Are grain free dog foods unhealthy
The Truth About Grain-Free Dog Food: Insights from a Nutrition Expert
The phrase grain-free has become one of the most confusing and debated in the world of dog food in recent years. It was and is often seen as a positive many nutritionists warn against high levels of grains in dog food.
However, in recent years, a growing concern has emerged regarding the potential connection between canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and dogs diets with grain-free foods framed by some as the problem.
As a result, pet parents, believing they are offering their furry companions the best nutrition, find themselves troubled by the notion that their diet could be linked to such a serious disease.
While DCM has various causes, including genetics, medications, and infections, its crucial to note theres no scientific evidence definitively linking grain-free or grain-inclusive diets to DCM.
This, however, has not eased the concern or confusion among many pet parents. Not least because people confuse food advertised as grain-free which often has grain substitutes with food that simply has no grains in it, such as raw dog food.To address the uncertainties around foods labelled grain-free, we spoke Dr. Richard Patton, a seasoned Ph.D. animal nutritionist with over 40 years of experience and expertise in formulating canine diets, more than 25 scientific publications to his name, and who has authored a book on pet nutrition. Hes a nutritional consultant for the raw food community.
(Please note that these are Dr. Pattons expert opinions, not those of Dog Food Advisor.)
In the popular language of the pet food industry, grain-free trade signifies the absence of ingredients like corn, oats, wheat, soybeans, and the like. This labelling suggests the replacement of these perceived problematic grains with supposedly more benign options such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, or other non-grain alternatives.
However, the crux of the issue isnt the specific grains name but rather the quantity of soluble carbohydrates it contains essentially, starch and sugar. Potatoes, often deemed virtuous replacements for grains, can be just as carbohydrate-rich and, therefore, pose similar concerns as grains like corn. Similarly, a diet featuring lower levels of soluble carbohydrates can still be highly nutritious, even if it includes moderate amounts of grains.
How do I know if my dog should be grain-free?
Your dog should generally be fed a diet that is low in starch and sugar. Their diet should be low in soluble carbohydrates its usually easiest to feed your dog complete and balanced meat-based dog food.
Apart from honey, there are very few natural sources of food that are high in carbohydrates. If we were to survive in the wild, we would find many things to eat, but very few carbohydrates. Mankind made them easy to find, but a high-carb diet is ill-suited for our genetic machinery.
Should pet parents avoid grain-free food?
The thing to avoid is a high-carb diet. The pet food industry is dominated by brands that make crunchy kibble on a machine called an extruder. To properly run an extruder requires a fair measure of starch due to its inherent qualities. It expands when heated with water; it stays expanded when cooled and dried.
The pet food industry is a behemoth, with a dog or cat for every other person in the country. Big kibble has coerced the market into thinking kibble is the way to go. In fact, a pet parents buying decision is guided by three things: cost, convenience, and correct nutrition. Its hard to have all three. Big kibble trades on its strength in cost and convenience.
Are there different types of grain-free dog food?
There are different ingredients one can replace corn, oats, wheat, etc. with. However, if its a crunchy kibble, it will contain excess carbohydrates.
What are the benefits of grain-free dog food?
Given that both with grain and grain-free can be equally dubious due to high starch content, the benefits are confined to economics and convenience.
What are the disadvantages of grain-free dog food?
A grain-free kibble will be high in starch and deliver excess carbohydrates, the same as regular grain kibble. Everyone thinks fat causes obesity. This is incorrect. Excess carbohydrates cause obesity.
Does grain-free dog food cause heart disease (DCM, enlarged heart or dilated cardiomyopathy)?
There is no credible scientific evidence for this, let alone proof. If there is a link between diet and DCM in dogs, it is far more likely to be a matter of protein quality, amount and specific amino acid amount.
Is grain good for dogs?
Grain can be fed to dogs if fed in moderation. A primordial diet is 5-7% carbohydrate, and this is the dietary level mammals are genetically evolved to consume, and thrive on best.
Is grain-free food the same as gluten-free/wheat-free dog food?
If grain-free means the diet is free of wheat, rye, barley and oats, then the diet can be considered gluten-free. There are pet food kibbles in the market that snub these specific cereal grains.
If you or your pet has a gluten intolerance, you readily grasp the relevance of this issue. Gluten intolerance is a genetic inability to digest the gliadin fraction of the wheat protein gluten. Gluten is also found in the protein of rye and to a smaller extent in barley and oats. So no, grain-free does not speak to gluten-free specifically, but often a grain-free diet can be gluten-free as well.
Can puppies eat grain-free food?
Talking about grain-free dry kibble, yes, of course, they can eat it, and given that puppies chew on anything, they will appear to relish it. The excess carbohydrates in some foods are just as bad for puppies as adults. Puppy food should derive its calories from protein and fat, not from carbohydrates.
What is the best grain-free dog food?
The question should be what is the best type of food? Regarding grain-free kibble, one can assume the various competing products all comply with AAFCOs recommended guidelines for nutrient content.
