Grain-Free Diet: Is It Right for Us?

If you walk down the aisle at your local pet supply store, you will no doubt see several foods labeled “grain free.”  It seems to be the big trend in pet food today.  Is it really right for your pet?

First, if your cat or dog is on a special diet for a medical condition, you should never switch the food without first speaking with your veterinarian.  Certain conditions require careful monitoring, so do not mess with the food.

As everyone knows, Gracie had had challenges in the past with skin irritation.  I found a good brand of food, Castor & Pollux organic dog food,  that seems to calm her skin and give her a nice coat.  I noticed that Castor & Pollux offers a grain-free dog food now.

According to the lady at the pet supply store, grain-free diets are meant to be more natural for the cat or dog.  After all, how often does your dog nibble on wheat growing in a field?

I did a bit of digging on the web and found numerous articles on the topic.  Obviously, animals with allergies to wheat and other grains could benefit from a grain-free diet.  I am not sure about animals who do not have these conditions, though.  If you read the articles, you will understand my confusion.

Some of the articles hint that the substitutions for grain can be high in carbs.  Gracie eats grain-free wet food, and I have noticed a pound or two of weight gain since the switch.  Maybe it is due to the winter weather and less activity.  Or maybe it is the food.  It is tough to say.

I plan to have a talk with my vet during Gracie’s next check-up.  This topic is too confusing, and I do not want to do more damage than good by adjusting her diet.  I will continue to read articles and pass them on to you if I find anything interesting.  Then, we can all be armed with the right questions when we see the vet.

Please leave a comment if you have anything to add to the discussion.  I would love to know how a switch to a grain-free diet worked (or did not work) for your furry friend.

Rescue Mommy

P.S.

We have no plans to switch Kiki's food.  She is 18-years old and healthy and happy.  Her coat looks great.  We are not going to take a chance with our sweet old lady.  As the saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

Links:

http://www.ahna.net/deciphering-pet-food-labels

http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/best-dog-foods/best-grain-free-dog-foods/best-grain-free-dog-foods-dry/

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cat-care-flatulence.aspx

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-care-allergies.aspx

http://animal.discovery.com/guides/dogs/dog-food/should-i-buy-grain-free-dog-food.html