With the rising trends of grain-free food, there have been many speculations and confusion among pet parents. When grain is good for health and mind then why is this sudden change in diet? This raises a lot of questions among new pet parents.

When we say “normal dog food or grain food”, we simply mean food that contains essential grains. Grains that are essential for our pet health. But what are the things that come under grain? If you look at the nutritional label of any dog food, you will get these:

• Wheat

• Rice

• Corn

• Barely

• Oats

Now you might be thinking that these grains are good for health, then what is the problem? This is what we at Supertails are trying to figure out for you. Choosing grain-free dog food totally depends on you and your pet but before you make that decision, we want to consider some of the factors. 

As the name suggests, these foods contain no essential grains. All the essential nutrient requirements are fulfilled by peas, lentils, sweet potatoes, and chickpeas. These are alternate options for the grains found in other diets. But grain-free dog food has its own pros and cons. Let’s discuss it.

Grain-free diets for dogs in various forms, catering to different types of nutritional needs and preferences. Listed below are the types of non-grain foods that you can offer to your food.

These are dry food options. These foods feature sources like chicken, beef, lamb, and fish which are high sources of protein and amino acids. These sources of food exclude grains like wheat, corn, and soy from their ingredient lists.

These non-grain foods are similar to grain-free kibble but are in wet form. These foods are suited to those dogs who need moisture in the food or who complete their water intake mostly from foods.

These are not included in the main diet instead these are supplementary diets that can be added on top of the existing diets. They are also grain-free and are mostly given to those dogs who need extra nutrients to function.

Improved Digestion:

Grain food takes a longer time to digest as well and it is hard to digest. The alternate options used in it are easy to digest and are gentle on the digestive system. A dog suffering from any gastrointestinal issue, allergies, or infection can choose non-grain food over grain food.

Increased Energy Levels:

These non-grain foods are rich in protein and carbohydrate content. Ingredients like chicken, beef, and, fish are high in protein, and nutrients like potato and rice are high in carbs increasing the nutritional content of the food. This helps in maintaining energy levels and also keeps your pet full for a longer time.

Nutritional Imbalance

Although non-grain foods are rich in protein and carbs, still they lack other important nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Lack of these nutrients can bring several health problems like improper digestion and stool.

Costs:

These grain-free foods were very costly when compared to normal pet foods which contain grains. For budget-friendly parents, it can feel heavy on their pockets.

There is a controversy related to dogs and their consumption of grain-free food. The FDA reported many heart failure cases in dogs who used to follow grain-free food meals. Many veterinarians found out in an early study in 2018 that the dogs consuming these diets often have low taurine, an amino acid that is essential to keep the heart healthy.

The breeds most commonly affected are Golden Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Boxer, and Cocker Spaniel. As of reports till 2022, the study is still going on this topic as any conclusion has not been derived yet. 

Choosing a specific diet for your dog is completely in your hands. Grain-free foods have their benefits, choosing this diet can be helpful in your pet’s digestion and gut health but is also has its consequences like nutritional imbalance and costs.

We at Supertails have always focused on what is good for your pet. Changing a diet can have a sudden effect on their body, so we all suggest you consult a vet before making any decision regarding them. A vet will analyse their condition and will suggest you according to their needs.

To make this process easy and less confusing, Supertails has its online pet vet consultation service. We have the best veterinarian in the town who is always ready to help you whenever you are in need.

Contact our Pet Relationship Manager, they will help you to get advice from the most experienced veterinarians in the town and get personalised suggestions and medications.

No matter what you choose for your dog, always learn to choose what suits the best for your dog. Every dog has its own requirements, providing them meals according to that will help them to function properly and will also be safe from potential disease or threats.

Both the food (grain-free and grain-free) contains its pros and cons. By prioritizing high-quality ingredients and ensuring nutritional balance, you can gift your canine friend a healthy life, and talking about quality, why not come and check Supertails? We have the best stock of both grain-free and grain foods. We offer a wide variety of options and brands that suit different breeds, sizes, and dietary needs.

Ready to explore grain-free options for your furry friend? Browse our selection of high-quality grain-free dog foods. 

Absolutely not. The quality and nutritional content of grain-free dog foods can vary significantly between brands. Some may prioritize high-quality protein sources and utilize nutrient-dense vegetables, while others may contain excessive fillers or lower-quality ingredients. It's crucial to carefully read labels, check for AAFCO statements, and choose brands that prioritize quality and transparency in their ingredient sourcing and manufacturing processes.

Sudden dietary changes can upset your dog's digestive system. It's essential to transition your dog to a new food gradually. Begin by mixing small amounts of the new grain-free food with their current food and gradually increase the proportion of the new food over 7-10 days. This allows their digestive system to adjust and minimizes the risk of digestive upset.

While grain-free diets offer potential benefits, there are some potential concerns.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Recent studies have linked some grain-free diets, particularly those containing high levels of peas, lentils, and potatoes, to an increased risk of dilated cardiomyopathy (a heart condition) in certain breeds like Golden Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Boxer, and Cocker Spaniel.

Nutritional Deficiencies: Some lower-quality grain-free diets may lack essential nutrients if not properly formulated.

Cost: Grain-free diets can often be more expensive than traditional grain-inclusive diets.

Observe your dog closely for any changes in their health and behavior.

• Look for improvements in digestion, such as reduced gas, diarrhea, or constipation.

• Monitor their energy levels, weight, and overall activity level.

• Check for improvements in skin and coat health, such as reduced itching or dryness.

• Schedule regular veterinary checkups to monitor your dog's overall health and discuss any concerns.

Dogs with food sensitivities or allergies: If your dog experiences digestive upset, skin issues, or other allergic reactions to grains, a grain-free diet may be beneficial.

Dogs with specific dietary needs: Some grain-free diets are formulated for specific needs, such as weight management, senior health, or sensitive stomachs.