Are Grains Really Bad for Dogs? What the Science Says

The question of grain free vs grain dog food has been a subject of debate for years, especially for pet owners trying to make a transition to a healthy, fresh-food diet. Walk into any commercial food store, and you’ll see dozens of “grain-free” options marketed across the shelves.

But are grains truly that bad for your dog, or is it just another commercial trick? In this guide, Pawy experts will expand on the debate, answering the ever-lasting question and explaining the benefits of a grain free diet for dogs.

How Grain-Free Diets Came Into the Spotlight

The focus on grain-free diets for dogs stems from the simple idea that dogs are carnivorous by nature. As descendants of wolves, one would expect them to avoid plant-based foods and grains in nature and to eat meat like all carnivores.

However, it has been scientifically proven that dogs are omnivores that can benefit from a plant-based diet just as much. They use building blocks and nutrients from different food sources, which is why Pawy experts include slow-cooked or dried veggies like broccoli in their fresh-food diet plans.

Still, the situation is a bit different when it comes to grains. Most pet owners refrain from feeding grains to their dogs because of the potential for gluten intolerance and the possibility of certain types of allergies. In reality, you might be surprised by what scientists say.

What the Research Really Shows

Scientific research, like that conducted by the Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences department of the University of Texas, shows that grains are not necessarily bad for your dog. In fact, they provide natural nutrients that otherwise have to be replaced in a fresh food diet if you choose to avoid grains.

Naturally, some dogs have allergies and intolerances that need to be addressed as well. That’s why the best way to go about it is to contact an expert vet or pet nutritionist for a tailored diet depending on your pet’s nutritional needs. So, to get back to the question: Is grain free dog food better? These findings will help you figure that out:

Digestive Capabilities

While grain free dog food is certainly a more natural solution, scientific research shows significant improvements in digestive efficiency compared to natural ancestors such as wolves. Modern-day dogs have evolved to carry the AMY2B gene, which is crucial for producing enzymes that break down the starch in grains.

Simply put, your pet dog is more than capable of properly digesting grains without any issues. The same goes for carbohydrates in general, so a natural diet that includes grains isn’t necessarily dangerous for your dog, unless your pet has specific allergies.

Nutritional Value

Another reason most pet owners choose a grain free diet dog food is the nutritional value. To be exact, most pet owners are used to seeing commercial foods with grain content that’s not nearly as nutritionally rich as whole grains. 

In reality, whole grains like brown rice and oats are filled with valuable nutrients that benefit your dog’s digestive capabilities and overall health. They include vitamin B and minerals, and are a natural source of fibre, which is particularly important for your pet’s bowel movements and promoting healthy gut bacteria.

Reality of Grain Allergies

According to scientific research, grains are among the allergens least commonly associated with health concerns in dogs. In fact, even sources of protein like fish or chicken meat are more likely to cause allergies, so hopefully we’ve dispelled that myth and misconception.

To be fair, grain-induced allergies do exist, but they mainly manifest through skin issues, rather than digestive problems. The best way to figure this out is to reach out to expert pet nutritionists like our team here at Pawy. We ensure each meal plan is optimised to meet your dog’s nutritional needs, and we take allergies and other health factors into account while crafting custom meal plans. 

Can Grains Be Beneficial in Dog Food?

Despite all the misinformation out there, dog food featuring natural and whole grains can be beneficial for your furry friend’s overall health. Grains are a great source of natural carbohydrates, and they are essential for maintaining proper energy and activity levels.

Furthermore, fibre-rich grains support digestive health by regulating bowel movements and promoting proper digestion without causing constipation. They are also a natural source of essential nutrients like fatty acids and vitamins B and E.

Some grains even act as antioxidants and help protect your pet’s body from inflammation. Of course, the quality of grain food products itself is a serious contributing factor here. You should always avoid commercially available grain food and only focus on adding low amounts of grains into your pet’s fresh food meals. 

Naturally, you shouldn’t do this on your own without consulting a vet or a pet nutritionist first. Our team of Pawy experts will be glad to help with this, so feel free to reach out for a free consultation and a meal plan recommendation.

Grain Foods and Health Implications

One of the main reasons grain content is sometimes best avoided in dog food is individual sensitivities. Simply put, some dogs may be allergic or intolerant to grains like wheat, which contain gluten. 

Common signs of grain allergies include itching, ear infections, and skin issues such as dry skin and inflammation. On the other hand, studies are currently underway to determine whether there’s a link between grain intake in dog food and severe health conditions, such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

DCM is a serious heart condition where the heart muscle becomes thinner and weaker. As a result, blood pumping becomes more difficult, leading to decreased activity levels, coughing, or even fluid buildup in the abdomen. 

Naturally, it can also be caused by genetics or as a result of an infection, so it’s not a condition strictly related to a grain-rich diet. The FDA is currently investigating the matter, but at the moment, we have no definitive link between grain foods and DCM. 

The FDA hasn’t found a causal link yet, so the bottom line is just to be careful with the type of grains you might consider feeding your dog, and always reach out to an expert pet nutritionist before you introduce grains into your pet’s diet yourself.