Guest Post By: Beco Pets

Grain-free dog food has become increasingly popular in the past few years, with 67% of growth in dog food coming from more natural products, according to Mars Petcare. 

With so many choices of dog food available on the market, it can feel impossible to decide which is best for your prized pooch.  But, we’re here to help you understand the world of grain-free dog food; our comprehensive guide will help you to make an informed decision on what to feed your pup.

Keep reading to learn more.

Key Summary

• Grain-free dog food is a type of food that does not contain grains, and instead uses  alternative carbohydrates, such as potatoes. 

• Grain-free dog food offers several benefits, including improved digestion, reduced risk of allergies, and better weight management. 

• There is some scientific research to support a grain-free diet, but it is important to select a high-quality grain-free dog food that has a high percentage of animal-based protein. 

What Is Grain-Free Dog Food?

Grain-free dog food refers to dog food that is not made using grains, but instead uses alternative sources of carbohydrates including potatoes, sweet potatoes, or legumes, such as peas or lentils.

Typically grain-free dog food has a higher percentage of animal-based protein, for example, chicken, fish or beef, compared to traditional dog food. 

What Are Grains And Why Are They Used In Dog Food?

Grains are the seeds of cereal plants that are often included in dog food as a source of carbohydrates for energy, and fiber, for digestion. What is typically considered a grain in dog food includes corn, wheat, and rice. 

In recent years, some pet parents have become concerned about the potential health risks associated with feeding their dogs food that contains grain, leading to the development of grain-free dog food options.

The history behind grain-free dog food dates back to the early 2000s when some pet owners began to advocate diets that more closely resembled what dogs would eat in the wild. They argued that grains were not a natural part of a dog's diet and could potentially cause health problems, such as allergies, obesity, and digestive issues.

As a result, some pet food manufacturers began to create grain-free dog food options that replaced grains with other sources of carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes or peas. Grain-free dog food has since become a popular choice for some pet parents who want to avoid feeding their dogs grains.

Whilst there are clear benefits to this type of diet, not all dogs need to eat grain-free food as grains can offer a valuable source of nutrition for some breeds. It's best to consult with your veterinarian to determine what type of food is best for your individual dog.

Grain-Free Dog Food Benefits

One of the most common dog parent questions when it comes to food is, “is it better to feed dogs grain-free food?”

The following list details the key benefits that a grain-free diet can bring to your dog:

• Reduced Allergy Risk- Some dogs can be allergic to grains, such as wheat or corn, so a grain-free diet helps to reduce the risk of a reaction. 

• Improved Digestion- Grain-free dog food is often higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates, which helps improve digestion and reduce the risk of bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

• Increased Energy- The high protein, low carb combo means that this type of food can provide dogs with more energy.

• Healthy Skin and Coat- Some dogs with food sensitivities or allergies may experience skin irritation or dryness due to regular food, but a grain-free diet can reduce these symptoms and promote a healthy, shiny coat.

• Better Weight Management- Grain-free dog food is often lower in calories, as well as contain more protein, which can help dogs maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of obesity.

How Does Grain-Free Dog Food Differ From Traditional Dog Food That Contains Grains?

Traditional dog food often contains grains that are a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, and protein, however, grain-free dog food replaces grains with alternative sources of carbohydrates, using vegetables such as potatoes or legumes. Grain-free dog food may also contain a higher percentage of animal-based protein, such as chicken or fish.

The Science Behind Grain-Free Dog Food

Scientific studies into grain-free dog food are limited but there is some research that has demonstrated clear benefits, including:

• A 2019 study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science found that feeding dogs a grain-free diet led to changes in the gut microbiome that could potentially improve digestion and overall health.

• Another study in 2019 found that a grain-free diet improved canine energy levels, digestion of carbohydrates, and increased nutrient levels compared to dogs fed a super-premium pet food that contains grains. 

What To Look For In A Grain-Free Dog Food

If you're considering switching your dog to a grain-free diet, it's important to select a high-quality dog food that meets your dog's nutritional needs.

Here are some important factors to consider:

• Protein Source:  Use a grain-free food that lists a high-quality protein source as the first ingredient, such as chicken, turkey, fish, or beef. Avoid dog foods that list meat by-products, such as animal digest or meat meal, as the first ingredient.

• Fat Content: Dogs need fat in their diet for energy and to absorb certain vitamins, but too much fat can lead to obesity and other health problems. You’ll want to choose a grain-free food that has a moderate fat content of around 10-15%.

• Nutrient Balance: Make sure the grain-free dog food you choose provides a complete and balanced mix of vitamins and minerals to meet your dog's nutritional needs. 

• Reputation Of The Brand: Choose a reputable brand that has a history of producing high-quality dog food, with great ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Better To Feed Dogs Grain-Free Dog Food?

Determining whether your dog will be suited to a grain free diet will depend on their specific needs. Some dogs will thrive on a grain-free diet, but there are others that will need grains in their food for optimal health. Consult your vet before making a change to your dog’s diet as they will be able to advise based on their individual needs. 

Does Grain-Free Mean Gluten-Free?

Gluten-free dog food should not contain wheat, barley, or rye. As these are considered grains, they will also not be included in grain-free food, making it suitable for a gluten free diet. 

Do Dogs Need Grain In Their Food?

Dogs do not require grains in their diet to be healthy, but in some circumstances, grains can offer a good source of carbohydrates and fiber. Ultimately, the decision to feed a grain-free diet should be based on an individual dog's dietary needs and should be made in consultation with a veterinarian.

Conclusion

Buying dog food isn't as simple as grabbing a can or bag off the supermarket shelf these days, and with such overwhelming choice, it can be hard to know what food is right for your pet pooch. 

Some of the benefits to a grain-free diet are clear to see as it helps with digestive issues, lowers allergic reaction risks, and even promotes a shiny healthy coat. That said, be sure to select a reputable brand that uses good quality ingredients with plenty of nutrients. 

Do you feed your dog grain-free dog food?