Grain versus Grain Free Dog Food Diets

Grain-free diets are a popular option in the pet food aisle. What do you need to know about the great grain debate?
Grains are an important source of complex carbohydrates and energy. Complex carbohydrates are more slowly digested than simple carbohydrates, resulting in a more sustained energy release. Foods rich in complex carbohydrates are also important sources of other essential nutrients. Some common grains found in dog foods include barley, corn, rice, oats and wheat.

Whole grains include all parts of the grain, while refined grains have the nutrient-rich germ and bran layers removed. Whole grains promote digestive health since they are not only an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, but are also rich in fibre. Grain-free does not equal carbohydrate-free as these pet foods also contain complex carbohydrates. Sources include peas, lentils, chickpeas, tapioca, potato and sweet potato.

While some dogs may have allergies to one or more specific grain, it may not be necessary to eliminate all grains. Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, rye and barley and most pets tolerate it without any difficulty. The exception is some Irish Setters with inherited gluten sensitivity.
The introduction of grain-free diets has increased the variety of new and unique pet food recipes available. This allows pet parents to choose a diet with or without grains that works best.

By Petcurean

At Healthy Pet Foods we offer you both grain free and whole grain options to suit your pet's needs. None of the foods we offer contain wheat, corn or soy. Where a food contains grain it is always the whole grain (no grain by-products) and only highly digestible and non-allergenic grains (e.g. rice and oats).