There is a good chance that you at least know one person who is currently vegan or on a gluten-free diet. With the steady rise in the popularity and practice of Paleo diets and keto-diets, it is only natural that dogs are also receiving their fair share of a grain-free and gluten-free diet.
How is a grain-free diet in dogs similar to the Paleo diet for us?
Gluten allergy is not common in dogs. Some gluten sensitivity is present among a select pedigree of Irish Setters in the UK. However, grain allergy can manifest in other forms, including excessive scratching, licking, and nibbling at the skin. Rashes and redness of the skin are not uncommon in dogs with food allergies.
Grain-free pet food is similar to the Paleo Diet in human beings. Before we manufactured and packaged dog food in colored bags, the canines were comfortable hunting and foraging. They relied on mostly raw food for their nutrition. Research shows that in the early days, the forefathers of domesticated dog breeds lived long and healthy lives on raw food.
However, feeding your dog a completely raw diet can be unrealistic in many ways. Firstly, the cost is going to be prohibitive even for owners with just one medium-sized dog. Secondly, the chances of your pooch contracting bacterial infections and viral diseases from uncooked and unprocessed meat become much higher. Thirdly, choking hazards become a real nightmare with the small bone fragments in uncooked meat.
What is the next best alternative to a raw diet for your dog?
Top grain free dog food is the best replacement for raw diet in dogs. Apart from eliminating the disadvantages that raw food might bring to your dog’s plate, premium quality grain-free dog food can relieve your pup’s flatulence, loose stool, chronic scratching, biting and chewing, rashes and ear infections.
Additionally, even your senior dog will find more energy during the day for daily walks and playtime. It can improve your pet’s coat quality and skin condition. You will notice reduced shedding and a shinier coat, thanks to better digestion. Dog owners also report seeing the redressal of bad breath and skin irritations after switching to either dry or wet grain-free food.
How can you make the transition to grain-free food easier for your dog?
Irrespective of which brand of dog food your pup is consuming right now, you should understand that switching to completely grain-free dog food can be a significant challenge to your dog’s digestive system. You should slowly introduce the new grain-free food in small quantities, mixed with their regular diet over the next few weeks.
Your vet should be able to give you a complete schedule of your dog’s meals detailing on how much regular dog food and grain-free premium dog food you are to serve daily. Your dog’s stool quality will remain an organic indicator of how his or her digestive system is reacting to the new diet.
What is one misconception of grain-free dog food you should not believe?
Grain-free dog food is a lot of things, but it is not low-carb. Good quality top grain-free dog food will have a high carbohydrate and high concentration of good-quality protein. The carbohydrate is simple and hence easier to digest than the carbs you can find in rice, buckwheat, oats, or soy. They contain the same amount of carbohydrates as grain-based food alternatives, if not more at times!