Regular Dog Food (Dog Food with Grains)
Regular dog food is the common dog food you find on shelves. When we say regular dog food, we mean dog foods with grains. Dog food with grains is a popular choice among many homeowners despite the ongoing debate about grain-free vs. regular dog food.
You’ll see the following grains on a regular dog food label. All of these grains are beneficial for dogs in one way or another.
- Wheat
- Corn
- Barley
- Oats
- Rye
- Rice
- Soybeans
Please note that regular dog foods labeled as gluten-free don’t have grains containing gluten. However, they may still have other grains like corn or rice.
Benefits of Grain-Inclusive Diet
Many dog parents and vets consider grains as non-essential. However, grains are a healthy source of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates for your dogs. A research conducted at the University of Maine concluded that some dogs can be allergic to grains. Hence, it is better to note the symptoms like skin allergies, digestive problems, lethargy, and behavioral issues. If the symptoms persist, make sure you contact the vet immediately.
Whole grains are natural sources of fiber, essential fatty acids, and several B-vitamins. These nutrients support the digestive health of dogs, promote a healthy coat and skin, and contribute to overall metabolic functions.
Drawbacks of Grain-Inclusive Diet
A drawback of a grain-inclusive diet for dogs could be the potential for grain allergies or intolerances, which, while not overly common, do occur in some dogs. Symptoms such as itchy skin, ear infections, or gastrointestinal upset can arise if a dog is sensitive to specific grains, leading to discomfort and the need for a specialized diet.
Another concern with grain-inclusive dog foods is that they may contain fillers like corn or wheat gluten that offer less nutritional value than whole grains. These fillers can contribute to unnecessary caloric intake without providing the same quality of nutrients, potentially leading to weight gain and other health issues if not properly balanced within the diet.
Grain-Free Dog Food
Grain-free dog food is a type of dog food formulated without the inclusion of any grains. Grains are a common source of carbohydrates and are found in many traditional dog foods. They typically include wheat, corn, rice, oats, barley, rye, and soy. In grain-free options, these ingredients are absent.
Instead of grains, grain-free dog foods use alternative sources of carbohydrates.
- Potatoes (sweet or regular)
- Peas
- Lentils
- Quinoa
- Tapioca
- Various legumes
- Other fruits and vegetables
Benefits of Grain-Free Food
The reason some pet owners opt for grain-free diets could be due to allergies or sensitivities their dogs may have to grains or based on the belief that a grain-free diet might be closer to a dog’s ancestral diet. It’s important to note, however, that not all dogs require a grain-free diet, and grains in dog food can be a healthy part of a balanced diet unless the dog has a specific issue digesting grains or a diagnosed allergy.
Drawbacks of Grain-Free Food
It is worth mentioning that the FDA has investigated potential links between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. While no definitive conclusions have been reached, it is recommended that pet owners make diet choices for their pets in consultation with a veterinarian.
If your dog tolerates grains well, a grain-free diet may not be the most beneficial choice for them. Whole grains can provide essential nutrients vital for your dog’s health, including magnesium, potassium, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber, all of which contribute positively to your pet’s well-being. Additionally, locating grain-free options in pet stores may pose a challenge, and these products often come with a higher price tag when compared to grain-inclusive dog foods.
How do I know my Dog needs Grain-Free Food?
You might suspect your dog needs grain-free food if it exhibits signs of grain allergies or intolerances, such as chronic gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation, or persistent ear infections. A veterinarian can help confirm these issues through an elimination diet or specific allergy testing.
Is Grain-Free food also Gluten-Free?
Grain-free food is typically gluten-free since it excludes grains like wheat, barley, and rye, which contain gluten. However, it’s crucial to read the label to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients are included, especially if the food contains additives or flavorings derived from grains.
Which Diet Should I Feed My Dog: Grain-Free or Regular (Dog Food with Grains)
Deciding between a grain-free diet and a regular dog food diet that includes grains should be based on several factors, including your dog’s individual health needs, any allergies or sensitivities it may have, its life stage, and your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Grain-Inclusive Diet (Regular Dog Food with Grains)
- Nutritional Benefits: Whole grains can provide essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which benefit a dog’s overall health.
- Digestibility: Many dogs digest grains well and do not require a grain-free diet. In fact, grains can be a good source of energy.
- Cost: Regular dog food with grains is typically more economical than grain-free options.
Grain-Free Diet
- Allergies or Sensitivities: If your dog has been diagnosed with an allergy or sensitivity to grains, a grain-free diet may be necessary.
- Dietary Preferences: Some owners prefer grain-free diets due to the belief that they are closer to a dog’s ancestral diet.
- Health Considerations: Certain medical conditions may benefit from a grain-free diet, but this should be assessed by a veterinarian.
Important Points to Consider
- Consult Your Veterinarian: Before making any changes to your dog’s diet, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian. They can provide guidance based on your dog’s specific health profile.
- Observe Your Dog: Watch for signs of food sensitivities or allergies in your dog, such as itching, digestive upset, or ear infections, which may indicate a reaction to grains.
- Balance is Key: Whether you choose grain-free or grain-inclusive dog food, ensure that the diet is well-balanced and meets the AAFCO guidelines (https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/What-Is-AAFCO-and-What-Does-It-Do) for complete and balanced pet nutrition.
- Research: Stay informed about any new research or findings regarding dog nutrition, such as the ongoing FDA investigation into a potential link between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs.
- Quality of Ingredients: Regardless of grain content, the quality of the ingredients and the overall formulation of the diet are crucial for your dog’s health.
- Alternate between Grain-Inclusive and Grain-Free Diets: You can feed both diets to your dog if he is not allergic to grains. This way, you can give your dog the best of both worlds and keep him healthy and happy.