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Questions
- The Top Seven Benefits of Grain-Free Dog Food
- Which Breeds Are at High Risk of a Food Allergy?
- What Are The Most Common Signs of an Allergy?
- Traditional Dog Food Vs Grain Free Dog Food
- Is Grain-Free Food Suitable For My Dog?
- Which Brands Offer Grain-Free Dog Food?
- Are Grains Bad?
- How to Introduce a Grain-Free Diet
- In Conclusion
What is Grain-Free Dog Food?
Grain-free dog food has grown in popularity over the last few years, and you may have been thinking about putting your four-legged friend on a grain-free diet. Whether you want to feed them a rich protein source, or because they have an allergy – grain-free food may be beneficial for your dog.
Although it is a trendy choice for many dog owners, it’s also one that’s heavily debated. Why? Because many people still believe that traditional dog food will be more nutritious and higher in protein than the modern alternative.
However, there are numerous benefits that your dog can reap from switching to a grain-free diet, but what is grain-free food and is it suitable for your dog?
The Top Six Benefits of Grain-Free Dog Food
If you’re thinking about switching your dog onto a grain-free diet, you’re sure to be wondering what the benefits are so you can make an informed decision. From healthy skin to an improved coat, these are some of the main benefits of going grain-free.
1. Healthy Skin
If your dog is intolerant or allergic to grains, it can lead to itchy and inflamed skin, which can result in infections. If you suspect your dog may be sensitive, changing to a grain-free diet may improve their skin and reduce inflammation. Additionally, as grain-free foods are full of omega fatty acids, the skin’s overall condition may improve too!
2. Shiny Coat
If you’ve noticed that your dog’s coat is rough and matted, it could be because of their diet. By removing grains from their diet, you might see an improvement. This is because of the vitamins and minerals contained in grain-free foods, which are thought to contribute towards a healthy, shiny coat.
3. It is Filling
Typically, grain-free dog food tends to be higher in protein, which is more satiating, so will keep your dog fuller for longer. Not only can that help to balance out the price of grain-free food a little, as your dog will tend to eat less, but it can also be beneficial for dogs who are prone to weight gain.
Make sure you find a happy medium to ensure your dog is getting enough food with the right ingredients for a healthy, balanced diet.
Better Breath
Unfortunately, our beloved dogs can sometimes have awful breath, which can often be down to their diet. Certain ingredients can cause more plaque and bacteria to accumulate within their mouth. However, unlike traditional dog food, grain-free varieties won’t leave as much bacteria, which could lead to better breath.
Alongside switching to grain-free food, you might also want to consider improving their dental health with things such as a toothbrushes and dental chews.
Less Hair Shedding
If you have a long-haired pup, chances are that throughout the year you notice their fur shedding. But if this is excessive or comes on suddenly, it could be because of an intolerance or allergy to the ingredients within their food. In this case, a switch to grain-free dog food could prove to be beneficial and reduce the likelihood of allergy-related hair loss.
It May Boost Energy
Foods that contain processed grains and ingredients will only give your dog limited energy, so if you’re looking for a food that will give them sustained energy throughout the day, grain-free food is a great option.
Many dog foods containing grains are highly processed, meaning they’re left with very little fibre and nutrition, meaning your dog utilises the energy from the food extremely quickly. Switching to grain-free dog food can help to ensure their blood sugar levels remain more consistent and help to avoid an energy crash and lethargy.
It Could Help Dogs with Allergies
As we’ve briefly touched on, grain-free food is claimed to do wonders for dogs with an allergy to grains. However, if you think that your dog has a food allergy or sensitivity to certain ingredients, it’s a good idea to seek advice from your vet before making any drastic changes to their diet, as they will help you to identify what your dog is allergic to and will recommend a suitable diet.
Which Breeds Are at High Risk of a Food Allergy?
According to several studies, some dog breeds are at a higher risk of suffering from a food allergy than others, including:
Dalmatians
Collies
Lhasa Apso
Labrador Retrievers
Shar-Peis
West Highland Terriers
Cocker Spaniels
Springer Spaniels
Miniature Schnauzers
Poodles
Dachshunds
Golden Retrievers
Boxers
What Are The Most Common Signs of an Allergy?
If you think your dog may have an allergy, there are certain symptoms to look out for. If you notice any of the following, then it could be time to arrange a visit to your vet:
Paw or ear infections
Consistent itching
Gastrointestinal issues
Swollen face
Hives
Diarrhoea
Of course, all dogs will have different reactions and not all dogs will suffer from all of the symptoms above, but it’s still important to know the signs and whether your dog is more susceptible to an allergy from the get-go.
Traditional Dog Food Vs Grain Free Dog Food
Grain-free dog food excludes the cereal grains that are usually found within pet food, such as corn, whole grains and barley.
To ensure that the food has all of the essential nutrients your dog requires, grain-free food often contains ingredients like sweet potato, lentils and legume seeds. Some also may include meat or other animal protein, such as chicken or fish.
These natural ingredients are not only high in fibre, but are low on the glycaemic index, which can be beneficial for dogs with diabetes or weight issues.
