Brenda Khan
Grains have long been a topic of debate in the pet food industry. While grain-free diets gained popularity in 2007 due to health concerns, recent research suggests that these diets may carry hidden risks, such as a potential link to heart disease. In fact, most food allergies in dogs are not related to grains, and whole grains are a healthy choice for most dogs. Domestic dogs are omnivores, meaning they can safely consume grains and benefit from the nutrients and antioxidants found in whole grains like brown rice, oats, barley, and millet. When adding grains to your dog's diet, it is important to choose easily accessible and digestible options like brown rice and oatmeal, and start with small amounts to avoid upsetting your dog's stomach. Additionally, monitoring calories and serving sizes is crucial to maintain a healthy weight for your furry friend. Before making any dietary changes, consulting a veterinarian is always recommended to ensure your dog's specific nutritional needs are met.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons to add grains | Grains are a good source of nutrients and antioxidants. They can help boost microbiome diversity and improve overall immune health. |
| Risks of grain-free food | The FDA announced a possible link between grain-free food and heart disease in dogs. |
| Types of grains | Oats, brown rice, barley, millet, corn, quinoa, oatmeal, and porridge. |
| Preparation | Grains should be cooked and prepared without adding other ingredients. |
| Amount | Start with a small amount, such as a tablespoon, and monitor your dog's calorie intake and weight. |
| Veterinary advice | Consult a veterinarian before changing your dog's diet. |
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What You'll Learn
Check the nutritional value of your dog's current food
Checking the nutritional value of your dog's current food is an important step in understanding their diet. Dog food labels can be confusing, but they are your best tool for deciding what to feed your dog. Here are some key things to look out for:
Best-By or Use-By Dates
Firstly, check the "best-by" or "use-by" date. This indicates when the food is considered to be at its optimal quality and nutritional value. Expired dog food may have reduced nutritional value and can grow harmful bacteria or mould, so it's important to feed your dog within this timeframe.
Nutritional Adequacy Statement
Look for the nutritional adequacy statement, typically on the back or side of the label. This statement is backed by testing and proves that the food provides a certain level of essential nutrients. It may also indicate the life stages the food is appropriate for, such as puppies, adults, or all life stages.
Guaranteed Analysis
The guaranteed analysis is a chart that breaks down the levels of specific nutrients, such as protein, fat, fibre, and moisture content. This analysis ensures that the food meets the nutritional requirements for dogs and guarantees minimum or maximum values for each nutrient.
Ingredient List
The ingredient list will tell you a lot about the nutritional value of the food. Ingredients are listed by weight in descending order before cooking. Look for foods with a named meat source as the first ingredient, and pay attention to the next 4-5 ingredients as well. Named meat sources like chicken or beef are preferable to generic terms like animal fat or poultry, which can indicate lower quality.
Manufacturer Information
Check if the statement says "Made By" or "Manufactured By," which indicates the company manufactures its own product and often has better control over ingredient quality and safety testing. If it says "Manufactured For," it means the food is made in a shared facility, which may also produce non-pet food products.
AAFCO Guidelines
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) provides guidelines for pet food labelling and helps ensure that products have undergone appropriate analyses and contain the necessary nutrients. Look for their nutritional adequacy statement to identify foods that meet your dog's daily nutrient requirements.
Remember, it's always a good idea to consult your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog's diet to ensure you're meeting their unique nutritional needs.
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Choose a grain that's easy to access and prepare, like brown rice or oatmeal
When choosing a grain to add to your dog's diet, it's important to select one that is easily accessible and simple to prepare. Brown rice and oatmeal are two excellent options that are not only nutritious but also widely available and easy to cook.
Brown rice is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre, making it a healthy choice for your dog. It is also naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for dogs with gluten intolerances. When preparing brown rice for your dog, simply boil it in water, ensuring that you don't add any fats, dairy, salt, or spices. This plain cooking method ensures that your dog receives the full nutritional benefits of the rice without any unnecessary additives.
Oats are another easily accessible and nutritious grain for dogs. They are low in gluten and high in protein, making them a good option for dogs with blood sugar or cholesterol issues. Oats are also a rich source of soluble fibre, which helps regulate blood glucose levels and keeps your dog's digestive system healthy. Additionally, oats contain linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that supports skin health and a healthy coat.
When preparing oats for your dog, it is important to use whole grain oatmeal and avoid quick oatmeal or flavoured instant oats, which may contain added sugar or sweeteners that are toxic to dogs. Cook the oatmeal with water instead of milk, and avoid adding any sugar, spices, or fruit. Similar to rice, plain oatmeal is best for your dog's health.
Both brown rice and oatmeal are safe and healthy options for dogs, and they can be easily incorporated into your dog's diet as a meal supplement or topper. However, it is important to introduce these grains in small portions and gradually increase the amount to avoid any digestive issues. Remember to consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount based on your dog's age, health status, and activity level.
