{"id":4175,"date":"2022-03-04T14:11:23","date_gmt":"2022-03-04T19:11:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smokymountaindoodles.com\/?p=4175"},"modified":"2022-03-05T14:48:48","modified_gmt":"2022-03-05T19:48:48","slug":"grain-vs-grain-free-dog-food","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smokymountaindoodles.com\/?p=4175","title":{"rendered":"Grain vs. Grain Free Dog Food"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Authored by Tractor Supply Company<\/a><\/strong> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dog owners want what is best for their dogs and that starts with a \nhealthy diet filled with quality ingredients. But are the things you are\n feeding your dog actually beneficial to their health? Understanding the\n role the ingredients play in your dog\u2019s overall health and what options\n you should choose\u2014and what you should stay away from\u2014is vital if you \nwant to help your dog live a long and healthy life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of grain-free dog food diets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Grain-free dog food is said to lead to a healthier lifestyle for your four-legged friend, but what actually makes it beneficial for your dog\u2019s health?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A grain-free diet that contains all the needed nutrients has been seen to improve your dog\u2019s coat, teeth, and even breath. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grains that are commonly seen in dog food include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  • Wheat<\/li>
  • Corn<\/li>
  • Barley<\/li>
  • Rye<\/li>
  • Oats<\/li>
  • Soy<\/li>
  • Rice<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Some pet owners view grains as filler and are worried about the level\n of carbohydrates in grain-based dog food. Grain-free dog foods still \ninclude carbohydrates like peas, potatoes, and lentils. But these \ncarbohydrates are vital to a dog\u2019s nutrition by giving them the energy \nto go on walks and play. Dog owners who are switching to grain-free \nfoods should be aware that these grain-free ingredients can actually \ncontain more <\/em>carbohydrates, which can lead to weight gain in dogs if not monitored. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    An important note about grain-free foods is that they are not \nnecessarily gluten-free. There may be other sources of gluten in the \nfood that are not from grains, and there may be cross-contamination \nduring the manufacturing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For some dogs, grain-based foods can cause serious illnesses from \nallergies and intolerances. Symptoms of grain intolerances in dogs \ninclude ear and skin infections, diarrhea, and vomiting. If you believe \nyour dog may have a food allergy to grain, please start by asking your \nveterinarian what symptoms of food allergies and food intolerances to \nlook for in your dog. Together, you can come up with a grain-free diet \nthat will work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you are interested in switching to grain-free dog food, what should you look for when choosing one?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grain-free dog food and dog treats are commonly touted as being a \nbetter source of protein, but that isn\u2019t necessarily the case. While it \nwould be great if dog food manufacturers filled the space left by no \ngrains with more protein, you should be sure to look at the ingredients \nlist on your dog food to make sure the ingredients that have been added \nare ones that give your dogs the nutrients they need and aren\u2019t just \nfiller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you are not sure which ingredients are safe for your dog, speak \nwith your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist. When searching for \ningredients on the can or bag you purchase, look for a description that \nmimics what you would find in raw meat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A grain-free diet should include proteins, water, fats, \ncarbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How much of these nutrients your \ndog needs depends on its age, breed, and any health concerns your dog \nmay have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Just remember that the proper nutrient and carbohydrate needs of a \ndog\u2019s diet can vary greatly from dog to dog and from breed to breed. But\n for a food allergy, intolerance, or gluten sensitivity, a diet of \ngrain-free dog food may be the way to go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why dogs need more than grain-free food<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    A diet of grain-free or gluten-free dog food may sound tempting to \nyou until you realize that grain allergies are not common in dogs, \noccurring in less than one percent of dog breeds. In most cases, your \ndog will actually be sensitive to a specific protein source in their \nfood. If that is the case, look for foods with exclusive sources of \nprotein (such as just turkey or just chicken) instead of foods that \ncontain a variety of protein sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To give your dog the best dog food, choose one that contains a protein, carbohydrate, fruit, vegetable, and grain. You want to look for things that are high-quality, will be gentle on their digestive systems, and will prevent nutritional deficiencies. When you are looking at a dog food label, consider the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    • Ingredients are often listed in order of weight. But be wary, \nbecause meat often contains a large percentage of water weight, which \nmay falsely position it near the top. Ingredients like \u201cmeat meal\u201d will \nactually contain less water to factor into its weight.<\/li>
    • The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has \nstrict guidelines to makes sure food is balanced properly for dogs and \ncats. Any dog food that states that it\u2019s \u201cformulated to meet the \nnutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles\u201d \nis not just using that as a marketing tactic. <\/li>
    • The name of the product itself also gives some clues about what the \nfood will contain, according to advertising guidelines. The U.S. Food \nand Drug Administration (FDA) states that if a product is plainly named,\n such as \u201cBeef Dog Food,\u201d that product must contain at least ninety-five\n percent beef. If the name includes the term \u201cdinner,\u201d the ingredient \nmust make up at least twenty-five percent of the ingredient list. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      As mentioned previously, your dog also requires very different types \nof food at the various stages of its life. Puppies need to eat more \noften and receive larger quantities to support their development. Food \nmeant specifically for puppies will often contain more calcium and will \nhave a different balance of nutrients than food formulated for adult \ndogs. As your dog gets older, it will need fewer calories to keep going,\n and its food will focus on maintaining a healthy weight and include \nprebiotics and probiotics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      If you have questions about your dog food, you shouldn\u2019t hesitate to \ncontact the dog food brand directly. If they are using quality \ningredients, they should be proud to let their customers know that \ninformation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How to choose between grain-free and grain-inclusive dog food<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      When deciding between grain-free and grain-inclusive, you need to \nconsider what will ultimately improve the quality of life for your dog. \nFor some, it is going to be a grain-free option, while for others, \ngrain-inclusive dog foods will be the stand-out choice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      For the best grain-free foods, look for dog food that contains whole \nproteins, such as chicken, beef, fish, or turkey, and healthy vegetable \noptions like peas, lentils, sweet potatoes, or carrots. Popular brands \nthat offer grain-free options include Taste of the Wild, 4health and \nDiamond Naturals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      If you want to choose a grain-inclusive dog food diet, look for dog \nfood brands that contain whole grains rather than millings, cereals, or \nhulls. Most dogs are happy eating grains like wheat, barley, and corn. \nSome popular brands for grain-inclusive dog foods include Purina, Hill\u2019s\n Science Diet, Iams, and Blue Buffalo Life Protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Shaping your dog\u2019s diet can be a tricky and confusing task. Always \nconsult your veterinarian before switching your dog to a different diet.