In an era of an abundance of brands, recipes, and flavors of pet food, choosing the best dry dog food is hard. The main selection criterion for many pet owners has long been the presence or absence of grain ingredients. We will tell you more about them.
Understanding Grain-Free Dog Food
Grain-free dog food includes products made of hypoallergenic meat or fish. This food is produced with the following formula in mind: 95% dry food + 5% treats.
Grain-free dog treats are adapted to the household lifestyle and suitable for every dog. Such a diet solves a range of health problems: it prevents obesity and diabetes and combats dermatological diseases, contributing to longevity. Despite the stereotype that a grain-free diet is bad for a dog’s heart, it’s bad only when it has no taurine in its composition (which comes from grain). Our Nature’s Protection food has taurine from other natural ingredients, such as krill, so it’s the best choice for the health of your pet.
Benefits of Grain-Free Dog Food for Puppies
A grain-free diet by Nature Protection is the best solution for both active and non-active pets to achieve a healthy coat and skin, great health, no digestive issues, and so on. The main benefits of such products include:
- Meat or fish is the basis. The basis of quality grain-free food is selected dried meat. Due to high-quality proteins, your pet develops harmoniously and its digestive system is not overloaded. Animal proteins ensure healthy skin, coat and locomotor system of your dog. The higher the biological value of the food, the easier it is digested and absorbed by the body.
- Allergy relief. Grain-free formulas are easy for the body to digest and can be prescribed by a veterinarian if your pet has an allergy or food intolerance to any food components. It also prevents brown tear stains.
- Better digestion. Grain free products are easily digested by the body. They improve the function of the intestinal epithelium in terms of nutrient absorption.
- Weight management. High-quality grain-free feeds are characterized by reduced fat and carbohydrates and increased protein. This approach reduces excess body fat mass in the pet and prevents obesity. Animal proteins are perfect for maintaining a trim muscular body, unlike plant proteins.
- Low risk of disease and a better overall health. A quality grain-free diet reduces the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
After all, for carb intolerance and obesity, the grain-free line has become a lifesaver for many pet breeders. Dog owners speak positively of these foods and recommend them for use in the daily diet. However, each case is unique, so it is necessary to consult a vet before choosing a diet plan.
Ingredients to Look for in Grain-Free Dog Food
Dry food for puppies is made from animal proteins with the addition of alternative sources of carbs and healthy fats and oils. It’s suitable for animals prone to gluten allergies.
It’s rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids which help prevent inflammatory processes and keep the pet’s skin healthy.
Glucosamine and chondroitin, calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals and vitamins should also be included in such products for joint health. These dog food ingredients contribute to normal functioning of the joints of the musculoskeletal system.
Ingredients to Avoid in Grain-Free Dog Food
High-quality grain-free dog food doesn’t contain:
- unnamed meat components in the composition (e.g., the indication “meat products”: it isn’t clear what products are being referred to and what exactly is included);
- fillers and grains;
- cereal crops, low-quality vegetable proteins;
- sugar, dye, and artificial preservatives.
Investing in the right dog food would go a long way in keeping your pet healthy and happy. Make sure to feed your dog the right dog food. It’s critical. Check this article to see
what is the best dog food for Bernedoodles.
Transitioning Your Puppy to Grain-Free Dog Food
For the first time after a diet change, it’s worth observing your pet. Behavioral changes, signs of obesity, sleepiness, or other negative reactions indicate that it’s better to slow down the changing process. Here is a scheme for switching your dog’s food in one week:
- Day 1-2: Start by mixing 75% of the old food with 25% of the new food
- Day 3-4: Mix 50% of the old food with 50% of the new food.
- Day 5-6: Mix 25% of the old food with 75% of the new food.
- Day 7: Feed 100% of the new food.
Remember to monitor your dog’s reaction to the new food during the transition. If your dog shows signs of discomfort or digestive upset, slow down the transition by adding an extra day or two at each stage of the process, and extend this period for 2 weeks. Neglect during the transition from one food to another can negatively affect your puppy’s health in the future.
If the veterinarian has authorized alternating between different types of food, it’s a good idea to do so. This will relieve the pet of stress and prevent obesity.
Conclusion
Overall, grain-free food is great for both active and healthy puppies, as well as for allergic and sensitive puppies. However, it’s better to consult the veterinarian and find out if there are contraindications before switching your pet’s diet. When switching to high-quality pet food, you should carefully monitor your puppy’s well-being. And never forget a healthy pet formula: 80% of nutrition (dry food and treats) + 20% of pet care (grooming, bathing, and vet) = 100% result.