Cats can only survive by eating meat. This means that meat is just one component of a balanced cat food diet. Cereals are safe for our feline companions to eat, and they enjoy them.
Among other grains, barley is particularly rich in useful and necessary nutrients.
Therefore, including cereals in your cat’s diet is a great way to give them sustained energy and fiber for their digestive health.
However, the grains that are already part of your cat’s dry food (kibble) are not the same as the barley that people eat.
For the latter, you can give your cat either barley grass or cooked barley in the form of porridge. As you read on, you’ll see that each choice offers its own set of advantages.
Can Cats Eat Barley?
Although a varied diet is beneficial for cats, it is not advised that they consume grains such as barley.
It’s high fiber content may lead to gastrointestinal distress in your feline friend.
The majority of cat food is too low in fiber, so it’s best to supplement their diet with high-fiber options.
In addition, your cat’s health can benefit from the many nutrients found in barley.
However, it is not a staple of the cat’s diet, and you may want to feed your cat other carbohydrates that are better for his health if you want to maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Generally speaking, we recommend feeding your cat only cat food and not giving him table scraps.
What Is Barley Grass?
The plant species Hordeum vulgare, which produces barley, is the world’s fourth-most-cultivated cereal crop.
Barley grass, meanwhile, is the plant’s actual leaf. Many studies have shown that consuming green juice made from these sprouts or taking a supplement containing them is beneficial to human health.
Cat grass, also known as barley grass, can be a combination of oat, rye, and wheat grasses. The digestive properties of barley shoots aid the cat’s transit and enable it to purge.
Is Barley Grass Healthy for Cats?
Absolutely! If your cat never goes outside, barley shoots are a great way to give him a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In addition to being delicious, these young stems actually help cats.
Barley leaves aid digestion, which in turn reduces the likelihood of hairballs. So don’t worry if your cat throws up after eating barley grass.
These young plants can be a healthy addition to your cat’s diet. They contain many beneficial substances, including vitamins K and C, beta-carotene, proteins, amino acids, chlorophyll, and crucial elements like iron and zinc. These vitamins and minerals are essential for keeping the skin and coat in top condition.
In a nutshell, barley sprouts provide essential micronutrients, aid in digestion, prevent hairballs, and keep cats active and mentally sharp.
Barley leaves and shoots, by the way, are nutritious as well. The fresh sprouts are often blended into a nutritious smoothie by many people.
Why Do Cats Eat Grass?
Cats consume a lot of hair because they ingest it while grooming. It’s not uncommon for these hairs to gather into balls in the digestive tract. Anorexia, pancreatitis, vomiting, intestinal obstruction, and even cancer have all been linked to inhaled hair.
Brushing your cat on a regular basis can help prevent these issues. However, cat grass is a natural, low-cost alternative.
The hairs can be more easily regurgitated after eating grass shoots. The grass blade will enfold the hairballs, making them simpler to vomit up.
In addition, grass shoots provide cats with vitamins that are lacking in their meat-based diet.
Your cat eating a lot of grass could be a sign that she needs more vitamin B or more fiber in her diet.
Check the ingredients of his kibble or wet food to make sure there are adequate amounts of fiber.
Lastly, unlike outdoor cats, indoor cats rarely get to snack on tender new growth.
Therefore, our little felines frequently attack houseplants, some of which can be toxic to them. Therefore, it’s crucial to give your indoor-only cat access to cat grass.
Can You Give Your Cat Cooked Barley?
Your cat needs a grain-free, gluten-free diet unless he is on a special restricted diet.
Remove the tape rise from the top and fill it with new barley, making sure it’s completely submerged.
Cooked barley is excellent for cats because it contains protein, essential fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, and enzymes.
Can Cats Eat Barley Grass?
You can feed your cat both the barley grains and any leftover barley grass juice from your juicer.
Cats enjoy barley grass because it is similar to the grasses they eat in the wild.
Barley, one of the earliest cultivated grains, has been a mainstay of human diets in many parts of the world for thousands of years.
You could make your cat a nutritious smoothie by blending three tablespoons of frozen fruits with some barley grass juice.
Your indoor/outdoor cat may be looking for the natural nutrients she is missing by grazing on your lawn or digging in the dirt for worms.
Your cat should not consume any outside grass or plants because they may be poisonous if they have been treated or contain pesticides or herbicides.
How to Grow Barley Grass at Home
Making your own cat grass doesn’t require a green thumb. Barley grass is incredibly simple to cultivate at home, whether on a balcony or in a pot on the floor. Grass seedlings need only to be watered, placed in direct sunlight, and patiently tended to.
Pet shops should carry the seeds for cat barley. Keep in mind that cats can be picky eaters; while most cats enjoy barley sprouts, there are always those who show no interest. In such a case, try your hand at the experiment again with a different herb blend, like oats or rye.
Miniature cat grass gardens can be grown by following these instructions.
- First, put some loose potting soil in a heavy pot that your cat can’t easily knock over. Cover a quarter inch of soil with a sprinkling of barley seeds.
- Second, place a plastic wrap cover on the container and keep it at room temperature. Keep the soil consistently moist and keep it out of direct sunlight.
- Third, you should see the first sprouts after 7 days. Take the pot outside and continue watering it whenever the soil dries out after you’ve taken it out of the plastic.
- Four: Give your cat some of the young grass when it’s about three inches tall.
- As for number five, you should expect your barley grass to wither over time. The dying stems need only be cut off and replaced by new seedlings. If you want a steady stream of new growth, space your plantings out by a week or two.
Is Barley Porridge Good For Cats?
Yes, barley porridge is the feline equivalent of a filling and not-too-dry meal.
Most importantly, barley porridge provides essential nutrients for your cat without making them feel bloated.
The porridge can be made whenever you like and does not require any special skills in the kitchen.
And since it’s made entirely of healthy, all-natural ingredients, barley porridge is completely risk-free to feed to your cats.
Vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as niacin and other minerals like iron, are included as well.
Is Cat Grass The Same As Barley?
Incorrect; barley and cat grass are not interchangeable.
The daisy family includes Dactylis glomerata, the scientific name for the grass.
Cat grass has a high sugar content, making it toxic to cats if they eat too much of it. This is especially true if you’re growing it indoors.
If you want to give your cat a tasty treat that is also good for them, try making some homemade cat grass.
Wheatgrass, or Triticum aestivum, is an edible grass that is packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin A, and chlorophyll.
Bottom Line
Both raw and cooked barley are safe for your cat to eat. However, barley grass appears to have more health benefits for your kitty, and it’s simple to grow in your own backyard.
Keep some cat grass indoors so your pet can reap the health benefits without having to venture outside.