\n Once you get the go-ahead, start to introduce the new food to your \ndog\u2019s diet gradually. Mix about ten percent of the new food with ninety \npercent of the old food, adding more and more new food as your dog gets \nused to it. This transitional time will allow your dog\u2019s digestive \nsystem to become accustomed to the new food. It also gives you a chance \nto switch again if any symptoms of an allergy or intolerance appear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      FDA warning against grain-free dog food<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      If you are a pet owner and are considering changing your dog\u2019s food \nto follow a grain-free diet, you should be aware of the FDA\u2019s 2018 \nwarning about canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) as a result of a \ngrain-free diet. These warning statements in their entirety can be found\n on the FDA\u2019s website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      DCM is a genetic condition that affects the heart muscle typically \nseen in large or giant breeds. It is most commonly found in Doberman \nPinschers, Great Danes, or Irish Wolfhounds. Cocker Spaniels are also \nknown to show signs of DCM in association with taurine deficiency. DCM \nhas been known to lead to an enlarged heart, which limits the heart\u2019s \nability to pump blood and often results in congestive heart failure. The\n FDA\u2019s interest in grain-free diets started when they noticed an \nincrease in DCM cases in dog breeds not previously known to have a \ngenetic predisposition to the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      To determine the relationship between DCM and grain-free diets, the FDA tested products labeled grain-free for the following: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      • Protein, fat, and moisture<\/li>
      • Crude fiber, total dietary fiber, soluble fiber, and insoluble fiber<\/li>
      • Total starch and resistant starch<\/li>
      • Cystine, methionine and taurine <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Taurine is an amino acid that is found exclusively in meat. It is \nconsidered essential for cats but has not been listed as part of the ten\n amino acids that are part of a dog\u2019s survival. Dogs are able to \nsynthesize taurine from cystine and methionine, which are usually \npresent in a dog\u2019s diet. Taurine deficiency is considered a potential \ncause of DCM because when some companies look at protein levels in the \npeas, lentils, and legumes they put in their grain-free food, they tend \nto leave out a larger amount of meat proteins. Without these larger \nquantities of meat proteins in grain-free diets, dogs are unable to gain\n access to the cystine and methionine that they need to produce \ntaurine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        In their research, the FDA determined that ninety percent of labels \nexamined in cases associated with DCM were grain-free, and ninety-three \npercent of reported products had peas and\/or lentils. There was no one \nanimal protein source that stood out as likely to be associated with \nDCM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        You can read a complete list of the dog food manufacturers that have \nbeen reported in relation to diagnoses of DCM, as well as the type of \nfood formulation that was being fed to the dogs at the time. The vast \nmajority were dry dog foods. No dog food brands have been asked to \nrecall their foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Some professionals have pointed out that it is not just grain-free \ndiets that might be an issue. \u201cBEG\u201d diets (aka boutique companies, \nexotic ingredients, or grain-free diets) are more likely the real \noverarching issue. In BEG diets, companies often use replacements that \ndo not offer the same nutritional expertise or quality control that \nother companies must use when choosing ingredients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        As of 2020, there were no new announcements regarding the \ninvestigation, but the FDA asks pet owners to come forward and report \nany pet food complaint through its website. If your dog is showing \npotential signs of DCM, including decreased energy, cough, difficulty \nbreathing, or episodes of collapsing, you should get in touch with your \nveterinarian as soon as possible. If caught early enough, and if it is \nnot genetic, your dog\u2019s heart functions can be improved<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        It is not a guarantee that grain-free diets are directly linked to \nDCM in all dog breeds. DCM is not considered rare in dogs, and some \ncases are in dogs who eat grain-inclusive diets. However, the FDA felt \nit had a responsibility to shed light on a potential link, in addition \nto asking any dog owners who could aid in its research to come forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        If you are a dog owner and have made an informed decision that your \ndog may benefit from a grain-free diet, you should consult with your \nveterinarian for recommended safe food brands and for advice on the best\n source of taurine for your pet. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Authored by Tractor Supply Company Dog owners want what is best for their dogs and that starts with a healthy[…]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4178,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[321,322,171,229,320,316,42,317,324,318,95,319,131,179,325,99,323],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smokymountaindoodles.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4175"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smokymountaindoodles.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smokymountaindoodles.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smokymountaindoodles.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smokymountaindoodles.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4175"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.smokymountaindoodles.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4175\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4184,"href":"https:\/\/www.smokymountaindoodles.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4175\/revisions\/4184"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smokymountaindoodles.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4178"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smokymountaindoodles.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4175"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smokymountaindoodles.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4175"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smokymountaindoodles.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4175"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}