Use this handy guide to feed your dog a grain-free diet

Many humans choose to follow a grain-free diet, whether it’s due to an allergy, intolerance, or personal preference. However, most dog owners don’t consider the impact of including grains in their pet’s diets.

Dog parents worldwide are keen to feed their furry friends the best foods possible to keep them healthy. Recently, there has been an increasing number of dog owners asking the question’ grains or no grains?’.

The decision to cut grains out of your dog’s diet is significant. It’s best to ask your vet for their dietary recommendations as they know your furry companion best!

However, there are some general guidelines that every dog owner can follow when cutting out grains in their dog’s diet.

What are some common grains you should monitor?

You might not see the word “grains” on dog food packaging, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there! Common grains that you might find written on dog food labels include wheat, rice, barley, oats, rye, and maize or corn. Grain-free dog foods don’t contain these ingredients.

For the most part, a grain-free diet is also a gluten-free diet (but not always). If your dog has been suffering from digestive issues and you haven’t been able to figure out why gluten might be the culprit.

When you switch them to a grain-free diet, your dog’s digestion might significantly improve. Again, this is something that your vet will be able to help you determine.

What is grain-free dog food?

Grain-free dog food refers to food that contains no grains. The grains are replaced with other ingredients that ensure the food has an excellent nutritional profile, tastes delicious, and is enjoyable to dogs.

High-quality grain-free dog food products will contain the right amount of carbohydrates to meet your dog’s nutritional needs without disrupting their digestion with grains.

What are the benefits of grain-free diets for dogs?

Although dogs can eat grains and for the most part, they can live a happy and healthy life eating wheat, rice, and barley-filled foods.

However, there are many advantages to cutting out grains from your dog’s diet, especially if they have allergies, intolerances, or digestive issues.

Improvements in skin health have been noted in dogs who suffer from skin issues when fed a grain-free diet. If your dog is persistently getting red, inflamed, or dry patches across their skin, going grain-free may reduce the severity of their condition without medications.

Grain-free diets can also help dogs with sensitive digestion or ongoing digestive issues. If your dog seems to persistently have constipation, diarrhea, or vomit frequently, cutting out grains could solve the problem.

Grain allergies are common in dogs, and your dog might be suffering from such allergies without your knowledge. By removing the grains from your furry friend’s diet, you might notice significant improvements in their overall health and happiness.

Talk to your vet before switching to a grain-free diet

Before you change your dog’s diet, be sure to consult with your vet, so you understand the pros and cons of making that change.