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Grain-Free Pet Food: What the Evidence Says

PETS · GLOBAL

Grain-Free Pet Food: What the Evidence Says

Where the concern came from, what is known, reading a label and getting advice

Grain-free food is widely sold as a premium choice, and there is a specific safety question attached that owners should know about.

Where the concern came from

In 2018 the US Food and Drug Administration began investigating reports of dilated cardiomyopathy, a serious heart disease, in dogs eating certain diets — predominantly grain-free foods high in peas, lentils and other pulses.

Affected breeds included many not usually predisposed to the condition, which is what prompted the investigation.

What is and is not established

A causal link has not been proven, and research is ongoing. Some dogs improved when their diet changed, which is suggestive rather than conclusive.

The honest position is that this is unresolved, and that grain-free is not automatically a healthier choice — it is a marketing category rather than a nutritional one.

Grains are not the problem for most dogs

True grain allergy in dogs is uncommon. Where food allergy exists, it is far more often to a protein such as beef, dairy or chicken, and it needs a proper elimination diet to identify.

Reading a label

Look for a statement that the food is complete for the life stage, the feeding guidelines, and whether the manufacturer employs a qualified nutritionist and runs feeding trials. Those questions tell you more than the ingredient list.

Choosing a food

Look for a complete food appropriate to the life stage, a manufacturer who employs qualified nutritionists, and feeding guidelines by weight. Feed by weight rather than by scoop and adjust to body condition.

Change food gradually over one to two weeks, and expect some digestive upset if you rush it.

Weight

You should be able to feel the ribs easily without pressing hard and see a waist from above. Excess weight shortens lives measurably.

Treats and extras

Treats count within about ten percent of daily calories, and dried chews are dense enough that a few use most of that. Reduce meals to match rather than adding on top.

Human food adds up quickly, and several common foods are toxic to dogs including chocolate, grapes, onions and anything containing xylitol.

Cats

Cats are obligate carnivores with different requirements again, including taurine. Never feed a cat dog food as a substitute.

Store dry food sealed in its own bag rather than decanting, since the bag protects the fat from going rancid.

Keep the food bag or a photograph of the label, which a vet will ask about.

Talk to your vet

Particularly if your dog is on a grain-free or exotic-protein diet, or is a breed at risk. Any sign of heart disease — coughing, tiring easily, breathlessness, fainting — needs prompt assessment.

Change food gradually over one to two weeks.

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