Many people are going gluten and grain-free for health reasons; however, when it comes to your pet, it is the same healthy? Experts in dog health say if your pet is happy and healthy with the current diet, there is no need to make any changes to it at all. However, if your pet suffers from allergies and other health complications, you should consult your vet to seek advice as to whether a grain-free diet is healthy for your dog or not!
An insight into grain-free dog food
Dog food made without rice, corn, wheat, and other food grains are labeled as “grain-free” dog food, and they are often found on the shelves of supermarkets. Grain free dog food are a little expensive over their grain variants. Note that your dog needs carbohydrates for growth and energy. Grain-free might imply no carbohydrates at all, but this is not the case. Grain-free food for dogs contains alternative sources of grain like pea flour and potatoes.
Is a grain-free diet good for your dog’s health?
Now the most common question that dog owners ask is grain-free dog food beneficial for your pet? Experts in dog health say in some cases, yes. It is common for dogs that have allergies to grain; however, the figures are rare. Most of the time, dogs might have an allergy to protein sources like beef, chicken, etc.
Consult your vet for advice and suggestions
If you feel that your pet has some food allergy or sensitivity, you should work with your vet to detect its source. Your vet will help you to identify any kind of allergy or sensitivity that your dog suffers from. The vet will work on a therapeutic diet that you can give to your dog daily. In this way, your dog is able to combat the allergy faced and get a nutritional diet.
Are there any downsides?
Now, the next question that comes to your mind is are their any downsides when it comes to a grain-free diet for your dog. As mentioned above, there is a common belief that a grain-free diet for your dog has no carbohydrates at all. However, this is not the case. Alternative carbohydrate sources are present in the food, and this can result in potential weight gain for your pet.
Therefore, if you are considering feeding your dog with a grain-free diet, consult your vet first. If your dog has allergies or sensitivities to any food, grain free dog food will be recommended to you by your vet. Invest in a good brand and to make your dog healthy and happy. There are many brands of grain-free food for your dog. Ask your vet for a product that suits the requirement of your dog and budget too. In case, you have a puppy and want to know whether a grain-free diet is good for it or not, make sure you ask your vet again so that your puppy grows up into a healthy dog!