Is grain-free dog food better for dogs?

Quick takeaways about grain-free dog food

• Dogs can thrive on both a diet with grains and one that’s grain-free.
• If your dog has an allergy or sensitivity to grains (or certain ingredients found in grains like gluten) you can easily opt for a grain-free diet.
• Oats and brown rice are two of the healthiest grains for dogs.

 

With so many dog foods and ingredients to choose from, it can be tough to select the healthiest diet for your dog.

And one particular ingredient is getting dog owners talking – grains. Are grains a nutritious part of your dog’s diet? Or do they just add unnecessary bulk?

Here, we’ll break down the pros and cons of grains, the common myths and misconceptions – and why you might consider feeding grain-free dog food.

 

Can dogs eat grains?

“Yes, most dogs can consume grains without an issue,” says Melanie Sainsburys, a veterinary nurse and educator for Natures Menu.

They can be a good source of vitamins and minerals. “But, if your dog has an allergy or sensitivity to grains or an ingredient found in grains, then a vet might suggest you go for a grain-free diet.”

 

What is grain-free dog food?

Conventional dog food usually contains grains like wheat, rice, barley, oats or rye.

Grain-free dog food is food that excludes all types of grains. With raw food, it might mean a higher meat content. In some foods, you might find grains substituted for different types of carbs like pulses or potatoes.

More dog owners are interested in grain-free foods. But, going grain-free is only really necessary for dogs with an allergy or sensitivity.

Feeding a balanced raw diet can make the choice easier. At Natures Menu we offer:

• A 60/40 recipe with 60% meat and 40% vegetables and brown rice
• An 80/20 recipe with 80% meat and 20% fruit and veg – and no grains.

 

A quick glossary on grains

Here’s a quick guide to some common terms in the pet food aisle:

• Cereals: Another term for grains.
• Carbohydrates: A main food group, along with protein and fats
• Starch: The main type of carbohydrate in dog food is usually starch, found in root vegetables and pulses.
• Wheat-free: Wheat is a type of grain. Food labelled as ‘wheat-free’ may still contain other kinds of grain, like barley, rice or rye.
• Gluten-free: Gluten is a protein found in grains. ‘Gluten-free’ dog food might still contain grains that are naturally gluten-free, like rice.

 

Are grains good or bad for dogs?

“While dogs don’t have a specific dietary requirement for carbohydrates, they can be beneficial for some dogs in small, healthy quantities,” says Melanie.

There’s no scientific evidence that grains are inherently bad for dogs and if we wish to mimic a natural diet, wild dogs would likely consume small quantities of grains when eating captured prey.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of grains for our canine companions.

 

The potential benefits of grains in dog food

1. They can be good for gut health

Healthy grains, like brown rice, offer an excellent source of dietary fibre that can help to maintain gut health.

2. They can provide essential nutrients

Grains contain essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, plus fibre – according to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.

3. They might help with anal gland issues

Grains can help bulk up your dog’s poop, which can help naturally express anal glands and clear blockages.

4. They’re a good energy energy source

Cereal grains can provide energy, and this can be especially beneficial for active, working or competition dogs.

5. Weight maintenance

Grains can help maintain a healthy weight, especially for underweight dogs. They can also help keep your dog fuller for longer.

Top tip: “Don’t panic if you see grains of rice being passed in your dog’s poop,” says Melanie. “This is perfectly normal and doesn't mean that essential vitamins and nutrients haven’t been absorbed during digestion.

“The remaining grain passed in the poop can help contribute to gut health as a great source of natural dietary fibre.”

 

The potential cons of grains in dog food

1. Allergies or intolerances

While it’s relatively rare, some dogs have an allergy or sensitivity to grains. If this is the case, a vet can help you choose the right diet for your dog, like one that’s 100% grain-free.

2. Palatability

Some pickier eaters might prefer the taste of grain-free food. This might be a case of trial and error with your dog and different types of foods.

3. Perceived health benefits

There are anecdotal reports that some dogs appear healthier and more energetic on a grain-free diet. But, there’s no solid scientific evidence to back this up.

 

Can some grain-free food be bad for dogs?

