Pros + Cons of Grain-Free Dog Food
May 05, 2022
Grain-free dog food fad has taken off and is a popular choice on the pet nutrition market. Whether it is because dog parents assumed it was a healthier food choice or because in the human world gluten-free became a fad, it is wise for pet parents to understand all the information regarding this dog food trend first before choosing for their own fur bud. So read on to learn more about whether grains should or shouldn't be a part of your dog's diet.
What Role Does Grains Play?
Although a diet containing grains may not be suitable for every dog, there are some benefits of eating it. They include:
- Healthy Bowel
- Nutritious Source of Protein, Vitamins, and Minerals
- Low-Fat
- Lean Protein Source
Why Grain-Free?
So, there's nothing incredibly unhealthy about letting your dog go grain-free. However, some dog parents wonder whether there is any actual benefits of switching their dog to a grain-free diet. And...there isn't any huge benefits, at least for a healthy dog. However, if your dog has certain types of health issues, they may benefit from a low-grain or grain-free diet. There are legitimate reasons to shift your dog over to this diet, just make sure to check with your veterinarian to help guide you in selecting what your dog needs to make the switch. If your dog is already used to a diet including grains, you need to be reasonable and take it slowly. It will take time for your dog's digestive system to get used to a new diet, very much like humans do. So what kind of health problems make a grain-free diet ideal for your dog? Here's three:
1. Overweight Dogs/Obesity
One of the most common health issues in dogs is obesity. However, you can help control your dog's weight by switching them over to a diet that is low in grains and other carbs. In this way, your dog's body will burn off more fat for energy, helping them to lose those extra pounds. The downside to a grain-free diet is that it has less fiber, and a high-fiber diet helps keep your dog feeling full. So...if your dog doesn't feel full and want more food, dog owners may end up accidentally overfeeding them, which can cause them to store up more fat and have a reverse effect on your dog's weight loss goals.
2. Diabetes/Cancer
Some vets may recommend a low-carb diet for dogs that have diabetes or cancer. If the dog is of healthy weight, eating a low-carb but high-fat diet containing fish oil may help speed your dog's recovery and extend their disease-free state of remission. It may also help manage your diabetic dog's insulin production. Since some types of grains have higher levels of glucose, it could affect your dog's insulin levels.
3. Chronic Gut Inflammation
Chronic gut inflammation is when the superficial layer of your dog's intestines erode, which can impact and decrease your dog's ability to secrete enzymes and other products that aid in digestion, absorption, and boost their immune system. When your dog's digestive system is unable to function properly, it can lead to gas, discomfort, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. Gluten and lectins in certain types of grains can cause inflammation.
Looking for a grain-free treat that can also help supplement other areas of your dog's health? We recommend trying
Petaxin's soft chew selection of
Omega Care,
Daily Probiotic,
Hip+Joint Support dog treats that help support your dog's skin health, gut health, allergies, joint relief and more in a delicious dog-approved flavor!
Is a Grain-Free Diet for My Dog?
There are both pros and cons to a grain-free dog food diet. Every dog is different and has their own needs, so you will need to formulate a healthy dog diet that supports your dog's needs. These needs will be based on your dog's age, health issues, size, activity level, and so forth. Most dog food labels will now show whether it contains grain or not. Make sure to work with your dog's vet to see what works best for your dog's needs.
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