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Have a Healthy and Happy Dog with Grain Free Dog Food



People are making a point of eating healthier with natural ingredients in their meals which have also changed the way pets are being fed. It is increasingly common for dog owners to feed their dogs a healthier meal by giving them grain free dog food.


The grains in conventional dry dog food are meant to be the primary carbohydrate source so the food can attain a dough-like consistency which is then used to make the kibbles that compose dog food. In grain free dog food, carbohydrate sources such as barley, wheat, corn, rice or any other cereal grain are eliminated. Despite this, grain free dog is not carbohydrate free or else it wouldn’t be able to be made into kibbles.


Grain free dog food replaces the carbohydrates provided by grains with novel forms of carbohydrates. Vegetables, most commonly potatoes, are used in grain free dog food recipes to provide this ingredient.


Herbivores and omnivores contain an enzyme in their saliva known as “amylase”. This enzyme is the key to breaking down the complex carbohydrates (starch) that are present in grains so they can be turned to simpler sugars and digested. Dogs have little or no salivary amylase because they are carnivores. Consequently, the main benefit of grain free dog food is that it is significantly more digestible by dogs.


Digestion is not the only area where a dog can suffer problems caused by the presence of grains in their food. Dog food containing grains are linked with food allergies in canines and other diseases. After grains are harvested, they are usually stored. The longer the storage period, there is a higher risk of the development of mold which can cause serious illnesses in dogs. Grains can also contain other hidden contaminants. Stored grains can become plagued with pollutants such as insects and mites. Insects and mites use grains as breeding grounds so there is a high risk of them later being ingested by your dog. Atopic dermatitis is a skin allergy in dog that is known to be caused by the presence of mites.


Grains used in the cooking process of conventional dry dog food are commonly those that are labeled as unfit for human consumption. In other words, these are the lowest quality of grains which also means they have a higher risk of containing harmful contaminants.


Grain free dog food not only ensures that you prevent your dog from ingesting any of these harmful pollutants, but you are also guaranteed a higher quality meal. Grain free dog foods contain more meat based proteins, easily digestible animal fats and a lower amount of carbohydrates.


There are various pet care magazines and internet sites that contain lists of the best rated grain free dog foods. Keep your pet as healthy as possible by feeding the best quality of food.