What is grain free dog food and is it good for my dog?
|
Grain-free dog food has gained the attention of many pet owners recently. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about grain-free diets and how they might benefit your dog.
Table of contents
What is grain-free dog food?
Dog food recipes made without grains are termed ‘grain-free’. Common grains that are excluded from these diets include barley, rice, oats, and corn. These ingredients are replaced with alternative carbohydrate sources, such as sweet potatoes, pulses, or seeds like chia and quinoa. This ensures that the food still has a good texture and taste, as well as providing enough energy for your dog.
Is grain-free food good for dogs?
Although grains are fine for most dogs, there are some instances where you might want to explore a grain-free diet:
- Sensitive Stomachs & Digestive Issues - Grain-free can be helpful for some dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues like constipation. Always check with your vet first though.
- Grain Allergies - Dogs with a dietary allergy to grains will need to avoid them in their diet. While allergies to protein sources such as chicken and beef are more common, a veterinary-led dietary trial may sometimes point to grains as the source of the problem.
- Health Concerns (i.e. Obesity & Diabetes) - Grain-free diets may help with certain health issues like obesity and diabetes. These diets tend to have a higher protein content than some lower-quality dog foods that rely heavily on cheaper ‘filler’ ingredients.
Domestic dogs are omnivores and are perfectly designed to digest grains. In the right amounts, grains can provide an excellent source of energy and nutrition for healthy dogs. However, they can also be relied upon by some manufacturers as a more cost-effective way to bulk their recipes out.
A good quality grain-free dog food will be able to meet all your pet’s nutritional needs, suitable for healthy adult dogs and puppies as well as those with underlying issues.
Is grain-free dog food good for puppies?
Grain-free puppy food may be advised if your vet has diagnosed a specific health complaint. Whether you choose a traditional or grain-free food for puppies the real key is to make sure that it is a good quality recipe and is appropriate for their age and size.
Can grain-free food be bad for dogs?
Grains are a key nutritional source in many dog foods, so if you are choosing a grain-free diet, make sure that it is a high-quality one. Some grain-free diets can be worse than traditional diets if the ingredients used to replace grains are not appropriate or if they are heavily used to bulk the food out e.g. legumes. Our grain-free recipes are all carefully balanced to ensure optimum nutrition for your adult dog or puppy.
Does a grain-free diet cause dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)?
There has been concern that feeding a grain-free diet to your dog could lead to a serious heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. However, at the time of writing, this link has not been definitively proven as there are many complicating factors at play. This 2023 study shows no adverse cardiac changes in dogs that were fed a grain-free and heavily pulse-based diet, but another 2023 study suggested that a diet heavy in legumes could play a role. The current advice is to choose the best grain free dog food that you can for your pet. Speak to your vet if you have any concerns or require the latest advice.
Do vets recommend grain-free dog food?
There are certain circumstances when a vet may recommend a grain-free dog diet. If your puppy or dog has suspected allergies, then a proper dietary food trial may help to identify if grains are causing the issue. Your vet will be able to make recommendations specific to your pet, so you should speak with them, particularly if they have a health complaint like diabetes.
Summary
Dogs have adapted to eat a variety of ingredients as part of their omnivorous diet. However, grain-free diets can be great for some dogs, particularly those with specific dietary allergies or a sensitive stomach.
Our meal recipes are all grain-free and carefully formulated to provide your dog with all their essential nutrients. Not only are they suitable for adult dogs and puppies with underlying grain allergies or digestive intolerances, but they are perfect for healthy dogs too. Our grain-free recipes use quinoa, a seed packed full of health benefits, as well as quality cuts of meat and nutritious vegetables.
Remember that your vet will be able to advise you on your dog’s specific needs so always consult with them if you are unsure.
FAQs
Can dogs be allergic to grains?
Yes, some dogs can be allergic to grains. They may show symptoms such as itchiness, recurrent skin or ear infections and digestive upsets. Grain allergies are less common than allergies to protein sources like chicken, beef and soy, so always speak to your vet for advice.
Can dogs eat wheat?
Healthy dogs can eat wheat, as part of a balanced diet. Wheat is a cereal grain that provides energy and other nutrients in the diet.
Can dogs have barley?
Yes, dogs are adapted to eat cereal grains such as barley. Healthy dogs can eat barley as part of a carefully formulated diet.
Can dogs eat soy?
Yes, dogs can eat soy if they haven’t been diagnosed with a soy-based allergy. Soybean is a legume which is rich in plant-based proteins. A good-quality diet will balance the correct levels of this ingredient for optimum nutrition.
About the author
Dr. Becky
Rebecca MacMillan – BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS
Rebecca is a companion animal vet who graduated from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009. Since then, she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever, George!
