Sprouts are good things that come in small packages! Certain seeds, grains and lentils explode with nutrition when they germinate.
Did you know that those sprouts you enjoy in your salads or sandwiches are also good for your dog? When seeds, grains and lentils sprout, an explosion of nutrients is released that would otherwise be unavailable for absorption by the canine digestive system. These nutrients can help optimize your dog’s health, and are even beneficial for a range of canine health issues.
Packed with goodness
Among other things, flaxseed, barley seed, mung beans and others contain good bacterial flora that produce nutrients for the new plant. For example, analyses show there are millions of good bacteria such as lactobacillus and bifidobacterium in sprouted flax, and none in regular un-sprouted flax. When the seeds germinate, the probiotics and other nutrients are available to any living being that consumes the sprouts, including your dog. Sprouted grains and seeds also provide prebiotics, food for the probiotics. In fact, the prebiotics in these seeds increase by over 1000% upon sprouting.
And that’s not all sprouts offer. Germination increases enzyme availability by 50% to 900%. As well, vitamins A, B, C, and E are increased by 20% to 9000%! Healthy Omega-3 fats, calcium and amino acids stored in seeds are released at mega levels upon germination, as compared to their un-sprouted counterparts. It’s no wonder that sprouted seeds, grains and legumes have been touted as super foods, and are called functional foods.
Sprouts can be beneficial for dogs with any of the following conditions:
While some natural pet food companies are now using sprouted seeds as an ingredient in their products (see sidebar), you can also sprout your own to provide a fresh, healthy topping for your dog’s meals – and for your own salads and sandwiches!
Are Bean Sprouts Bad For Dogs
Even though it’s not likely that they will have an adverse reaction, it’s always a chance you take when you give them something new to eat.
How they react mostly depends on how much bean sprouts they eat at once.
Since they are higher in fiber, the most that will happen is probably some gas and the urge to go poop. Still, it’s a good idea to watch for any signs of bad reactions and if you notice your dog having one, contact your local veterinarian.
There are lots of health benefits of bean sprouts for both humans and our fur babies. These are the most important ones.
Bean sprouts have the following beneficial nutrients in them:
They are beneficial for your dog’s immune system, skin, eyes, bones, and digestive system.
Can Dogs Eat Brussel Sprouts? Are Brussel Sprouts Safe for Dogs & Puppies
Can dogs eat bean sprouts? You may be asking this because you want to feed your pup this crunchy veggie. Humans can eat bean sprouts, so are they also safe for dogs to eat?
The short answer is yes, bean sprouts are safe for dogs to eat. Bean sprouts, which are grown by sprouting mung beans, contain nutrients that can be beneficial for your dog.
As with all human food, you should contact your veterinarian before giving your dog any new dietary additions. Here’s what you should know about feeding bean sprouts to your dog.