Grain vs. Grain-Free Dog Food: Which is Suitable for Your Dog?

With so many brands and a variety of dog food available in the market to pick from, you’re spoilt for choice! But… this can also leave you overwhelmed and confused as to which diet is the best for your fur kids!
As a pet parent, you want to give the best food to your babies, so making the right choice is essential. One common diet and ingredient that is often advertised out there is grain. Many dog owners want to know what purpose grains serve in dog food and whether their doggos really need them.

Think about all the diets out there –– keto, paleo, plant-based, vegan, pescatarian, and vegetarian. There are so many options, and not one is “the best choice” because it ultimately boils down to your pet’s unique needs and other factors like breed, age, weight, and overall health play a role as well.  Keeping this in mind, your dog might thrive on a grain-friendly diet, while not doing so well on a grain-free diet, and vice-versa. Understanding the difference between regular and grain-free dog food and the role those ingredients play can help you choose which option is right for your dog. 

Grain Free Dog Kibbles

So what exactly are grains? Grains are commonly used cereal grains like wheat, corn, rice, sorghum, barley, and rye. So any dog food made without these ingredients is considered “grain-free”. They are usually replaced with legumes like lentils and peas or white potatoes and sweet potatoes, which are high in fiber and other nutrients while also maintaining a low-glycemic index. Pet parents may find this diet beneficial for their dogs who have food allergies, digestive issues, and difficulties with weight management. 

What are the benefits of grain-free food?

The main benefit of grain-free dog food would be if your dog has a direct allergy related to grains. Then, your vet may recommend a grain-free diet. However,  grain allergies are very rare, and it's more common for food allergies in dogs to be linked to the protein source rather than the grain source. Another pro to grain-free dog food is the high protein content. Grain-free dog foods basically contain meat-based ingredients, like fish, chicken, lamb, beef, and turkey, along with carbohydrates from non-grain foods like vegetables. A high meat-based protein diet is great for active dogs because it helps give them sustained energy and keeps them fit. 

Grain-free dog foods also tend to have better quality ingredients because they contain no fillers like cornmeal or wheat gluten. These fillers provide no nutritional value. Additionally, grain-free diets are great for some dogs to help them maintain a healthy weight. They are especially good for diabetic dogs because they contain less simple carbohydrates that can cause an unhealthy spike in blood sugar.

One thing to note is that, many people assume grain free means low carb, but that’s not the case.  Some dog foods without grains are higher in alternative carbohydrate sources like potatoes and peas which can cause unintentional weight gain. That’s why it’s so important to work with your veterinarian. Doing so will ensure your dog gets the nutrition he needs from the appropriate sources. 

Dog Food with Grains

When we say “regular dog food,” it means dog food that contains grains. Dog food with grains is still a popular choice among many owners. That being said, grains aren’t all created equal, and they aren’t necessarily bad. Depending on the type of grains in your dog’s food, they can provide your dog with additional nutrients and fiber.

If you look at a regular, grain dog food label, you might see a combination of some of the following:

• Wheat
• Corn
• Barley
• Oats
• Rye
• Rice
• Soy

North Paw Grain Free Dog Kibbles

If you’re on the lookout forhealthy, grain free, all natural kibbles, we highly recommend you try North Paw Grain Free Kibbles!  Proudly made in Atlantic Canada, all North Paw products meet the highest standards for pet nutrition.

Available in 5 Delicious Formulas

Every Ingredient Has A Purpose

North Paw Grain Free contains:

• Non-GMO ingredients; No by-product meal, no artificial colours or flavours
• Protein-rich nutrition to build strong, firm muscles; Rich in natural fibres
• Slow-cooked in small batches, each kibble is infused with nutrient-dense omega oils
• Rich in DHA and EPA for smart pets with healthy brain development and easy training
• Probiotics and Prebiotics for healthy gut flora and strong immune systems
• Glucosamine for joint health in all blends
• Inclusion of blueberries and cranberries for their antioxidant benefits

 
The Power of CoreyTec - Where Nature Meets Innovation

North Paw Grain Free uses the power of CoreyTEC™ which puts the full power of science into every pet formula they produce. Raising the bar beyond typical pet food formulation techniques, they’ve developed a series of production innovations that guarantee a finer, fresher, nutritionally dense food for the pets we love. 

You can expect denser pellets, less bag dust, better oral health, and more nutrients going in your pet than coming out. They use an infusion process, forcing nutrient-rich oils to permeate the kibble without making it greasy. Unlike in standard pet food production, nutrients stay deep within the kibble, creating a clean, dry, nutritious food with a high level of healthy fats.  On top of that, their special packaging which comes with a unique Freshness Valve protects food from air and light, keeping oxygen out and your pet’s food super fresh allowing it to last longer!

Find North Paw Grain Free Dog and Cat Kibbles Exclusively at Pet Master!

Based on the ingredients alone and the power of science used in North Paw Grain Free, we highly recommend trying them out! You can now find North Paw exclusively available at Pet Master online webstore and retail stores!

Here are a few mouth-watering, complete and nutritious menus that you can choose from to let your canine enjoy a delicious full meal every day:

• North Paw Grain Free Adult Atlantic Seafood with Lobster Dog Dry Food
• North Paw Grain Free Adult Dog Dry Food 
• North Paw Grain Free Adult Lamb and Sweet Potato Dog Dry Food 
• North Paw Grain Free Small Bites Dog Dry Food
• North Paw Grain Free Puppy Dog Dry Food

Click Here to Shop all North Paw Grain Free Formulas!