Barley

Barley is not toxic to dogs. Grain has taken a reputational beating in the pet aisle, but AKC describes whole grains as an alternative carbohydrate for dogs sensitive to wheat, and calls grains a good source of protein, essential fatty acids and fiber. Barley sits in that same place. The real questions are how it is cooked and how much of it lands in the bowl. Cook it all the way. Undercooked or raw barley grains are hard, poorly digested, and often come out looking the way they went in. Simmer in plenty of water until the grains are soft. AKC's oatmeal guidance transfers directly: make it with water rather than milk, and skip salt, butter, sugar, raisins and artificial sweeteners. Raisins matter most on that list — they cause acute kidney injury in dogs, so never stir them in — and any "sugar-free" sweetener may be xylitol. Then the amount. AKC scales cooked oatmeal at about one tablespoon per 20 lb (9 kg) of body weight, with even a large dog capped near half a cup at a time, once or twice a week. Barley belongs at that scale. Too much fiber brings GI upset, diarrhea and vomiting, and AKC notes it can cause bloat, which is life threatening. Merck's feeding guidance is that treats should stay under 10% of total caloric intake, and grains reach that ceiling quickly. Watch the form it arrives in. Plain cooked pearl barley is fine. Barley in a mushroom-and-beef soup has been simmered with onion, and Merck reports clinical Allium signs in dogs from 15-30 g/kg of raw onion, with garlic 3-5 times more potent. Malted barley products, barley malt syrup and sweetened barley drinks are sugar deliveries. Beer is made from barley and is alcohol, which is a different article entirely. Start with a single spoonful and check the stool over two days. Gas and loose stool mean cut back; ongoing diarrhea or vomiting means stop and call your veterinarian. Some dogs do react to grains, so if you see itching, chewing at the paws or red ears after a new grain, raise it with your vet before continuing.