Grain-free dog food

Grain-free dog food – sensible for allergies and sensitive stomachs

Wolves are carnivores, so are dogs too? That cannot be answered so simply. In fact, wolves do not only eat meat but entire prey animals. These consist, besides muscle meat, of plenty of connective tissue, bones, organs, and their contents. Wolves also eat carrion, berries, and herbs.

Dogs have been domesticated for a long time and live with humans. During this time, their bodies have adapted to digest what remains from human meals. This has significantly expanded their diet. Cooked vegetables and grains are generally not a problem for a dog’s digestive tract. More importantly, Swedish researchers have proven through DNA analysis that dogs possess the enzyme amylase. This makes it possible for them to digest grains and other carbohydrates. Wolves do not have this capability.

Good to know: Dogs can even increase their production of amylase when fed diets rich in starch and thus adapt to their nutrition.

Still, the dog’s intestine is much shorter than that of humans, so large amounts of grains cannot be processed. Dog food with more than 60 percent grain content is indigestible for your dog. Generally, the grain content should be at a maximum of 30 percent.
Grains in dog food have the advantage of providing healthy fiber and easily digestible carbohydrates. Both are indispensable for a healthy gut flora. Additionally, a certain grain content provides real energy in the food. Protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals are also contained in grains.

These types of grains are commonly found in dog food

Not all grains are the same. The following types are frequently found in dog food:

• Wheat (contains gluten)
• Spelt (contains gluten)
• Rye (contains gluten)
• Barley (contains gluten)
• Oats (low gluten)
• Corn (gluten-free)
• Rice (gluten-free)
• Millet (gluten-free)
• Amaranth (gluten-free, pseudocereal)
• Buckwheat (gluten-free, pseudocereal)
• Quinoa (gluten-free, pseudocereal)

Grain is particularly well tolerated by dogs when the starch is already broken down. This happens, for example, through cooking. Pressure speeds up this process, so vitamins are better preserved. Milling also opens up the grain. Unbroken starch cannot be used by the dog and gets excreted again.

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Overview: The pros of grain-free dog food

• Suitable for allergy sufferers
• Suitable for diabetics
• Suitable for celiac disease (gluten intolerance)
• Suitable for food-sensitive dogs
• Gentle on the stomach
• Suitable for exclusion diets

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Good grain-free dog food

Sufficient protein and moderate carbohydrates—that is the rule of thumb for optimal dog nutrition. Furthermore, all essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals must be contained in the right balance. In the case of an allergy, dog food should be without grain and without sugar.

Therefore, pay attention to the following criteria when buying grain-free dog food:

• High-quality dog food has a high meat content.
• It contains no added sugar.
• High-quality muscle meat and offal provide proteins, fats, and some vitamins.
• Vegetables, instead of grains, provide carbohydrates and fiber.
• High-quality oils, herbs, and fruits complement the food with valuable fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

The menu in the bowl should be precisely adapted to the dog’s age and activity. Active, athletic animals, puppies, or nursing bitches have higher protein and energy needs. Older or kidney-diseased dogs need smaller amounts of protein—but from high-quality sources.

In case of doubt, the veterinarian will give tips on the right nutrition for your four-legged friend.