Can Dogs Eat Barley? How to Feed Your Dog Barley

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is a cereal grain from the same family as wheat and the fourth most produced grain worldwide. Barley can grow in a wide range of conditions and is fairly drought-resistant; you can find it in the desert-like conditions in North Africa, and in western Europe and North America, but the biggest producers worldwide are Russia, Germany, France, and Ukraine. Barley is most commonly used as animal feed and to make beer, but you can buy it at the supermarket for human (and canine) consumption. The grain comes in many forms; the most commonly eaten is pearl barley, though you can also find barley flour for making barley bread, hulled barley, and pot barley.

Yes, dogs can eat a moderate amount of barley. In fact, barley is a common ingredient in dry dog food or kibble, second only to the meat protein source. You can also buy barley grass powder for dogs to supplement their diet and aid digestion.

If you’re preparing barley to give to your dog, use pearl barley as you would rice. Or you can feed them a small amount of low-sodium barley soup or stew. Do not feed barley to dogs with wheat flour allergies—it is not gluten-free. Additionally, large amounts of barley grass can upset your dog’s stomach or cause diarrhea. Barley water is also safe for dogs to consume but should not replace regular water as their primary source of hydration.

You can feed your dog either whole grain or pearl barley. Whole-grain barley takes longer to cook than pearl barley and is best pre-soaked for a few hours to cut down on cook time. Both varieties can be cooked a few different ways, including in a slow cooker or on the stovetop:

• Stovetop absorption method: Rinse barley in a fine-mesh sieve under cold running water. Combine one cup barley with three cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat and lower to a simmer. Cook until barley is tender yet chewy, about 25–30 minutes for pearl barley, 40–50 for hulled barley. Add a little more water if the pan dries out. Drain barley if needed, and fluff with a fork.
• Stovetop pasta method: Bring water to a boil in a large stockpot. Add barley and cook until tender yet chewy, about 25–30 minutes for pearl barley and 40–45 for hulled barley. Drain in a fine-mesh strainer and fluff with a fork.

Whole-grain barley has a high soluble fiber content and is a good source of dietary fiber for your dog. Fiber can help regulate blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart disease. It also acts as a natural laxative to your dog’s digestive system and can ease discomfort due to constipation. In addition, barley is a good source of carbohydrates, plant proteins, manganese, and vitamin B.

Barley is not toxic to dogs and will not cause poisoning. However, your dog’s stomach can’t digest large amounts of fiber all at once. Moderate the amount of barley and barley grass you give your dog—too much barley grass powder can cause the pancreas to become inflamed and hamper digestion. In addition, barley can cause an allergic reaction in some dogs. Closely monitor your dog after feeding them barley for the first time.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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