Pros and Cons of Grain Free Dog Food
Have you been contemplating switching your dog to a grain free dog food? They are gaining popularity as many brands are now offering grain-free alternatives to their typical dog foods. Today we will discuss the pros and cons of grain free dog food so that you can make an educated decision on whether or not grain free dog food is appropriate for your pup.
The Pros
The main benefit of grain free dog food is that it is great for dogs who have an allergy to grain. If your dog has an allergy to grain, they may have skin reactions, ear infections, vomiting, or diarrhea. You should talk to your vet if you think your dog has an allergy so that they can identify it and tell you how to proceed. The example could be as easy as taking grain out of their diets!
Another benefit of grain free food is that it will keep your pup feeling full longer than dog food that does contain grain as an ingredient. Additionally, a grain free food can help your pet feel more energized and have less frequent and smaller bowel movements.
A few more benefits of going grain free with your four-legged friend include that it can lead to a shinier coat, less shedding, and healthier skin! Last but not least, a grain-free diet can help with bad breath and flatulence.
The Cons
The biggest con of grain free dog food is that it is traditionally more expensive than generic dog food that contains grain as an ingredient. If the price of the dog food is not an issue for you, then this isn’t really a con at all!
Although, when you take into account that your dog will be full longer with a grain free dog food, they may actually begin to eat less which means you could be spending the same amount on dog food that you were before you made the switch to grain free.
Another con of grain free dog food is that it was not designed for dogs that live a lazy lifestyle. If your dog does not have the space to get its energy out and run around, it may start misbehaving because of the newfound energy it has from its food. This can be an easy fix by making space for your dog to play or incorporating daily walks or runs into you and your dog’s day!
Before You Decide . . .
Now that we have presented you with the pros and cons of grain free dog food, we want to leave you with a few words of warning before you decide whether or not to switch your dog over to grain free dog food.
Each Dog is Different
Every dog has a different dietary needs. The best way to see what is best for your dog is to monitor and document their symptoms so that you can share them with your veterinarian to get their input.
Not all Grain Free Foods are Equal
You have to make sure that you do your research prior to picking a grain free dog food for your companion. For example, some grain free dog foods are meant specifically for adult dogs, so having this knowledge prior to making your purchase can be incredibly helpful.
Don’t Make the Switch Fast
If you talk to your vet and determine that your pup could benefit grain-free diet, make sure that you do not pour them a new bowl of food right away. Your dog needs a gradual switch from the food that they were on to the new grain free food. Try mixing in just a little bit of the new food the first day and if your dog does not have any problems with it, continue to mix in more and more each day until you have gradually made the switch to grain free dog food.
Monitor Your Pup
During the switching process, monitor your pup to see if their symptoms improve or get worse. If their symptoms get worse, you should call your vet to see what your next steps should be. Paying attention to your pup during this time is key to knowing what is best for them!
We hope that this article helped you to learn about the pros and cons of grain free dog food. Remember that every dog is different and consulting your veterinarian for diet advice for your pet is never a bad idea. Doing your research on the type of grain free dog food you are wanting to feed your pet will be more beneficial than just going to the store and purchasing the first one that you see. Also remember that a grain free food could give your pet more energy, so make sure that you are ready to play play play!