Although dogs enjoy eating dog food containing grains, the sales of pet food suggest a growing trend of grain-free food for pets these days. Following the trend, grain-free pet food has become mainstream now and is even considered a...
Although dogs enjoy eating dog food containing grains, the sales of pet food suggest a growing trend of grain-free food for pets these days. Following the trend, grain-free pet food has become mainstream now and is even considered a healthier form of pet food. But increasingly, there is a belief that grain-free foods lack nutrients. Let’s go through the benefits of grain-free food to settle this confusion.
What is Grain Free Dog Food & Is It Beneficial?
Grain-free diets, as the name suggests, are free from grains like corn, wheat, soy, barley, rice, oats, rye, etc. that are generally present in regular dog food. These foods contain plants, animal meat, and other sources of carbohydrates and, hence, may be more nutritious. Some of the key ingredients of grain-free dog food are meat, potatoes, legumes, lentils, peas, etc.
Grain dog food is also a great source of energy for dogs, and it works perfectly for the majority of dogs. But in rare cases, dogs may develop allergies or sensitivities towards grains and may not be able to tolerate them in their diet. Some dogs may also face digestion issues with grains. This is when grain-free dog food comes into the picture. Grain-free dog food is particularly beneficial for dogs with sensitive digestion or for those with grain allergies.
Let’s discuss some of the health benefits of grain-free pet food for dogs:
1 – Healthier skin & coat
As a grain-free pet diet is made with ingredients like animal fats and flaxseeds, it is rich in omega fatty acids. Omega fatty acids play an important role in maintaining the skin and coat health of your dog, as they help improve the shine and luster of the coat and aid in cellular regeneration of the skin. Omegas also help strengthen the hair and nails of your dog.
2 – Improved digestion
Grains contain fiber that remains undigested and is passed in the stool. Alternatively, grain-free food has fewer fibers, which means your dog’s body will produce compact, firm, and less frequent stools. Furthermore, dogs have evolved from carnivores, and so they can do better with foods with fewer carbohydrates and more protein.
3 – Reduced Flatulence
Grains contain complex carbohydrates, which are difficult to digest. Indigestion of grains often results in the production of gas, which is not only notorious but also very uncomfortable for your dogs. In contrast, grain-free food is easily digestible, so it reduces the chances of flatulence.
4 – Allergy management
Grain-free dog food is one of the best ways to manage allergies. Many dogs are allergic to grains like wheat, corn, etc., and since grain-free foods lack these ingredients, they are highly beneficial in allergy management for dogs.
5 – Weight management
Grain-free pet food has been proven to help control your dog’s weight. Grain dog food is rich in carbohydrates, the excess of which gets stored in the form of fats. In contrast, grain-free dog food usually contains fewer carbohydrates and more proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, dogs that eat grain-free food are less susceptible to weight gain.
6 – Increased energy levels
Grain-free dog food provides optimum levels of protein for your pet’s diet. Protein is an excellent source of energy, which means your dog will get more energy from his meals. Moreover, protein helps make your dog feel fuller and satiated for a longer period.
How to Switch Your Dog to Grain Free Dog Food?
To switch your dog to grain-free dog food, start by mixing it with your dog’s regular food. Ensure that the transition is gradual, increase the amount of grain-free food in the dog’s meals over time. The transition should take 7-10 days to be easy on your dog’s digestive system.
Follow the below schedule for a seamless transition:
Day 1-3: Add 25% of grain-free food to 75% of your dog’s regular food.
Day 3-6: Add 50% of grain-free food to 50% of your dog’s regular food.
Day 7 onwards: Feed 75% of grain-free food and 25% grain food, and switch completely after a few days.
Best Grain Free Food for Dogs
If you are looking for the best dry grain-free dog food, here are some of our top picks:
1 – Black Hawk Grain Free Chicken Adult Dog Dry Food
Key ingredients:
Chicken meal, Sweet potato, Carrots, Blueberries, Dandelion, Dry Rosemary, Emu oil
Special benefits:
100% grain and gluten-free Highly beneficial for dogs with intolerance to grains Contains emu oil for healthy joints, skin, and coatBreed/life stage:
All adult breeds and sizes
2 – Ivory Coat Grain Free Adult Dog Dry Food Lamb and Kangaroo
Key ingredients:
Lamb, Kangaroo, Potatoes, Pea fiber, Carrots, Sweet potato, Broccoli, Kale, Spinach, Flaxseeds, Salmon oil
Special benefits:
High protein, low-fat grain free food Omega-3 and omega-6 for skin and coat Natural fiber for healthy digestionBreed/life stage:
All adult breeds and sizes
3 – Wellness CORE Grain Free Adult Wild Game Formula Duck, Lamb Meal, Wild Boar & Rabbit Dry Dog
Key ingredients:
Duck, Chicken Meal, Lamb Meal, Wild Boar, Ground Flaxseed, Rabbit, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Flaxseeds
Special benefits:
Grain-free, protein-rich, balanced nutrition Infused with antioxidants, glucosamine, and probiotics Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coatBreed/life stage:
All adult breeds and sizes
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