Can Cats Eat Wheatgrass? Vet-Reviewed Benefits & Facts
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If you have a dog, chances are you’re used to asking them what they have in their mouths. On the other hand, cats can be a little fussier about what they eat, but some nibble the edges of plant leaves if they’re curious enough. So can cats eat wheatgrass? Thankfully, if you have wheatgrass in your home, it’s safe for your cat to eat occasionally.
What Is Wheatgrass?
Wheatgrass is used in smoothies and juice recipes, and you can also get it as a supplement or in powdered form in most grocery or health food stores. It’s the newly sprouted leaves from wheat plants, and it’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Cats enjoy the taste, and unlike many other plants, they happily munch on wheatgrass, which is why it’s commonly used in cat grass.
Does that mean that all cat grass is made of wheatgrass? No; cat grass can be made of any plant, such as rye, oats, barley, or wheat. When shopping for wheatgrass for your cat, look for an organic product so you can be confident it won't be sprayed with herbicides, as these are toxic to cats. You can also buy a kit and grow your own at home.
Benefits of Wheatgrass for Cats
It might seem strange to give your cat wheatgrass, especially since they need animal protein rather than plant protein. However, we'll discuss the benefits of eating grass below.
- Aids digestion: Wheatgrass is an excellent source of fiber, which promotes a healthy gut. It helps cats prone to constipation and can also clear out hairballs.
- Enriches the environment: Indoor cats can benefit from cat grass, as they cannot interact with their environment like an outdoor cat or graze on natural foliage. It’s a fantastic way to bring the outdoors into your home safely.
Potential Risks of Wheatgrass for Cats
If your cat eats too much wheatgrass, they may vomit or have diarrhea. If they eat the live plant, they might also be encouraged to nibble other plants in the house. Although giving them grass to nibble on might prevent them from nibbling on others, it could go either way. So, moving your plants somewhere your cat can’t reach might be a good idea.
You might also wonder if cats with a gluten intolerance can eat wheatgrass, and the answer is yes! Wheatgrass is harvested in such early stages that it doesn’t contain any gluten.
Wheatgrass is suitable for most cats, even kittens or cats with health problems like diabetes. However, it should not replace your cat’s regular diet. If you’re unsure if it’s suitable for your cat, contact a vet for advice.
How to Serve Wheatgrass to Your Cat
As we’ve already mentioned, cat grass isn’t one specific plant. Instead, it’s a mixture of seeds grown indoors specifically for cats to eat. However, you can certainly buy wheatgrass by itself and use it as cat grass. Your cat can eat the live plant if they enjoy doing so, or you can clip grass from the plant and serve it to your cat mixed into their food.
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Final Thoughts
Feeding your feline grass might seem unusual, but cats can eat wheatgrass and many of them even love it! Eating it has many recognized benefits; it’s an excellent source of fiber, can help clear out hairballs, promotes GI health, and enriches their diet. If your cat can't be trusted to help themselves, you can still sprinkle some on their regular food for a nutritious boost! See Also:
Sources
Featured Image Credit: QueenNuna, Shutterstock
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Kerry-Ann lives in Scotland and would love to have a bigger garden so she could have her very own Highland cow. But her dogs probably wouldn’t like that idea very much. She has a La Chon called Harry who was sick with a liver shunt when he was a puppy. It wasn't likely he would make it into adulthood, which was difficult to comprehend, but he beat the odds and is a healthy old man now. She also has a Pug called Maddie who is a big foodie. She’s small, sassy, and every day she finds a new way to wind her brother up.
When she isn’t writing you can find Kerry-Ann going for long walks when it isn't raining, reading, or watching cartoons. She would one day like to be a tourist in her own country and travel through the Highlands with her family.
