The Benefits of a Grain Free Diet for Your Dog
Long before dog food was sold; canines would hunt and capture raw, protein-rich meals. However, with the introduction of mass-produced dog kibble around the time of World War II, inexpensive fillers like wheat & corn were added to dog food to create bulk and keep costs down for owners in times of meat rationing and lack of metal for canned foods. Today, most dog foods still list wheat or corn as one of the main ingredients.
However, while dogs have evolved from wild animals to our beloved family members, the canine digestive system is still as basic as it has always been. Dogs have limited natural digestive support for breaking down cereal grains. These difficult-to-digest grains remain undigested, with the body relying mainly on fermentation to break them down. Over a long period of time, this could cause damage to the digestive system, resulting in food sensitivities, food allergies, bowel inflammation disorders, leaky gut and obesity.
Our Lakeland Heritage dog food range is a perfect solution for grain free feeding. We use up to 60% meat in our recipes and then use sweet potato as our complex carbohydrate along with other vegetables to offer a healthy recipe for your dog – It is recommended that up-to half your dog’s diet should be made up of proteins whilst the other half should be vegetables, vitamins and minerals.
What Are the Benefits?
A grain free diet for your dog also has many health benefits rather than just preventing possible health and gut deterioration. These benefits include:
- Healthier skin
- Shinier coat
- Keeping dogs fuller for longer
- Can reduce food allergies
- More energy and more playful
- Fewer and smaller stools
- Less shedding
- Better breath
- Reduced flatulence
Like all dog foods, if you are thinking of switching your pet to a grain free diet, please exercise the 7 day transition switch starting with 80% current food, 20% new food and switch to 10% more new food in each day over the 7 days. This applies to any diet changes for dogs not just grain free diets.
Thinking of switching to a grain free diet for your dog? Visit our Lakeland Heritage dog food page to browse the comprehensive range of grain free foods at competitive prices. The PDSA also has some great advice on looking after your pet and different diets to consider.
