Carbohydrates have gotten a bad rap lately. Maybe people are going gluten-free because they have food allergies or they believe that it’ll help them lose weight. Should it apply to a dog’s diet, though? Show This trend has also made its way into the world of pet food, as many dry dog food and wet food brands have grain-free offerings. Pet owners may be wondering: Is grain-free dog food better for your pup? And should you put him on a grain-free diet? When trying to decide whether or not to go grain-free, you should first learn about this type of food and whether or not it’ll be beneficial for your dog. All About Grain-Free Dog Food Grain-free dog food will not include ingredients like wheat, rice, corn, barley, oats, soy, or rye. However, it might still contain carbs such as lentils, potatoes, sweet potatoes, quinoa, or peas. It could contain more meat as a substitute than regular dog food, which means it has high protein. Or, there could be an alternative source of carbohydrates. Just because a pet food is grain-free, it doesn’t mean it’s high quality. The Benefits of Grain-Free DietsThere are some different pros and cons dog owners should consider when looking into grain-free dog food. If your dog has a grain allergy, of course, you can put him on a grain-free diet, which should address his health issues. Additionally, grain-free pet foods could be beneficial if your dog has digestive issues, since carbohydrates can be difficult for some dogs to digest. Dog foods with grains may use wheat gluten or corn meal, which are cheap fillers that have little nutritional value and reduce the quality of the kibble or wet food. However, many grain-free dog foods will not use fillers, and instead may use better quality ingredients. The DrawbacksOn the downside, grain-free dog food might not be the best dog food for your pup if he can easily digest grains. Your dog may need healthy grains, such as whole grains, in order to meet all his nutritional needs. For instance, grains contain magnesium, potassium, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber, which have many health benefits for your pup. Also, it can be hard to find grain-free pet foods at your local pet store, and if you do, they might be more expensive. There have also been concerns about grain-free dog food among veterinarians and the FDA. Recently, veterinary cardiologists have noticed that more dogs are experiencing dilated cardiomyopathy. This is a serious heart condition that reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood. Since veterinary cardiologists were diagnosing this heart condition in breeds that did not have a known genetic predisposition, the FDA stepped in and started an investigation. They found that among 515 reports of DCM between January 2014 and April 2019, 90% of the dogs ate grain-free dog food and 93% were on diets that included lentils and/or peas. Once some dogs were taken off a gluten-free diet and began taking taurine, a special amino acid supplementation, their heart condition improved. If dog owners do put their dogs on a grain-free diet, they should ask their veterinarian to monitor their dog for heart disease just in case there is a potential link between the food and health conditions like DCM. What Your Dog’s Pet Food Should IncludeAs long as your dog doesn’t have any allergens, you should choose a dog food brand that meets your dog’s nutritional needs. Dogs are omnivores, not carnivores, which means they need a diet that consists of a combination of meat and plants. The dog food brand should meet the nutritional content standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). It should contain a balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. When looking at the ingredients for kibble or wet food, make sure you recognize the ingredients in it. For instance, they should include whole-food ingredients. Stay away from fillers as much as possible. The food should also be low calorie, which means that it has less than 350 calories per cup. If your dog is eating a low-quality, high-calorie dog food, it could lead to obesity, which causes a range of health problems. You can ask your veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist how many calories your dog needs per day based on his body condition score as well as his lifestyle. Typically, if your dog lives in your house, has a light exercise schedule, and is spayed or neutered, you can use this easy formula to calculate his caloric intake: 30 x weight in kg (or pounds divided by 2.2) + 70 = Daily number of calories he should intake. In terms of dry dog food or wet food, there are no differences when it comes to digestibility and nutrition. But if your dog doesn’t drink enough water, wet food could be beneficial to his overall health. It could also be helpful if he has trouble chewing because of dental issues. Keep in mind that you should always go for a highest quality dog food you can afford, even if it’s a little pricey. Dog food without quality ingredients could lead to health conditions and upset your dog’s stomach. A high-quality dog food could help you save big on your veterinarian bills in the long run and ensure your dog has excellent overall health. Should You Switch to a Grain-Free Diet?Pet parents may want to know if they should put their dogs on a grain-free diet. You should only switch your dog’s food to a grain-free diet if you have permission from your veterinarian. Above all else, your dog needs to eat pet food that does not trigger any allergies and also provides all their nutritional needs. Aside from ensuring that your dog’s food has the right ingredients, it should also be suitable for your pet’s age (aka life stage). For instance, puppies need puppy food, adults need adult food, and seniors need senior food. As long as you do your research and talk to your vet, you’ll know whether or not your dog needs to go on a grain-free diet. Grain-Free Dog Treats
