Should you feed your pet grain-free food? (2024)

FAQs

Should you feed your pet grain-free food? ›

To err on the side of caution, you may want to steer clear of grain-free diets for your pets, unless they have been tested positive for grain allergies. At University Animal Clinic, less than one percent of our food allergy pets develop an allergy to grains.

There are a lot of dog and cat foods sold as grain-free with marketing suggesting that feeding no grains is healthier. This is not true and can, in fact, cause illness for some dogs and cats. There is no medical or physiologic basis to feed dogs or cats a grain-free diet.

In most cases, yes, grain-free food is bad for dogs. There is no medical basis for feeding your dog a grain-free diet. The only exception is if your dog has a specific condition and you are advised to do so by your vet. In short, no studies indicate that grain-free diets are better for dogs than diets with grain.

Foods that are classified as grains are; corn, wheat, soy, rice, oatmeal, barley, oats, sorghum, etc. All of these ingredients should be avoided when choosing a kibble. The three top allergens for dogs are corn, wheat, and soy - all of which are in most dog food brands.

The 25% Rule

The named ingredient(s) must comprise at least 10% of the total product by weight and at least 25% of the product by weight not including the added water. Additional descriptors, such as “dinner,” “entrée,” “platter” and so on, appear in the name.

Despite the benefits for some dogs, there are downsides to feeding a grain-free dog food. Many people assume grain free means low carb, but that's not the case. In fact, some dog foods without grains are higher in alternative carbohydrate sources like potatoes and peas. This could result in unintentional weight gain.

In addition to Blue Buffalo, the brands cited by the FDA are Acana, California Natural, Earthborn Holistic, 4Health, Fromm, Merrick, Nature's Domain, Nature's Variety, Natural Balance, NutriSource, Nutro, Orijen, Rachael Ray Nutrish, Taste of the Wild and Zignature.

Grain-free diets may help some dogs with sensitive digestion. Although most dogs can digest grains without any problems, there are a few pooches that might struggle. If your dog is prone to digestive problems such as constipation, talk to your vet about grain-free dog food and whether this is a good idea for your pet.

Whole grains contain fiber and nutrients that can help your health. It's a low-carb world, and many people are pushing grains off their plate in an effort to control their waistline. But they may be doing their body a disservice. Whole grains have some unique properties that make them a valuable addition to the diet.

Is grain-free bad for dogs in 2024? ›

It depends on how you define “grain-free.” A diet that is naturally grain-free, such as a raw diet, is actually great for dogs. However, grain-free kibble tends to be bad for dogs.

Grain-free dog food is one of the most nutritious diets you could give your dog, but some manufacturers might not consider the protein sources. As such, your dog could be consuming protein that's difficult to digest, resulting in diarrhoea or constipation.

The 3-3-3 rule is a guideline for transitioning a rescue dog into its new home and helping it to settle in. It suggests that the first three days should be used for adjusting to its new surroundings, the next three weeks for training and bonding, and the first three months for continued socialization and training.

The 10% rule means your dog's treats per day allowance should take up no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake. To work this out, it's useful to know the number of calories you should be feeding your dog per day. These can be provided by your pet food's manufacturer or found on the back of all dog food packaging.

This rule states that any food label that contains “with” in the description must contain no less than 3% of the meat ingredient listed. Common examples include Made with Chicken and Dog Food with Beef. The “Flavor” Rule.

Grain-free diets may help some dogs with sensitive digestion. Although most dogs can digest grains without any problems, there are a few pooches that might struggle. If your dog is prone to digestive problems such as constipation, talk to your vet about grain-free dog food and whether this is a good idea for your pet.

In addition to Blue Buffalo, the brands cited by the FDA are Acana, California Natural, Earthborn Holistic, 4Health, Fromm, Merrick, Nature's Domain, Nature's Variety, Natural Balance, NutriSource, Nutro, Orijen, Rachael Ray Nutrish, Taste of the Wild and Zignature.

Unless indicated due to documented food allergies or other inflammatory conditions, grain-free diets will not enhance your cat's health. Traditional kibble-based dry and canned foods generally contain balanced nutrients to minimize health issues and promote a long and vibrant life.

The characteristics of ancient grains make them the best healthy food for dogs. To stay fuller longer, dogs need a healthy amount of protein and fiber. Ancient grains dog food such as those with quinoa or sorghum are rich in both of these.