Consumers of human food love everything “free”: sugar free, gluten free, fat free, dairy free, and now grain free. While some people and pets have specific dietary requirements and need certain “free” foods, is grain free food really healthier for your pets, or is it a fad that will fade as many of the other “free” foods. Because pets are a 4-legged family member, if we believe grain free is a healthier option for humans, then it must be healthier for their pets too.
Is grain free food better for my pet?
Grain free pet food may not necessarily mean it is better. Some common whole grains are actually beneficial as they contain fibers, protein, vitamins and energy source. There are no scientific studies that state grains are unhealthy for pets.
So, how can pet owners determine which food to buy with so many options?
The most important factor in choosing food should be one that is made as “complete and balanced nutrition”. When choosing a pet diet, it is important that it is approved by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). AAFCO is an organization that sets the nutritional standards for pet food in the United States. Pet food can only be marketed as nutritionally complete and balanced if it meets the AAFCO nutritional standards. So, when choosing food for your pet, make sure it has AAFCO approval. It is not only the list of ingredients that is important, but must be formulated correctly to provide complete and balanced nutrition.
Will my pet’s allergies improve with grain free diet?
Contrary to what people believe, most common allergies are not from grains, but from a protein source such as beef, chicken, dairy or additives. If you suspect that your pet is suffering from allergies, contact your veterinarian about allergy testing or elimination hypoallergic diet trials.
Will grain free diet make my pet lose weight?
Feeding grain free diets will not necessarily help your pet lose weight. Grain free does not mean that it is free of carbohydrates. Instead of grains, other ingredients such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, beans, peas are used so the amount of total carbohydrates may be similar to grain containing diets. Grain free does not equal carb free so don’t count on your pets losing weight by simply eating a grain free diet. Like people, weight loss requires exercise and portion control and limiting snacks.
Can grain free diets be harmful to my pet?
On July 2018, FDA released an alert that there could be a possible link between grain free diets and heart disease in dogs. Historically, there has been evidence of taurine (essential amino acid) deficient diet causing dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in certain breeds; however, these affected breeds appeared to have increased incidence of DCM when fed grain free diets. It is not clear if the taurine deficiency is the only cause or if there is an association with an unknown dietary component. If you have any concerns, please consult with your veterinarian about diets and possible link with DCM and other heart disease.
Can I tell the quality of the food by reading the ingredient list?
The ingredient list does not measure pet food quality. Consumers often look at the list of ingredients and make judgements on the quality. If they see beef as the first ingredient, they assume it is a superior product. According to AAFCO, the ingredient list does not guarantee the quality, digestibility, or the nutritional balance of the pet food. Feeding trials and nutrient profile studies will determine if the diet is formulated optimally. Many quality pet food companies will have this information.
Consult your family veterinarian.
When choosing a diet for your pet, consult with your family veterinarian about the best food for the individual need of your pet. Pets have different nutritional needs based on breed, age, weight, activity level and illnesses. Grain free marketing implies that excluding an ingredient must be better. Consumers may be buying an idea and not necessarily a superior product. There are no clinical data that support that grain free diets are better for your pet.
