Our whole raw dog food range contains no cereal grains whatsoever. Our grain free dog food is 100% natural, raw and meets strict FEDIAF guidelines. Dogs are not designed to digest grains which is why we never include them when formulating our food.
As loving dog owners, we always want what’s best for our canine family members. Much of this has to do with what we feed them, as their nutritional profile is the basis of their overall health.
Grain-free dog food has become a popular trend over the last decade or so, with many dog owners happily switching their dogs’ diets in this direction. However, whilst we obviously advocate for healthier diets, not all grain-free dog foods are created equally.
So, should you switch your dog to grain-free? This article will discuss exactly what grain-free means, explain the benefits and drawbacks of switching, and help you to figure out your best grain-free dog food options.
What is grain-free dog food?
Grain-free dog food is simply dog food that does not contain grains of any kind. Many dog foods do include ingredients such as wheat, oats, rice, and other grains as a way to add bulk and calories to their products, which grain-free dog food does not. This way of feeding is becoming increasingly popular for several reasons, including canine food allergies and the growing general awareness of what is good for our dogs.
Many grain-free dog foods utilise higher quality proteins in larger proportions to other ingredients, which is a desirable feature for many dog owners. However, in place of the grains they omit, many of these formulas include other starches such as pea fibre, potatoes, legumes, and similar carbohydrate-rich foods that are not nutritionally recommended for dogs.
The most species-appropriate canine diet includes whole, minimally processed, fresh foods that meet dogs’ nutritional requirements for optimal health. These include raw, high-quality meat proteins and fats, bone, offal (or organ meats), and small amounts of plant fibre. Whether grain-free or not, most processed foods for dogs lack many essential nutrients. This is due to the process of creating the food itself, which strips away many vital elements that go into a healthy canine diet.
Benefits of grain-free dog food
There are several grain-free dog food benefits that are worth considering. The first and most obvious of these is that they reduce the risk of grain allergies/sensitivities, which are becoming increasingly common in dogs [1]. Removing grain from the diet of a dog with these allergies/sensitivities can improve allergy-related symptoms such as itchiness, digestive issues, and so on.
Another benefit of grain-free dog food is the inclusion of higher quality protein sources, which are the foundation of canine health. A diet rich in high-quality protein encourages healthier muscles, balanced gut health, and increased energy levels, all of which contribute to dogs’ overall wellbeing. Raw, natural, minimally processed proteins mimic the diet of wild dogs, and are biologically more suitable for their digestion than processed food.
Although a small amount of carbohydrates derived from vegetables and fruits are beneficial for dogs, carbohydrates from most grain sources are not biologically appropriate for dogs. Their digestion is forced to adapt to an unnatural substance when eating these foods, often resulting in weight gain and unbalanced digestion. Canine obesity and diabetes are more easily managed when carbohydrates are removed from the diet [2], making grain-free dog foods a desirable option. Raw, species-appropriate, grain-free dog food helps to maintain weight, contributes towards optimal pancreas function, and encourages balanced blood sugar levels.
When buying grain-free dog food (as with any dog food), balanced nutrition is key. Too much or too little of any one nutrient can throw off this delicate balance, causing your dog to miss out on key nutritional benefits as a result. A combination of fresh, high-quality meat proteins, healthy fats, bones, offal and plant fibre offers the maximum nutritional benefits for your dog’s overall health. Read our expert raw feeding guide to learn more on this topic.
While specific grains, such as oats, can offer nutritional benefits for certain dogs, the majority of grains do not serve a purposeful role in dog nutrition. They were originally added to commercial dog food as a way to add bulk and cut costs, but aren’t what’s best for the health of dogs in the long run. However, the BARF (Bones and Raw Food) diet replicates the way dogs would eat in the wild naturally, and does not include grains or other starches for this reason.
Dogs are facultative carnivores, meaning that their primary fuel source comes from meat. Whilst they do benefit from small amounts of fruits and vegetables, their biological composition simply does not require starch or grain-based carbohydrates for any functional purpose. The benefits they derive from plant-based foods are from other nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Grain-free dog food and canine health
Like any non-traditional food, grain-free dog food is surrounded by its own controversy. People are conflicted as to whether grain-free dog food is safe for their pets, arguing that certain grains are healthier than others and should be included in dogs’ diets. Grain-free dog food is also more expensive, which is a valid point of consideration. Then there’s the argument that other canine allergies exist aside from grain, making it even more difficult to decipher which foods are best for dogs.
