Last Updated on December 16, 2022 by Dogs Vets
Should you feed your dog grain-free food as a pet lover?
The diet of dogs should be based on feed. Even if other foods are given —always knowing that there is some prohibited food—, these preparations with all the necessary nutritional contributions for the animal should prevail in their daily menu.
Grain-free pet foods have more recently been introduced to the pet food market, while human dietary habits also began to shift towards lower carbohydrate intake.
With gluten-free and Paleolithic diets becoming more fashionable, the demand for grain-free pet foods from pet owners has increased.
Insect-based dog food was launched on the European market in 2016 by German company Bellfor. Since then, the innovative products with insect protein have won countless customers around the world.
Myths cleared up about grain-free dog food
Everything has its pros and cons, just like a grain-free diet for pets.
In recent years, grain-free dry foods have proven to be one of the most prominent and polarizing developments in the field of pet nutrition. Grain-free dry dog food with insects has a lot to offer and can be a great solution for dogs who need a change in their diet.
Bellfor’s grain-free dry dog food, for example, uses high-quality ingredients such as fresh chicken, beef, salmon, turkey, tuna and eggs.
Before grain-free dry foods became popular, all pet foods used to include grains to provide our little friends with nutrients.
Grains typically used in pet foods include:
- Barley
- Corn
- Oatmeal
- Rice
- Rye
- Wheat
- Soy
Grain byproducts used in pet foods include:
- Saved
- Gluten
- Peel
- Flour
- Starch
The rumor is spreading that grains are harmful to dogs, but this is not correct in all situations. The digestive system of these animals has changed over the years and they can digest some grains. Cereals are not the enemy, but the proportion of them that are added to pet food.
Good-quality pet foods should contain protein as the main ingredient and should not contain additives or fillers, such as low-quality meat by-products instead of real fresh meat or too many potatoes.
Therefore, it is important to always check ingredient labels or even contact the pet food producer directly.
Insect protein based dog food offers the following advantages to dog owners:
- Contains all essential amino acids
- Proves low allergy potential
- Well digestible
- Species-appropriate and tasty
- Is suitable for all breeds
- Relieves the environment “
Are grain free pet foods also carb and gluten free?
Grain-free dry dog food does not contain grains, but this does not eliminate carbohydrates, since grain-free pet food does contain ingredients such as potatoes, lentils, peas, quinoa, etc.
Therefore, Grain-free dry dog food with insects is not carbohydrate-free, and, in some cases, grain-free pet foods contain equal or even greater amounts of carbohydrate.
Gluten-free pet foods do not contain gluten-containing grains, such as wheat, barley, and rye, but still contain other gluten-free grains.
On the other hand, grain-free pet foods may not contain gluten unless they contain ingredients that are a source of gluten.
Do grain-free foods cause heart disease?
Concerns have been raised about the safety of grain-free foods and their link to heart disease in dogs.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has opened an investigation into the development of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs on grain-free diets.
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that results in an enlarged heart and thinning of the heart muscle, which can lead to heart failure and death.
Final Thoughts
Grain-free pet food can be just right and effective if used correctly and gives your dog a long life. However, it varies completely from pet to pet and depends on which diet is best for their nutritional needs.
As a responsible and loving pet owner in London, you may want to consult your trusted vet about feeding your dog grain-free pet food before proceeding.
Fully understand its benefits and drawbacks and establish a diet plan for your pet that works best for them with the correct dosage and composition of nutrients.
Compare different grain-free pet food providers and their customer reviews to identify the best products.
Facts Check
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