How to grow and Harvest Wheatgrass for Homemade dog treats

Can you easily grow wheatgrass at home and use it in your favorite dog treat recipes?

 

  

  

 

Yes, you CAN!  (Check out the BONUS homemade dog treat recipe included at the end) 

  

 

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(Image Pumpkin Honey wheatgrass dog treats -Credit: Annmarie Holbrook)

 

 

There's no need to juice it or grind it. You simply grow it, and harvest it into a lush green grass plant. And it's ready for use. 

 

 

What is wheatgrass?

 

 

 Wheatgrass is the young freshly sprouted first-green leaves of the wheat plant known as Triticum aestivum. I grew this one in my office window. 

 

 (Image Credits: Annmarie Holbrook)

 

The benefits of wheatgrass for dogs are, aiding digestion, helping to boost the immune system, and overall physical health.

 

 

Offering Organic Wheatgrass that's grown inside is a great way to give your dog and cat an opportunity to nibble on it naturally. Or by adding the grown wheatgrass into homemade dog and cat treats.

 

Anytime I would grow a wheatgrass plant, I would bring it to my two cats Simba and Minnie.

 

They LOVED nibbling on it. And it stayed fresh for almost two weeks. I made sure that I kept it watered infrequently. 

 

 

You could even through a few sprigs into your dog's food. 

 

 

Wheatgrass contains many vitamins like vitamins A, C, E, iron, calcium,  and magnesium. 

 

 

There are many wheat species.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And this particular one is what we are excited about growing and using for its amazing health benefits for humans AND their beloved pets. 

 

What pets can eat wheatgrass?

 

• Dogs
• Cats
• Reptiles
• Birds
• Rabbits
• Guinea pigs
• Hamsters 

 

 

 

Where can you find wheatgrass juice and powder?

 

 

You can find wheatgrass juice and powder online, at your local health food store, or some grocery stores carry fresh-cut wheatgrass.

 

I use Organic Wheatgrass Juice powder. I love it in my pineapple smoothie or it can be added to dog treat recipes, when you may not have fresh wheatgrass available. 

 

 

 

I used to spend over $7 for a 5x5 wheatgrass plant, to give to my cats. Then I did my research on how to grow it at home.

 

 

 

 

Everything changed from then on. I love to grow plants and I love to be creative with food. So this was a "win-win" for me. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was amazed at how easy it is to grow.  You will too! Follow me for a brief step-by-step DIY on growing wheatgrass. 

  

 

 

 

 Growing wheatgrass for Homemade Dog treats in the comfort of your own home

Instructions

• Since you will give the wheatgrass to your beloved pet, I recommend using Organic Wheatgrass seeds, with a High Germination. I use a brand called;  (Rose & Branch) This wheatgrass is grown and harvested in the USA. "I love this brand!" I always get a good harvest and it's deep green. 
• Use a covered bowl and fill with 3 to 4 cups of water.
• Use 1 Cup of wheatgrass seeds and pour into the bowl
• Give them a slight stir and store them in a cool dark place, covered. 
• You will want to rinse out your wheatgrass every eight hours. Your wheatgrass should be soaking for a total of 24 hours, before planting. (I recommend starting your wheatgrass soaking, in the morning)
• When the 24 hours is up, give your wheatgrass a final rinse.
• Use a mesh strainer to transfer the wheatgrass seeds. 
• At this point, your wheatgrass seeds may show signs of sprouting. If they are not showing signs of sprouting, that's perfectly fine. 

(Image Credit: Annmarie Holbrook)

 

 

Planting the seeds in the soil 

(Image Credit: Annmarie Holbrook)

 

Today we are using 2 - 2" by 6" containers.  Ensure that they have proper drainage. You can use a container with no drainage but I have always had better luck with drainage. You can use organic potting soil or worm castings -which I use.

• Fill a container with 1" potting mix. I use container
• Spread the seeds evenly over the potting mix. (double layer)
• Spray it with a spray bottle and cover the top of both containers with a zip-lock bag. Then place in a dark area of the room.
• THE FIRST TWO DAYS ARE THE MOST CRUCIAL 
• Make sure to spray the entire seed area in the morning and again at night. 

Soon you will see small grass blades appear. On day 3 take the plastic off and place both containers near a window. You can now deep water infrequently. Do this every OTHER day. OR as needed, not to saturate.

On day 7 your wheatgrass will be ready to harvest. Simply cut it off at the base. 

                                            

                (Image Credit: Annmarie Holbrook)       

 After your wheatgrass is ready for harvest, you can add some to your homemade dog treat recipe. Refrigerate the remaining cut wheatgrass in a zip-lock bag for one week.

  

 

As promised. 

 

My Homemade Honey Pumpkin Wheatgrass Dog treats

 

(Image Credit: Annmarie Holbrook)

 

 Ingredients

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I use these cute Paw & Bone-shaped silicone molds. They are food-grade safe and can also be used in the oven up to 500 degrees F. The ideas are endless.

 

 Wheatgrass is an AMAZING superfood that has been around for many years. Growing it and putting it into Homemade Dog treat recipes can add health benefits to your dog's diet. 

 

NOTE: As with any food, sensory, or toy product, it's advised to consult with your veterinarian before starting a new diet or snack implementation for your pet.  Some pets may have pre-existing health challenges. Check out our full disclaimer here.

 

Let me know in the comments if you tried this recipe. Did your dog like it?  I'm looking forward to hearing from you!