Generally, children do not like to eat what is good for them. The sight of a large plate of spinach, broccoli, or kale placed before them will cause most children to turn up their noses in disgust. Greens, especially, are unpopular because of their stringy texture and bitter taste. Children are especially sensitive to bitter flavors because they have more taste buds, and these buds are closer together on the tongue than in adults. Yet, even children must consume a certain amount of green, leafy vegetables to nourish their bodies and keep them strong. According to several health organizations, including the National Institutes of Health, children and teens in the United States do not meet national recommendations for nutrition and need to be educated in this area. Their intake of fruits and deep yellow and/or dark green vegetables, especially, is low. According to a 1996 study by Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, “Nearly one-quarter of all vegetables consumed by children and adolescents were French fries.” One large serving of french fries — 169 grams — contains 539 calories, 28.8 grams of fat, 328 mg of sugar, and 6.4 grams of protein. According to the study, only 1 percent of the group met all nutritional recommendations. Childhood obesity is also on the rise. According to the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, about 17 percent of children and adolescents ages 2 to 19 years old are obese. Obese children and teenagers will more likely than not become obese adults and suffer from health problems.
The Problem with the Traditional Food Pyramid
In recent years, the federal government has placed fruit and vegetables at the base of the food pyramid, as these foods are key to combating several major diseases in the United States, including diabetes and cancer. The food pyramid was first developed in 1992 by the USDA. It was a visual presentation of the basic food groups and their relative proportion to a healthy diet. It served as the basis for federal food and nutrition education programs, including school lunch programs. The base of the pyramid, the bread and cereal group, represented the foundation of a healthy diet. The bread and cereal food group contains grains, breads, cereals, potatoes, and pasta. An abundance of these carbohydrate-rich foods was once thought to be the foundation of a healthy diet. According to Dr. Walter Willet of the Harvard School of Public Health and other notable medical researchers, however, the traditional food pyramid is misleading as its concept is based on out-of-date scientific data, and it is strongly influenced by corporations mainly interested in promoting their own wares.
It is also believed to be a contributor to the growing epidemic of childhood obesity. Specific problems with the food pyramid, according to Willet, include the following:
• The food pyramid offers no guidance on weight control and exercise.
• The pyramid insinuates that all fats are unhealthy when in reality it is only saturated and transaturated fats that are so. Monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats — found in fish, nuts, olive oil, and whole grains — are actually beneficial to the heart.
• The food pyramid’s recommendation of six to 11 servings of carbohydrates a day is too great. Also, all carbohydrates are not good for you. Complex carbohydrates from whole grains and natural simple carbohydrates from fruits are healthier than refined carbohydrates from crackers and chips.
• The food pyramid does not specify which proteins are good for you and which are not. Fish, turkey, chicken, nuts, and beans are good sources of protein that are low in saturated fats. Red meat, such as beef, is high in cholesterol and saturated fat, which is not healthy for the heart.
• The claim that dairy products are essential to the diet is untrue. According to a 2005 review published in Pediatrics, dairy products have little to no contribution to building bones in growing children. On the contrary, dairy products pose certain health risks for children as well as promote the development of heart disease and diabetes. Consuming too much dairy can also lead to cancer of the reproductive organs. Calcium and potassium, important minerals, especially for children, as well as vitamin D can be obtained from legumes, vegetables, grains, fruits, and juices.
• According to the traditional food pyramid, potatoes are placed in the vegetable group when, in fact, they are starches. The sugar content of potatoes is very high, and they should be avoided by diabetics and individuals trying to lose weight.
In an attempt to reflect a healthier lifestyle and offer nutritional advice that corresponds to the latest scientific research, the USDA changed the traditional pyramid in 2005 to a new design called MyPyramid (www.mypyramid.gov). The new symbol was built by a variety of individuals, some professional food scientists and some not, and includes the following improvements:
• The importance of weight control is emphasized as well as the importance of exercise.
• The recognition of the potential health benefits of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats is included. It is recommended that 20 to 30 calories daily be obtained from them. A limited intake of transaturated and saturated fats is suggested.
