Is Grain Free Dog Food Bad
There’s been much discussion about whether or not dogs should be eating grains or if a grain free diet is better for a pup’s health. We all want the best for our pets and with so many varying opinions on the subject, it can be overwhelming to know what’s the best nutritional option for your canine companion. That’s why we’re offering some insight into the grain free debate, in hopes we can help answer the question “is grain free bad for dogs?”
What is grain free dog food?
First thing’s first. What exactly is grain free dog food? A grain free diet for dogs eliminates all types of grain, including wheat, rye, millet, oats and barley, as well as rice and corn. These ingredients aren’t inherently bad for dogs: grains can add healthy carbs to a dog’s diet as well as nutrients, especially when it comes to whole grains. However, some dogs struggle to digest grain inclusive food or may have a grain sensitivity. In these cases, grain free dog foods are often a good option.
At Nature’s Logic, we don’t replace grains with legumes or potatoes. Instead, we use tapioca root as a binder which helps improve food texture and complements our high animal protein grain free recipes.
The benefits of grain free dog food
Grain-free dog food can offer several advantages, particularly for dogs with specific dietary needs or sensitivities.
Improved Digestive Health
Some dogs may experience digestive issues when consuming grains, leading to symptoms like bloating, gas, or irregular bowel movements. Grain-free diets often utilize alternative carbohydrate sources such as sweet potatoes or legumes, which can be easier for some dogs to digest.
Enhanced Skin and Coat Condition
A diet rich in high-quality animal proteins and free from grains may contribute to healthier skin and a shinier coat. Essential fatty acids and amino acids found in animal proteins support skin health and can reduce issues like dryness or itchiness.
Increased Energy Levels
Owners have reported that their dogs exhibit higher energy levels and improved vitality when switched to a grain-free diet. This could be attributed to the higher protein content and the absence of certain fillers found in some grain-inclusive foods.
Potential Reduction in Food Sensitivities
For dogs with known grain allergies or sensitivities, eliminating grains from their diet can alleviate symptoms such as itching, digestive discomfort, or skin irritations. However, it’s essential to note that true grain allergies are relatively rare in dogs.
Alignment with Ancestral Diets
Some proponents of grain-free diets argue that they more closely resemble the natural, ancestral diets of wild canines, which primarily consisted of meat and lacked grains. This perspective suggests that grain-free diets may be more biologically appropriate for dogs.
Grain inclusive diet considerations
Just because a dog food formula is grain free doesn’t automatically mean that it’s a better or worse recipe than a grain inclusive dog food formula.
Just as some brands of kibble overuse fillers, offering your pet little nutritional value, there are grain free dog foods that use low nutrient filler ingredients to replace grains. That’s why it’s important to review the ingredient list on your dog’s food to be confident that they are getting the nutrition needed to thrive.
When selecting a grain free dog food, you’ll want to look for a diet that delivers the majority of protein from animal based ingredients. Be mindful that the protein in legumes and potatoes is included in the total amount of the diet’s protein on the label. This can make it confusing for pet parents to understand how much animal protein their dog is actually consuming.
The amino acids in animal protein are essential to a dog’s nutrition. Many of these crucial acids are absent in other types of protein, like pea based protein. Nature’s Logic maintains a high amount of overall protein, with a majority of the protein coming from quality animal ingredients.
Best grain free dog food
Think going grain free might be best for your dog? Keep the following considerations in mind before choosing a new dog food.
Pick high protein
Dogs are primarily carnivorous animals, meaning protein is essential for their overall health. When choosing a grain free dog food, check out the ingredients list. If the first ingredient listed is an animal protein like chicken or beef, the kibble is likely high in protein.
Skip the preservatives
You might notice some other dog foods use synthetic preservatives to keep their kibble fresh. Keeping things the way pet food should be, we prioritize 100% natural ingredients. That’s why we use Mixed Tocopherols as an all natural preservative in all our pet foods. This helps maintain the quality and freshness of our kibble without adding unnatural additives.
Keep it all natural
Opting for dog food that uses all natural ingredients means avoiding kibble that includes artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, all of which may irritate dogs with food sensitivities. All natural options, like Nature’s Logic, focus on supporting your dog’s diet using real whole foods and all natural ingredients, helping to ensure that your furry friend has a safe, nutrient dense diet.
Should my dog eat grain free food?
There is no single right answer for this question. Much like humans, dogs have different dietary needs. If your dog seems happy and healthy eating a grain inclusive diet, there is no reason to switch to a grain free diet. Grains, and especially whole grains, are a good source of carbs, fiber, and vitamins, making them a part of a healthy diet for many dogs. However, if your dog has food sensitivities, grain free food may be able to help them avoid unpleasant skin and stomach issues. If you’re not sure what the best option for your dog is, we encourage you to talk with your vet.
The most important thing when it comes to a grain free diet is to make sure that your dog is still getting balanced nutrition. Since grains do provide certain nutrients that dogs need, dog parents should make sure that these aren’t lost when making the switch to a grain free food. Our range of all natural grain free canine diets are packed with protein, vitamins, and nutrients dogs need in a variety of formulas. If you want to learn more about which Nature’s Logic recipe is best for your dog, send us a message, we would be happy to help!
