Grain free dog food has become more popular than you might think. Many dog owners are discovering that the foods that their dogs are eating don’t have to cause them serious health problems and can actually be quite tasty and satisfying. But what exactly is grain free dog food? And why should you consider giving your dog a grain-free diet?
Grain free dog food is said to contribute to a better life for your dog, but what exactly makes it so helpful for your canine friend or health? In fact, a grain-free diet that consists of all the necessary nutrients has already been found to improve the health of your dog’s coat, nails, and breath. Dogs require an adequate amount of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber in order to survive. There are many different kinds of dog food available, each containing different combinations of these fundamental nutrients. Some manufacturers may use meat as the primary ingredient in their formulas, but this can lead to undesirable side effects. Some formulas contain only a small portion of one or more of these nutrients, while others provide all of them.
By removing the protein from the equation, these formulas create a much more nutritionally balanced diet for dogs. Because dogs cannot process protein alone, they must have an amino acid source to supplement the lack of protein. Amino acids can be found in several sources, including grains, vegetables, legumes, fish, eggs, and other animal sources. Many breeders prefer to feed a mixture of different amino acids to keep the dogs’ overall nutrition in check. However, most dog food labels will indicate a protein source if the product is designed for a vegetarian dog. Even though the animal source protein is not used in the manufacturing process, most manufacturers include it in the dog food label.
A second consideration for a grain free dog food diet is whether or not to use corn or wheat. Although both provide a great deal of protein and are popular pet foods, they also contain the amino acids that are missing from the diets. For example, corn contains BCAAs, while wheat contains a unique class of carbohydrates known as amylase, which is responsible for breaking down starches. While both are excellent sources of protein, they also contribute to the formation of canine diarrhea. Therefore, while both corn and wheat are acceptable on a homemade diet, some dogs may develop allergies to either one.
The third category is made up of different types of grain. Some dog owners are advocates of oatmeal, which is a complete source of B vitamins, as well as iron and other minerals. Others are leery of rice, which is often reduced in the final cooking ingredients of dog food. Still others prefer to feed their dogs either brown rice or chicken rice, which contain all of the same nutrients but are not derived from poultry.
The fourth type of grain is artificial colors. While it is generally not recommended that you feed your canine a diet high in artificial colors, this is certainly an option that you may want to consider. Artificial colors come in a variety of types and are used in many commercially prepared dog foods, including beef and chicken. Although they are popular additives, some experts believe that excessive artificial colors may contribute to hyperactivity, cancer, and other health problems.
To keep your dog on a grain-free diet, you’ll need to keep an eye on the packaging and talk to your veterinarian about it. You can buy grain-free dog food, which you can make yourself by using the recipes that the manufacturer uses. However, the only way to be sure that the dog food is truly grain free is to speak to your veterinarian and ask what the proper levels are. It’s best to err on the side of caution, as any mistake in feeding could have adverse consequences.
There is some controversy over whether or not wheat or corn are good sources of protein for dogs. For most people, the inclusion of these ingredients in their dog food diets can help to keep the animal healthy and vibrant. If you decide to switch to a grain-free diet for whatever reason, be sure to speak to your veterinarian to ensure that your animal will be fine on the new diet. Wheat and corn are both potential allergens that you’ll want to avoid. Talk to your vet today and find out how to create the best diet for your pet.