Is Grain-Free the Way to Be?

Content reviewed by Nell Ostermeier, D.V.M., CVA, FAAVA.

In a world where dog diets are as varied and debated as human diets, grain-free options have sparked conversations loaded with controversy and concern. But what’s really best for your four-legged companion?

Figo vet spokesperson Nell Ostermeier, DVM, weighs in with her insight on the trend, empowering you to make informed decisions that put your dog's health first.

Grain-free controversy: What’s really best for your dog?

Dog moms and dads are increasingly scrutinizing what goes into their dogs' bowls. According to Figo's 2024 Pet Parent Survey, 1/3 of Gen-Z pet parents admit to seeking out sustainable treat options and 58% of all pet parents report researching their pet's food before purchasing.

With this in mind, it's no surprise that the grain-free trend has surged based on claims by advocates of the diet. These assertions have fueled a widespread shift toward grain-free options, compelling dog owners to re-evaluate traditional feeding practices.

The claims behind grain-free diets

1. Allergy and sensitivity reduction: One of the primary drivers for the popularity of grain-free dog food is the belief that grains are common allergens that cause health issues in dogs, such as skin irritations and gastrointestinal problems. Advocates argue that these symptoms are significantly reduced or even eliminated with grain-free diets.

2. More natural diet: Proponents of grain-free diets often claim that grains are not a natural part of a canine’s ancestral diet. They suggest that a diet closer to what wild canids consume — primarily proteins and fats with minimal carbohydrates — is healthier and more in tune with dogs' evolutionary needs.

3. Higher protein content: Grain-free dog foods typically emphasize higher protein levels, often sourced directly from meat rather than wheat. The argument is that higher protein content supports better muscle maintenance, energy levels, and overall health, reflecting a diet that is supposedly more aligned with a dog's natural carnivorous inclinations.

4. Better digestive health: Supporters of grain-free diets also claim that grains can be difficult for dogs to digest and that grain-free foods promote a healthier digestive system. By replacing grains with more digestible legumes or potatoes, the diet is believed to be gentler on the dog's gastrointestinal tract.

Adding context to the claims:

While these claims have considerable appeal, pet parents may benefit from approaching them with a critical eye. The benefits of grain-free diets can vary widely between individual dogs, and not all will experience the alleged advantages. Moreover, the backlash regarding potential health risks, like the development of DCM linked to some grain-free diets, adds layers of complexity to the decision-making process.

Core aspects of the grain-free debate

As pet parents strive to provide the best for their curious copilots, the grain-free debate stands as a towering topic in the world of dog nutrition. It's a discussion flooded with strong opinions, emerging research, and a quest for what truly benefits our dogs' health.

1. Health concerns and heart risks: The grain-free controversy centers on a potential link to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart condition observed more in dogs on certain grain-free diets. A 2018 FDA investigation questioned if replacing grains with legumes and pulses might be harmful. As of 2024, the FDA reports no official correlation. Tufts University of Veterinary Medicine states that diet-related DCM appears more closely associated with high levels of pulses (peas, lentils, chickpeas) rather than the absence of grains. In short, diets high in peas and lentils may be more dangerous than those simply low in grains.

2. The swap from grains to alternatives: As mentioned above, grain-free dog foods often use substitutes for traditional grains. This switch, while intended to enhance health, has sparked a debate on whether it’s genuinely beneficial or simply a nutritional detour that complicates a dog's diet. It’s not just about removing grains; it's about what you’re replacing them with and how it affects overall nutrition.

3. Not one-size-fits-all: What works for one dog might not work for another. Grain-free diets are not universally superior and should not be viewed as a magic bullet for health. They can be the right choice for dogs with specific allergies or sensitivities to grains, but they're not a blanket solution for all. Individual health considerations should drive diet choices, rather than broad dietary trends.

4. Listening to the experts: This debate underscores the need for professional input from veterinarians, particularly those trained in nutrition. They can sift through the noise and offer advice tailored to each dog, based on scientific research and individual health profiles. Relying on expert guidance helps ensure that dietary decisions are informed, safe, and beneficial.

Ostermeier clarifies, "It's not about the brand; it's about the balance of nutrients." Swapping grains for pulses doesn’t upgrade the diet; it simply shifts the balance, sometimes detrimentally. The veterinary community is still dissecting data to pinpoint causes accurately, but the warning is clear: balance is crucial.

Choosing safer brands

When considering top-rated brands like Orijen, the question arises: Are they safer? According to Ostermeier, it's not reviews but your individual pet's needs that matters.

"To me, it is not a "brand" thing, it is a nutrition thing. Basically, if all of the carbohydrates or non-meat ingredients that came from grain are swapped with legumes or pulses, you haven't really made the diet better, and in some cases, it seems like it may lead to diet related dilated cardiomyopathy in certain dogs," she states, advocating for combination feeding to diversify your dog’s diet and reduce reliance on any single food source.

Grain-free: When is it the right choice?

Again, grain-free isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Initially, these diets emerged as alternatives to grain-heavy, filler-laden kibble. Yet, not all dogs need to avoid grains. "It's about avoiding extremes," advises Ostermeier. For dogs with specific grain allergies, grain-free diets are beneficial, but for others, a balanced diet with a reasonable amount of carbohydrates is advisable.

"Truthfully, diets are pretty controversial in the veterinary world," Nell admits. "I tell dog parents that they need to find a vet willing to approach nutrition in a way that aligns with their views. If they want to discuss feeding strategies considered 'alternative,' it is best to consult with an integrative veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist."

Still thinking of making the switch? Slow down and consult with an expert first. "It's not just about dodging grains," Ostermeier emphasizes. Enhancing your dog's health through diet requires a holistic approach rather than just eliminating grain.

What is the best diet for my dog?

If opting for grain-free, consider it part of a broader, varied dietary plan. Ostermeier promotes combination feeding—using various food types to ensure nutritional diversity and safeguard against the risks associated with food recalls.

"There is no single "healthiest" food to feed your dogs," says Ostermeier. "For my patients, I recommend feeding different formulations, flavors or brands so that your dog is not always eating the same exact thing. By broadening their exposure to multiple foods, you increase the variety of nutrients they take in."

Combination feeding may have another benefit as well: you limit the risk if the one food they eat becomes contaminated or has a recall.

Nell is also a fan of high-moisture food, aka foods that include formulated gently cooked fresh food options, raw food diets, canned foods, and balanced home cooked recipes. When asked what she typically recommends, she states, "I prefer my patients incorporate at least 50% high-moisture food, such as the ones found in Chi Dog diets because they are simple, healthy, balanced and high in moisture. Feeding all fresh, whole food does not work for everyone's budget. Combination feeding also allows you to balance the budget by feeding a combination of more expensive and less expensive foods."

What to look for in grain-free foods

More important than what’s absent (grains) is what’s present in your dog’s food. Ostermeier stresses the importance of nutrient balance and quality. "Focus on the composition and quality of ingredients rather than merely excluding grains," she advises.

Health over profit

As pet parents, you wield the power to demand better standards for your dogs. It’s not just about following trends; it’s about sourcing food that genuinely benefits your dog’s health, made with integrity and backed by science.

The grain-free debate isn't about choosing sides but rather understanding the nuances of canine nutrition and making educated decisions that prioritize your pet's health. It’s a call to action for all pet parents to engage deeply with what they feed their dogs, consulting the experts and considering their pets' unique needs. In the end, staying informed and adaptable will be the key to navigating complex pet topics with confidence.

As Ostermeier wisely puts it, "What's IN the food as far as nutrients and balance is more important than what is NOT in the food."

Lizz Caputo is the Manager of Content Strategy at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.