As a dog owner, you want to feed your dogs the very best. Keeping them healthy and happy requires paying attention to their diet and consulting with your vet before making any big changes. Have you been wondering whether grain-free diets are good for dogs in Georgia? According to some dog lovers, a grain-free diet might help cut down on your dog’s allergies—but you’ll need to do your research before committing. Some experts suggest that grain-free diets can be harmful to pets.

Whole grains are good for dogs

Although canine food allergies can exist, it’s more likely that your dog is allergic to certain meat or dairy proteins. Whole grains are actually good for your dog, and contribute to their overall digestive health. They delay bowel movements (for an appropriate time), normalize gut motility and prevent bowel diseases. Plus, they’re low-fat sources of proteins and important vitamins and minerals. If your dog isn’t allergic to whole grains, think carefully before cutting them out entirely.

Advantages of a grain-free diet in Georgia

If your dog seems to be itchy, and constantly scratches or bites themselves, they may have a food allergy. It makes sense to eliminate grains if that’s the case. There are also a few other advantages to getting rid of grains:

• Can help overweight dogs lose weight: Many high-energy dogs and puppies benefit from fewer grains in their diet. Their bodies break down protein and fat for energy, rather than focusing on the low-fat, lean proteins in whole grains. If your dog is very active (like a Presa Canario), a grain-free diet could help them stay muscular and trim. However, any unused protein and fat will convert to body fat, so make sure they’re working it off.
• Can help dogs with diabetes or cancer heal: Sometimes a low-carb, high-fat diet is prescribed for dogs with diabetes or cancer. It helps speed the healing process, and balances insulin and blood sugar levels. If your vet thinks this is the best diet for your dog’s health, don’t hesitate to follow their instructions.
• Can help with chronic gut inflammation: Sometimes dogs get chronically inflamed guts, which prevents proper nutrient absorption. This may result in diarrhea or other unpleasant, uncomfortable conditions. A grain-free diet gives your dog more protein and fat to work with, and will also reduce inflammation if it’s due to a grain allergy.

The key to a healthy diet with grains is to ensure you’re buying food with high-quality, whole grains, rather than low-nutrient filler. Whole grains are a good source of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, while low-quality grains will not contribute to your dog’s overall health.

Above all, consult with your Georgia vet before switching your dog to a grain-free diet. If you suspect your dog has an allergy, they’ll want to rule out other sources first. Grains might not be the cause of their issues.

D&G Kennels breeds Presa Canarios in Georgia. Call today to talk about adopting one of your own. We look forward to speaking with you!