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Grain-free dog food has become increasingly popular in recent years, as pet owners seek to provide their dogs with a more natural and biologically appropriate diet. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind before switching your dog to a grain-free diet.

What are grain-free diets for dogs?

Wheat, corn, rice, oats, barley, and cornmeal are all examples of grains. Grain-free diets are formulated to exclude common grains like wheat, corn, and rice, and instead use alternatives such as potatoes, peas, lentils, and chickpeas.

The idea behind these diets was that dogs may have difficulty digesting grains, leading to health problems such as allergies or digestive issues. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to back up these claims. In fact, research suggests that dogs can easily digest and utilize nutrients from grains.

It is important to note that just because a diet is grain-free does not mean it is inherently better or healthier for your dog. Each individual dog has unique nutritional requirements based on factors such as age, breed, activity level, and health status. 

Considerations for Grain-Free Diets for Dogs

Consideration #1: Food allergies or intolerances

Grain-free diets are often marketed as a solution for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. However, it is important to note that grains are not a common allergen in dogs and switching to a grain-free diet may not necessarily solve the problem.

Not only that, but some dogs may be allergic to the alternative carbohydrate sources used in grain-free diets, such as peas or lentils. If your dog is experiencing symptoms of food allergies, such as itching, ear infections, or gastrointestinal upset, it is important to work with your veterinarian to identify the specific allergen and develop an appropriate dietary plan.

To learn more about allergies, you can read our blog post on Understanding Allergies in Dogs and How to Help.

Consideration #2: Grain-free does not mean carbohydrate-free

A common myth for grain-free diets is that they are also low carbohydrate. Grains are an excellent source for carbohydrates, so it is thought that by removing them, you also remove the carbohydrate content. However, grains are not the only source of carbohydrates for dogs, and ingredients, such as peas, potatoes, and lentils, which are used to replace grains are often high in carbohydrates. 

It’s worth noting that dogs should have some level of carbohydrates in their diet to meet their energy needs – unless there is a health condition that requires low carbohydrate intakes.

Carbohydrates are a key source of glucose, which is essential for brain function and energy production. You can learn more about carbohydrates for dogs in our previous blog post.

Consideration #3: Nutritional Balance

One of the biggest considerations when it comes to grain-free diets is nutritional balance. Grains are a source of carbohydrates, fibre, and other important nutrients, such as B vitamins and minerals. Many grains can also provide protein and, thus, many of the essential amino acids that your pets need.

When grains are removed from a dog’s diet, it is important to ensure that the food is still nutritionally balanced and meets all the dietary needs for dogs. This may require the addition of alternative sources of fibre, such as vegetables or fruits, and careful attention to the amounts of protein, fat, and other nutrients in the food.

Consideration #4: Canine health

Oftentimes, people will think that grain-free diets are better for their pup’s overall health. However, these concepts do not have scientific evidence to back them up. Looking for complete and balanced meals, such that all essential nutrients are included at quantities sufficient for their life stage, activity level, or breed, should be the priority when assessing healthy meals for dogs.

In 2018, reports suggested a potential link between grain-free diets and an increased risk of heart disease in dogs, specifically dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

However, the FDA has since stated that there is insufficient data to suggest any causality between the DCM case reports and the type of pet food products that were consumed by the afflicted dogs.

Overall, there is no evidence as of yet to suggest that grain-free is better than grain-inclusive or vice-versa.

Consideration #5: Sustainability

A potential reason that some pet owners opt for grain-free diets is due to concerns about the environmental impact of grain farming. Grains such as corn and wheat are often grown using large amounts of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, which can contribute to soil and water pollution, as well as harm non-target species such as pollinators and wildlife. Additionally, the transportation and processing of grains can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

However, it’s worth noting that not all grains are created equal when it comes to sustainability. Some grains, such as rice and oats, can be grown using more environmentally friendly practices such as crop rotation and reduced tillage. Looking for non-GMO and certified organic ingredients may be an indicator of sustainability. In addition, sourcing grains from local, sustainable farms, can help reduce the environmental impact of transportation.

It’s also important to consider the sustainability of alternative ingredients used in grain-free pet foods. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, etc., all have their own environmental consequences. 

When evaluating the sustainability of pet food, it’s important to look for companies that prioritize sustainable sourcing practices, use minimal packaging, and prioritize waste reduction. It’s important to consider the overall environmental impact of your pet’s diet.

Benefits of Grains for Dogs

Grains are a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy for dogs. They also contain fibre, which promotes healthy digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, grains contain important vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, iron, and zinc, which are essential for a dog’s overall health.

Some grains, such as brown rice and oats, are also considered to be hypoallergenic, which means they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in dogs than other ingredients. In fact, many commercial dog foods formulated for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities contain grains as a source of carbohydrates.

Options for Grain-Free and Grain-Inclusive Meals

At Tom&Sawyer, we believe in having options for pets with all kinds of needs, including those who need grain-free and those who would like grain-inclusive.

Our Grain-Inclusive meals include:

1) Italian Beef Pasta: Our #1 Best Seller!

2) Buddha Bowl: Uses amaranth, an ancient grain that is also gluten-free!

3) Coconut Chicken: Contains white rice which is easily digestible and can be a good option for pups with sensitive tummies!

Our Grain-Free meal include:

1) Classic Pork Stew: Uses hearty vegetables for a nutrient dense, low-carb option

2) Kangaroo: Not only grain-free, but also uses a novel protein so it’s great for pups who need an allergy-friendly meal

3) Rosemary Venison: Sweet potatoes and lentils provide a nutrient dense alternative to grains and is even low-fat for pups with pancreatitis.

Learn about all our gently cooked recipes for dogs here.