In this regard, it is not easy to identify one superior brand among dry kibbles. However, pending AAFCO changes will call for labels to state not just total calories but what percentage of these total calories derives from protein, fat and carbs. This will greatly inform pet parents buying decisions and advance awareness that low-carb diets are best.
For example, a grain-free dry kibble with 30% carbohydrate calories is better than one that is 40 or 50%. Under current label rules, this way of evaluating and ranking is not possible. When it does become the norm, it will show that natural and natural raw diets at 5-10% calories from carbohydrates are the best.
Is grain-free food better for allergies?
If a pet is indeed allergic to one of the grains shunned in grain-free formulas (viz., corn, oats, wheat, soy, barley, rice) a grain-free kibble could lessen symptoms. There was an all-meat-type pet food producer who guaranteed his meat-based product would clear any skin problem or your money back. In 30 years he never refunded a cent. Often, a dogs food sensitivity is not to a specific ingredient but to a diets overall carbohydrate analysis. Lowering starch and sugar in a diet often lessens allergic symptoms.
Best Grain-Free Dog Foods
Turkey Patties is one of6 raw frozen recipesanalyzed inour reviewof the We Feed Raw product line.
This We Feed Raw recipe obtains the better part of its animal protein fromturkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 49% protein, 25% fat and 18% estimated carbs which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
Read our review of the full We Feed Raw Dog Food (Raw Frozen) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey tails, turkey gizzards, turkey wings, turkey liver, wfr vitamin + mineral mix Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 49% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at WeFeedRaw.com"Our family has been using We Feed Raw for years and we will continue to do so because we love it! Our dogs are healthier and happier on raw. Plus, with WFR, we know they are getting top-notch food without imbalances. Amazing company! Could not be happier!"
Wellness Core Ocean Formula is one of 12 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Core product line.
This Wellness formula derives most of its meat protein from fish and fish meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 17% fat and 38% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
An exceptional protein-rich option.
Read our review of the full Wellness Core Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Whitefish, herring meal, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 38% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog absolutely loves this food! Shes not really a fussy eater, and shes never rushed to eat her food, but from the moment I put this food in her bowl, she started eating it right away! She seems very excited at meal time! I think Ive found her furever food!"
Raised Right Beef is one of11 fresh recipesincluded inour reviewof the Raised Right product line.
Raised Right Beef derives the lions share of its animal protein fromfresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 61% protein, 24% fat and 8% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
One of the best fresh, human-grade dog foods on the market. Unusually wide recipe selection can be a major plus especially for picky eaters. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries Type Grain-free (carrots, cranberries) Protein Percentage 61% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only American Journey Beef and Sweet Potato is one of17 dry recipesincluded in ourreview of the American Journeyproduct line.
This American Journey formula derives most of its meat protein from beef and chicken and turkey meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 16% fat and 41% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
We also note the inclusion of salmon oil, which is rich in healthy, omega-3 fatty acids. The formula also contains both pre and probiotics to support optimal digestion. Highly recommended, especially when you consider the budget pricing.
Read our review of the full American Journey Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned beef, chicken meal, turkey meal, peas, chickpeas Type Puppy, large breed, senior, healthy weight Protein Percentage 36% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"This is my go to dry food. I have a very picky dog. When we first adopted him he would not eat anything. He went for 2 days and did not eat anything! A friend recommended this and he ate a little bit. Over the next week he ate a little more each day. Now it is his daily food and I use other American Journey flavors and mix the two every now and then just for variety."
Taste of the Wild High Prairie is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie derives most of its meat protein from buffalo, lamb meal and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
A superior choice for your dog. Heartily recommended.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My fur babies love it, I bought the bag before I finished off their other food and they would inspect the bag. As soon as I cut it open and fed them, they wont touch their other food. They know which is which and they prefer Taste of the Wild over all their food. Glad they're happy."
Orijen Six Fish is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Orijen product line.
Orijen Six Fish derives the bulk of its animal protein from whole Atlantic mackerel and herring, as well as monkfish and redfish. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 21% fat and 28% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
A solid grain-free product line. Enthusiastically recommended.
See all 9 available recipes
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Whole Atlantic mackerel, whole Atlantic herring, monksh, Acadian redsh, ounder Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 43% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I have always fed my German Shepherds Orijen, so when my boyfriend and I got an 11mo German Shepherd I went straight for this food again. It is the best food on the market! My dogs have always had wonderful coats and teeth with this food. The 6 fish even helps with the shedding. Our dog is protection trained and is in training for competitions so he need a high protein food to keep up with him and this brand does the trick. I love this food!!"
Dr. Tims Salmon and Pork RPM is one of 3 dry recipes included in our review of the Dr. Tims product line.
Dr. Tims Salmon and Pork RPM derives the majority of its animal protein from salmon and pork meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
A quality, grain-free brand. Readily recommended.
See all 3 available recipes
Read our review of the full Dr. Tims Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon meal, pork meal, dried white potatoes, dried field peas, tapioca Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We have tried everything on the market. Our oldest female had really awful skin allergies. Then we were talking to a friend of our's that recommended this food to us. We researched it and found out it would be great for our girl and her skin allergies PLUS we have sporting retrievers that needed a good food for the protein/energy and carbs. This food has been wonderful for it all. We have raised several young dogs on this food and they did really well on it too. I cannot say enough good things about this food and what it has done for our dogs. We have 4 Labradors, an Aussie, and a small rescue dog. They all love this food! Thank you Dr. Tim's!"
