Pros and Cons of Grain Free Pet Food

One of the most important aspects of having a pet is deciding what to feed them. However, with so many different brands and types of pet food available, it can be challenging to decide which food to buy. To complicate matters even further, it seems that every few years another new trend in pet food emerges.

The latest trend is grain free pet food. Although a grain free diet can be a great choice for some cats and dogs, it's not right for all of them. A pet's age, activity level, lifestyle, dietary concerns and health issues all play a part in determining which food is right for your dog or cat. Thus, it's important to consider your animal's individual needs before choosing any pet food, grain free or otherwise.

The grain free pet food trend gained momentum when supporters of raw food diets for pets studied the dietary habits of our dogs' and cats' wild ancestors. Wolves and wild dogs eat mostly meat and rarely graze on greens. Wild cats also survive almost entirely on meat, with the only grains or vegetables derived from what's in the stomach of its prey. Therefore, grain free pet food is said to be closer to the "natural" diet for a dog or cat. But if this is true, why do so many pet foods contain grain? Essentially, it's because grains are an economical source of nutrients and are easily obtained.

Pros of Grain Free Pet Food

Many proponents of grain free pet food do not consider grain to be a "bad ingredient" per se, but it can cause problems for dogs and cats that are more sensitive to grain products. Grain intolerance can cause vomiting, bloating and other types of digestion issues; grains are also believed to aggravate allergies and skin disorders. For these animals, a pet food that contains only non-grain sources of carbohydrates may be a better choice.

Dogs and cats with diseases like cancer and diabetes often do better on a grain free diet. Animals that are in good health often have more energy and see an improvement in their skin, coat and muscle tone when fed a grain free pet food. The extra protein and nutrients of a grain free pet food can be beneficial for pregnant and nursing mothers, as well as for kittens and puppies (except large breeds).

Grain free pet food typically costs more than products with grain. While this might initially seem to be a negative aspect of grain free food, it's actually not. This is because grain free food contains a higher protein content and doesn't contain "fillers" such as corn, wheat or soy, so pets needs to eat less to be full and get adequate nutrition.

Cons of Grain Free Pet Food

Pets who are older, less active or have limited mobility may gain weight on a grain free diet. Additionally, grain free pet food may not be the best choice for dogs and cats that are already overweight. Some working dogs and sporting dogs may do better on a diet that includes some grains.

What you need to keep in mind is that every pet is an individual, and when it comes to choosing the right pet food, there is no "one type fits all." Your best course of action is to do as much research as possible. Online pet forums, breeders and the staff at your local independent pet store can all be good places to get information about grain free pet food.

Types of Grain Free Pet Food

Pet owners who are interested in making the switch to a grain free diet have a wide variety of brands and commercial products to choose from. In addition to grain free canned food and dry food, there are grain free treats, grain free raw foods and grain free freeze-dried and dehydrated foods. Some pet owners even make their own grain free pet food. If that interests you, there are good recipes online and in many books.

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