer for 20-30 minutes until the barley is soft and firm to the bite. Drain and loosen before serving.
How to prepare hulled (whole grain) barley
Hulled barley needs a longer preparation time so that dogs can digest it well. To reduce cooking time, you should usually soak it in water for a few hours after rinsing. When you’re ready to cook, put the barley in a saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 40-50 minutes. Drain and fluff before serving.
Always give your dog a small amount of barley at first to see how he tolerates it. Watch for side effects such as vomiting or diarrhea. If you are preparing homemade meals for your dog, barley can be a nutritious regular addition to his diet, along with lean protein, vegetables and other grains. We always recommend consulting a veterinary nutritionist to create homemade meal plans for your dog and ensure all of his nutritional needs are met.
Diploma
Barley is a nutritious grain, rich in fiber and various vitamins and minerals. It is a common ingredient in commercial dog foods. Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet. However, if they give you the green light, properly prepared barley can be a useful addition to your dog’s diet if you give it in moderation.
Barley should only be part of a balanced diet that contains all the essential nutrients your puppy needs to stay healthy and is not suitable for dogs with gluten sensitivity conditions.
Photo credit: Sanit Fuangnakhon, Shutterstock
