Do dogs need grains or should you go grain-free?

Updated 23/09/2024

When reading the labels on your furry friend’s food, you’ve likely come across ingredients such as animal proteins, added vitamins and minerals, and sometimes grains. This might make you wonder: do dogs need grains to stay fit and healthy, or is grain-free good for dogs? Let’s find out!

Do dogs need grains?

Most experts agree that dogs don’t need to eat grains. It’s widely believed that furry friends should eat like their wild ancestors, which is why the first ingredient in your dog’s food should always be a high-quality animal protein like chicken, fish, or beef. After all, wild dogs wouldn’t have been able to harvest grains!

So why are grains included in so many dog foods? It’s simple really: they’re a cheap, generally harmless filler. But are grains bad for dogs?

Are grains good for dogs?

Grains aren’t considered essential for a dog’s diet, but they’re not necessarily a bad thing either, as long as your furry friend doesn’t have a gluten allergy or intolerance. While your pooch pal should get most of their essential nutrients from animal proteins, including a small amount of grains in dog food shouldn’t hurt. In fact, some experts say that the carbohydrates in grains could help fuel your dog’s playful activities.

However, grains should never form the basis of a meal, and they should make up less than 10% of your dog’s overall diet.

What grains are good for dogs?

While it’s unlikely grains offer much nutritional value to dogs, there are plenty that are safe to feed your furry friend. Let’s take a look at the most common grains: wheat, rice, corn, and barley.

Is wheat bad for dogs?

Wheat is generally safe for most dogs to eat unless they have a sensitivity or allergy to it.

Is rice ok for dogs?

Boiled white rice is safe for your furry friend in small amounts. It’s easy to digest and gentle on the tummy, and can be used to help most dogs with diarrhea and constipation.

Is corn safe for dogs?

Yes, corn and corn meal are safe for dogs to eat small quantities of, and they’re rich in linoleic acid, which can help keep your pup’s skin and coat healthy. If feeding your dog corn on the cob, be sure to remove the kernels first, as these are a choking hazard and are at high risk of causing an obstruction in the gut.

Is barley good for dogs?

Barley in dog food is easier to digest and high in fiber, making it potentially more beneficial for diabetic and obese dogs in small amounts. However, too much of a good thing can have the opposite effect, and it may cause diarrhea and weight gain.

Is grain-free good for dogs?

So if your furry friend doesn’t need grains, should they go grain-free?

Feeding a grain-free diet to your dog hasn’t necessarily had the best reputation, and much of this comes down to an investigation conducted by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) back in 2019. They looked at the potential link between grain-free dog food and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a potentially fatal condition that causes the heart to enlarge.

While the results of the study were inconclusive, the possibility of a link between the two gave grain-free diets a bad name. But an important question was raised: Was it the lack of grains that caused the link, or the ingredients used to replace them? Many grain-free food brands substitute grains with large amounts of legumes like peas, lentils, pulses, and potatoes, which may be where the issue lies.

So, should you go against the grain, or do dogs need grains to stay healthy? Your vet is the best person to give you advice on how to feed your four-pawed pal. They’ll be able to help you choose a food that’s complete and balanced and will provide your furry friend with everything they need to stay happy and healthy.

While you’re busy making sure your pooch pal’s diet is perfect, don’t forget about their care when you’re away. Getting an in-home dog sitter is the pet care option that pets prefer – and vets agree! Not only will your pup get personalized care and attention, but your sitter will also be there to make sure your furry friend sticks to their diet and feeding schedule. Plus, it’s much less stressful for your pooch to stay in the place they know best – right at home. A happy, well-fed dog and peace of mind for you – what’s not to love?

Meet our veterinary expert, Liam

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Liam Bullock BVSc (Hons) MRCVS.

As a small animal vet, Liam has spent time working in both first-opinion and referral-level practices. After gaining a strong affinity for educating owners about their pets, Liam decided to dedicate some of his non-clinical time to tutoring students, who were preparing for exams or struggling at school. By combining a passion for teaching others, and a keen interest in raising awareness about animal health issues, Liam decided to begin writing veterinary content. This now also allows him to raise awareness of important animal health issues outside of the consultation room.

Source:

FDA Investigation into Potential Link between Certain Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy