Is grain-free pet food better for dogs?
Many dog owners assume that wolves are the ancestors of dogs and that grains should not be part of their dog’s diet. But are the eating habits and digestive tract of our domesticated four-legged friends really identical to those of wolves?
Influences on canine digestion
Wolves live by hunting, which means they feed mostly on meat, offal, and bones. This is why it is often assumed that grains are not necessary in dog food or that dogs cannot tolerate them.
However, a study by Erik Axelsson et al. 2013, has revealed that human eating habits have greatly influenced those of dogs and that the canine digestive tract has adapted over time. It appears that dogs have a genetic predisposition to digest starchy foods, and can therefore easily digest and assimilate starch and vegetable protein. The study also shows that dogs are not, as previously assumed, exclusively carnivores. Instead, they are omnivores.
Likewise, the assumption that natural dog food should contain no grains is false. There are many types of grains that provide dogs with vital nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. Grains are also a source of valuable dietary fibre to ensure good digestion.
Two types of grain-free dog food
In terms of grain-free dog food, a distinction can be made between high-carbohydrate and low- carbohydrate complete foods.
Grain-free, high-carbohydrate complete foods use starch sources such as potatoes, cassava, lentils, beans, and peas. Although the food is grain-free, it contains a high proportion (approx. 30-55%) of carbohydrates. In contrast, grain-free, low-carbohydrate complete foods contain less than 20% carbohydrates and generally comprise up to 40% more protein and/or fat. This is significantly higher than the recommended amount and may increase the risk of kidney disease in older dogs. A totally carbohydrate-free diet is not suitable for dogs as it lacks polysaccharides and could lead to abnormal intestinal motility and diarrhoea.
Conclusion
Food that contains grains is not harmful to dogs. In fact, grains are excellent ingredients in dog food; they are primarily a source of carbohydrates and provide our four-legged friends with energy. However, they are not essential for a dog’s health. Above all, dog food should always reflect the individual requirements of the dog, regardless of whether the food contains grains. The most important factor is balanced dog food that is nutritionally suitable for the breed and size of the dog.
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