Grain-free diets for dogs

Choosing the best food for your dog can be very challenging and confusing. New trends come and go and are not always the healthiest for your canine. A grain-free diet is a fairly new phenomenon in the effort to feed dogs wholesome food that will promote health. When considering that our dogs’ wild ancestors, wolves, primarily ate a meat-based diet, grains seem to make little sense.

Most commercial dog foods include grains such as corn, oats, and wheat. Grain-free foods basically are comprised of meats such as fish, chicken, lamb, beef, and turkey. Often, included in this mix are various vegetables.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a nutritious dog food for your companion. Grain-based foods are often difficult for some dogs to digest, particularly when the dog does not have enough of the enzyme responsible for breaking down starches and carbohydrates. This can result in an impaired digestive system.

Dogs with diseases such as cancer and diabetes can benefit from a non-grain diet. A diet high in simple carbohydrates can dramatically raise blood sugar levels and cause obesity.

Food allergies are most often caused by grain-based diets, especially if your dog cannot tolerant gluten. This can result in damage to the lining of the small intestine and impaired absorption of nutrients. A grain-free diet, high in protein, can increase a dog’s health and energy level.

There are some negative aspects regarding grain-free diets. Caution should be used for older and inactive dogs because a high protein diet can lead to weight gain for dogs with limited mobility. Another consideration is that non-grain dog foods often contain more carbohydrates than meat, particularly when they contain cheap, non-nutritious carbohydrates. Additionally, grain-free foods are often more costly than grain-based foods.

As a dog guardian, you should always weigh the pros and cons for your particular dog. Every dog is different and has individual dietary needs. Dogs with more active life styles will have different needs than sedentary dogs. A small Poodle will have different requirements than a Siberian Husky.

So, before you change your dog’s diet, speak with your veterinarian. Discuss your dog’s health, activity level, age, and breed. Always make changes in your dog’s diet gradually and be observant of any dramatic changes to your dog’s behavior and health.

Angie Lewis is President of Alaska Animal Advocates.