Should Dogs Eat Grain Free?

The grain-free diet craze has pet parents everywhere wondering if they should ditch the grains for their four-legged friends. While these diets claim to be more “natural” and easily digestible, recent studies have raised some red flags about their potential link to heart disease in dogs. So, are grain-free diets really healthier?

The answer is a bit more complicated than the marketing hype would have you believe. As your partners in pet health, the team at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates wants to provide some balanced insight into the grain-free debate.

An “Ancestral” Diet? Not Quite

Grain-free pet foods emerged from the idea that dogs and cats evolved by eating meat-based, grain-free diets before domestication. Proponents argue that removing grains mimics this ancestral diet for better nutrition.

But here’s the thing—domestic dogs have adapted over thousands of years to digest and obtain nutrients from grains just fine. Their bodies have evolved right along with their diets.

Potential Heart Risks

In 2019, the FDA began investigating a possible connection between grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a type of canine heart disease. While they haven’t definitively proven that grain-free diets cause DCM, there does seem to be a correlation—particularly with formulas using legumes, potatoes, or other starches instead of grains.

So, we should view grain-free diets with at least some skepticism for now. They may deprive dogs of key nutrients found in high-quality whole grains. As always, check with your vet before overhauling your pup’s diet.

A Balanced Approach

Here at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates, we believe in balanced nutrition tailored to each dog’s individual needs. While grain-free diets might be OK for some dogs, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Factors such as age, breed, activity level, and existing health conditions play a significant role.

For example, grain-free foods may be appropriate for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities to specific grains. But for most healthy dogs, a diet with high-quality whole grains can be perfectly healthy and nutritious. 

How to Choose a Quality Dog Food

Quality pet foods should:

• Be made by companies with veterinary nutritionists on staff
• Conduct feeding trials following standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials
• Source ingredients from trusted suppliers
• Avoid excessive use of plant-based proteins like peas and lentils

Carefully read the ingredient list. The first few items listed should be whole protein sources such as chicken, beef, or fish.

Learn more about choosing the best food for your pet in this related blog post. 

Should I Make My Dog’s Food?

While possible in theory, formulating a complete and balanced homemade diet is difficult. Improper ratios can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health issues down the road. For most owners, a high-quality commercial dog food is safer and more convenient. 

Our Nutritional Expertise

When it comes to your dog’s food, don’t trust marketing gimmicks or well-meaning advice from unqualified sources. Partner with Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates to ensure your furry friend gets the balanced, complete nutrition they need.

During a nutritional consultation, our experienced veterinarians will thoroughly evaluate your dog’s diet and lifestyle. From there, we’ll provide science-based recommendations tailored specifically to your pup’s individual needs and life stage.

Whether you’re navigating a health condition such as obesity or kidney disease or simply want to optimize your dog’s diet for sustained energy and longevity, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Make Your Dog’s Nutrition a Priority

Don’t leave your beloved pet’s nutrition to chance—call our office to schedule a nutritional consultation. Our experienced vets will analyze your pup’s diet and make science-based recommendations to help them live a long and vibrant life.