There are several controversial topics in the dog community.
An often asked question is “why is grain bad for dogs?” We will tackle this question while providing educational background on this grainy subject!
What are grains?
Grains are complex carbohydrates composed of starch and fiber. They are the seeds of grass and cultivated as food. During the digestion process, amylase enzymes break down starches into simple sugars so that the body can use them for energy. Whole grain fibers are indigestible despite their health benefits they provide. This is because some grains contain gluten, which is a controversial plant-based protein.
So why is grain bad for dogs?
For dogs, the problems come about when there are grains substituted for high quality animal protein. The top two ingredients that have been known to cause food sensitivities in dogs are corn and wheat. This is because they are used in place of more bioavailable animal protein in dog food. Gluten causes numerous inflammatory health issues. Some dogs, like Irish Setters from the United Kingdom have a predisposition to gluten, which is akin to celiac disease in humans. Small amounts of gluten-free grain can serve as part of a healthy diet, unless your dog suffers from intolerances to grains or carbohydrate malabsorption.
When/how to feed grains to dogs?
When the question “why is grain bad for dogs” is posed, it doesn’t mean that grains don’t serve a purpose. Below are some of the benefits of dietary grains:
- Whole grains provide variety of vitamins and minerals.
- They strengthen the body’s energy and blood.
- Fiber from whole grains help to regulate the digestive system, by eliminating toxins from the body.
- Grains aid in weight loss because the satiating fiber reduces the caloric content in the diet.