Is grain free food good for dogs?

As dog owners, we want nothing more than ensuring our dogs are healthy and happy. A key part of this is making sure the food we choose to feed them is as healthy, nutritional and tasty as it can be. With so many different diets, brand and recipes available it can be confusing to choose a food for our dogs – even more so when we consider any intolerances they may have.

The type of food you feed your dog will come down to what works best for them – and for many dogs, a grain-free diet is a popular choice.

What is grain free dog food?

Grain free dog food is a recipe that doesn’t contain any grains, such as wheat, soy, corn, rice, oats or barley. However, these grain-free meals are no less nutritional or tasty than wholegrain variations. Typically, the grain content is replaced with fibrous and healthy vegetables, such as sweet potato or butternut squash – which adds necessary carbohydrate content often found in grains – as well as other vegetables such as peas, carrots and apple.

Grain free vs regular dog food

Most ‘regular’ dog food that you see in supermarket aisles tends to have a high grain content, such as wheat or corn, unless they have been clearly labelled ‘grain free’. Both types of food can be suitable for dogs – and at Forthglade we have both grain free and wholegrain varieties in our range of natural dog food – and so your choice will really come down to your individual dog’s preferences and tolerances.

Grain free dog food: the pros and cons

Benefits of grain free dog food

• Can help dogs with sensitive digestion: Though most dogs can digest food containing grains without any issues, some dogs with more sensitive stomachs and digestion issues may struggle and so a grain-free diet may suit them well.
• Essential for dogs with grain allergies: Though uncommon, allergies to grains does occur amongst certain dogs and so to avoid any risks, some owners opt to avoid grain-free food as a precaution. You can find out more about food allergies in dogs in our other articles. 

Disadvantages of grain free dog food

• Can be more expensive: Given that grains have to be substituted with other forms of carbohydrates, including vegetables such as sweet potato or butternut squash, occasionally grain free food may come with a pricier label.
• Need to be careful that dogs still get all essential nutrients: If you’re choosing the feed a grain-free diet, it’s important to make sure that your dog is still getting all the essential nutrients that they need and that their diet remains a balanced one with nutritional substitutes for the carbohydrates in their meal. Read the ingredients label on your meal and consult your vet if you’re unsure.

Can puppies eat grain free dog food?

Grain free dog food is perfectly suitable for puppies, just as it is for dogs of all ages. Just be sure that the grain free meals you choose contain all the essential nutrients that your growing puppy needs. Our natural puppy food here at Forthglade is available in both grain free and wholegrain variations, and comes packed with essential nutrients and vitamins needed to help your dog grow healthy and strong.

Do vets recommend grain free dog food?

As with any meal or recipe type, you’re sure to find vets who are both for and against a grain free diet; their reasoning will most likely come down to individual dog’s needs. If your dog started to show signs of allergies or intolerances, every vet would most likely vouch for a grain free diet for your dog.

Takeaway

At Forthglade, we know that every dog is different – and so are their preferences and tolerances. No one knows your dog better than you do, and so when considering whether to feed your dog a grain-free diet you should think about how you’ll substitute the ‘carbohydrate’ element of their diet, and ensure that they get a nutritional and balanced diet. Your dog can be healthy both with or without grain free food, but factors such as overall health, weight, physical activity levels and allergies will most likely be your determining factor.

Shop our grain free dog food today for a natural, balanced and nutritional diet for your dog.