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What to Know About Grain-Free Dog Food

July 15, 2021

You’ve probably heard mention of grain-free or gluten-free products over the past few years. They’ve gained a lot of popularity recently, and they have found their way into the pet food world, too. But is a grain-free diet right for your dog? Let’s take a closer look at what grain-free means and whether or not it’s the right choice for your canine pal.

What is grain-free dog food?

Grain-free dog food is just what the name suggests: food made without the common grains typically used in pet food, like wheat, barley, rye, corn, rice, oats, and soy. Grain-free foods usually substitute other sources of carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes or lentils, in place of those grains.

Are grain-free and gluten-free the same thing?

In a word: No. Grain-free and gluten-free aren’t the same thing. Gluten-free foods don’t use grains that contain gluten, like wheat, barley, and rye. However, they could be made with other types of grains (corn, soy, etc.). So, a grain-free diet may be gluten-free, but a gluten-free diet isn’t necessarily grain-free.

Is there a connection between grain-free food and heart disease?

You may have heard about grain-free dog foods in the news recently. That’s because the Food and Drug Administration has opened an investigation into possible connections between grain-free diets and the development of dilated cardiomyopathy (heart disease). The study is ongoing, so it’s difficult to point to any concrete conclusions just yet. It also seems that other factors besides grain-free food could contribute to heart disease. Pets in the study that didn’t eat grain-free food developed heart disease as well. Here’s the bottom line: a direct link between grain-free food and heart disease has not been proven, but it’s not out of the question. Your best choice is to speak with your vet, and get some specific advice.

Should my dog be fed a grain-free diet?

Because whole grains provide important nutrients for your pup, such as fiber, magnesium, selenium, carbohydrates, and others. You don’t want to remove those ingredients unless it’s necessary. Grain-free foods may be helpful for dogs with particular allergies to grain sources, but this kind of diet isn’t necessary for most dogs. Most food allergies are tied to proteins, such as fish or chicken. The best course of action is to work closely with your veterinarian when it comes to Fido’s dietary and nutritional needs.

Would you like to learn more about grain-free dog food? Contact your local pet clinic in Hudson Valley, NY to speak with the professionals.