• The benefit of whole grains is emphasized and Americans are encouraged to limit sugar intake through complex carbohydrates. The intake of fruits and vegetables is also emphasized.
The 2005 recommended daily allowances for fruits and vegetables for children, according to the Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on Dietary Guidelines for Americans, are as follows:
• Based on a recommended 1,200 calorie intake, all children ages 1 to 3 and girls ages 4 to 8 should consume 2½ cups of fruits and vegetables daily.
• Based on a recommended 1,400 calorie intake, boys ages 4 to 8 should consume 3 cups of fruits and vegetables daily.
• Based on a recommended 1,600 calorie intake, girls ages 9 to 13 should consume 3½ cups of fruit and vegetables daily.
• Based on a recommended 1,800 calorie intake, boys ages 9 to 13 and girls ages 14 to 18 should consume 4 cups of fruit and vegetables daily.
• Based on a recommended 2,200 calorie intake, boys 14 to 18 should include 5 cups of fruits and vegetables daily.
The Healthy Eating Pyramid
According to Willet, the new USDA MyPyramid falls short of its aim to educate the public on better health choices, as it is simply a revised edition of the old pyramid. It does not fully point the way to better health, and furthermore, it is ambiguous in its design. By law, the guidelines must be revised every five years. Instead of waiting to see what the 2010 USDA dietary changes would reveal, the Harvard School of Public Health created the Healthy Eating Pyramid, based on current scientific data linking heath to nutrition. The 2009 Healthy Eating Pyramid emphasizes weight control and daily exercise as the foundation of good health. It then builds a structure based on whole grains, healthy fats, and an abundance of fruits and vegetables. The pyramid emphasizes quality over quantity. Plant foods such as seeds, nuts, tofu, and beans are placed alongside such protein-rich foods as fish, poultry, and eggs. Dairy is limited to one to two servings of fat-free or low-fat products daily — or better yet, a vitamin D and calcium supplement daily. Red meats, refined grains (white rice, white bread, potatoes, pasta), sweets, and salt are placed at the top of the pyramid to use sparingly, if at all.
Incorporating Wheatgrass into a Living Food Pyramid for Children
The largest portion of a living foods pyramid would be the fruit and vegetable food group with leafy, green vegetables at the base. These are foundational foods that should be consumed generously. Leafy greens such as spinach and watercress deliver iron, while vitamins C and E are supplied by fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, cauliflower, and broccoli. The next important group would be sprouts (sprouted seeds) followed by nuts and seeds. These two groups supply protein and an abundance of amino acids to the body. Sprouts have a high concentration of RNA and DNA as well as protein and other essential nutrients. They are particularly high in vitamin C. Seeds offer unsaturated fatty acids to the body which are essential to good health. They supply protein and are one of the best natural sources of vitamin E, the B-complex vitamins, and lecithin, fatty substances found in animals and plant tissues. Seeds also provide the diet with fiber, which is important for proper elimination of the bowels. Nuts are also high in carbohydrates, fats, and protein and supply important minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorous, and sodium. Raw nuts have an abundant supply of vitamin F (essential fatty acids) as well as the B vitamins. Vitamin F is important for all-around body development while the B vitamins are essential for the nervous system and healthy brain growth. Some nuts (pecans, pistachios, cashews, hazelnuts) also contain vitamins A and K. Chestnuts are a significant source of vitamin C. Nuts and seeds should be eaten moderately and should always be eaten raw or sprouted, not roasted, toasted, or baked.
Example of a living foods pyramid.
Herbs and cereal grasses are important elements of a living foods pyramid. These are considered medicinal foods. Herbs have been used in the diet for medicinal and culinary purposes since ancient times. A small amount of herbs eaten daily can contribute greatly to your child’s health and general well-being. Herbs can also be used to enhance the flavor of food. Some herbs when used together, such as celery, thyme, and marjoram, can replace the need for salt. Other herbs, such as savory, nasturtium, and basil, can be used to replace pepper. Cereal grasses are juiced and can enhance the diet tremendously with their abundant supply of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Wheatgrass juice, in particular, can be used as a cleanser and rejuvenator. It is claimed that a small amount of wheatgrass in the diet can be helpful in preventing tooth decay. Concentrated amounts are often used to treat illnesses. Seaweed and algae top the living foods pyramid and provide growing bodies with a large range of essential minerals in colloidal form. Collodial form allows the minerals to absorb better into the bloodstream because the particles are small.
