It’s time to restock on your furry friend’s food, but you aren’t sure if a gran-inclusive or grain-free dog food is the best choice. Grain-free diets have grown in popularity over the past few years due to their ability to promote dogs’ overall health. In this blog, Verus Pet Foods will take a deeper look into the differences between grain-inclusive and grain-free dog foods. If you are in need of pet food, shop our assortment today.
Grain-Inclusive Dog Food
Grain-inclusive dog food is formulated with a combination of grains, such as rice, oats, barley, and corn, along with other essential nutrients like meat, fruits, and vegetables. Dogs need carbohydrates to stay active and feeding them a grain-inclusive diet can be tolerated by them. Other essential nutrients this diet includes:
- Fiber
- Vitamins
- Minerals
Grain-Free Dog Food
Grain-free dog foods are different and do not contain any grains such as rice, corn, wheat, or oats. These ingredients are more commonly found in wet foods and dry dog foods. Holistic dog food is a more natural option for dogs, and many believe feeding grain to dogs is unhealthy as it is linked to allergies and would not have been eaten by their ancestors — wolves.
Considerations and Risks
All-natural dog food is excellent for your furry friend and, when produced, won’t be reliant on starchy carbs. That being said, it’s important to keep an eye out for replacement grains such as lentils, peas, white potatoes, and quinoa. If you are feeding your dog food with these ingredients, it’s crucial to find a more holistic alternative, as these grains have been linked to heart conditions.
Grain-inclusive could be considered when your dog is less active or recovering from an upset stomach, and it is seen as a cost-effective option. However, your furry friend may have an intolerance to this type of food and should be monitored closely when you initially give them grain-inclusive food.
Choosing the Right Options
Choosing the right dog food has more to do with your pet than it does with the food. Neither grain-free nor grain-inclusive options are necessarily bad options for your dog — ultimately, it comes down to finding the best option that makes your pet feel great!
Natural dog food brands like Versus Pet Foods take a holistic approach to pet food by using whole meats, organic nutrient sources, and live probiotics. This is our commitment to dealers, breeders, and pet owners too are looking for high-quality holistic dog food, and we are proud to say we have never been involved in a recall.
It’s imperative to speak to your veterinarian about your dog’s needs and what food would be the best for their diet, overall health, and lifestyle. After discussing with your veterinarian about the numerous options on the market, check out Verus Pet Foods for high-nutrient, grain-free dog food. Contact us today for more information!
