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Can Dogs and Cats Eat Barley?

About Barley

Barley, a member of the grass family, is a major cereal grain grown in temperate climates globally. One of the first cultivated grains, it was domesticated in the Fertile Crescent around 9000 BC, giving it nonshattering spikelets and making it much easier to harvest. Read more on Wikipedia →

Barley for Dogs

High in fiber which supports digestive health. Contains beta-glucan which may help lower cholesterol. Cook thoroughly and serve plain.

The general rule of thumb is the 10% guideline — treats and extras should not exceed 10% of your dog's total daily calories. The remainder should come from a balanced commercial or vet-formulated diet. Introduce barley gradually, watching for any sign of digestive upset over the first 24–48 hours.

Nutrition per 100 g

Flour, barley — 367.0 kcal, 8.72 g protein, 2.45 g fat, 77.4 g carbohydrates, 12.8 g fiber. Source: USDA FoodData Central.

Portion guide by body weight

• Toy / small (under 5 kg / 11 lb): a teaspoon-sized piece, 2–3 times per week
• Medium (5–15 kg / 11–33 lb): a tablespoon-sized portion, up to daily
• Large (15–30 kg / 33–66 lb): two tablespoons, up to daily
• Giant (30 kg+): a small handful, up to daily

Barley for Cats

Non-toxic grain that may aid digestion. Often found in some cat foods. Cook thoroughly.

Cats are obligate carnivores and don't need fruit, vegetables, or grains nutritionally. Most cats are indifferent to barley but a tiny taste is unlikely to cause harm in a healthy adult. Skip it for cats with diabetes, kidney disease, or known food sensitivities, and never replace a balanced commercial cat diet with human food.

How to Serve Barley Safely

1. Wash thoroughly with cold water to remove dirt, pesticide residue, or surface bacteria.
2. Remove any inedible parts — pits, seeds, stems, leaves, or rinds — unless those are clearly safe for the species.
3. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Small dogs and cats can choke on anything larger than their windpipe.
4. Serve plain. No salt, sugar, butter, oil, garlic, onion, or seasoning of any kind.
5. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container and use within 24 hours.

If you're freezing portions of barley as a hot-weather treat, freeze in single-serving sizes so you're not thawing more than your pet will eat in one session.

What to Avoid

• Sugar, syrup, or artificial sweeteners. Xylitol in particular is severely toxic to dogs and is hidden in sugar-free gum, peanut butter, baked goods, and even some toothpaste.
• Garlic and onion in any form. Both are toxic to dogs and cats, including powdered forms in sauces and seasoning mixes.
• Chocolate, coffee, or alcohol served alongside or mixed in.
• Salt and salty cured products. Pets can develop sodium ion poisoning from amounts that seem trivial to a human.
• Cooked bones if Barley is served with meat. Cooked bones splinter and can perforate the gut.

Signs of a Problem

Even with safe foods, individual sensitivities are real. Stop feeding and call your vet if you see any of:

• Vomiting or diarrhea, especially repeated episodes within a few hours
• Excessive drooling, lip-licking, or pacing
• Lethargy, weakness, or unwillingness to move
• Difficulty breathing, swelling around the face, or hives
• Tremors, twitching, or seizures — always an emergency

If your pet's symptoms are severe, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. In the United States the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is reachable 24/7 at +1 (888) 426-4435.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat barley?

Yes, in moderation. Barley is a safe occasional treat for most healthy dogs when prepared correctly. Stick to the 10% treat rule and avoid added sugar, salt, or spices.

How much barley can my dog eat a day?

A teaspoon to a tablespoon for small dogs, a tablespoon to two for medium dogs, and up to a small handful for large dogs. Treats and extras should not exceed 10% of daily calories.

Can puppies eat barley?

Puppies over 8 weeks old can usually try a tiny piece of barley. Their digestive systems are sensitive, so introduce gradually and watch for vomiting or loose stools.

Is barley safe for cats too?

In small amounts, yes — see the cat section above. Cats are obligate carnivores and don't need fruit or vegetables nutritionally.

Can dogs eat cooked barley?

Yes, plain cooked barley is usually fine. Avoid adding butter, oil, salt, sugar, garlic, or onion — all of which can upset or harm pets.

What should I do if my dog ate too much barley?

Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy over the next 12–24 hours. If symptoms appear or you're concerned, call your veterinarian. The ASPCA Poison Control line (+1 888 426 4435) can also advise.