In recent years, the trend of feeding dogs grain-free food has peaked. But the question is, did your dog really need a grain-free diet in the first place? Let’s find out!

What is Grain-Free Dog Food?

Grain-free dog food is made without grains like wheat, corn, rice, and barley. Instead, it often relies on carbohydrate sources such as sweet potatoes, lentils and peas. The idea is to mimic the nutritional values of a carnivorous diet.

Does Your Dog Need A Grain-Free Diet?

The answer is simple. No, your dog doesn’t need a grain-free diet unless they are allergic to grains.

A dog with grain allergy to corn, rice, barley or wheat will have the following symptoms –

Itchy skin

This condition is also known as allergic dermatitis. You can your dog itching uncontrollably on the ears, paws, rear & stomach.

Remember, your dog can be allergic to anything in the food including chicken or grains. It is essential to eliminate the exact cause of food allergy.

Appearance of hives

Hives may appear on your dog’s body 6 to 24 hours after consuming food with allergens. It’s easier to spot this in short-haired dogs otherwise you have to run your hands through the hair to feel them.

Hair loss

Itching & hives can together contribute to extreme hair loss as well. Pointing clearly towards food allergy.

Gastrointestinal issues

Frequent cases of gas, upset stomach, vomiting & diarrhea especially after consuming a single type of food can be grain-allergy.

Is Grain-Free Diet the Best?

Simply put, no. Here’s why –

Nutritional Imbalances

Recent studies in the Journal of Animal Science (Smith et al., 2018) found that while grain-free diets might be beneficial for dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities, they are not inherently best for all dogs.

In fact, the study suggested that some grain-free diets might lack essential nutrients present in grains, leading to potential nutritional imbalances.

Increased Risk of Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy

The Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published a study (Freeman et al., 2018) highlighting a possible link between certain grain-free diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart condition.

The decision to feed your dog a grain-free diet should not be taken lightly. It’s crucial to base dietary choices on your dog’s individual needs. Do not fall for dog food marketed as grain-free unless your dog really needs it.