Why might you decide it’s best to feed grain-free dog food? Grain-free has become increasingly popular in recent years, with some marketing suggesting it has health benefits, but the jury is out on whether a grain-free diet is really preferable for canines. A bit like gluten-free and dairy-free for humans, many people have jumped on the bandwagon in believing it must be healthier, although the benefits are not exactly clear in specific cases.
Grain-free means that the food is free from grains such as wheat, soy, corn, rice, oats and barley. Instead, grain-free food usually contains other sources of carbohydrate, such as sweet potato or peas. Dogs, being omnivores, are able to digest carbohydrates, and the benefits of whole grains are that they provide important nutrients that your dog needs. If the grains are heavily processed, however, much of the nutritional benefit is lost. Therefore, if you are including grains in your dog’s diet, make sure they are a whole and unprocessed as possible.
Benefits of grain-free dog food
One reason for feeding a grain-free diet to your dog is if you’re looking for a suitable dog food for allergies. It is believed that grain allergies only affects 1% of dogs. Another benefit of grain-free diets is that they tend to be lower in carbs, which is handy if your dog is prone to putting on weight, has diabetes or inflammation. And there are some dogs who simply seem to look and feel better on a diet involving complex carbs such as sweet potato, which can be easier on the digestion. Like most food, grain-free is available in wet or dry, depending on which you and your dog prefer.
Be aware that studies have also shown potential health risks of feeding a grain-free, legume-rich diet, so consult your vet or a canine nutritionist before making any big switches.
This recipe is designed for dogs who suffer from Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (however not all dogs that have this condition thrive on a grain-free diet specifically). Tapioca, a highly digestible carbohydrate, is known to help dogs with digestive issues to cope with a full meal without an upset stomach, and this kibble is very popular with owners of dogs with sensitive tummies.
It contains more than 30% white fish, plus natural herbs, prebiotics and probiotics, ginger, ginseng and much more.
A hypoallergenic and grain-free formula made with high-quality animal protein (26% salmon) is designed for dogs with sensitive digestion or those with food allergies or skin complaints. It is free from gluten, soya, artificial preservatives and chemical dyes.
Anti-oxidant herbal extracts slow down cell damage; contains probiotics and prebiotics.
Flavour: Chicken, turkey, chicken/liver, salmon, sardine, turkey, duck or lamb | Carbohydrate source: Sweet potato or butternut squash | Form: Wet | Size: 24 150g; 12 395g or 18 395g | RRP: From £17.99 |
A complete and balanced meal, free from junk, fillers, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives, this grain-free recipe is formulated to be easily digestible. It is made with 75% poultry, and proves very popular with dogs’ palates as well as sensitive tummies.
Flavour: Sunday lunch, fish pie, wild campfire stew, coronation chicken or British breakfast | Carbohydrate source: Potato | Form: Wet | Size: 6 trays of 150g or 6/12 tins of 400g | RRP: £9.60 (6 x 150g) |
Made with freshly prepared meat, vegetables, fruit and herbs, with no added sugar or fillers such as wheat, corn or soya. Gentle on the stomach and smells like real food. Made with proper meat, such as chicken, venison, pheasant, herring and salmon (no meat meal, bone meal or rendered meat).
Botanicals include golden rod, rosehips, marigold petals, milk thistle, dandelion and burdock root.
A single-protein, grain-free recipe made from human-grade meat. It is freeze-dried so that no vitamins and minerals are lost during the cooking process.
The recipe is 80% meat and 20% fruit and veg, making for a high-protein meal. Fruit and vegetables include sweet potato, carrot, pea, apple and pear, selected during their season.
Like feeding raw, but without the mess – the water has been removed, so you can just feed without needing to defrost, while preserving the nutritional profile.
This fish recipe is formulated to support a healthy skin and shiny coat, thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids. The pure fish formula is good for sensitive stomachs, while the prebiotic fibre and probiotics support the digestive system. It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate for mobility.
This is a high-protein, low-carb, fish-rich meal. It contains low levels of grain-free carbs, including potato, fruit and vegetables, such as blueberries, cranberries, carrots, apples and spinach. No cereals, gluten, soy, corn, dairy, eggs or artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives.
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Martha is an experienced journalist who is mad-keen on horses and dogs. Her reporting CV includes the Paris Olympics, European championships, Aachen World Equestrian Festival and World Cup finals. After growing up with assorted liver and white springer spaniels, she enjoyed 14 years with two rescue dogs. Now, her constant companion is Fidget, an extremely energetic and habitually muddy black and white springer. Martha has written on topics as diverse as a top horse’s clone to the best GPS trackers for dogs, as well as equestrian and rural matters for Country Life, The Field, The Times, The Spectator and The Telegraph alongside Horse & Hound.
