Not just hype. Grain-free dog food offers health benefits.

Grain-free dog food is one of the most popular types of dog food.

Many dog owners feed their pets this kind of food in the belief that it provides all the right nutrients.

But just what are the benefits of grain-free dog food, and is there any truth to all the hype?

Here’s a look into some of the key benefits of grain-free dog food:

Grain-free dog food promotes optimum digestion

While it is true that ancient dogs in the wild ate almost anything they could find, including fruits and vegetables, it should be understood that their primary meal was still pretty much proteins. And it’s important to remember that fruits and vegetables aren’t grains.

Science has revealed that the digestive system of dogs is not really built to digest cereal grains like corn and wheat, among others. Dogs can eat these foods but there is no guarantee that they will be able to completely digest them.

On the other hand, grain-free dog food has more of the easily digestible food molecules, so you can be sure your pooch will be getting optimum digestive function.

Grain-free dog food offers high-quality ingredients 

As a direct result of an overall improvement in digestion, giving grain-free dog food means your pooch will be able to digest and absorb all the important nutrients it needs to grow and develop.

It’s important to note that the cereal grains most often included in today’s dog kibble is filler with low nutrient value.

In grain-free dog foods, those fillers are excluded and nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits and wholesome grains take their place.

Together with high-quality animal protein and fat sources, these carbs can provide better-balanced nutrition for dogs.

Keeps your dog’s coat and skin healthier, provides more energy

Since the cereal grains in dog food are replaced with more nutritious fruits, wholesome grains, and vegetables, you can expect your dog to have a healthier coat and skin.

The rich antioxidant nature of many fruits and vegetables combined with the essential amino acids found in some wholesome grains.

Many of the grain-free formulas also come with higher proportions of omega-3 fatty acids with high antioxidant properties.

Also, by removing cereal grains and replacing them with easily digestible starches and carbohydrates, you are giving your pooch all the energy he needs to lead an active lifestyle.

Reduces risk of allergies

Just as some people are allergic to wheat or gluten, certain dog breeds are more prone to developing food allergies.

For example, retrievers, dachshunds, lhasa apsos and cocker spaniels often experience food allergies. So if you have a dog who is predisposed to food allergies, would you want to feed her something that might trigger an upset stomach, dry and itchy skin or cause her to lose her hair.

For a comprehensive selection of the top grain-free dog food brands, check out this guide to grain free dog food to help you find the right option for your dog.

And for a good selection of the best dog food in general (not necessarily grain-free), you can check out dog food reviews on HonestProductReviews.com.