We confidently state, “Our dog is on a grain-free diet.” Our animal nutritionist thoroughly researched this topic and shares valuable insights. Grain-free foods are increasingly popular; however, they emerged primarily from consumer demand rather than from actual pet nutritional needs.
Nearly 80% of the immune system resides in the gut, so a healthy gut strengthens immunity. Choose fresh proteins and healthy fats over processed, starchy diets. Yeast, a natural fungus, can multiply when the immune system weakens or when pets eat starchy foods. Understandably, pet owners of itchy pets suspect food and seek alternatives to steroids. As a result,
pet food companies market grain-free foods, claiming that grains feed yeast and cause itching.
However, grains do not cause yeast and allergy symptoms; starches are the real culprits. Starches become sugar, feeding yeast.
How much starch is in your pet’s diet? Starches exist in rice, corn, wheat, potatoes, peas, and sweet potatoes—common in grain-free foods. Kibble requires starch to bind ingredients and cut costs. Thus, almost all kibble, including grain-free and premium brands, contains high levels of starch.
Another misconception: grain-free diets are best for pets with food allergies. Most pet food allergies do not stem from grains like corn.
Many people believe grain-free pet food means high-protein, low-carb. While beneficial for diabetic cats, not all grain-free diets are low in carbs. Some grain-free foods have as many or more carbs than grain-based diets because they use potatoes and similar ingredients. Thus, “grain-free” does not always mean “low-carb”
Some claim grains are unnatural for pets, arguing that ancestral dogs and cats never ate them. However, potatoes and other carbs are just as “natural.” Fortunately, dogs and cats can digest grains and many carbohydrates, including potatoes.
We believe a Raw Meaty Bone Diet is far healthier than any processed food. Less processed food leads to better pet health, just as it does in people.
