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Marketing tactics that highlight the omission of certain ingredients can be misleading—especially when those ingredients aren’t inherently bad. Take grains, for example. You’re not alone if you’re wondering whether grain-free food is good for dogs.
In this guide, we’ll explore the subject of grain-free diets to learn what they are and what makes them so popular. We’ll also debunk common misconceptions to help you determine whether grain-free dog food is a good choice for your pup.
Remember, your veterinarian should have final approval over any significant change to your dog’s diet—especially if they have any medical conditions.
Is Grain-Free Food Better for Dogs?
Whether grain-free food is better for dogs varies a lot depending on whom you ask. The bottom line, however, is that except in specific health cases, grains are not bad for dogs. Grains can provide valuable nutrients in a dog’s diet. In fact, there’s some early evidence to suggest that caution should be exercised around feeding dogs grain-free diets. Here’s the breakdown.
Though lacking in some essential amino acids, certain grains contain significant amounts of protein as well as dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The high carbohydrate content of most grains also contributes to the energy density of a dog’s diet.
The only case in which grain-free diets are inherently better is for dogs with allergies to grains.
Grain allergies are much rarer than allergies to animal proteins like chicken or beef, but they do exist. If you’re concerned that your dog may have food allergies, consult your veterinarian. Your vet will be able to properly diagnose the issue and recommend dietary alterations, when necessary.
There’s some evidence to suggest a link between grain-free diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
In 2018, the FDA began investigating reports of DCM in dogs fed diets that contained a high proportion of peas, lentils, legumes, and potatoes—common main ingredients in grain-free diets. The investigation was inconclusive, but enough uncertainty exists that many veterinarians caution against grain-free diets for dogs that do not have grain allergies.
Feeding your dog a diet that reflects your personal preferences isn’t always a healthy choice. StefaNikolic via iStock
Why is grain-free dog food so popular then?
Pets and people have different nutritional needs, but their dietary trends tend to mirror each other. When the paleo diet took off in the early 2000s, pet food marketers made a good bet that shoppers would transfer their new eating philosophies onto their dogs.
It wasn’t long before dog food labels began sporting terms like “gluten-free” and “grain-free,” sparking a heated debate over the role of grains in dog food—and an FDA investigation.
This isn’t to say grain-free dog food is purely opportunistic, or that it has nothing to offer your pet. It can be a good remedy for certain dogs that need a change in their diets. Though allergies to grains are rare, some dogs seem to tolerate grain-free diets better.
And some grain-free dog foods include more protein and better quality ingredients than traditional recipes. It’s typically these ingredients, however, rather than the absence of grain that makes such foods great for dogs.
Grain-free or not, it’s important to evaluate products individually and read their labels to determine whether they’re a good fit for your dog. Take lofty marketing claims with a grain of salt and consult your veterinarian for nutritional advice before altering your dog’s diet to mirror your own.
Debunking Myths About Grains in Dog Food
While it’s typically not necessary to avoid grains in a healthy dog’s diet, grain-free foods aren’t necessarily bad. It comes down to the formulation.
The best dog food is nutritionally balanced, easy to digest, and well-suited to your dog’s unique needs and preferences. Understanding how grains fit into a balanced canine diet can help you distinguish between a high-quality grain-free product and one you should avoid.
Before exploring the features of good grain-free dog food, let’s address some common misconceptions about grains.
Grains are fillers
There’s no official definition for the word “filler” as it applies to pet food. The term generally describes ingredients that add bulk to a product without contributing nutritional value. Because grains—especially whole grains—contain valuable nutrients, they offer some benefits in a dog food formula.
A better example of a filler ingredient would be something like wheat bran or another non-fermentable fiber. These ingredients are common in weight-loss dog foods because they increase a dog’s sense of fullness without significantly altering the product’s calorie or nutrient content.
Grains are hard to digest
An animal’s physiology plays a key role in determining the digestibility of ingredients. There is some controversy about whether dogs are omnivores or carnivores, but research shows they can digest and absorb nutrients from both plants and animal ingredients.
That said, some grains contain high concentrations of phytic acid or phytates. Phytic acid is an antinutrient that interferes with the absorption of other nutrients. Processing, soaking, and cooking may help reduce the phytic acid content of grains used in pet food.
Grains alone aren’t a common cause of weight gain in dogs. Tamilisa Miner via iStock
Grains cause weight gain
Weight gain, for dogs, is commonly linked to overeating and under-exercising. A diet containing grains will only cause your dog to gain weight if they’re regularly taking in more calories than their body can utilize.
While grains don’t inherently cause weight gain, a high-carbohydrate diet that isn’t properly balanced with protein could contribute to metabolic disorders like diabetes. Diabetes is common in overweight dogs and can be managed with a controlled-carbohydrate diet.
Grains aren’t biologically appropriate
Dogs’ closest genetic ancestor, the gray wolf, follows a largely carnivorous diet. A properly formulated raw diet can meet a dog’s nutritional needs, but it’s not the only option. Over centuries of domestication, dogs have adapted to accommodate grain and other plant foods in their diets.
It’s still important to choose a diet with protein as the primary ingredient, but a product that contains grains won’t necessarily work against your dog’s biology.
When To Feed Your Dog Grain-Free Food
There’s no shortage of grain-free options on the market when it comes to dog food. It may be tempting to whittle them down based on marketing buzzwords or eye-catching label designs, but your dog’s nutrition should be the priority. Remember, going grain-free isn’t a necessity for most dogs unless they have grain allergies or are doing so at the recommendation of a vet.
Your dog’s diet should meet the minimum nutrient requirements established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Beyond that, consider the quality of the ingredients, the trustworthiness of the manufacturer, and—of course—your dog’s personal preferences for food type, texture, and flavor.
Good candidates for grain-free dog food may include dogs with:
- Grain allergies
- Digestive sensitivities to grains
- Vet recommendations to go grain-free
If you’re going to feed your dog a grain-free diet, prioritize animal protein as the first ingredient. Remember that whole grains are preferable to highly refined alternatives and aim to minimize the inclusions of legumes, pulses, and potatoes.
And as always, chat with your vet before switching up your dog’s diet.