Is Grain-Free Food Suitable For My Dog?
You might be wondering if grain-free food is right for your dog, especially if they’re suffering from any of the issues we mentioned earlier. If your dog is happy with their food and their overall health is good, then grain-free dog food might not be required.
However, if you notice that your dog is suffering from any of the symptoms above, you might also want to look at what ingredients are in your dog’s current food. If they list any of the cereal grains as the main ingredient, then you might want to consider switching to a different type. It’s all about finding the balance, whilst ensuring your pup has all the nutrients they need.
Which Brands Offer Grain-Free Dog Food?
Several brands on the market offer grain-free dog food. High-quality and available with various ingredients, you’ll be able to find the right one for your dog. Some examples include:
Harringtons Grain Free Dog Food
Formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs, Harringtons has a number of different foods on offer to nourish your dog and promote healthy digestion and, despite being grain free, it doesn’t compromise on flavour.
K9 Optimum
Nutritionally advanced and grain-free, K9 Optimum is another leading brand within the market. Each of their grain-free options are designed to offer immune support, maintain joint and bone health and aid digestion.
Their recipes also specifically exclude certain ingredients known to cause discomfort – from wheat and gluten to soya and dairy.
Lifestage Grain-Free Dog Food
Lifestage is another popular grain-free option as they contain a selection of the finest, fresh ingredients that have been specially selected to optimise digestion and nutrition.
With a huge selection available, from Salmon & Trout with Asparagus, to Turkey with Sweet Potato & Cranberry, you’re sure to find the perfect mix for even the fussiest of eaters.
Are Grains Bad?
You might be wondering if grains are actually bad for dogs and whether or not you should eliminate them from their diet. However, whilst dogs have adapted to various diets over the years, there’s no scientific indication showing that grains are bad for your dog.
Although grain-free food has several health benefits, these are often only noticed by dogs who have a sensitivity to grains. When choosing the best food for your dog, it’s important that it includes a range of ingredients, providing enough protein, nutrients and minerals.
Whether you opt for grain-free food or not, portion size is key, so make sure that you don’t overfeed your dog – otherwise they might experience obesity-related health issues down the line.
How to Introduce a Grain-Free Diet
If you’re considering switching your dog’s diet to a grain-free one, it’s important that you do this progressively over a period of 7-10 days. You should start by slowly introducing grain-free food in with their existing dog food, gradually increasing the amount of new food and decreasing their old food. This will ensure that their digestive system has time to adjust and hopefully avoid any unwanted sickness or diarrhoea!
During this, make sure you keep an eye on their stool and eating and drinking habits to ensure there aren’t any changes. If you notice anything unusual, you may want to contact your vet, who will be able to provide advice and guidance when changing your dog’s diet.
Grain-free food is a popular choice for dogs with sensitive digestive systems or allergies and intolerances, so if you think your dog’s current diet may not be suitable, then grain-free might be the way forward. Explore our selection of grain-free dog food today to find the perfect one for your pooch.
The Top Seven Benefits of Grain-Free Dog Food
If you’re thinking about switching your dog onto a grain-free diet, you’re sure to be wondering what the benefits are so you can make an informed decision. From healthy skin to an improved coat, these are some of the main benefits of going grain-free.
1. Healthy Skin
If your dog is intolerant or allergic to grains, it can lead to itchy and inflamed skin, which can result in infections. If you suspect your dog may be sensitive, changing to a grain-free diet may improve their skin and reduce inflammation. Additionally, as grain-free foods are full of omega fatty acids, the skin’s overall condition may improve too!
2. Shiny Coat
If you’ve noticed that your dog’s coat is rough and matted, it could be because of their diet. By removing grains from their diet, you might see an improvement. This is because of the vitamins and minerals contained in grain-free foods, which are thought to contribute towards a healthy, shiny coat.
3. It is Filling
Typically, grain-free dog food tends to be higher in protein, which is more satiating, so will keep your dog fuller for longer. Not only can that help to balance out the price of grain-free food a little, as your dog will tend to eat less, but it can also be beneficial for dogs who are prone to weight gain.
Make sure you find a happy medium to ensure your dog is getting enough food with the right ingredients for a healthy, balanced diet.
4. Better Breath
Unfortunately, our beloved dogs can sometimes have awful breath, which can often be down to their diet. Certain ingredients can cause more plaque and bacteria to accumulate within their mouth. However, unlike traditional dog food, grain-free varieties won’t leave as much bacteria, which could lead to better breath.
Alongside switching to grain-free food, you might also want to consider improving their dental health with things such as a toothbrushes and dental chews.
5. Less Hair Shedding
If you have a long-haired pup, chances are that throughout the year you notice their fur shedding. But if this is excessive or comes on suddenly, it could be because of an intolerance or allergy to the ingredients within their food. In this case, a switch to grain-free dog food could prove to be beneficial and reduce the likelihood of allergy-related hair loss.
6. It May Boost Energy
Foods that contain processed grains and ingredients will only give your dog limited energy, so if you’re looking for food that will give them sustained energy throughout the day, grain-free food is a great option.
