Due to the increasing popularity of grain-free dog diets, pet owners are expressing anxiety over the security of pet food ingredients that include grains. As people nutrition started to lean towards gluten-free options, canine owners started to ponder the worth of grains for their beloved pets.
While it is true that a few young dogs may have adverse reactions to grain or gluten, the majority of canines do well on a diet that contains grains.
Domestic dogs differ from wolves as they are omnivores, which means they can consume grains without harm. However, it’s best to restrict certain grain by-products in their diet.
When choosing dog food, it is important to seek out whole grains rather than those that have been heavily processed as they are considered better quality ingredients and offer greater nutritional benefits.
To steer clear of gluten, many dog owners opt for a grain-free meal. However, it should be noted that not all grains harbor gluten. For canines with greater sensitivity, unconventional ingredients might prove to be a more fitting solution. In particular, ancient grains such as quinoa provide a superior nutritional profile than more commonplace selections.
Read on to discover the top grains that are suitable for your furry friend. We will cover the grains that are harmless to include in your dog’s diet, as well as those you should steer clear of. This will enable you to comprehend the components of your dog’s food and maintain their well-being and contentment.
8 Best Grains For Dogs: Safe Grain-Inclusive Ingredients
The ingredients present in dog food usually consist of these nine grains.
Numerous options provide your pet with safety assurance and several offer noteworthy nutritional advantages.
It is important to seek advice from your veterinarian prior to altering your dog’s food intake.
1. Whole Wheat
Dry dog food formulas often include wheat as a primary ingredient. While wheat contains gluten and can cause allergies in some dogs, it can still serve as a beneficial component in a balanced diet for many canines.
It is safe for pet dogs to consume and process wheat. As it is a rich source of carbohydrates that can be easily digested, it provides them with energy. Furthermore, incorporating wheat in meat-based recipes can enhance the protein balance.
For dogs, whole wheat is the most preferable grain type. Whole grains are characterized by the unbroken grain kernels, containing wheat bran as their outer layer, which is abundant in fiber. This fiber serves as a prebiotic and sustains the healthy bacterial population in your dog’s digestive system.
2. Brown Rice
A grain abundant in essential vitamins and minerals is rice, which is easily accessible. While white rice does not have the external surrounding layers, brown rice is a whole grain that still contains them, with the brown hull being the main source of fiber and nutrients.
Brown rice is abundant in B vitamins, which are essential for enzyme function and energy metabolism in addition to its high fiber and carbohydrate content. Additionally, it is a natural source of selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin E.
Your dog’s digestive problems can be alleviated by incorporating whole brown rice or white rice into their diet. As it is easy to digest, it can aid in the recovery process and soothe any discomfort your furry friend may be experiencing.
3. Barley
Dog food often utilizes barley as a carbohydrate source, along with corn and wheat, even though it is commonly used for beer brewing.
Barley boasts an especially high energy content compared to other grains, making it a great ingredient for canines with high carbohydrate requirements who lead active lifestyles. Additionally, like rice, it is abundant in B vitamins.
Pearled barley, which is barley that has had its outer shell removed, is commonly used in various formulas. Barley groats, the unhulled version of barley, are labeled as such in pet food and provide dogs with excellent fiber. Despite their rarity, barley groats are the preferred type of barley for this grain.
4. Oats
One of the most nutritious grains for both humans and dogs is oats. They have a high protein content and low levels of gluten. They are frequently used in dog formulas designed for those with allergies to wheat, corn or other grains.
While dogs tend to digest animal protein more effectively than plant protein, incorporating oats into meat-based diets can enhance their protein levels. Oats possess a low glycemic index that assists in regulating blood sugar, while the soluble fiber in whole oats aids in maintaining cholesterol levels.
It is likely that when reading a dog food label, you may come across the term oatmeal which is a high-quality ingredient produced by grinding whole oats. Oats are also an excellent choice for pet owners who opt for a non-genetically modified diet.
5. Millet
Although millet is commonly found in wild bird food, it is gaining recognition as a suitable ingredient for omnivorous dog food. This small, grass seed closely resembles the grains that ancestral dogs consumed through the stomachs of their prey.
Millet is a favored option for gluten-sensitive dogs who prefer diets that include grains since it is free of gluten. Also, millet is loaded with antioxidants that improve the immune system of your canine.
Millet’s fat content is higher than that of most grains, which contributes to its dietary energy. Carbohydrates serve as fast-burning energy in your puppy’s body, while fat serves as a source of slow-burning energy.
6. Quinoa
Quinoa, a nutritious grain that is loved by people, is also a safe choice for canines in limited quantities. Some high-quality dog food blends that include grains may have this edible seed as an ingredient, and it is a better substitute for corn and wheat, which are typical starchy components found in dog food.
It is becoming increasingly common to observe dog food with quinoa as the main ingredient, which is not surprising.
Packed with calcium, this nutrient-rich ancient grain is crucial for the bone development of canines as calcium is an essential mineral in their diets.
Pet owners worry about saponin in quinoa which can cause irritation to dogs’ intestines. However, the amount of this natural chemical in quinoa is minimal and doesn’t pose any health risks when consumed in regular portions.
7. Sorghum
Often regarded as a ‘superfood’ in pet recipes, sorghum is an ancient grain that surpasses most conventional grains in nutritional value and is free of gluten.
Sorghum, a type of cereal grass, offers comparable digestibility to rice but with a reduced glycemic index, making it a promising addition to diets including grains for pets with diabetes. Moreover, essential fatty acids present in sorghum provides antioxidant benefits for your furry friend’s body.