As with all healthy diets, exercise and proper rest are essential for the building of the child’s body. Plenty of water is also necessary to keep the body’s cells hydrated and help flush toxins and waste products from the body. The standard recommendation of water intake for school-aged children is 1.5 to 2 liters a day — about six to eight glasses. According to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, teenage boys over 14 should consume 2.6 liters — about 11 large glasses — daily. As a reminder, school-aged children 5 to 10 years old need ten to 11 hours of sleep each night. Ten- to 17-year-old children benefit from 8.5 to 9.25 hours of sleep.
Introducing Children to Wheatgrass
Children can benefit from consuming wheatgrass as long as it is from a reputable source. They should be introduced to the product as early as possible to cultivate a taste for it. Foundations for healthy eating are generally established when we are young, but forcing children to eat well can cause rebellion. One solution to this dilemma is to allow children to help with meals. They are more likely to eat when they have a hand in the cooking.
In most cases, children will practice in adulthood what they have learned in childhood. It is not only important to serve children healthy foods but to educate and inspire them on how to make healthy food selections.
Another way to get children to eat more vegetables is to make juices or smoothies that blend fruit with vegetables. When fruit and vegetables are blended, the fruit dominates the flavor. Wheatgrass and other green vegetables can be added to fruit juices, and most children will be none the wiser. Of course, if you are educating your children in healthy eating practices, they should know how you have created this delicious beverage. Get them to try it first, and then show them how it was made. Also, children learn by example. If you want them to eat healthy and develop a healthy lifestyle, you must be a firsthand example. You cannot expect your children to desire carrots and greens for meals when you are devouring steak and fries next to them. Wheatgrass juice can be diluted with fruit juice when children first begin consuming it. Remember wheatgrass is an acquired taste. Start children young, and it will be easier to incorporate wheatgrass into their daily diet.
By drinking juiced produce, children can have direct access to every enzyme, vitamin, and mineral their body needs. The body can also assimilate these vital nutrients effortlessly into the bloodstream, nourishing all cells of the body. Fresh vegetable juice is especially helpful for children on a weight-loss diet, as fresh juice before a meal acts as a natural and healthy appetite suppressant. According to raw foodists, consuming produce raw is the only way to get all of the nutrients into the body, as many nutrients are just under the skin of the product. Often the easiest way to consume raw produce is by juicing.
Wheatgrass can be given to children. Use small doses, such as 5 to 10 milliliters, diluted with 50 percent water. A maximum daily dosage for children ages 4 to 7 is 1 ounce. DynamicGreens Wheatgrass, a distributor of field-grown wheatgrass, recommends 0.5 ounces for infants and toddlers and 1 ounce for school-age children. You can also follow Young’s rule, which is a general rule used by pediatricians for determining a child’s dosage. This method was devised by the scientist Thomas Young and involves using the age of the child multiplied by the adult dose, divided by the child’s age plus 12. Pam Nees of Optimum Health Institute suggests 1 teaspoon for young children. Babies, according to Nees, should be not given wheatgrass juice until they begin to eat solid food. Babies that are breastfed can benefit from the juice through the mother’s milk. Fully breastfed babies should not be given wheatgrass juice directly until they are weaned from the breast. Wheatgrass is very potent and babies’ stomachs are very sensitive. Breastfed babies already tend to have loose bowels, and giving them wheatgrass juice too early can result in diarrhea. Just as with adults, when starting children on wheatgrass, you should build up to the maximum dosage. Wheatgrass powder can also be sprinkled in fruit or vegetable juices or on cereal for starters. Wheatgrass is not generally recommended for babies under 6 months, although, some mothers have periodically dipped a finger into the green juice and placed in the baby’s mouth so that the baby can start acquiring a taste for the substance. Babies, including newborns, can also be wiped down or bathed with the juice, as it will be absorbed into the skin and can benefit the body in that way. For information on wheatgrass, pregnancy, and babies, refer to Chapter 3.