As a pet parent, you want to give the best food to your babies, so making the right choice is essential. You might already have a preference for the type of food you like to feed your dog. Still, with recent media centered around canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), it’s easy to wonder if you should feed a grain-free diet or grain-friendly formula. Guess what? The answer isn’t as cut and dry as it seems. For instance, think about all the diets out there –– keto, paleo, plant-based, vegan, pescatarian, and vegetarian. There are so many options, and not one is “the best choice” because it depends on your unique needs. Plus, other factors like age, weight, and overall health play a role as well. This same concept applies to your dog’s food. Just like us, you want your furry family members to eat foods designed to help them run, fetch, and cuddle with you for years to come! But dogs aren’t all the same, and different breeds, including dogs within those breeds, have diverse needs. Keeping this in mind, your dog might thrive on a grain-friendly diet, while not doing so well on a grain-free diet, and vice-versa. Things to consider before selecting a dog food:
GRAIN-FREE DOG FOODGrain-free dog food excludes commonly used cereal grains like wheat, corn, rice, sorghum, barley, and rye. These grains are often replaced with legumes like lentils and peas or white potatoes and sweet potatoes, which are high in fiber and other nutrients while also maintaining a low-glycemic index. Pet parents may find this diet beneficial for their dogs who have food allergies, digestive issues, and difficulties with weight management. But it’s also important to understand these formulas will not eliminate carbohydrates out of your dog’s diet. But wait, aren’t carbs bad? Not at all! Carbohydrates may not be the most important part of your dog’s diet— like protein— but they provide a great source of energy. Always be sure their food has the right amount of protein, especially in the first five ingredients, to ensure they are getting the essential nutrients first. GRAIN-FRIENDLY DOG FOODGrains aren’t all created equal, and they aren’t all bad. Depending on the type of grains in your dog’s food, they can provide your dog with additional nutrients and fiber. It’s important to note that there isn’t much of a difference between whole grains and ancient grains – meaning, they’ve been around for the same amount of time. However, ancient grains have been virtually unchanged over time while whole grains are more popular. Whole GrainsThere are three main parts to grains: the bran, the germ, and the endosperm. Each piece functions in a unique way, and when kept intact, they are high in essential vitamins and nutrients like selenium, B vitamins, fiber, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus, which promote healthy skin and coat, heart function, digestion, and other health benefits. Studies show whole grains are more nutrient-dense than refined grains, which are processed to remove the bran and germ. Types of refined grains include white flour, white rice, low fiber cereals, and desserts. Whole grains include brown rice, quinoa, barley, rye, oats, amongst others. Ancient GrainsJust like the name suggests, ancient grains have been around since the dawn of time. Virtually unchanged through processing, they are packed with essential nutrients and fiber, plus they offer an abundant source of plant-based protein. These grains commonly include chia, quinoa (which doubles as both whole grain and ancient grain!), teff, spelt, kamut, millet, and amaranth. If your dog is sensitive to gluten, amaranth and millet are naturally gluten-free (fun fact, amaranth is considered a grass and millet is a seed). Some ancient grains are also considered superfoods, like quinoa and chia seeds, because they contain a higher than average nutrient content — did you know quinoa is a complete protein containing over nine essential amino acids? Wow. FINDING BALANCEExtremes in any diet can cause health issues. What if you wanted to lose weight for the New Year? Your doctor wouldn’t suggest you drink only celery juice for seven days straight. Sure, you’d probably slim down pretty quickly, but you’re also putting your body at risk. You’d also never want to give your fur babies anything extreme because it can be harmful to their health. Aim to purchase high-quality food free from the bad stuff, regardless if it’s with grain or without. Ingredients To Avoid
We suggest avoiding diets that lean too far in one direction or another— instead, aim for formulas promoting a complete and balanced diet, featuring a healthful amount of protein, vegetables, and oil. As a rule of thumb, always read the back of your dog food label before purchasing. ProteinDogs are carnivores, and they love protein. Large amounts of protein help maintain their energy levels while also making sure their muscles are working at optimal levels. Ideally, you want to make sure their food has a quality protein source including the essential amino acids crucial to your dog’s health. When you are shopping for food for yourself, what’s the first thing you notice about the ingredients? In the hierarchy, we prioritize the first five ingredients listed because we know they are larger in quantity, decreasing as you travel down the list. If your dog’s food starts with significant amounts of protein as the first ingredients, it’s safe to assume there’s a high protein content. But again, be mindful of the type of protein source. Also important to note: If the formula starts with a grain or a grain-free substitute, there might be a higher carbohydrate to protein ratio— and contrary to popular belief, vegan diets may be great for humans, but they won’t give your dog all the fuel they need. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before feeding foods that are low in meat, fish, or poultry-based protein. Choose Wholesome NutritionWe know you want the best for your dog, which is why Redbarn has a line of wholesome rolled and dry dog foods made with quality proteins, healthy vegetables, clean carbohydrates, and functional ingredients like salmon oil, flaxseed, and nutrient-rich antioxidants. Whether you choose grain-free or grain-friendly, be sure to know your dog’s unique needs and read the back of your labels to check the ingredients. Here at Redbarn, we are all about transparency, so if you have any questions about our food, please give us a call Monday- Friday 8 am - 5 pm PST at (562) 495-7315. |
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