Benefits of a grain-free dog food

In the past, wild prey provided all the necessary energy and nutrients a canine animal needed. They had all the amounts of protein and fat they needed. The dog’s ancestors relied on a meat-based diet, not a grain diet. But why then do we feed them a dog food that is heavily based on grains and other fillers, even though after centuries of evolution today’s pets have dietary requirements that remain unchanged?

Grains in modern pet diets have largely taken the place of high-quality meats in most commercial pet foods. Why? Because it is cheaper. Grain carbohydrates offer a cheaper source of calories for energy than meat. But this dilution of carbohydrates means fewer essential nutrients to meet your dog’s needs.

Not only do they have fewer nutrients, but grains like wheat and corn provide a cheaper source of caloric energy that has been linked to gluten intolerance, food allergies, and contributes to obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The fact is that the ancestors of the current dog ate only grains that were contained in the stomach of their prey. Other than that, grain was not part of their diet. On the other hand, protein is a big part of the diet and has all the characteristics they need and crave. Meats provide the building blocks for strong bones and muscles, provide a great source of energy, and contain the omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that support healthy skin and a thick coat.

A grain-free dog food is also beneficial for digestion. Since dogs are carnivores, their stomachs don’t tolerate grains very well. A high-protein diet is preferred because it is not only highly digestible, but also provides maximum nutrient absorption and bioavailability.

Unfortunately, there are very few grain-free products. Even some of the better brands use grains like brown rice. But the fact is that dogs do not need it. One brand I’ve found that “gets it” is EVO. They use a high amount of protein and fat, no grains or fillers, and minimal amounts of carbs. Other than that brand, I would suggest looking online for recipes to make your own healthy food for your dog.

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