As people have become more health-conscious, and are now paying more attention to the ingredients that are being contained in the things we eat every day, this now carries on to man’s best friend. here we only want what’s best for them.
So how about when we talk about grains? Is it good? Is it bad? Just what exactly is the difference if this one ingredient is changed in our doggy’s diet?
What is Regular Dog Food?
Dog food that contains grains is usually called “Regular Food.” This means that if you were to check the label, and you see either Rye, Soy, Rice, Barley, Wheat, Corn, Oats, or a combination of any of those grains, then what you have in your hands is Regular Dog Food.
However contrary to popular belief, when the brand you buy for your dog has a label that tells you that it’s “gluten-free,” this does not necessarily mean that what you bought is free of any grains. Gluten-free may mean that wheat is excluded, but grains like corn and rice can still be used as a substitute.
So how does grain affect your dogs?
Several vets have attested that grains contain lots of nutrients that are good for dogs. There are also many vitamins and carbohydrates, as well as their fibrous nature which helps in promoting digestion. The fatty acids contained in grains are also essential for a dog’s daily intake.
Should You Get Grain-Free Dog Food?
Grain-Free food on the other hand from the name itself is food that is free of grains. In the debate about grain-free foods, vets actually advise against a full grain-free diet as your pups need the carbohydrates and other nutrients that can only be gotten from grains.
However, there are specific cases when grain-free food is needed, such as when your pets have allergies to grains. If you suspect that your dog has an allergy then it’s recommended that you contact your vet for what are the possible alternatives in order for them to get the proper nutrients that they need. Otherwise, trying to feed your dog a grain-free diet might be more problematic than not, such as unintentional weight gain.
Which One is Right for Your Dog?
Although listing the pros and cons between choosing which type of dog food is better, it all comes down to the individual and their dog. If you truly want to switch to a grain-free diet for your pup for any reason, make sure to consult your veterinarian. Proper animal doctors will be able to recommend a diet plan that would be able to give your pet all the nutrients that they need to be a healthy companion.
As pet owners, we have to be vigilant in what we feed our canine friends. That means researching the food you choose before buying can go a long way. Always be on the lookout for foods that are considered a balanced diet.
In other words, foods that contain all the necessary proteins, fat, and nutrition. Foods that are also approved by official pet associations that have met the food and safety guidelines are also great places to start looking for the ideal meal for your pet.
With all these in mind, whether going grain-free or sticking to a regular diet, as long as you follow the proper way of going about it and with your dog’s well-being in mind you will be able to find the perfect food for your pet.