This ancient grain is becoming trendy, but can dogs eat farro? Keep reading to learn how safe it is for dogs.
Is it a good choice to give your furry friend cooked farro? Or are there potential risks? Read this guide to find out if farro is a good option for your dog.
For ultimate pet safety, I recommend consulting with your vet about all the questions you have about your dog eating farro.
What Is Farro
Before we get into whether pet owners should give it to their dogs, it’s important to understand what farro is.
Farro is a type of grain that is known as ancient grains. It’s called an ancient grain because its genetic structure is basically the same as it was hundreds of years ago. It hasn’t been genetically modified like other types of wheat or grains (like corn).
These ancient grains have become really trendy in recent years as people try to eat more whole foods and less processed or modified food.
It is a type of wheat, and since it has so many minerals in it, it’s known in health food circles as a nutritious grain.
Cooked farro has a nutty flavor and chewy texture that people also love.
There are three types of farro:
- Einkorn (piccolo)
- Emmer (medio)
- Spelt (grande)
There are also three different levels of processing that farro can go through.
- Whole grains: unaltered (un-hulled) and pack the greatest nutritional punch in exchange for the longest, slowest cooking time.
- Semi-pearled: partially hulled
- Pearled farro: is fully hulled.
Is Farro Gluten-Free
No, farro is not gluten-free. It’s a type of wheat, so it contains gluten. It’s an inflammatory grain for anyone with celiac or gluten intolerance.
Calories In Farro
In 1/4 a cup of uncooked farro there are:
- 150 calories
- 1 gram of fat
- 32 grams of carbohydrates
- 3 grams of fiber
Since it has so much dietary fiber, it has a relatively low glycemic index and is considered a nutritious addition to a healthy diet.
Does Farro Have Protein
Yes, it does. In addition to other essential nutrients (like b vitamins), 1/4 of a cup of farro contains six grams of protein. This is a similar amount to Quinoa, but higher than brown rice or whole grain wheat.
Can Dogs Have Farro
This is a tough question to answer because it really depends on your dog. Does your pup have celiac disease, grain allergies, or gluten intolerance? If so, they might get bloating, gas, or even diarrhea after eating farro. This is because farro contains gluten.
But, if your dog doesn’t have any of those health issues, a little bit might be good for them.
In fact, vets and dog professionals agree that farro is generally safe for dogs, as long as they don’t have food sensitivities, such as grain allergies.
Pay close attention to your dog’s diet and make sure they are eating enough of the most important types of food for their bodies. VCA Animal Hospital has fantastic feeding guidelines that you can follow.
Safe, high-quality dog foods should have all of the nutrients your dog needs.
Some dog owners want to cook whole foods for their dogs. Please consult your veterinarian to ensure you are giving your dog enough protein, fats, carbs, minerals, and vitamins. Dogs that eat enough of all of those things are at a lower risk of developing health problems.
Pay close attention to your dog’s health. If your furry friend can eat small amounts of whole grains without issues, cooked farro should be okay for them.
Benefits of Farro
There are a lot of health benefits of farro. If you want to give your dog a type of grain, it’s a good idea to give your dog farro.
It has so much nutritional value. Farro is an excellent source of fiber and contains essential fatty acids. The fiber is also good for your dog’s blood sugar levels.
The nutrients in farro can actually boost your dog’s immune system and support their healthy skin.
Farro is a good source of antioxidants that fight disease-causing free radicals. They help to prevent health conditions or health issues.
Is Farro Bad For Dogs
Farro is only bad for dogs that have issues digesting wheat or grains. If you don’t know grains give your dog digestive issues, then give them a small amount of cooked farro and see how they handle it.
Just like any other new food, watch for signs of food allergies or allergic reactions such as skin irritation or hair loss.
Then, stop giving your dog whole grains if they show any of those reactions.
If your dogs have sensitive stomachs or gluten intolerance, do not give them farro. The nutritional benefits are not worth their discomfort.
What Grains Should Dogs Avoid
If your pup has a grain allergy or gluten sensitivity, pet parents should not give them any kinds of grains.
Even so, most people agree that dogs should avoid eating uncooked or raw grains. So, this includes uncooked farro.
If your dog eats uncooked grains, they will probably experience gastrointestinal distress. A dog’s body isn’t made to digest uncooked grains.
If you want to feed your dog grains, make sure they are cooked.
Final Thoughts
Farro can be a healthy addition to your dog’s balanced diet in moderation. As long as your pup doesn’t have any digestive problems when eating grains, they should be able to eat emmer wheat.
It’s a good source of protein and contains essential amino acids. Do not give it to your dog if they have a grain allergy or gluten sensitivity.
More Dog Food Resources
Here are some more articles about human foods and grains dogs can and can’t eat:
- Can Dogs Eat Amaranth
- Can Dogs Eat Barley
- Can Dogs Eat Brown Rice
- Can Dogs Eat Couscous
- Can Dogs Eat Millet
- Can Dogs Eat Pasta
- Can Dogs Eat Quinoa
- Can Dogs Eat Wild Rice
Find lots of articles on food dogs can and can’t eat here on Spoiled Hounds!
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