Ann Wigmore claimed that routine immunization could possibly be obviated for children who regularly consumed wheatgrass. Health professional Dr. Chris Reynolds reported several child-related success stories related to wheatgrass in his report “The Demise of Chlorophyll and a Fresh Look at Wheatgrass Therapy,” published in the journal of the Australian Integrative Medical Association in May 2004. He also reported positive results from wheatgrass usage on molluscum contagiosum, a common viral infection involving small, itchy spots on a child’s skin. Dr. Reynolds states, “In these days of increasing medical fees and costs, wheatgrass offers many patients an effective, safe alternative that can be self-administered and used indefinitely” without a prescription. Doctors at the pediatrics division of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research in Chandigarh, India, reported positive results from several therapy trials of wheatgrass usage on thalassaemia patients. Thalassaemia is a hereditary anemic condition characterized by abnormally small red blood cells. Generally, regular blood transfusions are the only option for these patients. Daily wheatgrass use reduced the need for transfusions in the patients. Parents of children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might find that wheatgrass provides a good alternative solution to drugs for treating these ailments. This is due to the high amino acid and vitamin content of wheatgrass that helps repair the vitamin and mineral deficiency of the child, which is a main cause of the ailments.
Health Concerns for Children on a Living Foods Diet
The health of your children is in your hands, so it is essential that you educate yourself in the areas of diet and nutrition. While there are many diets and health programs from which to choose, getting to know your child and how his or her body responds to different foods and food groups is an important part of choosing a nutrition plan that is right for him or her. The Living Foods Diet incorporates an abundance of raw foods. This plan must be carefully monitored to ensure that a growing child gets the balanced nutrition that he or she needs. Adequate intakes of calcium and vitamin D, especially, can be easily neglected on this plan. Special care must also be taken to ensure that infections and illnesses do not arise from incorrectly prepared raw food. Outbreaks of foodborne illnesses in 1988 led the FDA to advise the public of the health effects of eating raw sprouts. Children were among the group that could be affected by food poisoning from the sprouts. In 1999, the FDA expanded the warning to include the entire public. This warning is still in effect today. There is also the concern brought about by a recent study concerning fruit smoothies and dental concerns. According to a 2008 report on BBC News, smoothies can damage your teeth. While they might encourage children to eat more fruits and vegetables, the constant sugars and acids on the teeth encourage tooth decay. “Every time you sip on a fruit smoothie, your teeth are placed under acid attack for up to an hour,” said Dr. Nigel Carter of the British Dental Health Foundation. The use of wheatgrass for children is also a question under debate in health circles. Using wheatgrass, or any herbal medicine for that matter, should be considered carefully. Please seek the advice of your child’s pediatrician before attempting to treat any serious illness with wheatgrass or other medicinal herbs.
Wheatgrass and Pets
Before Ann Wigmore introduced the idea of juicing wheatgrass in the 1950s, she was experimenting with wheatgrass and animals. She claimed her pets preferred wheatgrass to the other grasses that she offered them, and so began a concentrated study on wheatgrass. She found that wheatgrass benefited the animals in several ways. Open sores were healed, mange — a contagious skin disease caused by mites, a tick-like organism — was reversed, and behaviors improved. Sick pets were instinctively drawn to the grass. Healthy pets also nibbled the grass. Many veterinarians, pet owners, and animal lovers have yet to use the power of wheatgrass for animal health. The sweet taste of the grass is appealing to a variety of animals. Ann Wigmore had a menagerie — a collection of common and exotic animals kept in human captivity. Wheatgrass can be chopped up finely and placed in the animal’s feeding dish along with pet food. The juice can be administered with a medicine dropper or mixed into the drinking water. Wheatgrass juice can also be rubbed onto the pet’s fur for absorption through the skin.