Dietary phosphorus, copper, magnesium, and zinc can be obtained from sorghum due to its rich mineral content. In comparison to the artificial mineral supplements added to certain dog foods, natural sources of vitamins and minerals are more readily absorbed by the body.
8. Rye
Rye, similar to wheat and barley, has gluten which makes it unsuitable for dogs that have gluten sensitivities, celiac disease, or intolerances to grains. However, certain dog food manufacturers opt for this grain as a carbohydrate source in their weight control formulas.
Rye has a very similar nutritional profile to barley. It is an excellent source of B vitamins and fiber . But despite high energy levels, some human studies demonstrate that rye can help promote weight loss , blood sugar control, and heart health .
Rye contains more fiber than wheat in its natural state. While dogs do not rely on fiber as their main energy source, a high fiber presence can provide a sense of fullness and discourage overeating.
BONUS: Vet-Approved Homemade Dog Recipe
As recalls and updates on commercial dog food remain unstable, an increasing number of dog owners are choosing to prepare their own dog food at home. While dogs enjoy home-cooked meals, creating homemade dog food entails distinct guidelines for maintaining your dog’s well-being.
Should You Feed a Homemade Diet?
More and more individuals are opting for homemade diets for their dogs due to the ability to regulate the ingredients, which eliminates concerns of pet food recalls. Moreover, some pet owners are embracing healthier eating habits and applying them to their furry friends, as homemade diets tend to consist of natural, unprocessed ingredients perceived to be healthier than commercial dog food.
Before switching your dog to a homemade diet, there are certain factors that must be taken into consideration. Homemade dog food may not be suitable for everyone.
- Be sure to find a dog food recipe that is complete and balanced. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to feed an incomplete or imbalanced diet to your dog.
- It takes time to measure ingredients and prepare the food correctly. Be sure you have a schedule that allows enough time to properly make your dog’s food on a regular basis.
- Make sure you can afford the ingredients to make your own dog food. Homemade food is typically less expensive than commercially prepared fresh or raw dog food, but it usually costs a little more than kibble.
- If you have a picky dog, you may need to source multiple recipes so you can change the diet periodically and keep your dog interested.
How to Prepare Homemade Food for Dogs
It is crucial to use a complete and balanced recipe while preparing a diet for your dog at home. After selecting a suitable recipe in collaboration with your veterinarian, you can begin the preparation process.
- Before you begin, it’s best if you have ready a food scale, food processor, pots and pans, and containers or bags for portioning the food.
- Purchase fresh, high-quality ingredients that are not canned, seasoned, or heavily processed.
- Set yourself up in a clean area of the kitchen that is free of foods that may be harmful to your dog .
- Measure out the ingredients. Use a food scale if possible for accuracy.
- Cook ingredients as directed on the recipe
- Mix food and supplements together well (ideally, use a food processor to blend ingredients).
- Place food in containers and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
- In general, refrigerated food will stay fresh for three to four days. Frozen dog food is best within about two months. Avoid feeding homemade dog food that has been in the freezer for more than six months.
To save time and money, a lot of pet owners opt to cook food in large portions and store it in pre-portioned containers in the fridge or freezer. While this is a practical approach, it’s advisable to start with smaller amounts to observe how your dog responds to the new diet.
Sample Dog Food Recipe
Northwest Holistic Pet Care: Cooked Meal for a 20 lb. Dog
It is crucial to consult your holistic veterinarian before making any alterations to your dog’s diet to ensure that it aligns with their present health condition. Prior to diet modifications, measure your dog’s weight. This will serve as a benchmark and aid in regulating portions if there is excessive or insufficient weight gain. The amount of food needed by a dog is dependent on their overall health, age, and activity level, therefore it may vary.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces ground organic turkey thigh (boneless)
- 2 tbsp ground organic turkey organ meat (liver, gizzards, hearts)
- ¼ c finely grated organic veggies
- 1 tsp ground raw sunflower seeds
- ½ tsp organic coconut oil
- ½ tsp salmon oil
- 500 mg Calcium Citrate (*must include this!)
Modify the ingredient quantities according to the weight and physical activity of your dog. The measurements mentioned earlier are suitable for a 20-pound dog that has low physical activity. A canine’s caloric demands may increase by four times during high-intensity workouts. Keep track of your dog’s weight and adapt meal sizes accordingly to fulfill caloric necessities.
- 40 lb. Dog: Above amounts x 2
- 60 lb. Dog: Above amounts x 3
- 80 lb. Dog: Above amounts x 4
Directions:
Boil vegetables and keep aside. Slowly cook the ground turkey thigh and internal organs on medium-low heat. Turn off the stove when the majority of the meat turns white, but a small amount remains pink. Put the boiled vegetables in a food processor or a fresh coffee grinder and blend until they look finely shredded. Combine all components and make certain that the blend has cooled before serving.
Suggestions: – The food’s life force (or vitality) can be reduced by heat during cooking. To ensure a nutritious meal that’s also easier for certain pets to digest, consider lightly cooking the ingredients rather than serving them raw. For example, blanching or finely grating vegetables can help boost nutrient absorption and aid digestion. – Cooking food can compromise its vitality, but if you’re looking for an option that’s both nutritious and easy to digest for your pet, you don’t necessarily have to go raw. Instead, try lightly cooking the ingredients to preserve more of their beneficial properties. Blanching and grating vegetables can also help promote better digestion and nutrient uptake.
