For years now “Grain free dog food” is always food for a lengthy discussion in the media. But why is this topic discussed so controversial and is it really better for dogs not to eat grain?
The domestic dog is generally omnivorous. But first and foremost, he belongs to the group of carnivores. It is rare, however, some dogs are not spurned to eat an apple or various kinds of vegetables. In principle, good dog food should always include a higher proportion of meat. Next to the meat, many manufacturers use cereals and other fillers, as cheap add on ingredients to produce dog food. However, it is fact that dogs do not require ingredients such as cereals for their metabolism and often it hurts more than it helps.
Let’s go back to the origin: the wolf, from which the present domestic dog derives, eats ordinary meat. In addition to the muscle meat, wolfs also devour the innards of their prey. The prey’s stomach contents often consists predigested plants the animal has consumed before it’s unlucky end. By digesting the wolf receives the plant fibers, that his body needs. Today’s domesticated dogs don’t have much in common anymore with wolfs, however many dog food manufacturers enrich their products with grain to simulate the stomach contents of the prey. Corn and oatmeal as well as soy are common fillers. The difference is, these grain fillers are not predigested as it would be in wild prey and therefore are less bio compatible.
High competition and price sensitive customers force the manufacturers to cut down production cost. Adding corn, oatmeal and soy in fact is a cheap way to stretch the volume and the weight of the food. This is true for both, dry or wet food.
There are dogs who develop no problems at all if they get only grain-containing food indefinitely. Many food producers promise a better digestibility and sometimes even the possibility of weight loss. These kind of products often contain even less meat.
Unfortunately some dog owners only become alert when it’s almost too late: the dog is suffering from stomach problems, gets diarrhea or vomits for apparently no reason. Others tend to gain immense weight. Only when the dog behaves like a rabble rousing or whimpering bundle of misery, they take the initiative and see the vet to get the diagnosis “Food allergy”. What then follows is a lengthy process called exclusion diet. Thorough tests have shown that most soy and corn fillers can trigger allergies. Wheat, rye, or barley contain gluten, which may also be a reason to develop allergies. Eczema and other changes of the skin may develop on top which only can be treated with great difficulty and effort.
To avoid any problems, every dog owner meticulously should be aware of the ingredients of the food. There are products containing up to 80 percent meat, that’s a good start. In addition a proportion may be carbohydrates. Potatoes and yellow peas are a good addition. Many dogs love fruit and vegetables, which best are added in pureed state. Various producers offer food, which already contain carbohydrates and vegetables.
The need of meat in your dog’s diet will vary depending on it’s age. While puppies and very active adult dogs need a higher protein content, seniors may need less. In any case it is important to keep an eye on the composition. Vitamins and minerals should also not be missed of course.
In summary it can be said, grain free dog food is a sustainable, balanced and healthy diet for your beloved dog.