Is Grain Free Kibble Better

It is confidently stated that “our dog is on a grain-free diet.” Our animal nutritionist has conducted thorough research on this topic, and we have an enlightening article to share with our customers. “The increasing popularity of grain-free foods is evident, and while many pets thrive on these diets, it is crucial to understand that these diets were primarily developed based on consumer preferences rather than the actual nutritional needs of our pets.

Research has shown that almost 80% of the immune system resides in the gastrointestinal system. Therefore, prioritizing a healthy gut supports a more robust immune response. Emphasizing the importance of choosing fresh proteins and healthy fats over processed, starchy diets (such as kibble) is essential. Yeast, a natural fungus present in pets internally and externally, can proliferate in the hair follicles and throughout the body when the immune system is weakened or when dogs are fed starchy foods. Pet owners with itchy pets rightfully consider their pet’s food as a potential cause and seek alternatives to harmful steroids. It is now widely known that grains feed yeast, and pet food companies are capitalizing on this knowledge by selling grain-free foods to meet the demand for relief from itchy pets.

However, here’s the revelation: Grains do not cause yeast and allergy symptoms; it is starches that act as the instigators. Starches are complex carbohydrates that convert into sugar when metabolized, providing a feast for yeast.

So, how much starch is present in your pet’s diet? Starches can be found not only in rice, corn, and wheat but also in potatoes, peas, and sweet potatoes – all commonly used ingredients in grain-free products. The problem lies in kibble production: it cannot be made without starch. Starch is not only a cost-effective ingredient but also necessary for holding the kibble together. Consequently, regardless of the name pet food manufacturers give these products – whether it’s grain-free, expensive veterinary allergy formulas, or super-premium foods – they all have one thing in common: high starch content!

Another common misconception is that grain-free diets are the best for pets with food allergies. While pets can indeed have food allergies, corn and other grains are not among the most common allergens found in pet food.

Does Grain-Free Mean Carb-Free?

Another popular notion that often accompanies the idea of grain-free pet food is the belief in feeding a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets do have their merits, especially for diabetic cats. However, it is important not to assume that all grain-free diets are automatically low in carbohydrates. In fact, some grain-free pet foods contain similar or even higher levels of carbohydrates compared to diets that contain grains. Many grain-free diets use ingredients such as potatoes as a replacement for grains, and often these components have higher carbohydrate content than the standard grains used in pet food. Consequently, grain-free and low-carbohydrate pet foods are not always synonymous.

Is Grain-Free Pet Food More ‘Natural’?

Advocators of grain-free diets may claim that grains are an unnatural source of nutrition for our pets, arguing that ancestral dogs and cats never consumed grains. However, it can be argued that potatoes and other forms of carbohydrates are equally as “natural” for our pets as grains. Fortunately, our pets (both dogs and cats) have evolved to be able to digest grains as well as many other sources of carbohydrates, including potatoes.

We firmly believe that a Raw Meaty Bone Diet is infinitely healthier than any processed food you may feed your pets with. Just like us, the more natural and less processed the food, the better our pets’ health will be.