Grain-free pet food has quickly become a popular choice amongst dog and cat owners in recent years. But is grain-free food the right choice for your furry friend? And what benefits does it bring? Let’s answer those and other questions.
What is grain-free pet food?
In short, grain-free pet food contains no cereal grains – i.e. wheat, rice, maize or corn. Many believe this to be the more natural dog food option. After all, our pets’ ancestors are more likely to have hunted live prey than feasted in a field of wheat.
Is grain-free pet food also carbohydrate-free?
A common misconception about grain-free pet food is that it is carbohydrate-free too – but this isn’t the case. In the absence of cereal grains, other carbs such as potatoes, legumes or tapioca are used to create a complete pet food.
What are the benefits of a grain-free diet?
Grains are a good source of nutrients such as carbohydrates, vitamins and fibre, so most pets will generally benefit from having them in their diet. However, if your pet is prone to allergies, itchiness or digestive issues, a grain-free diet could be good for them.
Grain-free foods replace grains with ingredients like sweet potato and peas; and are often also high in meat, which should ideally be the first and main ingredient in your pet’s diet. Both these factors can make grain-free pet foods easier to digest.
What are some good grain-free pet foods?
Kitten and puppy food: If your kitten benefits from a grain-free diet, we recommend Lily’s Kitchen’s range of tasty cuts and patés: all grain-free and nutritionally complete. For a dry food, Arden Grange kitten is a safe choice. When it comes to puppy food, there is a wide range of options available, but it’s worth remembering a high-protein diet can sometimes be damaging to a puppy’s digestive system. Our advice? It’s always best to ask your vet for a suitable recommendation.
Dog food: All of Canine Choice Super Premium dog food recipes are high in good-quality protein, hypoallergenic and filled to the brim with 100% natural ingredients. If you’re looking for a wet food, Forthglade goes down an absolute treat, offering everything from turkey, lamb or duck (for the meat lovers) to salmon, sardines and even variety packs.
Cat food: Lily’s Kitchen offer great-quality options (both dry and wet) made with freshly prepared meat, responsibly sourced fish and organic ingredients. Another brand we trust, Feline Choice, offers vet recipes made from 75% chicken and adapted to the nutritional needs of adult and senior cats.
Treats: From fun-shaped biscuits to dental sticks, there are plenty of grain-free dog treats and cat treats available for our furry friends. Fortunately, you don’t have to move away from your favourite brands – all the ones mentioned above (plus more) offer grain-free snacks. As with our pets’ main meal, we like to pick treats with natural ingredients, as those will give you the most nutritional value.
So, is grain-free better?
All pets are different, which means there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the healthiest diet. As with any nutritional decision, it’s important to understand your pet’s individual needs. While most cats and dogs can benefit from having grains in their diet, pets with digestive issues, allergies or sensitivities may see improvement when switching to a grain-free option. Ultimately, we believe working with your vet to find the right choice is the best answer to this question.
Our articles are not a replacement for face-to-face vet advice. We recommend consulting with your vet on any pet concerns that you may have.
