Our dogs are precious and there are few things we wouldn’t do to give them the best life possible. Nutrition and diet are one of the most prolific ways in which we, as dog parents, can influence the lives of our dogs.

In modern times, the eye of “what is best” for our dogs lingers on the topic of grains. For many years, due largely to very influential marketing campaigns by large dog food brands, grain-free diets have been considered ideal for our canine companions.

In many ways this makes sense. As descendants of wolves, dogs’ diets primarily consist of protein sources like beef, chicken, lamb, fish, etc. And in many circumstances, this remains true. Protein should be one of the very first ingredients listed in any quality dog food. But what about grains?

A grain-free food is one that does not include corn, oats, rice, wheat, or anything else considered a grain. These dog diets grew in popularity under the assumption that grains are not a necessary part of the canine diet and the idea that many dogs are allergic to these different grains.

Any breed, or mix, can develop allergies or intolerances to grains (along with proteins and any other consumed ingredient). Intolerances and allergies to grains are usually present in the form of skin reactions like itchiness, flaking, inflammation, etc. In rare cases these are fatal, but it is enough of a concern to cause many pet owners to steer toward grain-free foods for their dogs.

So, what are the consequences, if any, of a grain-free diet for your dog? For a long time, there wasn’t much to deter the public from grain-free foods. However, in 2018 and 2019 the FDA released an extensive series of research that showed the potential outcome of grain-free diets for our dogs.

According to research conducted by the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, they found a strong link between grain-free diets and cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy is the decreased ability of cardiac muscles to generate enough pressure to pump blood through the vascular system.

Extensive research over the years showed that reports of cardiomyopathy in dogs often coincided with a grain-free diet.

With so many big-brand dog foods putting money behind grain-free ingredients, it’s easy to lose sight of the important role grains play in our dogs’ nutrition. For starters, grains are a fantastic source of carbohydrates and grains that support our dog’s energy and ability to digest other nutrient sources, including linoleic acid, which is an essential fatty acid for our furry companions.

Essentially, feeding a grain-free diet is not shown to provide any true value to dogs – unless he suffers from an allergy or sensitivity to a grain source. This is why it is highly suggested to speak with your veterinarian about dietary options for your dog and what will work best for him. There is no one-size fits all when it comes to canine nutrition and it is best to treat your dog as an individual. Do your research on your dog’s breed(s) and lifestyle to help support your decision-making process. After all, you can easily adjust your dog’s food to best suit him with the help of a trusted veterinarian.