Whole grain diets are generally better for most dogs, offering essential fiber, nutrients, and carbohydrates. Grain-free diets are only necessary for dogs with rare diagnosed grain allergies or specific intolerances. In fact, some grain-free diets, particularly those high in legumes, have been linked to potential heart issues.

Should dogs have grain or grain-free food?

There are a lot of dog and cat foods sold as grain-free with marketing suggesting that feeding no grains is healthier. This is not true and can, in fact, cause illness for some dogs and cats. There is no medical or physiologic basis to feed dogs or cats a grain-free diet.

Do vets recommend grain or grain-free?

Work closely with your veterinarian to select a diet that meets your pet's specific needs, taking into account factors such as age, size, and activity level. Health Risks: There also has been some concern about a possible link between feeding grain-free diets to dogs and heart disease in dogs.

What is the healthiest grain to feed a dog?

The healthiest grains for dogs are whole grains like oats, barley, brown rice, quinoa, millet, sorghum, buckwheat, and amaranth, offering fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, with oats and brown rice being easily digestible choices for energy, while ancient grains like quinoa provide complete protein. Always cook grains thoroughly and introduce them slowly, ensuring meat remains the primary ingredient in your dog's diet for balanced nutrition.

What grains should dogs avoid?

While many grains are fine and even nutritious for dogs, the ones often considered "bad" or problematic are corn, wheat, and soy, as these are common allergens causing itchy skin, ear infections, and digestive issues in sensitive dogs, with wheat and barley also containing inflammatory gluten; refined grains offer less nutritional benefit than whole grains, and you should avoid contaminated grains or those used as cheap fillers in low-quality foods. 

🚨GRAIN FREE Dog Food?! Watch This FDA UPDATE!🐶

Why do vets say no grain-free dog food?

Vets often discourage grain-free diets due to a potential link with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart disease, where peas, lentils, and potatoes often replace grains as main ingredients, potentially disrupting nutrient balance and heart function. While grains aren't inherently bad for most dogs, the surge in grain-free foods has coincided with unusual DCM cases in breeds not typically predisposed, prompting FDA investigation and caution from veterinarians who recommend grain-inclusive foods from brands with strong nutritional research, like those meeting WSAVA guidelines.

Can I mix grain-free with regular dog food?

For optimal health, you can rotate between grain-free and grain-inclusive as part of your pet's feeding plan. Rotational feeding gives your dog nutrients that build a healthy body and a healthy gut. So when you're selecting bags and cans of food, including a mix of grain-inclusive and grain-free is a great option!

What's the best grain-free dog food?

The "best" grain-free dog food depends on your dog's needs, but popular options focus on whole proteins (salmon, turkey, bison) and healthy carbs (sweet potatoes, quinoa) while avoiding common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy, with brands like Merrick, Taste of the Wild, Wellness CORE, and Canidae PURE frequently recommended; however, always consult your vet, as some vets advise against grain-free diets due to potential links to Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), especially if your dog has no grain allergies. 

What ingredients should dog food never have?

Dog Food Ingredients to Avoid

• Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
• Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
• Propyl gallate.
• Sodium Tripolyphosphate.
• Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
• Sodium Hexametaphosphate.

Is it okay to mix dry and wet dog food?

Due to the range of benefits that wet and dry diets boast, a mixed feeding approach can help your dog get the most out of mealtime. Combining both wet and dry to their diet can give them some variety, where they are exposed to different textures that they will generally be more tempted to try.

Does my dog really need grain-free?

In some foods, you might find grains substituted for different types of carbs like pulses or potatoes. More dog owners are interested in grain-free foods. But, going grain-free is only really necessary for dogs with an allergy or sensitivity.

What grain-free dog food brands to avoid?

The FDA identified several brands that were frequently reported in DCM cases. These often included “grain-free” formulas that rely heavily on peas, lentils, and other legumes as main ingredients. Some of the brands named in the investigation include Acana, Zignature, Taste of the Wild, and Blue Buffalo.

How do I choose the right grain-free food for my dog?

For the best grain-free foods, look for dog food that contains whole proteins, such as chicken, beef, fish, or turkey, and healthy vegetable options like peas, lentils, sweet potatoes, or carrots. Popular brands that offer grain-free options include Taste of the Wild, 4health and Diamond Naturals.

What is the healthiest grain for dogs?

The healthiest grains for dogs are whole grains like oats, barley, brown rice, quinoa, millet, sorghum, buckwheat, and amaranth, offering fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, with oats and brown rice being easily digestible choices for energy, while ancient grains like quinoa provide complete protein. Always cook grains thoroughly and introduce them slowly, ensuring meat remains the primary ingredient in your dog's diet for balanced nutrition.

What are the 16 dog foods linked to heart disease?

FDA names 16 brands of dog food linked to canine heart disease

• Acana.
• Zignature.
• Taste of the Wild.
• 4Health.
• Earthborn Holistic.
• Blue Buffalo.
• Nature's Domain.
• Fromm.

What is the 7 7 7 rule for dogs?

The "7 7 7 rule" for dogs is a puppy socialization guideline, originally by Pat Hastings, suggesting exposing puppies to 7 different people, 7 different locations, and 7 different surfaces/objects/sounds/challenges (variations exist) by about 7 weeks old to build confidence, resilience, and prevent fear or anxiety as adults. Key experiences include meeting diverse individuals, visiting different places like a vet's office or friend's house, walking on various substrates (grass, tile, carpet), and encountering new objects and gentle challenges (like tunnels or boxes).
 

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