Grain-free diets are one of the largest growing sections of the pet food market with more and more pet owners buying these expensive diets, with claims that they are healthier for pets and less likely to cause allergies. It all sounds great….but it’s just not true! Just because humans are gluten or wheat-intolerant does not mean your pet is too!
There is no reliable evidence that suggests that it is harmful to feed grains as a group to dogs or cats. Whole grains, rather than being “cheap fillers” (as some pet owners are led to believe), do contribute valuable nutrients including vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and fibre to your dog’s diets. Some grain products even provide protein that is easier for your pet to digest than some protein from meat.
Most dogs are very efficient at digesting and absorbing nutrients from grains in amounts typically found in pet foods.
While food allergies in pets are not that common, allergies to grains are even rarer. Pets that do have allergies are most likely to be allergic to animal proteins such as chicken, beef, and dairy (all commonly used in pet food as the pet food market can obtain these by products from the abbatoirs very cheaply).
Gluten intolerance although very common in us humans (I think I may be slightly gluten intolerant as I bloat after eating bread) is also exceedingly rare in pets, with gastrointestinal signs from eating gluten having been confirmed only in one inbred family of Irish Setters and a family of Border terriers that display cramping syndrome if gluten is eaten.
So just remember “grain-free” is a marketing concept designed to sell pet food, not a health solution to help your pet live a long, healthy life with the same intolerances as you may have.
Don’t believe the marketing hype about grain free diets!
Is it harmful to your pet’s heart to feed a grain free diet?
Moopy and his anal glands!
Anal gland problems are very common and can be very distressing if not treated correctly
Wolves in zoos are fed dog food
Wolves are not picky eaters nor are they pure carnivores as the meat-based dog food companies want us to believe
Do we need to worry about DCM with a legume rich diet?
DCM or dilated cardiomyopathy is one of the biggest concerns to most owners feeding their dogs a 100% plant-based diet
Bruno and Ruby are thrilled that we now sell 10kg Solo Vegetal!
We are so excited to announce that we now stock big shiny 10kg Solo Vegetal bags!
Facing our fears
I feel compelled to write this very personal post to you as I feel in such a safe space with you all! Through veganism and a mutual love of our pets, I have 'met' and continue to meet and bond with you - the most wonderful warm and caring community that one could...
Cancer and plant-based dogs
We asked the top vet oncologist in the country for her opinion on whether a vegan diet could protect our dogs from cancer
We feature on BBC Live!
The more we feature and spread our message, the greater the impact we will have with promoting the healthiest and certainly the kindest way to feed our pets today and in the future!
Raw dog food ‘may be fuelling spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria’
Researchers found that all of the raw dog food samples contained antibiotic-resistant Enterococci, including bacteria resistant to the last-resort antibiotic linezolid
We feature in the August Issue of Vegan Life
She has written the article with such an in-depth understanding of the importance of dogs going plant-based – all just so positive for the future!
The Vit D3 and Vegan Dog Food Debate
Which dog foods in the UK can be classed as fully vegan?
Mother nature is crying out….and we are listening!
“I don’t think we are going to become extinct. We are very clever and very resourceful”
How much oil should you feed your dog?
Something that so many owners who transition to plant-based notice with their dogs – how soft the fur becomes!
