Dry kibble. Canned wet food. Raw, freeze-dried food.
The options out there for your pooch are (seemingly) endless, so when picking out the perfect dinner-time option, we understand it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Grain-free dog food is another option you’ll find on the shop shelves, which is made using recipes free from grains such as wheat, barley, oats, corn, and rice.
Some dogs are fine to eat grains, but others may find them difficult to digest or suffer from a grain allergy.
But how can your canine companion benefit from switching to a cereal-free dog food?
Discover everything you need to know, from the benefits of grain-free foods to ways you can tell your dog needs cereal-free alternatives, with the Pet Shop Online experts in this article.
What is grain-free dog food?
Grain-free dog food, or cereal-free dog food, is exactly as you’d expect. A dog food alternative that’s free from any cereals and grains.
A good grain-free recipe will completely exclude ingredients like oats, wheat, barley, corn, and rice, replacing these with other ingredients like potatoes or sweet potatoes, lentils, quinoa, and peas, to ensure the meal doesn’t lose any of the taste or texture that our furry friends relish.
So, although grains are far removed, grain-free dog food still provides your pup with all the essential nutrients they need to thrive.
How could grain-free food benefit my dog?
Cereal-free dog food could benefit your canine companion in many ways, including:
Improved digestion
By replacing grains with alternative carbohydrate sources, like sweet potatoes and peas, grain-free dog food can be much easier for your dog to digest – especially if they have a sensitive stomach.
So, if your pooch is prone to problems like constipation or loose stools, you should consider speaking to your vet about switching them to a grain-free diet.
Reduced allergies
Although it’s relatively rare, there are some dogs out there that suffer from food allergies, particularly to grains. And not only is it super distressing for our pets, but for us, too.
If you notice issues like skin itching, redness, or hot spots, as well as gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or excessive flatulence, book in with your vet to get to the bottom of the problem and get their approval to trial a grain-free diet.
Healthier skin and coat
Grain-free recipes that are high in protein and contain healthy fats provide all the nutrients needed for a healthy skin and coat.
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish protein sources are known for their skin and coat benefits, so if your canine is dealing with a dull coat, this could be the solution they need to shine.
Increased energy
With more focus on higher protein and healthy fats, cereal-free dog food can contribute to higher energy levels in some dogs, particularly those with grain sensitivities or digestion issues.
Being more easily digestible, your pooch will absorb these nutrients much more easily and better nutrient absorption often translates to higher energy levels, so prepare yourself for the zoomies!
What is the best grain-free dog food?
The best grain-free dog food depends on your pup’s unique requirements.
When shopping around, though, you should look for options that:
● Contain high-quality protein sources: Look for foods that name specific meats, like chicken, turkey, or salmon, and try to avoid foods labelled with generic terms like ‘animal protein’.
● Contain healthy fats: Prioritise options with quality oils, like salmon oils, flaxseed, or chicken fat, and ensure the food you choose contains essential fatty acids like Omega-3.
● Provide balanced nutrition: Ensure you choose a complete, nutritionally-balanced food that’s suitable for your dog’s breed and life stage, and prioritise recipes with natural ingredients and minimal processing.
Need expert advice?
Whether you need help choosing the best grain-free dog or best grain-free puppy food, or would like to find out more about how you can benefit from incorporating a grain-free recipe into your dog's diet, our experts are here for you.
Give us a call today on 0161 728 4656 or email shop@pet-shop-online.co.uk and we’ll respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.
Alternatively, you can add everything you need to your online basket for convenient home delivery or browse our selection in person at our Manchester store. From dry dog food to raw diet options, we have it all at Pet Shop Online!