There’s also a popular opinion regarding Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and its relation to grain-free dog food. However, this is more likely caused by genetics or deficient amounts of Taurine in dogs’ diets [3]. Taurine is an amino acid found in animal protein that all mammals, especially carnivores, need to thrive.
There is ongoing research into this topic, with multiple studies finding that there is no correlation between DCM and grain-free dog food [4]. Whilst opinions will of course differ on the matter, the simple facts remain: dogs don’t have nutritional requirements for grains or carbohydrates of any kind, and benefit greatly from high-quality, raw, meat-based diets.
Pros and cons of feeding grain-free
As with anything, there are of course drawbacks as well as benefits to grain-free dog food. Here are a few points to consider:
Pros:
Improvement in symptoms for dogs with grain allergies/reduces risk of developing allergy symptoms
Often created with higher quality ingredients, especially when feeding raw, meat-based dog food
Some dogs prefer the taste to traditional, grain-based foods, especially when feeding raw
Closer to dogs’ natural diet than grain-based foods
Cons:
Unless feeding a fresh, raw diet, the creation process strips away many vital nutrients
Kibble-style grain-free dog foods replace grains with other carbohydrates that dogs don’t need, such as legumes.
More expensive
Subject to controversy/fear mongering
If you’re unsure whether grain-free dog food (or any other diet) is suitable for your dog, a consultation with your veterinarian ora canine nutritionist will help you determine possible solutions. However, it’s important to remember that, through no fault of their own, not all vets are educated on the topic of canine nutrition. Have a look at our list of Vets that Support Raw Feeding in the UK to find one that is. Alternatively, for FREE advice from a ProDog raw nutritionist contact us today.
Some other important points to consider when changing your dog’s diet include their age, activity level, overall health, and any potential food allergies. It might take a little time to figure out at first, but a diet that meets their individual needs gives them a much better chance at reaping all the nutritional benefits they require to thrive as happy, healthy canine family members.
Choosing the right grain-free food for your dog
Switching to grain-free dog food isn’t as simple as it sounds; there are still considerations to be made regarding the best option for your dog. To start with, it’s important to read labels and determine that all ingredients are safe, healthy, and beneficial for your dog’s dietary needs. High-quality protein should be at the top of the ingredient list of any grain-free dog food you’re considering, as this is the most essential nutrient for dogs.
It’s also important to avoid any highly processed products, as well as those utilising artificial ingredients, sugars, preservatives, or fillers of any kind. This includes “healthier” filler options such as pea fibre, potatoes, or any other starchy, carbohydrate-based foods. Whilst these are better for dogs than grains (especially those with grain allergies), they’re still not biologically appropriate, and generally do more harm than good.
Lastly, it’s important to buy grain-free dog food that your dog will like, and that won’t interfere with any dietary restrictions, such as specific protein allergies. Whilst most dogs will be happy to dive into a raw, meat-based dinner, there are of course exceptions to this! Purchasing your dog’s known favourites is a smart move, but try new things from time to time, too. Our grain-free raw dog food includes a wide variety of options for even the pickiest of dogs to enjoy.
Making the transition to grain free
While it’s understandable that you’re excited to transition your dog to a healthier, more beneficial diet, bear in mind that this process should be done gradually. Changing dogs’ food too suddenly is likely to give their digestion quite a shock, resulting in some undesirable after effects. Vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and excessive gas can all be avoided by introducing your dog to their new food slowly over a period of days or weeks. If you’re aware that your dog has a sensitive tummy already, take it extra slow to help them adjust.
Whilst it’s true that some dogs may transition quickly without issue, we still advise making a gradual switch. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Days 1-4:
Replace approximately 10% of your dog’s current food with their new food (preferably grain-free raw dog food)
Days 4-10:
Increase new food gradually, decreasing the old in equal amounts
Days 10-14:
Continue to gradually replace the old food with the new until they’re fully transitioned.
There’s also a faster way to transition if you’re confident in your dog’s ability to handle it. However, this isn’t recommended for dogs with existing digestion issues. (If it does cause tummy upset, switch to the more gradual method above.) In the faster version, you’ll simply replace a quarter of your dog’s current food with the new food each day, so by the fourth day they’re fully transitioned to the new food.
