DO DOGS REALLY NEED A GRAIN FREE DIET?
Now, I'm sure you would prefer a short answer to the question "Does my dog need a grain free/ starch free diet"
Well, the short answer is no....but that also depends on certain key factors.
You may have been in a supermarket and seen a pet food package in the store labelled 'Grain Free' or read about the increase of grain free diets from the internet and thought "hmmm...this is what my dog needs"
Question is, does it benefit your dog nutritionally?
To answer this question, we need to take a look and discover what a dog needs on a daily basis, to not just survive but thrive.
Let's do that by dispelling some common myths about dog nutrition
Myth 1: Dogs are purely carnivorous
This is true, based on a classification basis due to their ancestry from wolves.
The dog is a subspecies of the grey wolf under Canis lupus familiaris and is classified under the order Carnivora.
However, the dog is not a true carnivore (solely meat eating) Unlike the cat who is an obligate carnivore
Thousands of years of evolution have made the dog adapt omnivorous digestive traits with an ability to break down carbohydrate as well as utilize protein found in some plant sources eg soya
They can also modify the feed given to synthesise from scratch certain nutrients such as Vit. A and taurine. In comparison to a cat who cannot synthesize nutrients from plant precursors and needs it intentionally added to its food
This isn't to say that dog can live by grain alone...they still need meat in their diet or a source of high quality protein to sustain body condition and cellular health.
Myth 2: Dogs cannot digest or utilize grain
Contrary to popular belief, dogs are very capable of digesting grain/starch. With the help of an enzyme known as Amylase. This enzyme is produced by the pancreas to breakdown the starchy components found in grain. This happens in the small intestine.
"The ease in digestibility is further increased if it undergoes a cooking process".
So don't feel too pressured to remove starch from your dogs diet.
Myth 3: Grain has no nutritional benefit
Besides providing your dog with the calories it requires for energy, some grains such as wheat have protein known as wheat gluten which research (1) has shown to be more digestible than even poultry meal found in commercial food. It also promotes good fecal consistency.
Incorporation of grain in controlled amounts such as maize, wheat and rice into diets has shown to improve the gastrointestinal health of dogs with kidney disease (2)
Fermentable fiber present also encourages colonic bacterial multiplication. This is the good bacteria which helps maintain a proper balance in the stomach and promote digestion.
Myth 4: All a dog needs is a high protein diet
First, a dog eating protein alone, without any supplementation creates an imbalanced diet and is not getting the daily nutrients or energy it requires
This myth is the one with the most dangerous consequences. According to the National Research Council, the adult dogs requirement of protein is 15-28%/kg of feed
This is the figure written at the back of the food package as 'Crude protein'
The danger lies in the amount of crude protein. What is crude protein you ask? This is the protein that is found in a diet after everything else has been removed; water, starch, fats, vitamins, minerals and ash.
A diet higher than 30% crude protein in an adult dog with low body maintenance and activity, poses a threat to the kidneys.
High levels of protein going into the body lead to an increase in the waste products that need to be excreted via the kidneys.
These include urea, nitrogenous compounds such as ammonia and creatinine
In excess, these waste compounds can cause azotemia (an elevation of nitrogen containing compounds in the blood) and uremia (presence of urea in blood)
Resulting to stress on the kidneys and inability to excrete these wastes efficiently.
This can lead to permanent kidney damage in a healthy dog. In a dog with a pre-existing kidney problem, could lead to toxicity in the blood and eventual death.
So be very cautious with the levels of protein intake in your dog. Which should be based on age, size, activity level or if you have a pregnant/lactating bitch. And always read the package of the pet food
So when is it necessary to feed a grain free diet to my dog?
|There are some dogs with a genetic predisposition to allergies to certain foods. Research shows (2) that the main allergens contributing to cutaneous allergic food reactions (CAFR) are beef, dairy products, chicken, wheat and lamb and they most of the time are allergic to more than one
In case a food allergy has been diagnosed in your dog, a change of diet to a Hypoallergenic, with none of the causative allergens is prescribed such as these here
Medication is also prescribed such as corticosteroids to alleviate the inflammatory reaction
Are there certain breeds that are more affected?
This is based on several factors such as genetics and environment, but from my experience and that of other vets the common breeds affected by chronic allergies include Ridgebacks, Retrievers, German shepherds. Dobermans, Cocker Spaniels. Even cats get affected (commonly seen as severe face scratching)
The symptoms are mostly seen as from 12 months and below, when the digestive system is adapting
The clinical signs in dogs will include
Severe generalised itching
Soft stool or Diarrhoea
Areas of hair loss (especially around the face, legs, armpits, rump)
Scaling of the skin
Reddened areas due to severe itching
If you see these signs, your dog needs to see a vet.
Overall, a balanced, well calculated diet is key to keeping your furry friend happy and healthy.
Quality nutrition is the key to a healthy dog
Happy feeding,
Dr. Jeanne Mwakugu.
1.Weber, M. P., Biourge, V. C. and Nguyen, P. G. (2017), Digestive sensitivity varies according to size of dogs: a review. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr, 101: 1-9. doi:10.1111/jpn.12507
2.Souliere, Kristyn M., "A Study of the Nutritional Effect of Grains in the Diet of a Dog" (2014). Honors College. 182. https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors/182