Grain-Free Dog Croquettes: All That Glitters is Not Gold!
Grain-Free Dog Croquettes: All That Glitters is Not Gold!
Written by Silvia Capelli
December 5, 2023
Grain-Free Dog Kibble, or those without grains among the ingredients, have become very popular in recent years.
A real trend has erupted, perhaps following the popular ketogenic or low-carb diets.
Many owners mistakenly believe that Grain-Free Kibble for dogs does not contain carbohydrates, while in reality, they simply contain different carbohydrates than those in grains.
But are they really good for them? Are there valid reasons to feed dogs Grain-Free Kibble, or are we just victims of aggressive and convincing marketing?
How did Grain-Free products for dogs come about?
It all starts with the fact that the dog is a carnivorous animal, or rather, was, as the wolf was its original ancestor.
However, the dog has evolved differently, to the point that today its DNA has very little in common with that of the wild wolf.
In terms of diet, the differences are even greater: the domestic dog has learned to digest gluten, starch, and many foods not present in nature in the form they are given today.
This doesn't mean that dogs should be fed exclusively these products, but we know well that while remaining predominantly carnivorous, the modern dog follows a much more varied diet than its ancient cousin.
Grains must be cooked to be digestible, and this is not possible without human help.
Grain-Free kibble, like the BARF diet, was therefore created to restore the original diet of the primitive dog.
What are Grain-Free dog foods?
Grain-Free dog kibble (or Grain-Free wet dog food) are foods that do not contain grains.
Instead, they are enriched with plenty of plant proteins, particularly legumes such as peas, lentils, chickpeas, and soy, and with potatoes.
Why so many legumes in Grain-Free dog kibble?
Mainly for two reasons: legumes are plant proteins, and they are very important in the diet of vegetarians because they replace animal proteins.
This allows manufacturers to increase the percentage of protein on the packaging, which is very attractive to consumers.
In this way, food costs are also reduced, but still allowing for high mark-ups, as Grain-Free foods for dogs are sold as special products, often at a higher price than regular ones.
Do legumes benefit dogs?
Legumes are not toxic to dogs, and if included in a balanced diet in the right amounts, they can be healthy for our animal friends.
However, these vegetables contain Amylose, a type of starch not very digestible for dogs, and should only be given occasionally, and never in place of animal proteins.
Grains, on the other hand, contain Amylopectin, a different type of starch that is more digestible both for dogs and for humans.
An excess of legumes in the diet can not only cause flatulence but also reduce the ability to absorb nutrients present in the dog's diet.
Keep in mind that if it would be impossible for dogs to feed on grains in nature, the same would be true for legumes.
So why should they be preferred over grains?
What are the risks of Grain-Free foods for dogs?
Recent studies (you can find original language sources and translations by clicking on the link) have proven the link between the use of Grain-Free dog foods and the increase in cases presenting the onset of Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
Although these studies are recent and not yet conclusive, the data clearly show that a diet with considerable consumption of legumes, especially peas and lentils, can cause heart problems in dogs.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy causes the dilation of the heart chambers, whose muscle walls lose elasticity and tone.
Normally, it is mainly manifested in adult Doberman dogs (it seems to affect just under 60% of them), and predominantly affects large or giant breeds, among which we find:
Boxer
Newfoundland
Cocker Spaniel
Great Dane
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Labrador
Rottweiler
The use of Grain-Free products has, however, caused the onset of this condition in breeds not genetically predisposed, and subjects have been found with low blood levels of taurine, probably caused by the excess of legumes and potatoes.
But that's not all: the high fiber content can cause flatulence, abundant stools, diarrhea, and vomiting.
It can also cause dysbiosis, a clinical intestinal condition in which the microbial composition of the intestinal microbiota is altered.
Moreover, in some cases, an excess of proteins in the diet could cause kidney problems, especially in older dogs.
How to Choose Grain-Free Kibble?
While it's true that many latest-generation Grain-Free dog foods have made strides in terms of ingredient quality, it's also important to remember that studies on Dilated Cardiomyopathy are still ongoing, and the issue exists.
If you need, or have decided to feed these products to your dog, consult with your trusted veterinarian first.
Not only will they tell you whether it's appropriate or not, but they can also recommend a product that provides the best and healthiest ingredients for your friend.
And remember, it's not so much the absence of grains, but the abundant presence of legumes that can be dangerous for your friend.
So make sure to choose foods with the best formulation for your dog's wellbeing.
Other articles that might interest you
How much should a dog eat?
What happens if a dog eats chocolate?
Author's Note
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