In conclusion, grain-free diets can be a good option for some dogs. It often comes down to pet owner preferences. The most important thing is to ensure proper nutrition. Pet owners can also work with their veterinarians to develop a dietary plan that meets their dog’s individual needs and health concerns, whether that includes grains or not.

Written by: Hannah Godfrey
Animal Nutritionist
BSc.H. | MSc. Animal Nutrition
www.tomandsawyer.com

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Ever wish there was a holiday just for celebrating your pets? There is! National Love Your Pet Day is a holiday just for loving the fluff out of your furry friends and spreading awareness about animal rescue, too.

Check out our ultimate guide for celebrating National Love Your Pet Day, including how to celebrate it and how to pamper your special pup on this fabulous holiday!

What is National Love Your Pet Day?

Did you know that most households in the United States have pets? While dogs are the most popular furry fellow you’ll find at home, cats come in a close second. There are tons of other animals that make great pets too. National Love Your Pet Day is a holiday that celebrates pets of all kinds. Dogs, cats, birds, fish, horses… any and every pet is welcome! The holiday itself is a fantastic time to dedicate to the animals in your life. 

Source: Andrew S – Unsplash

However, the holiday isn’t just for celebrating your furry friends– it’s for advocating animal adoption too. National Love Your Pet Day is the perfect time for shelters to advocate animal adoption.

When is National Love Your Pet Day?

National Love Your Pet Day occurs every year on February 20th. It’s like Valentine’s Day for your pets! 

There’s also a National Pet Day that occurs each year on April 11th. 

The History of National Love Your Pet Day

Pets have existed for millennia. What started as faithful wolves and cats domesticating themselves has now blossomed into a beautiful, loving relationship between animals and their humans. Although they aren’t always working as hunters or guard dogs, our pets still play an important role in our lives– they provide love and companionship as members of our families!

While we don’t really know when the February 20th version of the holiday was developed, we do know how April’s National Pet Day came to be. In 2006, pet-lover Colleen Paige launched an initiative to celebrate the pets in our lives and all they do for us. Her holiday quickly caught on among animal rescue advocates too, and the holiday is currently used to celebrate and advocate for animal rescue groups alongside our furry friends.

How to Celebrate National Love Your Pet Day

So, how can we celebrate National Love Your Pet Day with our pups? Here are three great ideas for observing the holiday:

Volunteer at a Shelter

One of the core aspects of National Love Your Pet Day (and National Pet Day) is supporting adoption and animal rescue. Volunteering at a local animal shelter and donating time, toys, food, and other goodies is a great way to spend National Love Your Pet Day helping other animals needing a home. 

Some shelters also offer trap-neuter-return courses and other trapping courses to get stray animals off the street. If you have the time, we highly recommend investing your time in a TNR course to help keep outdoor animal populations safe!

Spread Awareness

If you’re not able to volunteer, that’s okay! Spreading awareness about the holiday and the benefits of adopting animals is another great way to observe National Love Your Pet Day. If you’ve got a rescue of your own, share their story on social media– everyone loves cute animal pictures, and you might just convince someone to adopt instead of going to a breeder. 

Pamper the Fur Baby in Your Life

If you haven’t already, take some time on National Love Your Pet Day to celebrate your special pupper. Extra walkies, time at the dog park, a trip in the car, and extra-special treats are all excellent ways to show your doggo that you care. Plus, we’ve got you covered in the treat department! Check out these awesome goodies you can share with your dog this holiday season:

Doggie Delights

Gourmet, artisan cookies aren’t just for fancy people– we bring them to pets, too! Our Doggie Delights packs feature an assortment of artisan cookies, including macarons, wafer cookies, and flower cookies that are completely safe for dogs to eat. Enjoy a puppy tea party with these gorgeous spring-themed treats!

Get Some Cookies!

For fans of the classic cookie, we’ve got you covered too– our bakery makes fresh cookies every day for the bakery case, meaning we’ve got plenty of cookies around for you to grab a few handfuls! Our assortment packs come with a random set of cookies from our bakery case. If your pup has allergies, let us know, and we’ll be sure to pick out treats that are safe for their allergies!

Stay Allergy-Free

If we’re spreading pet awareness on National Love Your Pet Day, let’s spread some allergy awareness too! Just like us, dogs can have food allergies. That’s why we make special treats free of common allergens for your dog to enjoy! On our website, you can find categories for grain and wheat-free, nut-free, and yogurt-free treats.

For extra reference, all our meat and rawhide treats are free of the most common allergens. If you’re looking for something baked, our wheat-free bone treats are perfect for you!

Want to See some Awesome Pets? Check out These Dogs!

Looking for some pets to share with your friends and family? Check out these fantastic dogs while you’re at it!

Tuna The Chiweenie

Source: @tunameltsmyheart

Tuna is a senior Chiweenie with a bit of an overbite. His awkward looks make for hilarious pictures, and his human, Courtney, loves to share his shenanigans with the world! Tuna is currently working as an advocate for rescue dogs and dogs with special needs everywhere. 

Norbert (the Author)

Source: @norbertthedog

An author, philanthropist, and registered therapy dog, Norbert has his paws full of important work. But that doesn’t mean he can’t take a break every now and then! You can find Norbert enjoying his free time with his human, Julie, on their Instagram!

Kabosu, an Internet Legend

Source: @kabosumama

If you’ve been on the internet since 2010, you’ve probably heard of doge. Doge’s actual name is Kabosu! She’s a 17-year-old shiba inu who lives with her human and three rescue cats in Japan. Kabosu’s been through a lot– after surviving leukemia in 2022, she’s enjoying a happy retirement and beautiful cherry blossoms with her mama. 

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