I recently did a short survey along with research as to whether grain free diets were truly bad for dogs.
![Are Grain Free Diets Bad? [Debate]-I recently did a short survey along with research as to whether grain free diets were trul](https://image.staticox.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fpm1.aminoapps.vertvonline.info%2F7178%2F99509340191904293252ba70600b996aebc8dae5r1-800-1000v2_hq.jpg)
The pet food is a multi-billion dollar industry and many companies offer a wide range of food to suit every pet owner’s need. However, the University of Maine has shown that diseases in dogs has increased 80% over the past 5 years, and many have been linked to processed foods. This scare has prompted new diet fads, such as raw diets and grain-free diets. Grain free diets for dogs has just recently become popular in health-conscious owners and pets with severe allergies. Additionally, less intake of grains have shown to decrease inflammation overall. However, multiple studies have shown a correlation between dietary taurine deficiency, a amino acid found in meat, which later leads to dilated cardiomyopathy. According to the Innovative Veterinary Care Journal, the development of taurine deficiency is thought to be linked to grain free diets because the grain substitutes contain minimal protein, allowing manufacturers to cut back on meat in the diet.
![Are Grain Free Diets Bad? [Debate]-I recently did a short survey along with research as to whether grain free diets were trul](https://image.staticox.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fpm1.aminoapps.vertvonline.info%2F7178%2F3d2afd4f50e181a02e210bb550fcfc6dcbc3f7d9r1-550-758v2_hq.jpg)
But is the diet actually at fault?
After extensive research and a unanimous survey of pet owners I came to my own conclusion: it’s not the diet that is bad, just the ingredients used in some brands. Due to decreased fatty acids (found in meat) in grain free diets, taurine deficiency occurs. In turn, dilated cardio myopathy develops after long-term taurine deficiency. A potential solution would be to eliminate grain free diets all together, but what about dogs with food allergies? If meat concentration in grain free diets were increased or supplements provided, the risk of dilated cardio myopathy would decrease substantially.
Overall, I believe grain-free diets should be offered as an alternative for pets with allergies or other medical problems in which such a diet would be beneficial. However, the pets should be watched closely by the veterinarian and preventative measures should be taken if evidence of cardiomyopathy arises.
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What is your opinion, professional or otherwise, on grain free diets in the veterinary world?
Image Credits
(c)Hills Atlas (https://www.hillsvet.com/practice-management/atlas-of-veterinary-clinical-anatomy)
(c)Beneful Dog Food (beneful.com)
Comments (12)
Yes and no. Honestly it depends on what they use as a replacement. So far what we’ve learned is legume, peas and lentils, rich foods are being link to DCM or Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Being deficient in Taurine is one of the causes for DCM. Taurine is very important for muscle health. How this happens is dogs who are on these legume rich diets often have trouble making Taurine. Which obviously leads to a deficiency.
That being said from what I understand not all grain free diets are rich in legumes. Choose carefully and do your research.
In my opinion grain free foods are nothing but another fad. It’s so difficult to choose a food for your pets right now since there are so many on the market. What owners should do is go by the research that went into the food and how big the company is. Brands like Hills, Science Diet, and Purina Proplan are great foods in my opinion. I based this one how much money, time, and research went into their foods. Even now they continue to strive for the best food possible. Everyone has their own opinions though. Like I said do your research and choose carefully.
Update: I work for a corporate company meaning that there are several locations across the USA. As of recently hundreds of dogs have been ing away. Both young and old. Upon necropsy, those who were necropsied, enlarged hearts are found and all have been diagnosed with DCM. All almost all on grain free diets. If that’s not evidence I don’t know what is.
I don't know too much about nutrition but I'm actually kind of confused. You say taurine deficiency is linked to grain free diets?
Edit:
"According to the Innovative Veterinary Care Journal, the development of taurine deficiency is thought to be linked to grain free diets because the grain substitutes contain minimal protein, allowing manufacturers to cut back on meat in the diet."
I read this again, and my guess is it's because the grain substitutes contain proteins that would make the protein % higher without containing so much meat, which means less taurine. And from what I know, soy and similar alternatives contain protein but it's not digestive the same way as meat either, which makes me think other nutrient deficiency could occur as well.
I feel like grain free is a step in the right direction, and raw diets should be done only by people who know what they're doing. Honestly, there's a lot of options and ways to prevent the deficiency, it's just a matter of educating owners and companies actually marketing these methods.
The reason that taurine deficiency is linked to grain free diets is due to the substitutes for grains have higher quantities of protein so they can cut back on meat, as you said. I am not saying grain free diets are in any way bad, I was just stating the facts. I believe if a veterinarian recommends it and you are aware of potential symptoms grain free diets can be beneficial.
What if my dogs are grain free? They’re both still on the grain free diets...
Reply to: halfnoise
My dogs tend to beg for chicken, turkey and bacon.
Reply to: K_Money
Bacon is a bit fatty so I wouldn't lean towards that. Chicken is really good for them, and if your dogs ever get sick (vomiting/diarrhea) boil some chicken and white rice and it'll help calm it down. If it's bad though, see your vet of course.
Reply to: halfnoise
I have given them Dog Safe Meatball treat things and Solo (my youngest dog) threw up from it once. I don’t know why, he just threw up after eating the meatball.
Very interesting! I don’t know a lot about animal nutrition, so it’s hard to give a solid view.
I think the key for dogs is balance, they are omnivores after all (though they still need mostly meat)
With cats it more complicated since they are fully carnivorous.
And can you please credit your images? ^^
I know, I find nutrition super interesting but there is not a whole lot of information on it. And yes I will credit them
Reply to: Twix
Thanks ^^