Dog Food

Is The Grain-Free Dog Food The Way To Go?

With the popularity of gluten-free and Paleo diet, pet food industry realized that many pet parents will change their dog’s diet as well. And now when you stroll down the store aisle, you see all these different foods advertised as the best for your dog.

The point that is most often heard when it comes to grain-free food is that it is the ancestral diet of a dog, hence the only real diet. And that all comes from wolves being carnivores and not grazing freely on the meadows.

Well, when you hear it like that, it all makes sense, but that would mean that dogs haven’t changed that much during the domestication. But in fact they have, and in most cases, dogs don’t have any problems digesting grains.

Now you are probably wondering is the grain-free dog food the way to go? The answer isn’t simple yes or no, so we will discuss some pros and cons of this type of food.

What are grains?

 Essentially grains are the fruits of grasses that are harvested for massive human consumption. Most frequently seen grains in dog food include corn, soy, wheat, rice, barley, and others.

Still, you probably heard about the benefits of eating whole grains, so are they really bad for dogs? Quinoa is a grain that is described as super food since it contains high amounts of protein, iron, and zinc and barley is packed with fibers.

So no, not all grains are bad and doesn’t need to be avoided. If your dog doesn’t suffer from any form of allergies, and you want to switch him on a different type of food, single whole grain formula can be a great choice.

Is grain-free good for allergies?

Just like us, dogs can also suffer from allergies, and if eating grain-free food works for people then it should work for your dog, right? Well yes, if he, is in fact, allergic to grains, which isn’t so common type of allergen in dogs.

In most cases, canines develop allergies to meat and dairy products, and the most commonly seen culprit is beef. Still, your dog may, in fact, be allergic to grains, but the only way to figure that for sure is to place him on an elimination diet.

Furthermore, if your dog has diarrhea, rash, skin irritations, vomits, has frequent ear infections, or licks his paws obsessively he might have allergies. In this case, a trip to the vet is necessary in order for a proper diagnosis.

Is grain-free carb free?

This is one of the most common misconceptions when it comes to grain-free dog food. Plenty of pet parents think that going- grain free will help their dog lose weight, but that is far from true.

And although grain free foods often contain higher protein levels compared to regular kibble, they also have the same or even higher levels of carbs. The grains from the food are replaced with potatoes, sweet potatoes, tapioca, and other carb-rich vegetables.

So if you are changing your pup’s diet in order to help him lose weight, then you should consider other types of foods that will give better results.

What are the benefits of grain-free food?

In most cases, grain-free diets are made from high-quality and healthier ingredients, and your pup can benefit from eating it for sure. Furthermore, this type of food also contains higher protein and fat levels.

Since grains are replaced with fruits and vegetables you don’t have to worry about your pup missing the important nutrients. For dogs that have allergies and sensitive stomach, this type of food should provide relief and keep them healthy.

Moreover, a dog needs to eat smaller quantities of food, since it keeps his stomach fuller for longer periods of time. And less food means smaller, fewer, and more compact stools, which is an important factor for some owners.

And because the quality of ingredients is better, grain-free food will have a positive impact on your dog’s overall health and appearance. His coat will become thicker and shinier, the amount of shedding will be minimal, and he will also lose his repulsive breath.

Some dogs also experience higher energy levels from higher protein and fat content, so if you already have an overly active dog, this can be a bad thing. Still, less active dogs will get a nice boost and be willing to become your running buddy.

A dog can also benefit from eating this type of food since it doesn’t contain any of the usually present fillers. This can certainly impact the health of your pup and is an important thing to consider.

Does your dog need a grain-free diet?

Most dogs don’t require grain-free diet, and if your pup is happy and healthy on his current food then there is no real need for dietary changes. Still, dogs that have grain allergies should eat only grain-free food, and that involves treats as well.

You may have heard that eating grains aren’t the natural state for dogs, they evolved from wolves and they didn’t eat grains. There is also plenty of theories that dogs are carnivores and that they can’t digest grains.

But yet, since they were domesticated, dogs changed and their stomachs are able to digest grains, which makes them omnivores. So even though some dogs do extremely well on grain-free diets, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t able to digest any other type of food.

In the end, you know your pup best, and if you think that he can benefit from eating grain-free food than give it a try. In some cases, a dog may experience diarrhea or stomach problem during the initial period because of high fat and protein levels.

Still, once your dog is transitioned completely he shouldn’t experience any other problems. But we advise that prior to making any dietary changes you consult with your vet and ask for his opinion.

Can puppies eat this type of food?

Be aware that high levels of proteins can damage the kidneys in puppies so you should be careful about giving your pup grain-free food. Still, some brands make formulas for different life stages and if your pup really needs zero grain diet there are appropriate choices.

Still, it is advisable that you read the label and check the protein content just in case. One more thing worth mentioning is to look for the AFFCO seal of approval.

This will give you the guaranty that the food meets all the guidelines and that is complete and balanced for a normal growth and development of a healthy puppy.

All dogs are different

You need to remember that not all dogs have the same nutritional needs, and while your neighbor’s dog may thrive on this food, yours may not. So pick a formula that is age, size, and activity level appropriate in order to provide your dog with all the right nutrients.

And in order to help your dog love his new diet, introduce it gradually over a period of at least two weeks. Throwing the old food that your dog loved and replacing it suddenly with the new one can cause complete rejection.

In some cases a dog won’t like the taste of it and would refuse to eat the grain-free food, so be prepared for some trial and error. Try to get sample food at your local pet store, or buy the smallest bag possible while you see how your pup reacts.

Conclusion

As you can see there is no simple answer to the question is the grain-free dog food the way to go. Of course, for dogs that have grain allergies, this is the right type of food since it will relieve their symptoms and help them live happier and normal lives.

But for other, it is completely up to you. There is no doubt that zero grain food can make a positive impact on a dog’s health and overall appearance.

However, it isn’t necessary since most dogs can digest grains just fine. But if you are searching for a healthier diet, consider single whole grain formula, and remember, always look for a complete and balanced seal.

Richard Hayes

Hey there! Meet Richard Hayes, the big boss and marketing guru behind Pet Dog Planet. He's been a total doggo fanatic since forever and loves all kinds of pups, from tiny teacup Chihuahuas to big, burly Bulldogs. His absolute favorite pastime? Snuggling with adorable puppies—he can't get enough of those cute little faces! Plus, he's totally into iced coffee, chilling in hammocks, and, of course, more puppy cuddling!

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