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?
I couldn’t resist buying a Bambone!
Surely just reducing consumer spending on our pet’s food and accessories would have a huge impact on the UK’s overall consumer spend!
A dream veterinary practice?
Is dreaming about the kindest, most sustainable and most ethical veterinary work environment asking too much?
Vegan Dog Food Makes The Front Page!!
We are so thrilled to see some acknowledgement and publicity of feeding a plant-based dog food diet in such a positive light!
Inspired by David Attenborough and dear Mr Green
When Mr Green walked into my consulting room today with his adored Oliver, I couldn’t help but class him as one of my great inspirations with his genuine concern
“If abattoirs had glass walls, everyone would be a vegetarian” – Paul McCartney
Sir Paul Mc Cartney is definitely a vegan and we commend him for it
Chris Packham is our Veganuary Ambassador
We are thrilled as a family to have Chris try our protein pack and Umami Recipe on his Poodles Sid and Nancy!
Esther the Wonder Pig
This is a picture of a sixteen year old girl that is under more pressure than any of us can likely even fathom, enjoying a quiet day with a pig she loves, with cupcakes and a smile on their faces
An Emotional Day
As a vet, I experienced an emotional rollercoaster of a day and for the first time in my 25 years as a vet; I crumbled into a crying mess
Shouldn’t we all eat what we feed our chickens?
When it comes to sustainability in our food choices to ensure a future for both ourselves and the animals around us, the proof is out there that a plant-based diet is the healthiest
Get rid of the dog!
The contestants had no idea that the family dog, fed two predominantly animal meat-based meals a day, was contributing to more carbon emissions that either the car or the human family meals!
A message of hope
It’s a reminder for us all that giant leaps often start with small steps
Is it harmful to your pet’s heart to feed a grain free diet?
Yes it most certainly is as a grain free diet lacks the essential nutrients to support a healthy heart muscle