Many dog foods containing grains are highly processed, meaning they’re left with very little fibre and nutrition, meaning your dog utilises the energy from the food extremely quickly. Switching to grain-free dog food can help to ensure their blood sugar levels remain more consistent and help to avoid an energy crash and lethargy.
7. It Could Help Dogs with Allergies
As we’ve briefly touched on, grain-free food is claimed to do wonders for dogs with an allergy to grains. However, if you think that your dog has a food allergy or sensitivity to certain ingredients, it’s a good idea to seek advice from your vet before making any drastic changes to their diet, as they will help you to identify what your dog is allergic to and will recommend a suitable diet.
Which Breeds Are at High Risk of a Food Allergy?
According to several studies, some dog breeds are at a higher risk of suffering from a food allergy than others, including:
Dalmatians
Collies
Lhasa Apso
Labrador Retrievers
Shar-Peis
West Highland Terriers
Cocker Spaniels
Springer Spaniels
Miniature Schnauzers
Poodles
Dachshunds
Golden Retrievers
Boxers
What Are The Most Common Signs of an Allergy?
If you think your dog may have an allergy, there are certain symptoms to look out for. If you notice any of the following, then it could be time to arrange a visit to your vet:
Paw or ear infections
Consistent itching
Gastrointestinal issues
Swollen face
Hives
Diarrhoea
Of course, all dogs will have different reactions and not all dogs will suffer from all of the symptoms above, but it’s still important to know the signs and whether your dog is more susceptible to an allergy from the get-go.
Traditional Dog Food Vs Grain Free Dog Food
Grain-free dog food excludes the cereal grains that are usually found within pet food, such as corn, whole grains and barley.
To ensure that the food has all of the essential nutrients your dog requires, grain-free food often contains ingredients like sweet potato, lentils and legume seeds. Some also may include meat or other animal protein, such as chicken or fish.
These natural ingredients are not only high in fibre but are low on the glycaemic index, which can be beneficial for dogs with diabetes or weight issues.
Is Grain-Free Food Suitable For My Dog?
You might be wondering if grain-free food is right for your dog, especially if they’re suffering from any of the issues we mentioned earlier. If your dog is happy with their food and their overall health is good, then grain-free dog food might not be required.
However, if you notice that your dog is suffering from any of the symptoms above, you might also want to look at what ingredients are in your dog’s current food. If they list any of the cereal grains as the main ingredient, then you might want to consider switching to a different type. It’s all about finding the balance, whilst ensuring your pup has all the nutrients they need.
Which Brands Offer Grain-Free Dog Food?
Several brands on the market offer grain-free dog food. High-quality and available with various ingredients, you’ll be able to find the right one for your dog. Some examples include:
Lifestage Grain-Free Dog Food
Lifestage is another popular grain-free option as they contain a selection of the finest, fresh ingredients that have been specially selected to optimise digestion and nutrition.
With a huge selection available, from Salmon & Trout with Asparagus to Turkey with Sweet Potato & Cranberry, you’re sure to find the perfect mix for even the fussiest of eaters.
K9 Optimum
Nutritionally advanced and grain-free, K9 Optimum is another leading brand within the market. Each of their grain-free options is designed to offer immune support, maintain joint and bone health and aid digestion.
Their recipes also specifically exclude certain ingredients known to cause discomfort – from wheat and gluten to soya and dairy.
Harringtons Grain Free Dog Food
Formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs, Harringtons has a number of different foods on offer to nourish your dog and promote healthy digestion and, despite being grain free, it doesn’t compromise on flavour.
Are Grains Bad?
You might be wondering if grains are actually bad for dogs and whether or not you should eliminate them from their diet. However, whilst dogs have adapted to various diets over the years, there’s no scientific indication showing that grains are bad for your dog.
Although grain-free food has several health benefits, these are often only noticed by dogs who have a sensitivity to grains. When choosing the best food for your dog, it’s important that it includes a range of ingredients, providing enough protein, nutrients and minerals.
Whether you opt for grain-free food or not, portion size is key, so make sure that you don’t overfeed your dog – otherwise, they might experience obesity-related health issues down the line.
How to Introduce a Grain-Free Diet
If you’re considering switching your dog’s diet to a grain-free one, it’s important that you do this progressively over a period of 7-10 days. You should start by slowly introducing grain-free food in with their existing dog food, gradually increasing the amount of new food and decreasing their old food. This will ensure that their digestive system has time to adjust and hopefully avoid any unwanted sickness or diarrhoea!
During this, make sure you keep an eye on their stool and eating and drinking habits to ensure there aren’t any changes. If you notice anything unusual, you may want to contact your vet, who will be able to provide advice and guidance when changing your dog’s diet.
In Conclusion
Grain-free food is a popular choice for dogs with sensitive digestive systems or allergies and intolerances, so if you think your dog’s current diet may not be suitable, then grain-free might be the way forward. Explore our selection of grain-free dog food today to find the perfect one for your pooch.