As individuals have started to question the role of grains in their own diet, they have also begun to question their purpose in the food for their dogs.
Dog owners often wonder about the purpose of grains in dog food and whether or not they are necessary for their pets. By comprehending the distinction between regular dog food and grain-free alternatives, as well as the significance of these ingredients, you can make an informed decision on the most suitable choice for your dog.
Regular Dog Food vs. Grain-Free Dog Food
Dog Food with Grains
When we use the term “regular dog food,” we are referring to dog food that includes grains. Many owners continue to prefer dog food that contains grains.
What are the grains that are considered in dog food, even though it is easy to find on shelves and is often more affordable than grain-free varieties?
If you examine a typical dog food label, you may observe a mixture of the following ingredients:
- Wheat
- Corn
- Barley
- Oats
- Rye
- Rice
- Soy
When considering gluten-free dog food, it is worth mentioning that it does not contain gluten-containing grains such as wheat. Nonetheless, it might include other grains like corn and rice.
After learning about the common grains used in dog food, you might be interested in understanding the role of grains.
Dr. Kurt Venator, Chief Veterinary Officer at Purina, states that, despite being viewed as nonessential by certain individuals, grains are, in fact, a superb source of nutrients.
Grains supply your dog with carbohydrates, which offer energy and promote digestion through fiber. They also provide essential nutrients such as protein and linoleic acid, which is crucial for dogs.
Grain-Free Dog Food
Dog foods that do not contain wheat, corn, rice, and other grains are referred to as “grain free.” However, it is important to note that dogs still require carbohydrates for energy. Accordingly, dog foods without grains utilize alternative carbohydrate sources such as potatoes and pea flour.
Is there a benefit to feeding dogs grain-free dog food? Yes, for some dogs. According to Dr. Venator, there is a false belief that grains cause allergies, which is not backed by veterinary medicine. In reality, food allergies are rare in dogs and cats, and grains are generally not the cause.
In fact, grain allergies in dogs are so rare that they impact less than one percent of dogs. Dogs are more prone to developing allergies to proteins such as beef or chicken.
If you think your dog may have a food allergy or sensitivity, it is advisable to collaborate with your veterinarian to determine the cause. They will assist in pinpointing any allergies or sensitivities and suggest a special diet to prevent exposure to allergens. This will guarantee that your dog maintains a balanced diet.
Despite the advantages it may offer certain dogs, feeding grain-free dog food has its disadvantages. It is a common misconception that grain-free implies low carbohydrate content, however, this is not accurate.
If we think through the process, certain dog foods that don’t contain grains may have higher levels of alternative carbohydrate sources such as potatoes and peas. As a consequence, unintended weight gain could occur.
By working with your veterinarian, you can make sure that your dog receives the necessary nutrition from the proper sources, which is crucial.
Does your puppy have a gluten allergy and require hypoallergenic food?
The decision to put a puppy on a grain-free diet is usually made by the owner. However, for dogs with gluten allergies, they must switch to allergen-free foods, such as those found in a grain-free diet. Although it is uncommon for puppies and dogs to have gluten intolerances, it does occur and should be treated seriously. Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure or treatment for these allergies. Nevertheless, maintaining a gluten and grain-free diet for your puppy or dog is an effective means of managing this condition.
Some indications that your puppy may have a gluten or grain intolerance are:
- Unhealthy looking poop . This might include diarrhoea, or blood and mucus in their stools.
- Vomiting.
- Evidence of sensitive skin , such as sores, rashes, or inflamed and red skin
- Excessive itchiness, chewing or licking of body parts
- A dull or unhealthy-looking coat, which is down to nutritional deficiencies.
- Bald patches or hair loss, due to scratching.
Before making any major changes to your puppy’s diet, such as excluding gluten or any other ingredients, it is important to consult a veterinarian. In the early months, this period is crucial for your puppy’s health, and significant dietary changes can have a notable effect. During your visit, the veterinarian will conduct a physical examination of your dog and, if deemed necessary, may also perform blood work to investigate any potential underlying illnesses. Additionally, the vet will provide nutritional guidance and assistance throughout the transition process.
Puppy nutrition: 4 points to remember
- Puppies grow an impressive 20 times faster than adult dogs. As a result, they require a specially formulated diet to meet their nutritional needs.
- Puppies should eat between four and six small meals a day up until the age of 6 months, after which they can eat two larger meals per day. This is because puppies have small stomachs. If they overeat (which puppies and dogs have a tendency to do), they can get stomach complaints including diarrhoea.
- When it comes to choosing grain-free or regular food for your puppy, there is no right answer. Provided you are feeding your puppy a healthy and nutritionally balanced diet, you can choose whether to stick to regular dog food or go grain-free.
- Although rare, puppies can suffer from gluten and grain intolerances. If your puppy is found to be intolerant to grains (which a vet and exclusion diet will help confirm), they will need to stick to a grain-free diet forever.
