When it comes to your dog's health, choosing the right dog food can be one of the most important things you can do. Feeding them specialised food that matches their stage of life, and any specific intolerances and health requirements, can significantly improve your pet’s wellbeing.
Currently, there is a lot of discussion surrounding grain-free dog food. You may be wondering if it's the right choice for your dog, so let's explore the benefits and determine if it could be the right fit for your dog.
When considering the best diet for your dog, whether it's a grain-free diet, a hydrolysed diet, or a diet for weight management, it's best to arm yourself with knowledge.
What is Grain-Free Dog Food?
Grain-free dog food is a type of pet food that is made without traditional cereal grains such as wheat, corn, rice, barley or oats. Instead of typical grains such as these, grain-free pet food uses alternative carbohydrates such as sweet potato, peas, and lentils. Many common dog foods on the market contain traditional grains; however, lots of dog owners are finding that omitting the grain from their dogs' diet can have positive effects, especially for dogs suffering from digestive issues.
What are The Benefits of Grain-Free Dog Food?
For some dogs, the use of grain-free dog food has some clear benefits.
Replicates a Dog's Natural Diet
For some pet owners, grain-free food is a great option that more closely mimics their ancestral diet. Wild dogs and wolves wouldn't have had the option to eat processed grains, and so many pet owners believe going grain-free better replicates a more natural diet.
Gentle on Sensitive Stomachs
For dogs with sensitive stomachs or intolerances, removing common grains from their diet can help to reduce any gastrointestinal discomfort, helping to reduce gas and excessive bloating that can cause extreme distress.
Better Breath
Dogs can have bad breath due to a range of factors, but did you know that changing their diet can actually help? Food that contains grains can often leave residue on your dog's teeth, leading to an increase in bacteria, causing worse breath than usual. With grain-free food, there is less residue left behind, leading to more pleasant breath, which is a win-win! To keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy, explore our oral care dog food.
More Energy
Just like humans, when dogs eat something heavy in grains or carbohydrates, they experience a burst of energy, before a crash, which leaves them feeling lethargic. This is where grain-free food comes in, and gives dogs a more consistent source of energy, allowing them to keep going over a longer period of time, without a peak followed by a crash.
Dogs Love the Taste
For many dogs, grain-free food is simply delicious. We know keeping your pets happy is your number one priority, so it's worthwhile trying a few different high-quality foods out at home if you'd like to find out what your dog prefers.
More Consistent Stools
Picking up stools is an unfortunate yet essential part of every dog owner's day. Feeding your dog grain-free dog food can actually make their stools more consistent and firmer.
A Healthier Coat
Often, grain-free foods include functional ingredients such as salmon oil or flaxseed, which are full of essential Omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy nutrients help your dog's coat really shine, can reduce itching and support healthy skin.
Is Grain-Free Dog Food Suitable for All Dogs?
In short, no - grains are not inherently bad; some dogs benefit from eating a high-quality grain dog food that includes healthy grains like rice. Rice is an easily digestible and naturally hypoallergenic grain that, when eaten alongside a range of freshly prepared ingredients, can suit many dogs perfectly well.
A common issue that leads pet owners to opt for a grain-free food is that many low-quality pet foods may use grains as a filler ingredient. Grain should never be the main ingredient in dog food; dog food instead should be made up of a range of high-quality ingredients, including a protein and functional additives, with or without grain.
Signs Your Dog Would Benefit from Grain-Free Dog Food
There are several key signs and symptoms which would indicate your furry friend is suffering from a grain intolerance and may benefit from a grain-free diet. These include:
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Persistent itching, licking and scratching
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Recurring ear infections with no clear cause
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Loose stools
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Excessive, uncomfortable bloating
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An excessive amount of flatulence
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A dull, lacklustre coat, or even hair loss
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Low energy or signs of lethargy
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General signs of discomfort after eating
While these signs could point towards a grain intolerance, we would always recommend discussing any symptoms with your vet before making any big changes to your dog's diet and ruling out any underlying issues such as infections or parasites.
Whether you opt for dog food containing grains or grain-free food, it's important to choose high-quality food that contains a variety of fresh, healthy ingredients, and an easily digestible protein such as chicken, lamb, beef or duck.
Is a Grain-Free Diet Suitable for Puppies?
A grain-free diet can work for puppies too, although it may not be necessary and would require careful planning. For puppies, check out our expertly formulated puppy food. Whether you're supporting sensitivities, managing your dog's weight, or simply supporting their growth, Calibra offer an option to fit.
What is the Best Grain-Free Dog Food?
If you've spoken to your vet and are hoping to introduce your dog to grain-free food, check out our Verve Grain-Free Dog Food range. This premium line has been developed alongside expert nutritionists to create a food that dogs love and that delivers them all the essential nutrients they need.
You can choose from a range of flavours including beef, chicken, duck and fish, and with options specifically designed for puppies, adults and senior dogs.
How to Transition Your Dog to Grain-Free Food?
When changing your dog's diet, it's always important to introduce anything new gradually. Introducing new foods into your diet too rapidly can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and gas. Aside from being extremely unpleasant for your pooch, it'll make it difficult to ascertain if the grain-free diet is having any positive impact.
The 10-Day Transition Schedule
|
Days |
Old Food |
New Grain-Free Food |
|
1 - 3 |
75% |
25% |
|
4 - 6 |
50% |
50% |
|
7 - 9 |
25% |
75% |
|
10 |
0% |
100% |
While this is a good guide, if your dog has a sensitive stomach, you can go slower and extend the transition period over 14 days, starting with only 10 to 20% of the new food.
Monitor the Transition Carefully
While changing your dog's diet, keep a close eye on them, monitor energy levels and their appetite. Also, keep an eye on their stools; softer stools are common at first but should firm up in time. If you notice any signs of distress or if your dog seems to be refusing to eat, slow the process.
Most owners see positive changes within 4 - 8 weeks. Signs the grain-free diet is working for your dog include firmer stools after the initial transition period, a shiner coat and calmer skin, more consistent energy throughout the day, as well as improved mood.
Hydration Is Key
Changes in diet can make your dog thirstier, so always ensure they have access to fresh drinking water, as you normally would, though you may need to refill their bowl more frequently.
Adapt Dry Food with Broth
If your dog is a fussy eater when it comes to introducing new dry dog food, consider adding a splash of dog-safe bone broth to make the kibble more enticing.
It's also worthwhile speaking to your vet before making any dietary changes.
Key Takeaways
Choosing the right food for your dog can make a significant difference to their overall health, wellbeing, and daily comfort. Grain-free food, while not suitable for all dogs, can be highly beneficial for many dogs, especially those with sensitive stomachs, digestive issues and specific dietary requirements. It’s important when changing your dog’s diet to introduce anything new slowly and always opt for foods with high quality ingredients.
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Grain-free dog food removes traditional grains, often used as filler in low quality food
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Alternative carbohydrates like sweet potato and lentils provide digestible energy for your furry friends
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Some dogs may benefit from improved digestion and reduced bloating when switching to a grain-free diet
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Grain-free diets can support healthier skin and shinier coats
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Functional ingredients such as Omega-3s, prebiotics, and joint support additives are an important addition to your dog’s food
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Not all dogs need grain-free food, and healthy grains can still be beneficial for many pets, always speak to your vet if you’re unsure
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Signs such as itching, loose stools, flatulence, or low energy may indicate a dietary sensitivity which needs investigating
Always choose complete, high-quality dog food with balanced nutrition, check out our premium ranges, with options for puppies, junior, adults and senior, or extra guidance You’re also welcome to contact us if you’d like help choosing a suitable food for your dog.
