Grain free food - yes or no?

Hello! This is a great question, and it's something many pet owners are curious about. Grain-free diets exploded in popularity largely because of the misconception that grains are harmful to pets. While some pets have specific grain allergies, they're actually quite rare. Most dogs and cats tolerate grains quite well, and grains can provide valuable nutrients.



The biggest concern with grain-free diets surfaced when the FDA began investigating a potential link between these diets and heart disease, specifically dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), in dogs. The exact cause isn't fully understood yet, but it’s a critical area of research. Thus, I generally recommend caution with grain-free diets, especially since well-balanced diets containing grains have a long history of supporting pet health.



For most pets, a nutritionally balanced diet developed by experts is the best choice. If your pet has digestive issues or allergies, a veterinarian can help determine whether grains, or another ingredient, might be the culprit.



At home, continue monitoring your pet's health and watch for any signs of digestive distress, like vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in appetite. If they show symptoms like lethargy or coughing, it could be serious.



I'd be happy to discuss this further in a video consult on Dial A Vet, where we can consider your pet's unique needs and health history to make the best dietary decision together.