By choosing easily accessible and simple-to-prepare grains like brown rice and oatmeal, you can conveniently boost your dog's nutrition and overall health.
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Prepare the grains without adding other ingredients
When preparing grains for your dog, it is important to cook them without adding any other ingredients, such as fats or dairy. For example, if you want your dog to eat corn, prepare plain grits from cornmeal instead of cornbread.
Rice, a safe and nutritious grain for dogs, can be boiled in water. Brown rice is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre, all of which are beneficial to your dog's health. It is also gluten-free, making it suitable for dogs with gluten intolerances.
Oats are another healthy option for dogs. They are low in gluten and high in protein, making them a good choice for dogs with blood sugar or cholesterol issues. Oats also contain linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that helps keep your dog's skin strong and healthy. They are also a good source of soluble fibre, which can help regulate blood glucose levels.
When preparing oats for your dog, plain porridge is the best option, served in moderation without any additions of sugar, milk, or other toppings. As a guide, feed your dog one tablespoon of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds of weight.
Other grains that are safe for dogs include barley, millet, and quinoa.
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Introduce grains gradually, starting with a tablespoon or two
When adding grains to your dog's diet, it's important to introduce them gradually. Start with a small amount, such as one tablespoon of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds of your dog's weight. Too much grain, especially all at once, can upset your dog's stomach. Start with a tablespoon or two of grains at most, and monitor your dog's reaction.
If your dog tolerates the small amount well, you can gradually increase the amount of grain over time. It's important to pay attention to your dog's weight and overall health, as grains are calorie-dense and can cause weight gain. Counting calories is critical for maintaining a healthy weight for your dog.
Additionally, it's essential to prepare the grains appropriately. Most grains should be cooked to be easily digestible. For example, rice can be boiled in water without adding other ingredients like fats or dairy. Preparing grains in a simple way ensures that your dog receives the intended nutritional benefits.
It's worth noting that some dogs might enjoy eating plain cooked grains, while others might be pickier. It's important to figure out what works best for your dog. You can stir a few spoonfuls of grains into wet food or mix them into dry food as a topper.
Remember to always consult your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog's diet. They can provide guidance and advice tailored to your dog's specific needs and help you determine the best way to introduce grains gradually.
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Monitor your dog's calorie intake and weight
Monitoring your dog's calorie intake and weight is essential for their overall health and well-being. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you do that effectively:
Determine Your Dog's Calorie Needs
Firstly, it's important to understand your dog's Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) or Resting Energy Requirement (RER). MER represents the number of calories your dog needs to consume to carry out everyday activities. RER, on the other hand, is the energy required for essential body functions like digestion, respiration, and heart functions. You can calculate your dog's RER by multiplying 70 by their body weight in kilograms raised to the 3/4 power. For instance, a 10kg (22lb) dog would need an RER of approximately 400 calories per day.
Use Calorie Calculators
Several online resources and pet food companies offer user-friendly pet food calculators. These tools can help you determine your dog's MER and daily calorie needs based on factors such as age, size, breed, activity level, and health status. While these calculators provide estimates, they are a good starting point for establishing a healthy diet for your dog.
Consult Veterinary Professionals
Your dog's veterinary healthcare team is the most valuable resource for establishing correct feeding guidelines. They can provide expert advice based on your dog's specific needs and health condition. This is especially important if your dog has a body condition score of 7/9 or higher, indicating obesity. In such cases, a weight loss program should be undertaken under their direct guidance.
Regularly Monitor Weight and Body Condition
Regularly weigh your dog and assess their body condition score. A healthy rate of weight loss for dogs is 1-2% of body weight per week. Monitor their progress and adjust their diet and activity level accordingly. This ensures that your dog maintains a healthy weight and body composition over time.
Treats and Exercise
When monitoring your dog's calorie intake, remember that treats should not exceed 10% of their total daily calories. Additionally, consider implementing a structured daily exercise program to enhance their fitness and overall health. This is especially important if your dog is not receiving adequate daily physical activity, which is a common issue for many dogs.
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Frequently asked questions
Whole grains are a good source of nutrients and antioxidants not found in fruits and vegetables. They can also help boost your dog's microbiome diversity, which can improve their overall immune health and wellness.
Brown rice, barley, and oatmeal are all healthy grains that can be added to your dog's diet. Oats are low in gluten, high in protein, and good for dogs with blood sugar or cholesterol issues. Brown rice is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre, and is easily digestible.
It's important to start small, adding just a tablespoon or two of grains at most. If your dog eats wet food, you can stir a few spoonfuls of grains into their meal. Grains can also be mixed into dry food as a topper, or served plain.
While grains are safe for most dogs, some may have a grain allergy or intolerance. It's important to monitor your dog's calories and serving size to ensure they maintain a healthy weight. Speak to your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's diet.
