Are Grain-Free Diets Bad for Dogs?
Chewy
You might’ve heard about grain-free dog food, but what exactly is it? Do vets recommend it? And is grain-free bad for dogs?
Ahead, we dive into all those questions—what grain-free dog food is, the possible risks and benefits, and more.
What Is Grain-Free Dog Food?
Grain-free dog food is formulated without common grains such as wheat, rice, corn, and barley, which typically provide carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Decades ago, grain-free diets emerged from efforts by veterinarians and nutrition companies to address food allergies in pets. These diets underwent safety testing via AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) food trials and have been fed safely to dogs and cats since.
Around 2005, grain-free pet foods gained wider popularity, marketed as healthier options or as having fewer “fillers.” However, the term filler is misleading.
While it’s defined as an ingredient that adds bulk to the food but has no nutritional value for the pet (i.e., it is not digested), fillers added to pet foods are typically in the form of fiber, which feeds intestinal bacteria and produces the short chain fatty acids that keep the intestinal tract healthy. Without fiber/fillers, the pet food would not be complete and balanced.
Examples of grain-free dog food include:
Are Grain-Free Diets Bad for Dogs?
It Could Lead to DCM
Grain-free dog food has raised concerns due to possible links with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a traditionally genetic, breed-related disorder causing dilation and thinning of the chambers of the heart. This can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden death.
The breeds most commonly affected are the Doberman Pinscher, Golden Retriever, Great Dane, Boxer, and Cocker Spaniel.
Also, since 2018, the FDA has investigated cases of DCM in breeds that are typically not predisposed to the condition. A common factor in these cases was grain-free or boutique diets rich in pulses (peas, lentils, chickpeas). After changing diets, many affected dogs improved significantly, though recovery varied.
The exact cause remains unclear, with the original theory that this could be a taurine deficiency in these diets, which had been seen in rare cases, proving to be more complex.
It Could Lead to a Taurine Deficiency
A 2018 study found taurine deficiency only in Golden Retrievers eating a grain-free diet.
However, later studies could not find taurine deficiency in any breed, including the Golden Retriever.
It May Not Prevent Symptoms in Dogs with Food Allergies
Dogs given over-the-counter diets for food allergies may continue to experience itching, vomiting, or diarrhea if the diet was not made in a facility specifically dedicated or sanitized to prevent cross-contamination of proteins for food-allergic pets.
When Do Vets Recommend Grain-Free Dog Food?
When Dogs Have Gluten Intolerance
Unlike people, gluten intolerance (celiac disease) is very rare in dogs. The few known cases occur primarily in specific lines of Irish Setters from the UK and some Border Terriers with epileptoid cramping syndrome, whose symptoms improve on a gluten-free diet.
When Dogs Have Confirmed Food Allergies
Dogs with food allergies may benefit from a limited ingredient diet or hydrolyzed diet, and some of these diets are grain-free.
These diets undergo rigorous testing and follow strict production protocols to eliminate cross-contamination of allergens, significantly reducing flare-ups of allergic or gastrointestinal issues.
While the veterinarian diets (also known as prescription diets or therapeutic diets) are expensive, pet parents may ultimately save money on veterinary bills due to fewer allergy symptoms and issues for their pets.
Is It Good for Dogs to Eat Grains?
In general, dogs benefit from grains in their diet:
-
Grains provide dogs with essential nutrients and serve as an energy source.
-
They promote healthy digestion, a robust immune system, and strong muscles.
-
They support healthy skin and coats in dogs.
Dogs who are not allergic or intolerant to grains should be fed a commercially available diet that contains grains unless otherwise instructed by a veterinarian.
Due to the variety of benefits of grains, it is important to ensure your dog is truly in need of a grain-free diet before making the switch.
Should You Feed Your Dog a Grain-Free Diet?
If you are considering a grain-free diet for certain reasons, including that your pup won’t eat their regular diet, is constantly itchy, or has a sensitive stomach, the first step is to seek veterinary advice.
A medical issue may need to be addressed first before switching your dog’s diet.
Also, your vet may recommend a different diet based on your dog’s age or overall health, based on clinical signs.
