A growing trend among pet dog owners is to switch their dog to a completely grain-free dog food formula. This has been rapidly increasing in popularity, as more pet care nutritional experts are beginning to attest to the detrimental health effects that can be caused by a high-grain diet. There are many different types of grain-free dog food formulas, each of which use different ingredients to make up for the lack of grains. Choosing the right type of grain-free dog food can be slightly intimidating, since each formula is different.
Some Great Grain Free Dog Food Recipes:
One thing to consider when choosing a grain-free dog food is cost. Most grain-free dog food formulas are relatively expensive, which is often seen as one negative aspect of a grain-free diet. However, the reason that most grain-free formulas are more expensive is because they do not contain grain ingredients as “fillers” in order to bulk up the formula. Rather, most grain-free dog food formulas contain a higher amount of protein. As a result, a dog nutrition needs to consume a much lower volume of a grain-free dog food formula in order to feel satisfied. This actually reduces cost, as less food is required at mealtimes.
Another important thing to consider about grain-free dog food formulas is the difference between dry and canned formulas. In order to maintain the consistency of dry kibble formulas, many dog food companies need to add some carbohydrate-based ingredients in order for the kibble to hold its shape. With a canned dog food formula, this is not the case. In addition to this, canned dog food formulas provide a good amount of moisture, which helps to supplement a dog’s need for a constant supply of water. However, the convenience of grain-free dry dog food formulas is a positive factor for many dog owners. In addition to this, canned dog food formulas are slightly more expensive, because of the packaging needs of these formulas.
With respect to proper dog pet care, most veterinarians will confirm that switching a dog to a grain-free dog food formula has many different health benefits. However, it is also important to remember to check the fat content of grain-free dog food formulas. As the protein ratio of a dog food formula goes up, so does the ratio of fat and calories. If you are trying to look for a dog food formula to feed to an overweight dog, it may be worthwhile to select a grain-free dog food formula with a slightly lower protein percentage if it also has a low percentage of fat.
If you have a dog that is over five years of age, it may be worthwhile for you to switch them to a grain-free diet. The reason for this is that as your dog ages, their digestive system has a much harder time processing carbohydrate ingredients (such as grains). As a result, a dog may develop grain-based allergies over prolonged exposure to a high-grain diet. Senior dogs seem to do much better on a grain-free diet. When switching a dog to a grain-free diet, it’s very important to do it gradually, to prevent possible gastrointestinal problems.
4 Responses to “Grain Free Dog Food”
Grain-free? Absolutely! Not least because it’s a post-war legacy of trying to find a use for cheap cereals and byproducts of processed food for human consumption. But before choosing, check out the nutritional requirements of your specific breed. I went for Orijen because of its high-quality ingredients but at 35% protein, it’s far too high for my dog, who ideally needs to be on around 20-22% protein. If you are feeding your dog too high a protein content, you can expect constant diarrhoea and potentially behavioural side-effects. I cannot understand why Orijen has recently augmented their protein content even further, unless they are hoping well-intentioned dog owners will simply see the headline percentage and think more protein = better for dog. Not necessarily so!
Hi Kate. I”m thinking of making a switch to grain free and have been looking at Orijen, but worry the protein may be too high/rich for my 9 year old wire-haired terrier. He’s been on Innova for 5 years, but with the P&G buy-out I feel we need to make a change. We were living in Germany and didn’t even hear about the buy-out until recently. I don’t know if a grain-free would be right for him at his age (again worried that it may be too rich). I’ve also heard of Great Life Chicken which does have grain but “healthy” grains. What food did you end-up going to, as you said the protein in Orijen is too high. I appreciate any input. Thanks so much.
Our boxer developed skin problems. The vet said it was a yeast infection on his skin. It had an unpleasant odor, accompanied by a pink color. Rocky (our boxer) was also licking his paws, the irritation was between his toes as well. After several hundred dollars and a cocktail of pills, ointment and shampoo, the problem persisted.
A pet shop employee suggested a grain free diet. He indicated his dog had the same problem. He also suggested some hydrocortisone spray to help clear up the skin.
Within a few days the problem cleared up. I’m not sure which was more effective at first; the hydrocortisone, or the food. However, we are no longer using the spray and his skin problems have cleared up.
Dogs are to a degree carnivorous animals, omnivorous would be more exact, but since their diet is in the main meat lets stick to them being carnivores. Well if there was a field of lambs and a field of wheat, a very hungry feral dog came along, I dare bet he would not go picking wheat.
So, why give them wheat? This is one reason why I refuse to buy ANY dry dog food made in the UK, even some of the “top” brands are rubbish. Dogs need loads of meat and protein. They are different to us in the respect that our bodies use carbohydrates first, then protein, dogs are the opposite. Protein is used for energy and muscle building, buy a food with poor protein content and high carbs and you will have one fat, unhealthy dog.
If Orijen also was packed with carbs as well as protein, it would suck as a dog food but it doesn`t, high protein, low carbs, exactly what a carnivore needs. They will pick a few berries on the way, the odd fruit, but they will never tuck into wheat or corn. Avoid any food that contains these ingredients. My last bullmastiff at Autumn time would eat blackberries and wild raspberries, she loved them. Never ate grain though.
A few reviewers are claiming high protein will harm dog, very wrong, do your homework on a dogs metabolism and you will change to Orijen, possibly the best dry dog food available. Living in the UK I pay a healthy – well high price for this food, I maintain it is worth every penny spent.