As a responsible, doting owner you want what’s best for your four-legged best friend, so you’ve decided to improve their lives as best as you can.
But when it comes to their diet, there are dozens of options to choose from. Regular dog food seems to be the most common choice for many pet owners, but are grain and gluten-free diets any better?
Keep reading to find out!
Regular dog food makes up the vast majority of options you’ll find at your local pet store. Although they’re more affordable, they’ll usually contain grains like wheat, oats, corn, rice, or barley.
As the name implies, grain-free dog food doesn’t contain any of these offenders. Gluten-free dog food doesn’t contain gluten, the plant-based protein used by manufacturers to bind pet food together so it doesn’t fall apart.
Just like humans, some dogs display an allergic reaction or sensitivity to gluten. But make no mistake: this food sensitivity is a rare one, only taking place in about one percent of all dogs.
However, gluten-free dog food — if it’s formulated right — offers a lot more benefits to your best friend.
The best grain-free options switch out all of the grain “filler” with more proteins and fats, so they’re easier on your dog’s digestive system. A dog’s stomach and intestines have a harder time breaking down the fibers and grains found in regular dog food, and this can affect their health in the long run.
But when you switch to a healthier, protein-based diet, your dog will be all the better for it. You’ll find that your fur baby will have less flatulence, smaller stools, and better-smelling breath. On top of that, they’ll also have more energy and a healthier coat.
Remember that each dog is different, and your decision must take into account their health, age, nutritional needs, and other factors. The diet that works for your friend’s pet may not be the best one for yours.
Look for balanced dog meals that provide all the nutrition your dog needs, and make sure to talk to your vet before you make the switch.
Most importantly, you’ll want to make sure that your dog likes the new food they’re getting! Gradually introduce them to their new diet over a period of several days instead of diving in headfirst.
Based in sunny San Diego, Dylan’s Pet Food offers customized, plant-based dog food for your favorite boy or girl.
All of our meals are grain-free and gluten-free, and feature vegan proteins like green peas, black beans, and chickpeas. Each serving comes in sustainable, biodegradable packaging, so every order you place is good for the environment too.
Our mission to “make a change, while feeding healthy” started in 2017 when Matthew Miksic, the founder of Dylan’s Pet Food, saw the need for healthy, preservative-free dog food. In the years following, we worked with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure that our plant-based recipes provided all the nutrition dogs need — and none of the things they don’t — in a healthy, tasty, and all-natural way.
If you want to bring the beauty of vegan dog food to your furry best friend, get started in only a few minutes. Fill out our questionnaire to get a customized meal plan for your dog and get it delivered straight to your door.
And if you have any questions or concerns, check out the FAQ on our contact page or get in touch with us directly!
