Adding Grains to Grain-Free Dog Food: What You Should Know

Grain-free dog food has been deemed the best for your dog’s health. However, new research shows that there are hidden dangers to these foods. Dogs love whole grains and many owners are looking to add their own grains to their dog food to make it healthier. Here’s what to do if this is you!

Grain-Free Dog Food: Why Not?

Grain-free foods have seen a surge in popularity over the years. There are hundreds of options on the market. In June 2019, however, the FDA revealed that there may be a link between grains-free foods and heart disease. A higher rate of dilated cardiomyopathy was seen in dogs who eat a grain-free diet. Research has also shown that whole grains can be a healthy part of most dogs’ diets. Dogs don’t have to eat grains and can benefit from whole grains. Here are five steps to help guide you in adding grains to your dog’s diet.

1. Find out if Grain is Required

It’s not as easy as adding some oatmeal to your diet to avoid the health risks associated with grain-free foods. Dog food should be balanced nutritionally. Many grain-free foods already contain high amounts of carbs from legumes and potatoes. It is not clear if the lack of grains is a factor in heart problems or if these issues can be linked to common substitutes. There may be occasions when grain can be added.

The most important thing to do when adding grains to your dog’s diet is to look at the food label. Dog food should contain no more than 50% carbohydrates, 10-20% protein, and 5-10% fat. A grain supplement might be beneficial if your dog’s food contains more than 30% protein.

2. Select a Grain Source

There are many types of grains that can be used in dog food. There are many types of grains that can be used in dog food. Each grain has its health benefits. Some dogs are sensitive to wheat, corn, and other common grains.

Accessibility is another important consideration when you add grains. It is important to choose a grain you can access and that is easy for you to prepare. Brown rice and oatmeal are two of the best options for dog food. They are nutritious, simple to make, and readily available.

Brown rice is great for sensitive stomachs as it is easy to digest. It’s high in B vitamins and good for fiber. Oats are low-glycemic, high in protein, and great for dogs with cholesterol or blood sugar issues. Oatmeal is an excellent way to introduce oats into your dog’s diet. These are the most common choices but you can also add another whole grain to your dog’s diet.

3. As needed, cook or prepare grains

It is important to prepare your grain once you have it in hand. To make grains digestible, most need to be cooked. Food can be prepared in the same way as you would prepare it for people. Rice can be cooked in water to make it ready for consumption. There are many ways to cook rice, but it is better to choose a recipe that does not contain fats or dairy. If you are adding corn to your dog’s diet, prepare plain grits made from cornmeal and not cornbread.

4. Mix Grains Into Food

After grains have been prepared, you can add them to your dog’s food. It is simple to add a small amount of wet food to your dog’s food. You can also add it to dry food as an ingredient. You can also give grain food to your dog plain. Some dogs may be pickier than others, so it is important that you determine the best way to feed your dog.

5. Find the right balance for your dog

It is dangerous to add food to your dog’s daily diet without taking into account his nutritional needs. Start small and add only a teaspoon of grains to your dog’s diet. Because of their high carbohydrate content, dogs won’t eat a lot of grains long-term. You should count how many calories and carbs your grains add to your dog’s diet so you can adjust accordingly. You don’t want your dog to have a low protein or fat intake, or too many carbs.

Last Thoughts

Although adding grains to dog food may not be the best option for all owners, in certain cases it can be beneficial to add more nutrients and protein to the food. This guide should have helped you make a decision about whether this is the best choice for your dog.