Benefits of Grain Free

Banshee13 · Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 7:33 pm Post subject: Benefits of Grain Free

Can anyone tell me the benefits of a grain free diet? I never knew that grains were so bad, esp if they are not the primary ingredient, but with so many grain free brands on the market....I guess they can't be too good? What are the benefits of removing grain completely from a dog's diet?

Peri

h20fwlkillr · Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 12:44 am Post subject:

Grains are not as bad as the WWW has made them out to be. It is mainly propaganda for the "boutique" foods. Truth is, grains (especially corn) are an inexpensive, easily digestible source of high proteins. There are some dogs that are allergic to grains, but is a very small percentage, ~1-2%.

BEANSnBERRY · Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 1:00 am Post subject:

Personally my dogs aren't "allergic" to grains, but i notice they are a lot more itchy. They seem to be constantly scratching. Even barley, which isn't an "allergen" per say.

I personally prefer a grain free diet. I do mostly raw with some kibble for the little dog.

youhavenoidea · Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 1:35 am Post subject:

I have a friend whose Neopolitan Mastiff has CONSTANT yeast infections in his ears. I have heard of individuals having success in eliminating this problem by eliminating grain in the diet.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good grain-free commercial dog food they have tried and been happy with? I'd love to pass along the information.

aschmoll · Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 11:30 am Post subject:

I am in the process of switching Duchess to Wellness Core from Pro Plan. At half and half, Duchess has less soft stools. The other two grain free options I considered were Evo, Orijen, and Solid Gold Wolfking (?). Orijen is not available locally, so I went with Wellness Core because it was not as high in protein as Evo or Solid Gold.

I would also consider using some of the better-grained dog foods, even if they are not grain-free. Innova and California Natural are contenders, as it the Dick van Patten food (Natural Balance?). Canidae was too until all of the ruckus from their formula switch.

I don't know that Duchess was allergic, but she definitely has the itchies.

BEANSnBERRY · Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 11:52 am Post subject:

I prefer Orijen, when I feed kibble, Youhavenoidea. It should certainly help with the ear infections and any itchiness.

marniekat · Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 12:47 pm Post subject:

Youhavenoidea, we're feeding Orijen as well and we love it. Django has firm poops, no itchies, no tummy troubles, no ear troubles...he's just all around a soft, happy, shiny, and very healthy little fella with it.

Trinitys-Momma · Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 1:58 pm Post subject:

We give trinity a all natural grain free food called Instinct. She loves it! She has lost weight, been more active, and her immune system seems to be stronger. Not to mention her coat is so shiny and healthy.

luana80it · Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2008 1:44 am Post subject:

the vet prescribed us HILL'S PRESCRIPTION z/d food for tyra because hse always have yeast in her ear and always scratches. we just started giving it to her so i don't know if it is working or not.

Kaiser · Puppy Joined: 11 Jul 2008 Posts: 28 Location: Alberta

Trinitys-Momma · Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2008 2:58 pm Post subject:

We had Trinity on Hills z/d after her allergic reaction. I visited an all natural dog food store to see what they had. We have had alot of success with Instinct and its cheaper than Hills.