All dogs eat grass
Dogs eat grass naturally. Some have been known to sit in a field of grass and graze like a cow. Some may only nibble every now and then. Dog experts do not have a scientific answer to this seemingly bizarre behavior. Some attribute it to their scavenger background. Dogs will eat anything, especially if they are hungry. Some attribute it to their ancestral background. Grass was once a part of a dog’s regular diet. Pack animals in the wild ate every part of their captured prey, including the contents of the stomach, which probably contained grass. Some veterinarians believe that dogs eat grass due to a lack of fiber in their current diet. Veterinary medicine expert, Dr. Richard Orzeck, concludes that dogs might eat grass simply because they like the way it tastes.
Dogs are carnivores with carnivorous tendencies. They will also eat plant matter. Dogs with stomach ailments, especially, gravitate to a grassy patch and begin to munch. Many times, this action will induce vomiting in the dog, causing the dog to bring up the entire contents of the stomach, including what was ailing it in the first place. Dogs also have a natural tendency to regurgitate, which allows them to spit out food that has not been processed correctly, and then reswallow it. This is not what is meant by vomiting. A primary cause of vomiting could be an infection or disease of the stomach or esophagus area. It could also be the result of toxins accumulated in the blood from other diseased organs of the body.
Dogs benefit from wheatgrass
Wheatgrass added to a dog’s diet can help purge the system from accumulated toxins. It can also benefit the dog in many other ways. Wheatgrass has been claimed to help dogs with the following issues:
• Cancer, kidney, and thyroid problems
• Skeletal problems and skin problems
• Fertility
• Pregnancy and nursing
• Longevity
Wheatgrass contains vitamins and minerals that are not generally found in processed dog food but are necessary for a dog’s nutrition. The enzymes in wheatgrass are beneficial for digestion. Dogs do not chew their food very well. Their teeth are designed to rip food apart. There is nothing to rip apart in processed dog food, as it already comes in small pieces. This results in the dog gulping down the food without chewing. Dogs that are overly possessive about a possession also eat fast because they believe the food will be taken from them at any moment. Rapid consumption of food or water by a dog can cause bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Bloat is a gastrointestinal disease affecting primarily large and giant dog breeds. Gastric dilatation is the swelling of the stomach from gas. Volvulus refers to a twisting of the stomach on its axis (line of connection to the body). Bloat occurs when too much air is present in the stomach, which is caused by gulping of the food, and can be fatal to the dog. According to research, bloat is the leading cause of death in dogs after cancer. Dr. Lawrence T. Glickman and other researchers at Purdue University suggest several ways to prevent bloat in dogs, including placing dogs on a high-nutrition diet and keeping them relaxed and stress-free.
The high nutritional content of the wheatgrass will provide a high-nutrition diet for the dog. Wheatgrass is also a natural cleanser. The enzymes will work to detoxify the dog’s organs, especially the intestines and liver. It will aid the dog’s body in expelling waste matter, promoting a healthy, well-functioning digestive system. Ridding the body of excess wastes eliminates the problem of constipation. Relieving constipation relieves stress. Detoxification is also important to help prevent cancer, which is a major dog illness.
Wheatgrass can also help improve the condition of a dog’s skin. Regular consumption can aid in the healing process of open wounds and sores. A common dosage for clearing up skin problems in a dog is 1 ounce of wheatgrass juice per 20 pounds of a dog’s weight. The juice can also be rubbed onto the dog’s skin.
A cat’s diet — what is best?
When you decide to bring a cat into your home, you become responsible for that cat’s health and well-being. This means providing the cat with attention, exercise, fresh air and sunshine, and a nutritious diet. The nutritious diet can be a little tricky, as there is some controversy in the cat world as to what is the best diet for domestic felines. Advocates of a raw food pet diet state that because cats are natural carnivores, they must get an adequate amount of raw meat in their daily diet. Supporters of home-cooked meals claim that raw eating can promote food poisoning and a host other health ailments. Then, there are those who wonder what is wrong with the myriad dry and canned prepared pet foods already on supermarket and pet store shelves. The conclusion of the matter? You must decide. Cats do eat meat in nature. Meat provides cats with the protein, fats, and amino acids needed for good food digestion and proper body functioning. Cats are naturally equipped for the task of eating meat, as they have very sharp teeth that are made for ripping and tearing meat and crunching through pliable bones. Their stomachs also have strong acids to aid digestion and short digestive tracts to quickly and effectively process raw meat and bone. Food does not stay in a cat’s system for long, so there is not time for a case of food poisoning to occur from rotten meat. Eating meat not only nourishes and strengthens the cat’s body, it also benefits teeth, gums, and jaws. Cats that have been fed commercial cat food all of their lives are lacking in gnawing skills and jaw strength. For information about transitioning a cat to a raw food diet, visit Raw Fed Cats (www.rawfedcats.org/practicalguide.htm).
