Grain free dog food has quickly become a popular choice amongst dog owners in recent years. But is grain free dog food the right choice for your furry friend? And what benefits does it bring?

So, what is grain free dog food?

In short, grain free dog food contains no cereal grains – i.e. wheat, rice, maize, corn – and more protein. Many believe this to be the more natural dog food option. After all, our dog’s ancestors are more likely to have hunted live prey than feasted in a field of wheat.

Is a grain free diet the right choice for my dog?

Unsurprisingly, a dog’s diet is a common cause of dog diarrhoea, dog constipation, and general stomach problems in dogs. Grain free dog food is often seen to double as sensitive stomach dog food. That said, your four-legged friend may have allergy triggers aside from just grain. Before making the switch to grain free dog food – just like any big change to your dog’s diet – it’s important to check in with your vet if it’s appropriate for your dog’s age, lifestyle, and existing health conditions. If a-okay, they’ll likely recommend that switching be a gradual process – aka, don’t go cold turkey overnight! If you notice that your dog has diarrhoea or that your dog is constipated, you should pay another visit to your vet.

Is grain free dog food also carbohydrate free?

A common misconception about grain free dog food is that it is carbohydrate free, too – but this is not the case. In the absence of cereal grains, other carbs – e.g. potatoes, legumes, tapioca – are used to create a complete dog food. As these substituted carbs are often in higher quantities than cereal grains, grain free dog food may not be the right choice for your pooch if they require a low carb diet. Grain free kibble is a prime example of grain free dog food being notably high in carbs, as it requires a dough-like binder to hold everything together.

What are the different types of grain free dog food?

Grain free puppy food: There aren’t a lot of grain free options available when it comes to puppy food, as a high protein diet can be damaging to a puppy’s digestive system. This means that some brands only offer grain free dog food for adult dogs. Despite that, James Wellbeloved grain free dog food is specially formulated for different life stages and offers all the necessary nutrients for feeding puppies, junior dogs, adult dogs, and senior dogs. It’s best to check with your vet before opting for a grain free puppy food.

Grain free wet dog food: If you’re looking for a high protein dry alternative for your pooch, Forthglade grain free dog food is a great option; their Just Chicken, Just Beef, Just Lamb, and Just Duck meals go down an absolute treat. Alternatively, all of Harringtons dog food recipes are filled to the brim with 100% natural ingredients.

Grain free dog treats: Whether you’re wanting to match your dog’s grain free diet or you’ve opted to only go grain free when it comes to dog biscuits, there are plenty of tasty grain free dog treats available for your pooch. Fortunately, you don’t have to move away from your favourite brands – James Wellbeloved, Lily’s Kitchen, Forthglade, Edgard & Cooper – as more and more dog treats are going grain free.

Our articles are not a replacement for face-to-face vet advice. It’s important to consult with your vet on a regular basis to raise any pet concerns that you may have.