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Dogs have been our loyal companions for thousands of years, and dog food is integral to keeping our canine family members healthy and happy.
Recently, there has been a growing debate over whether or not grains are bad for dogs. Some people believe that grains are bad for dogs and should be avoided, while others believe that they are an essential source of nutrition.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the debate to answer the question: Are grains bad for dogs?
So, what is the truth? Let’s take a closer look at the following:
- Can dogs eat grains?
- What exactly are grains?
- What nutrition do grains provide?
- Are grains good for dogs?
- When are grains bad for dogs?
- Alternatives to Grains in Dog Diets
Can Dogs Eat Grains?
Dogs are omnivores, so yes, they can eat and digest grains [1].
Owners frequently ask this question because dogs are descended from wolves, and wolves are carnivores. However, it is important to remember that dogs have evolved significantly since they became domesticated and adapted to life with humans. They can now digest and utilize grains as a source of nutrition.
The exception is when they have developed a grain-related allergy, which can cause symptoms such as itching, redness, and digestive upset.
While some dog breeds may be more prone to developing grain-related allergies, dogs generally can consume grain safely.
What Exactly Are Grains?
Before we can determine whether grains are bad for dogs, we need to know what grains are.
Grains are the edible seeds of various grass-like plants and are a staple food for humans and many animals.
Generally speaking, grains can be divided into two types [2]:
- Whole grains: Made from the whole seed of a plant and provide more vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Examples include brown rice, oats, barley, and quinoa.
- Refined grains: Milled to remove the grain’s outer layers, boosting carbohydrate content while removing most vitamins and minerals. Examples include white bread, white rice, and wheat flour.
What Nutrition Do Grains Provide?
Grains are rich in B vitamins like thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, and folate, which play important roles in metabolism. They help to maintain healthy tissues throughout the body and provide energy for daily body functions.
They are also a source of dietary fiber which helps promote gastrointestinal health by aiding digestion regularity and helping to lower cholesterol levels. It helps keep dogs feeling full and maintain healthy digestion.
Furthermore, grains can also be a good source of essential minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and selenium, which are necessary for the proper growth, development, and maintenance of cells throughout the body.
Certain grains, such as barley and oats, also contain antioxidants that can boost your dog’s overall immunity by preventing and reducing cell damage.
Are Grains Good For Dogs?
Here comes the golden question: So, are grains good for dogs?
From the section above, we can see that grains provide many benefits for dogs. In particular, whole grains are the beneficial type because they retain valuable nutrients.
Therefore, consider including grains in your dog’s diet or providing kibbles containing grains to ensure a well-balanced diet.
Some of the common beneficial grains that are good for dogs include brown rice, oats, and quinoa.
When Are Grains Bad For Dogs?
Grains can be bad for dogs under certain circumstances and, in the worst cases, be a cause of danger.
The most obvious case is allergies. If your dog has a grain-related allergy or is sensitive to grains, avoid food with grains at all costs. Consumption of grains can result in a wide range of allergic reactions, from mild itchiness to severe diarrhea and vomiting.
The second is digestive issues, which are much more widespread than allergies. Some grains, like rice, corn, and wheat, have higher chances of causing problems such as bloating or stomach discomfort. While symptoms are not as severe as allergy cases, it is better to avoid them.
The third is obesity, which happens more often in smaller dogs. Grains do contain more carbohydrates, hence having a higher caloric content. And excessive consumption of calories leads to weight gain.
The last issue is diabetes, which is the inability to regulate glucose levels in the blood properly. Grains provide a significant amount of glucose, so limiting grain intake can help to alleviate some diabetes-related health issues.
Alternatives to Grains in Dog Diets
If you are looking for alternative sources of nutrition because of the abovementioned complications, many other options can provide the necessary nutrients without grains.
One popular choice is to feed your dog a variety of fresh proteins such as lean chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs. These offer an excellent energy source and amino acids vital to your dog’s health.
Additionally, adding healthy fats such as salmon or coconut oil can improve your dog’s coat condition while providing essential fatty acids.
Popular dog food brands have created grain-free kibbles that provide a well-balanced diet. Here are some examples that you may want to check out:
- Canidae PURE Limited Ingredient Premium Adult Dry Dog Food (Grain-Free)
- Nature’s Recipe Dry Dog Food (Grain-Free)
- Nutro Ultra Adult & Senior Wet Dog Food (Grain-Free)
- ORIJEN Dog Original Recipe (Grain-Free option)
- Wellness CORE Natural Dry Dog Food (Grain Free)
Grains: Making The Best Choice
Grains can become part of a balanced diet that provides all essential nutrients for a healthy life. However, not every dog is fit to consume grains.
When making this decision, it is important to keep in mind your dog’s overall health and nutrition. By considering your dog’s food allergies, dietary needs, and activity level, you can decide the most suitable diet for them.
Always exercise caution with introducing a new type of ingredient to your dog, and we suggest consulting a veterinarian when changing your dog’s current meal plan.