Pet owners often want to know about the food they want to feed their furry friend. Because Deciding what to feed your pet can be a daunting task. Why is grain-free bad for dogs?
The FDA is researching and investigating the possible links between canine heart disease and diet.
One of the most focusing diets is grain-free dog food. In the article, we briefly discussed all the possible aspects of grain-free food for dogs.
What is grain-free dog food?
Regular dog food means dog food that contains grans. The regular food contains Wheat, Corn, Barley, Oats, Rye, Rice and Soy etc.
But Grain-free dog food is a food made without including grains like wheat, corn, rice and other grains.
Grain-free foods use alternative sources of carbs like potatoes and pea flour.
This food and the ingredients used in the food to balance the carbohydrates level are toxic to dogs and can lead puppies to severe heart problems.
Why is grain-free food bad for dogs?
Many veterinary cardiologists around the world noticed an increase in the dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) over the past couple of years.
Cardiomyopathy (DCM), is a heart condition that effects and decrease the hearts pumping blood ability.
To know about this widespread illness in dogs, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) began an investigation to found the reasons behind this. So grain-free dog food good or bad?
After observing many reports, the FDA concludes that about 90% cause of the cardiomyopathy (DCM) is grain-free food.
Then tested the diet for the essential nutrients for the pets like amino acids and other essential neutrients, but they didn’t found any significant abnormalities.
The FDA encourages pet owners to report cases of dogs and cats with DCM that they suspect to be linked to diet by using the Safety Reporting Portal.
Side effects of Grain-free food for dogs :
- Vegetables such as potatoes and sweet potatoes, green peas and tapioca often used in the grain-free diet to replace the grains, especially in kibble foods.
- It makes them rich in carbohydrates than grain-based dog diet.
- There is nothing essential nutrients in grain-free food.
- It can lead your dogs to a severe health issue like cardiomyopathy (DCM) and even heart failure.
Switching from grain-free food to regular:
If you are feeding grain-free food to your puppy and now became aware of the side effects of the grain-free diet. Then, switch your dog food from grain-free food to a regular healthy diet.
The reason behind the toxicity of grain-free is the food diets are compromised nutritionally due to high-heat, high-pressure extrusion, added preservatives and the need for starchy carbs to bind them and make little crunchy nuggets.
This processed food is not safe for your puppy and can lead your pup to a severe health issue.
Around the world, vets suggested to the pet owners for switching grain-free dog food to a regular diet.
FAQ:
What Should ti Do if Your Dog eat a Grain-Free Diet?
If your dog is on a grain-Free diet, stop the food and contact your vet for a safe, healthy alternative .
Also monitor your pup health condition, if you notice any of the behavior change take your dog to vet for a checkup. Because a grain-free diet can lead your pet to cardiomyopathy (DCM) heart disease.
Is it really healthier for a dog to eat grain-free?
No, a grain-free diet is not healthier for your dogs. The reasons are that there is nothing healthy nutrients found by FDA after testing the food.
It is true that it contains carbohydrates but in a rich amount which is toxic for dogs. According to the FDA and vets, the grain-free meal is toxic to dogs and can cause severe health diseases like cardiomyopathy (DCM).
Note that before buying food for your dog first see the label. If it is labelled grain-free or grains are replaced with other ingredients like peas or other, then try to find a healthier option for your dog.
Does grain-free food cause heart problems in dogs?
Yes, Grain-free food can cause heart problem in dogs. In July 2018, investigate the possible reasons behind the cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs.
After testing and analyzing, they conclude that about 90% of cases or due to the use of grain-free food. They also suppose that one of the leading causes of heart problems in dogs is grain-free food.
Is grain-free dog food killing dogs?
Grain-free dog food is one of the leading cause of heart desires like cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. The disease is a heart condition that effects and decrease the hearts pumping blood ability which some time leads to heart failure and death.
If you notice any adverse behavior, contact your vet immediately and stop the food. Because grain-free dogs food some time become the main weapon of killing your dog.