"Grain Free"

For those of us who have co-habited with canines, we know they are capable of eating anything (Some of us have nightmares about these things.); and it is remarkable that generations of our furry friends have lived and multiplied off of the leavings of our commodities industries. But, let us not quibble about kibble. Certain criteria must be met for a dog food to be considered top quality. Namely:

- An abundance of high quality animal proteins.
- Species identified proteins and fats.
- A total absence of by-products.
- Whole food ingredients.
- No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

Traditionally, feed grains and grain fractions have been used as cheap fillers in dog foods, diluting the nutrient density that an abundance of high quality meat protein would provide. That is, dog food manufacturers strove to align their "foods" with minimum nutritional requirements at the lowest possible cost.

In reality, dogs have no dietary requirements for grains. As a species, they are not well suited to gather, masticate or assimilate grains. Dogs will adapt to a high grain diet, but they live and flourish on quality animal proteins and fats.

As I have stated before, this corner does not house a fundamentalist. I have observed some dogs who seem to do better on foods that contain grains i.e.; whole human grade carbohydrates excluding corn, corn, wheat and non-organic soy. This is the exception that proves the rule. In my experience as "The Food Guy," far more dogs have benefited from a grain free approach, particularly those whose chronic allergy symptoms disappear when grains are eliminated from the diet.

On the shelves of Western Pet Supply, we have at least ten grain free diets for dogs. They range from those with conventional levels of protein, fat and ash; with varying levels of carbohydrates, to high protein, high fat, low carbohydrate varieties; and those that bridge across the gap. While all address allergy issues, choices should be nuanced to reflect the individual canine. For instance, any dog with compromised renal function, susceptibility to pancreatitus, aged dogs, and large and giant breed puppies should not be placed on the high protein, high fat formulas. These foods are great as grain free alternatives for meal substitution or when it is not convenient to feed raw; or as a mixer with raw; ideal for overweight dogs that have not responded to the excess carbs in "Lite" diets; perfect for performance and working canines; and therapeutic as "recovery" diets or diets that effectively combat the negative impact of carbohydrates on diabetes and cancer.

High protein diets do promote lean bodies, are an effective tool in controlling obesity through metabolism, efficacious in the management of blood sugar fluctuations and insulin resistance, and do not feed tumors. But, these diets are high in calories, as well as in calcium and phosphorus, which may exacerbate bone abnormalities in large breed puppies and cause them to gain weight too rapidly. A top-quality, large breed puppy food, designed to address their specific nutritional requirements, serve these dogs much better than the high protein, grain free diets.

With that said however, if you are switching your dog's diet, or rotating foods; and I hope you are; one diet for a dog's lifetime inevitably lacks the nutritional balance variety brings. Go against the grain and explore this burgeoning world of quality canine cuisine.

Doug