Canidae Grain-Free Pure Real Lamb and Pea Recipe is one of 10 dry recipes included in our review of the Canidae Pure product line.
Canidae Pure Real Lamb and Pea Recipe derives the majority of its animal protein from lamb and poultry meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
A superb selection free of grains.
Read our review of the full Canidae Grain Free Pure Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Lamb, turkey meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, garbanzo beans Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog has always been a picky eater even when she was little. Because of that, she wasn't in her proper weight category for her age and breed. I decided to make a switch to a higher quality brand of dog food than what I was feeding. This specific dog food ranks 4.5 / 5 on a popular dog food rating site. It has really good ingredients and actually costs less than most other dog food brand with the same ones. My dog absolutely loves this food. I have never seen her more excited to eat (other than for cheese or boiled chicken)."
The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Chicken is one of 8 dehydrated recipes analyzed in our review of the Honest Kitchen product line.
This Honest Kitchen formula derives most of its meat protein from dehydrated chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26% protein, 16% fat and 49% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
Made with genuine human-grade (not feed-grade) ingredients. Nutritionally complete and balanced for all breed sizes.
After adding warm water, the product rehydrates to four times its packaged weight. So, a 10-pound box yields forty pounds of dog food. Contains no preservatives, fillers, GMO ingredients, corn, wheat or soy. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Honest Kitchen Grain Free Dog Food (Dehydrated) range here
Main Ingredients Dehydrated chicken, organic flaxseed, dehydrated potatoes, dehydrated sweet potatoes, dried apples Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 26% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I switched my dogs from a kibble to rehydrated food. They don't have poop problems anymore, but most of all, they are not scratching as much. They LOVE it, may have to eventually switch off chicken, as it is known for some food allergies. My 3 small dogs absolutely love it and so far, no $150 per month for allergy shots.. so its worth the costs.."
Ollie Fresh Turkey is one of 4 wet recipes included in our review of the Ollie product line.
This Ollie formula derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh turkey and turkey organ meat. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 39% protein, 25% fat and 28% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
The company designs each custom feeding plan based on your dogs age, weight, activity level and other feeding factors and then recommends a measured portion size, based on the number of calories needed to keep your dog at ideal weight.
The fresh, customized diet is delivered to you on a flexible schedule. It should be stored in your freezer and then thawed (as needed) in your refrigerator.
An exceptional, grain-free option ideal for those who want to feed a scientifically balanced diet thats as close to homemade as you can get yet without all the tedious work. Not cheap. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey thigh, pumpkin, turkey liver, turkey heart, carrot Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 39% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at MyOllie.com"Our 10 year old GSD had skin issues & was refusing to eat his dry food. We made the switch to Ollie & the changes have been amazing. Dexter is no longer scratching all the time and he looks forward to his breakfast & dinner every day. He's also perkier and runs around like a puppy. We are so happy with Ollie!!"
Merrick Grain-Free Real Salmon with Sweet Potato is one of 12 dry recipes included in our review of the Merrick Grain-Free product line.
Merrick Grain-Free Real Salmon with Sweet Potato derives the bulk of its animal protein from salmon and salmon meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 16% fat and 40% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
A great option with multiple formulas. A top grain-free pick.
See all 12 available recipes
Read our review of the full Merrick Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned salmon, salmon meal, whitefish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My Goldendoodle wasnt really eating his other new food that I transitioned him to from puppy to adult ... read great things about Merrick and gave it a shot. My pup loves it and eats it all."
Nulo Freestyle Adult Salmon and Peas is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Nulo Freestyle product line.
Nulo Freestyle Adult Salmon and Peas derives the bulk of its meat protein from salmon, turkey meal and menhaden fish meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 18% fat and 41% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.
Enthusiastically recommended.
See all 9 available recipes
Read our review of the full Nulo FreeStyle Grain Free Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned salmon, turkey meal, menhaden fish meal, whole peas, sweet potato Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 33% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Im a big fan of Nulo food for my four babies. Compared to other foods in the same price range it rates high. Its nevef had a recall and its an award winning food. My babies love it. The kibble is small for their small mouths and they clean up every bite. No grains and all wholesome ingredients make this a winner..."
Weruva Funky Chunky Chicken Grain and Gluten-Free is one of 14 wet recipes included in our review of the Weruva product line.
Weruva Funky Chunky Chicken derives most of its animal protein from chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 64% protein, 10% fat and 18% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 15%.
An exceptional, grain-free wet dog food.
See all 14 available recipes
Read our review of the full Weruva Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken broth, pumpkin, carrot, green pea Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 64% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We recently switched wet food because our pup was having digestive issues and the nutritionist recommended removing grain. This was definitely the perfect choice. It looks like real people food, it smells delicious and our dog loves it. Two big thumbs up!"
