Grain Free Dog Food: Who Needs It?
In the last couple years, gluten free and grain free diets have grown in popularity within the general public. These new diets originated for those with celiac disease, intolerance to glutens in general, or allergies to wheat. Somewhere down the line, it made its way into mainstream dieting and has remained popular. With this trend has come with a similar diet plan for man's best friend.
Some might not be aware of it yet, but there is now grain free dog food available. Those who have seen the now available pet diet may ask themselves if it is right for their furry friend. Depending on the source, you may be inclined to believe that your dog should be on a grain free diet, perhaps mirroring your own choice to go grain or gluten free yourself. Just because you are on or need to be on a grain free diet doesn't mean your dog should be.
Those who support this new trend have two main arguments: that our dogs' ancestors did not eat grains and that this diet is the best choice to combat food allergies for your pet. However, these arguments really don't hold much merit because just as we humans have evolved to consume grains and gluten, so have our dogs. In fact, celiac disease and grain allergies are rather uncommon in dogs as opposed to humans.
That's not saying that the grain free diet will harm your dog in any way, it's just not as necessary as one might think. What is important for your dog is to receive a complete and balanced nutrition based on what is needed specifically for your dog, and that may or may not be grain free.
However, though it may be uncommon, grain allergies in dogs do happen. If you suspect that your dog may have a food allergy, these are the symptoms to look for: Itchiness, excessive hair loss, bald patches, inflamed skin, sores and scabs, and hot spots. If your dog has some of these symptoms, it could very well be a grain allergy. If that is the case, a trial with grain free dog food may be beneficial. If there are no signs of improvement, then it isn't a grain allergy and I would suggest a visit to the vet for a proper diagnosis.