Whichever meal you choose for your cat, monitoring the cat and being watchful for signs of discomfort and illness can alert you to a problem and possible need to change the diet. Also, monitor your cat’s intake of food. Obesity in cats is a common problem and can lead to health ailments such as arthritis and diabetes. For most adult cats, a once- or twice-a-day feeding is sufficient. Kittens have small stomachs and expend a lot of energy in play; therefore, they can be fed four or more small meals a day. According to Linda Zurich in her book Raw Fed Cats, amounts and frequency of feedings will depend on the “cat’s age, weight, activity level, metabolism, and overall appetite.” One important thing to remember when feeding a cat, especially when transitioning to a new diet, is to never let the cat go without food for more than a day. This can result in the fatal hepatic lipidosis, a form of liver failure that is common to cats. For more information about hepatic lipidosis, go to The Pet Education website (www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+1327&aid=217).
A prescription of wheatgrass for cats
Many cats love to nibble on fresh greens, and wheatgrass is one of their favorites. Fortunately, the wheatgrass is also good for them. According to Gail Colombo, contributing editor of the now defunct Tiger Tribe magazine, wheatgrass has the highest concentration of nutrients of all the grasses available. It provides vitamins, minerals, and a host of enzymes that can boost cat health. Wheatgrass can correct bad breath in cats through its high chlorophyll content. Wheatgrass also aids in digestion and helps with hairball control. Hairballs sometimes form in the cat’s stomach from hair ingested while grooming. This hair irritates the cat’s stomach and will eventually be expelled by vomiting. It is claimed that the addition of wheatgrass to the diet will help the hairballs pass through the digestive system as opposed to being expelled through the mouth. Cats are usually fed high-protein diets. Adding wheatgrass to the diet can help balance nutrients needed for good health. The fiber in the grass aids waste elimination. Staff members of the Hippocrates Health Institute reported fewer illnesses with their cats when they were provided with wheatgrass on a regular basis. These cats were more energetic, exhibited positive behavior, had stronger immune systems, and had beautiful fur. Many cat owners have reported improvements in their cat’s health with the addition of wheatgrass to the diet. Some also give accolades to organic wheatgrass cat litter, which manufacturer’s claim eliminates odors and minimizes litter being carried throughout the house from cat paws. Allowing a cat free access to its own supply of wheatgrass will deter it from chomping on your prized houseplants. Spritz the grass with water to entice those that are a little more particular about trying new things.
Other popular pets
Other popular pets in the United States include rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, fish, and reptiles. They all can be benefit from wheatgrass usage. It enhances the diet and, therefore, the health of the pet. This can be seen many times in its physical structure as well as its disposition.
The concept of juicing wheatgrass for human consumption was introduced by Ann Wigmore in the 1950s, but it did not experience a tremendous surge in popularity for the general public until the 1980s. Likewise, although Wigmore was also feeding wheatgrass to her own pets, it was not until 1996 that pet owners considered giving their pets wheatgrass. Harley Matsil, CEO and owner of Perfect Foods, one of the largest retail grass distributors in the world, discovered that the Bronx Zoo in New York had an indoor area for growing its own wheatgrass.
In a therapeutic study initiated by Dr. Chris Reynolds of Australia, veterinary surgeons tested the topical effect of wheatgrass extract on open wounds and eczema/dermatitis conditions in horses, dogs, and cats. It determined that the extract was “very effective” in 92 percent of the cases. Eczema is a chronic skin disorder that produces itchy, scaly rashes. Dermatitis is an inflammation on the skin due to an allergic reaction. Eczema and dermatitis conditions were predominately found in dogs. Veterinary herbalist Robert McDowell also trialed the wheatgrass extract spray and noted positive results in dogs and horses.
