Don't Fall for the 'Grain-Free' Trick Pulled by Some Pet Food Makers

[DeeDee]

Every now and again I hear or read advice from veterinarians regarding grain-free diets for dogs. The discussion usually starts with a question from a pet owner. For example, "Is grain-free food really better for dogs?"

The answer most often depends on whether the advice is being offered by a conventional veterinarian or a member of the holistic veterinary community. Many conventional vets believe in and promote grain-based diets for dogs; most holistic vets recommend the opposite.

As a holistic vet who is passionate about feeding pets species-appropriate nutrition, I'm frankly appalled at the number of veterinarians pushing grain-based dog food. All veterinarians are aware dogs have no biological requirement for starch … and all grains (and other carbs) break down into starch and ultimately, sugar.

It's also common knowledge that the natural diets of canines contain almost no carbs, with the primary source being predigested grasses, fruits and veggies found in the stomachs of prey animals.

Dogs have short digestive tracts and are adapted to metabolize animal flesh and fat, not grains and simple sugars, including starch.

If the natural design of dogs precludes the need for carbs, why would we feed them carbs, including grain? If their bodies aren't designed to use carbs, why would we feed them something their digestive tracts aren't equipped to process?

More at: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2016/12/12/dogs-grain-free-diet.aspx