It’s important to monitor your dog’s health regularly, whether you’re changing their diet or not. However, when transitioning to a new food this becomes even more true, as doing so will help you to observe any changes your dog might be experiencing. Additionally, you may consider consulting with a holistic veterinarian or a canine nutritionist. They can offer valuable insights to help you determine if the new food is the best choice for your dog’s overall health and well-being.
These experts can gauge your dog’s response to their new food to recommend potential adjustments if necessary. For free guidance on canine nutrition, our team of expert feeding advisors are always here to help. As always, any immediate concerns about your dog’s health should be addressed by your vet.
Thankfully, there are some obvious signs that will generally let you know if your dog’s diet is contributing to their health in a positive way. These include:
Healthy weight
Balanced energy levels
Healthy, glossy coat
Regular digestion/balanced gut health
Pleasant smelling (or at least non-offensive) breath
Generally healthy, happy, and comfortable
Likewise, the same can be said for a diet that’s not contributing positively to your dog’s health. These are some potential red flags to watch for:
Overweight/underweight/malnourished
Lack of energy/too hyper (unbalanced energy)
Matted, smelly, dry or dull coat
Regular digestive upsets
Offensive breath
General discomfort, seeming lethargic or in pain
Allergy symptoms such as itchy skin, digestion issues, or weepy eyes/nose
Grain-free dog food for healthier dogs
Whilst it’s a great idea to remove grains from your dog’s diet, there are other aspects of grain-free dog food to consider before switching. Highly processed foods with added starches (and other undesirable ingredients) won’t provide your dog with the nutrients they need to thrive, which is why we recommend minimally processed, raw grain-free dog food.
Nature’s intention for dogs in the wild remains true for domestic dogs today: high-quality meat proteins, fats, bone and organ meats allow them to maintain optimal health. If you’re considering switching to the healthiest diet for your dog, try our grain-free raw dog food range.
References
Jackson, H. Mar 2023. Food allergy in dogs and cats; current perspectives on etiology, diagnosis, and management. Journal of the American Veterinary Association;, 261(S1). Doi: 10.2460/javma.22.12.0548
Diez, M., Jeusette, I., Istasse, L., Nguyen, P., Devois, C., Biourge, V. June 2022. Weight Loss in Obese Dogs: Evaluation of a High-Protein, Low-Carbohydrate Diet. The Journal of Nutrition;, 132(6):1685S-1687S. Doi: 10.1093/jn/132.61.1685S
McCauley, S., Clark, S., Quest, B., Streeter, R., Oxford, E. June 2020. Review of canine dilated cardiomyopathy in the wake of diet-associated concerns. Journal of Animal Science;, 98(7):skaa209. Doi: 10.1093/jas/skaa209
Yes, grain-free dog food is technically better for your dog. However, highly processed foods that replace grains with other starches are still not very healthy. We recommend a raw, species-appropriate, grain (and carbohydrate) free diet like our grain-free raw food range for your dog’s best chances at optimal health.
No. Contrary to popular belief, dogs have not actually evolved to tolerate grains in their diet. People are so used to giving their dogs grains that it seems odd to remove them from their diets, but grain-free dog food is actually healthier and more biologically appropriate.
Any food can be harmful to dogs if it’s not biologically suited to their nutritional needs. However, grain-free dog food can be more beneficial to dogs than some other options. The absence of grains specifically is not harmful to dogs, though we do recommend that your grain-free dog food be of the raw, meat-based variety.
Any food can be harmful to dogs if it’s not biologically suited to their nutritional needs. However, grain-free dog food can be more beneficial to dogs than some other options. The absence of grains specifically is not harmful to dogs, though we do recommend that your grain-free dog food be of the raw, meat-based variety.
That depends entirely on your vet, though more and more vets are becoming advocates for grain-free and raw dog food as their awareness of canine nutrition is evolving.
Technically, yes. As gluten is a naturally-occurring protein in grains, the absence of these would mean that there’s also no gluten. However, gluten-free does not necessarily mean grain-free, so it’s important to read labels carefully.
No, wheat is only one grain of many that can be found in dog foods. Wheat-free dog food is a good start, but grain-free dog food ensures that all grains are excluded from the formula, and is therefore better for dogs’ health.
