Grain Free Dog Food: Why It’s Good For Your Dog

by Debra Hendrickson on July 6, 2010

A majority of dog foods available on the market today contain various quantities of grain. Although many dog owners are not particularly concerned with high grain content in dog food, it has been found that grain free dog food offers a number of benefits. For many dogs, digesting grains becomes a problem and this leads to the development of allergies, which can result in certain skin and stomach conditions. Dogs that have allergies or that are chronically ill need foods that do not exacerbate their conditions.

If your dog has been suffering from allergies, then the expert advice is to switch them to a grain free diet. Grain free options can be a lot healthier for your dog. They aren’t just based on corn (typically considered a “filler” ingredient), but they make use of proteins and healthy fibers and vegetables which are all good for your dog.

Dog foods that do not contain grain often contain such ingredients as potatoes, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, apples, flaxseed, alfalfa, and more. This is to ensure a proper carbohydrate and fiber content, which helps keep your dog full and also helps with digestion.

There are many different recipes for grain free pet food under a number of different names. Although they all differ, generally they are based on a type of meat. Some of the top grain free names are Acana, Grandma Lucy’s, Orijen, Sojos Europa and Wellness CORE.

In general, dog food that doesn’t include grain will be better for your dog. In the wild, dogs are carnivores, which means they aren’t built to be able to digest grain. However, if you do decide to switch away from grain, you should always check the specific sources used in the food to make sure that the starches come from healthy ingredients. Also remember that grain free pet food usually has a greater amount of protein, and this isn’t good if your dog has issues with kidney health. Whenever you do make a change to your dog’s diet, do it gradually to avoid upsetting their stomach.

Disclaimer: This commentary is only the writer’s opinion, and is meant for the purpose of offering general information. Nothing in this piece should be construed as official medical opinion. You should always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your pet’s diet.

If you want the very best when it comes to the health of your dog then grain free dog food could be the option for you. No matter what you do, make sure you only use quality dog food and check the ingredients before you buy.

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