Horses need high-quality, digestible forage, as they have a simple stomach structure, unlike ruminant animals like cows, goats, and sheep that have a complex stomach system with four compartments, allowing them to partially digest, regurgitate, and fully digest their food. Intermediate wheatgrass and other grass types cultivated for grazing should not be allowed to grow to maturity, as they will be less nutritious and unpalatable to the horse. Slender wheatgrass is an excellent nutrient source for wildlife and has intrinsic value for oxen and sheep. The Navajo and Thompson Indians used slender wheatgrass as fodder for their horses, but it was also given to their dogs as a veterinary aid. Farmers in the Midwest have successfully used wheatgrass to correct infertility problems in their oxen. Some cattle farms and city zoos make grow the grass indoors to benefit animals year round.
Birds use their beaks to extract the juice from wheatgrass blades, discarding the indigestible pulp. Wheatgrass also helps companion and breeding birds with liver conditions due to the detoxifying properties of the wheatgrass. Liver disease is a major problem in companion birds due to the high-fat, seed-based diet they are given.
Providing a purchased or homegrown tray of wheatgrass for your pet — especially dogs and cats, as they have more freedom than most other pets — will enable the animal to feast on a grassy meal without consuming fertilizer and other chemicals that might be accumulating on outdoor grass supplies. All garden plants and houseplants are not healthy, so it is important that your pet does not consume poisonous plants or mushrooms that can cause illness. Many animals will readily eat as much wheatgrass as you give them. Guinea pigs, hamsters, and other small animals should be fed wheatgrass in moderation. Provide a few clippings in the feed bowl or allow the animal to nibble a little on the ends and put the rest away. A tray of wheatgrass also provides a nice “meadow” for these animals to play in, as they should not be taken outdoors to romp in the grass. Many companies provide grass kits specifically for animals that include a mixture of grass seeds.
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Case Study: Comfort and Care for Companion Animals |
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Phil and Randy Klein, owners Whiskers Holistic Petcare 235 East 9th Street New York, NY 10003 Phone: 212-979-2532 Fax: 212-979-0075 |
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We opened Whiskers Holistic Petcare in 1988, prompted by the passing of a beloved companion. At that time, there were very few alternatives to traditional, chemically based animal care. We were amongst the early pioneers. We believe that holistic care is the most viable means of treating illnesses in pets in conjunction with traditional veterinary care on an integrated basis. We provide holistic nutrition and cater to dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals. There has been a great increase in pet illnesses over the past decade. We attribute this to over-breeding, poor genetics, and garbage food. The best diet that you can offer your pet is a diet of raw food followed by a diet of high-quality canned food mixed with home-cooked foods. A good reason to change your pet’s diet would be to increase health and decrease the costs of veterinary bills. If you decide to change your pet’s diet, it should be done gradually. At Whiskers, the health and well-being of your companion animal — and all animals for that matter — is our primary concern. Our model is based on how that animal lived and ate in the wild. Nature is the best teacher…and the best healer. We offer a variety of products so that you can choose what is best for you and your pet. We do create our products in-house, and, as we create, we have you and your pet in mind. We want the best for both of you and cost and convenience are a major concern. One product that we do sell that seems to be quite popular is wheatgrass. Animals enjoy wheatgrass. They should be given as much of it as they want. They consume it instinctively to get at the nutrients it possesses. Wheatgrass is a wonderful blood cleanser and a good source of fiber. It can also be a good alternative for treating pet illnesses, depending on the illness and the pet. There are some risks to giving wheatgrass to animals that stem from different variables such as poor-quality grass. The source of the grass, soil quality, and seed quality all play important roles in the production of a high quality product. Many people don’t give wheatgrass to their pets because they are ignorant to the benefits that can be gained. There are three important things you can do to keep your pet healthy: feed them well, exercise them, and love them. This is what we do at Whiskers, and we love it. |
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