Despite the benefits for some dogs, there are downsides to feeding a grain-free dog food. Many people assume grain free means low carb, but that's not the case. In fact, some dog foods without grains are higher in alternative carbohydrate sources like potatoes and peas. This could result in unintentional weight gain.
What are the disadvantages of grain free dog food?
Cons of Grain-Free Dog Treats & FoodNot suitable for older and less active dogs. Grain-free dog treats can lead to weight gain for dogs that live a sedentary lifestyle. ... Most are still rich in carbohydrates from non-grain ingredients. ... It is a little bit more expensive. ... Getting your dog to adapt to a new diet.
Why is grain free good for dogs?
There are a lot of dog and cat foods sold as grain-free with marketing suggesting that feeding no grains is healthier. This is not true and can, in fact, cause illness for some dogs and cats. There is no medical or physiologic basis to feed dogs or cats a grain-free diet.
Should dogs eat food with or without grains?
Dogs are just as likely to suffer from food intolerances as humans are, and grains are one of the most common allergies identified in canines. Therefore, regular dog food may exacerbate the symptoms associated with your pet's intolerance and grain-free foods are almost certainly better for your canine friend.
Should dogs not eat grain free?
Leaving grains out of your dog's diet, however, might be a far greater health risk than keeping them in. According to a warning from the Food and Drug Administration released last week, grain-free food might be giving dogs a life-threatening heart problem called dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM.
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