A grain-free pet food trend started after experts studied the diets of wild dogs and cats, as well as their predecessors, and discovered that their digestive systems and bodies can’t take nutrients from non-meat sources.
Most animals can usually digest grains, but some may suffer from problems due to eating them, such as; skin allergies and digestive problems. therefore, some veterinarians recommend changing the diet to grain-free pet food.
What is grain-free pet food?
Grain-free pet food is food that doesn’t contain any grains in its formulation. Grains are plant seeds and include fiber, vitamins, minerals, a lot of carbs, a little protein, and a few other vital nutrients.
The known grains used are whole ground wheat, rice, oats, millet, and barley.it was first used 20 years ago when some pet food companies were searching for hypoallergenic food for animals with grain allergies and they took AAFCO approval for the products’ safety for animals.
Pet food companies marketed grain-free pet food as a good alternative for animals with grain allergies and health problems. They also promoted it as a diet with fewer fillers “bulk fiber with no nutrient value.” in fact, these fibers are good for the GIT bacteria and help keep the digestive system healthy.
The best grain-free pet food
In general, the best grain-free pet food provides more protein than grains. However, a lot of them use grain substitutes which can affect the final nutritional value of the product.
The most common grain substitutes are potatoes and legumes (peas, chickpeas, lentils, and others). Legumes are plant proteins but unlike meat-based proteins, they are deficient in many amino acids.
Here are some of the best grain-free pet food brands;
- Wysong Epigen Grain-Free Dog food: is considered the best dry grain-free dog food. of its meat-based protein is derived from chicken and turkey meats. Suitable as maintenance adult dog food only.
- Ollie Fresh Grain-Free Turkey: is one of the best wet grain-free dog foods. It depends on turkey meat and organs as sources of protein in their formula. They customize their meals according to the dog’s age, size, and energy levels.
- Wellness Core Grain-Free Ocean: is a large breed-customized Grain-free dry food. It is made to meet the nutritional requirements of large dog breeds. The protein sources are mainly from fish meal and fish. Free from preservatives, meat by-products, gluten, and soy.
There are also many grain-free pet foods for animals with health conditions;
- American Journey Beef and Sweet Potato Recipe: best grain-free food for sensitive GIT & stomachs. It contains salmon oil (rich in omega-3), prebiotics, and probiotics to support digestion for those with sensitive stomachs.
- Canidae Pure Grain-Free Real Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe: best grain-free food for dogs with allergies. Uses a new protein source (lamb) which makes it a great choice for dogs with allergies to common meat sources (beef or chicken).
- Diamond Naturals Skin and Coat
Natural pet food grain-free
Grain-free natural diets contain nutritious components such as; legumes, peas, potatoes, or lentils. This guarantees that your pet continues to receive energy but from a higher source.
Some grain-free companies decrease the total quantity of CHO in the formula. These decreased CHO recipes allow for bigger amounts of proteins (meat sources; beef, chicken, fish, turkey. Or duck) and fats (essential oils and fatty acids) to be incorporated into the recipe, allowing the pet to be fed more naturally and get the most out of their nutrition.
Natural vitamin and mineral supplements are added to the formula as well by using vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins.
Diamond pet food grain-free
Pets can digest grains, but their bodies don’t process as well as proteins and lipids. Many dogs, especially those with dietary allergies, may benefit from a diet that is grain-free and has restricted protein. Diamond Naturals Grain-Free dog food formulations contain premium meat as the first ingredient and are grain-free to enhance healthy digestion and reduce exposure to allergy starters.
The benefits of Diamond pet food grain-free are;
- Protein mix: each formula begins with a protein source like; beef, chicken, or fish that are naturally raised in free pastures and cage-free. Mixed with meal protein providing dogs with needed nutrients for good body condition.
- Vegetables and fruits: potatoes, sweet potatoes, and peas are great sources of complex CHO and energy for the whole day. Tomatoes, raspberries, and blueberries are good sources of phytonutrients.
- Omega fatty acids: using fish meal is an excellent source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Chicken fat, flaxseeds, or natural oils are crucial for a shiny and healthy skin coat.
- Spp-specific probiotics: each diamond pet food grain-free is fortified with a k9 strain of bacteria that support the digestive and immune system health and provide the body with energy.
- Anti-oxidant and prebiotic fiber are included.
FDA grain-free pet food
FDA announced its investigation into the relationship between feeding a grain-free diet and the occurrence of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. Grain-free pet food especially those containing legumes such as; lentils and wheat or using potatoes as the primary ingredient.
This investigation started after the FDA received many reports of DCM cases in dogs after eating grain-free pet food for months and years. These cases occurred in breeds that are not susceptible to this disease.
So what is canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)?
DCM is a heart disease in dogs that affects the heart muscle causing its dilatation and inefficiency in pumping blood and eventually often leading to congestive heart failure.
The breeds that are most prone to this disease are; Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, Boxers, Doberman, and Cocker Spaniel.
FDA received reports of DCM in breeds that generally don’t develop this disease. The common thing between these dogs is their dependence on a grain-free diet. Once they were fed meals with grains again, their health condition improved.
Is TLC food grain-free
TLC pet food is not grain-free animal food as it contains ancient whole grains in its formula besides the high-quality meat. Each component in TLC pet food was selected for its nutritional value after being developed by qualified nutritionists. The main ingredient in the TLC food recipe is premium meat.
TLC pet food is created to meet the AAFCO guidelines for the nutrient values needed for each life stage (growth and maintenance). TLC Whole Life Pet Food is suitable for dogs of different sizes, ages, and breads.
Each portion of TLC food includes a high concentration of meat proteins, and whole grains, fortified with vitamins and minerals, and rich in antioxidants and fatty acids (omega 3&6).
TLC follows WSAVA guideline that helps pet owner determine the best nutritive value for their pets.
Qualified professional nutritionists holding master’s degrees in Animal Science and Nutrition from recognized American Universities create all TLC recipes. The TLC nutritionists are continuously developing products based on recent scientific research on animal food.
Fresh pet dog food grain-free
This meal is made with fresh chicken, salmon, beef, and egg and is grain-free and high in protein. This meal is high in antioxidant natural components such as; cranberries and spinach.
The recipe is formulated using fresh, fresh, chicken with no antibiotic residues, peas, and carrots that are rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, brown rice, and fatty acids (omega-3 &6).
This tasty meal is full of the best nutrients your dog needs for a healthy digestive system and a glossy coat.
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