Not all grain-free formulations are created equal. Those that replace grains with pulses (like peas, beans and lentils) or potatoes have been linked to a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) – according to a study by Tufts University.

Researchers investigating DCM suggest there are other causes beyond diet, but of course, any correlation can be worrying.

Rest assured, if you do choose grain-free, our recipes are created based on the latest research in pet nutrition and we stick to strict regulatory guidelines to keep your dog happy, healthy and safe.

 

Which grains are better for dogs?

Some grains have a better reputation than others. Our 60/40 recipes contain parboiled brown rice, which is partially cooked in its nutrient-rich husk.

Thanks to this process, it packs an extra nutritional punch. Parboiled brown rice is also naturally gluten-free and provides essential minerals and vitamin B.

Our Mighty Mixer biscuits also contain rolled oats, which are low in sugar and easy to digest.

Ancient grains are another staple on the shelves. These are grains that have been grown for centuries relatively unchanged, like quinoa, millet, spelt and sorghum.

They typically have a low glycemic index, so they can help to keep your dog feeling full.

 

How do I know if my dog needs grain-free dog food?

If your dog is showing any signs of digestive issues like constipation or vomiting, they may be struggling to digest their food. A possible cause is an allergy or sensitivity to grains.

When in doubt, your vet is your best friend. “They might recommend switching up your dog’s diet to narrow down what they’re allergic to. Ask them about the benefits and risks of trying grain-free,” says Melanie.

 

What’s the best grain-free dog food?

If you’re in the market for grain-free food, always look for a complete and balanced formulation.

That’s where we can help. Our meal plans allow you to opt out of grains with confidence that your dog is getting all the nutrients they need.

Our Complete & Balanced 80/20 range meals contain 80% meat and offal, complemented by 20% fruits and vegetables.

If you prefer to include grains, our Complete & Balanced 60/40 range contains 60% meat and offal, blended with 40% vegetables and parboiled brown rice.

Our plans also offer flexibility. For example, you might choose to feed grains on more active or sporting days to give your dog an extra boost of fuel.

 

What do vets think?

A vet may recommend a grain-free diet in specific cases, for example, dogs with a grain allergy or sensitivity.

But vets might also caution that going grain-free requires extra care to meet your dog’s nutritional needs for fibre, vitamins and minerals.

“Provided you’re feeding a healthy, complete and balanced diet to your dog, you can either choose grain or no grain or a mix of both,” says Melanie.

 

So, what’s the verdict?

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Every dog is unique – many dogs live long, happy lives eating healthy grains, while others thrive on grain-free diets.

 

FAQs about grain-free dog food

What’s hypoallergenic dog food?

Food labelled as ‘hypoallergenic’ implies it’s unlikely to cause an allergic reaction, but there’s no legal definition.

Many brands use the term for foods with minimal ingredients or an unconventional protein source, like rabbit or venison.

In reality, allergies are individual to every dog. “It depends on what the dog is allergic to before we can say if a food would be potentially hypoallergenic for that dog,” explains Melanie.

A hypoallergenic food could still cause symptoms in a dog with an allergy to one of the ingredients.

“For example, if your dog has an allergy to chicken, then beef food would be fine and hypoallergenic. But, for a dog with an allergy to beef, ‘hypoallergenic’ food containing beef would trigger their allergy or sensitivity.”

 

How do I calculate the amount of carbohydrate in my dog’s food?

To calculate how much carbohydrate there is in your dog’s food, take a look at the nutrition label.

Add up the percentages of protein, fat, moisture and ash (sometimes labelled as ‘inorganic matter’). Subtract this number from 100 and you’ll find the percentage of carbohydrates in your dog’s food.

Some pet food labels will not state the moisture content. If this is the case, assume it’s 10% for dry foods. Wet and raw foods will state the moisture levels on the pack.

 

What’s the healthiest grain for dogs?

Plenty of grains can be good for dogs. Whether you’re looking for commercial food or considering a homemade raw dog food diet, good options include oats, cooked brown rice or our easy-to-serve Mighty Mixer biscuits.

   
Try a personalised meal plan with quality, natural raw ingredients to help keep your dog healthy and happy.