Grain-free dog kibble: good or bad?

Nutrition is a sensitive topic, whether for dogs or for us humans, and several ideologies exist. As with dieticians, veterinary nutritionists sometimes have differing opinions, which can be misleading, especially when we are bombarded with advertisements on social media, particularly from brands selling grain-free dog food (also known as Grain Free). We tend to trust what we read, hear, and see. Whether on the subject of food or any other topic (such as training, types of treats), our opinion at Weloca is that it is our duty to get informed, to ask the right people (especially the veterinarian) before changing our pet's diet, whether it's a puppy, an adult dog, or a senior dog. Our choices about food must be well thought out; the health of our dogs depends on them.

Grain-free dog food is an increasingly popular option in France and abroad among dog owners concerned about their dog's health and well-being. Grains, such as wheat, corn, and barley, are often used as a source of carbohydrates in dog food, but some people (those who advocate grain-free) believe that they can be difficult for some dogs to digest, especially those with food sensitivities or allergies. It is assumed that by opting for grain-free kibble, this potential source of carbohydrates is eliminated and generally replaced by high-quality animal protein sources, such as salmon, lamb, duck, or chicken. Finally, it is heard that this can be beneficial for carnivorous dogs, who need a protein-rich diet to support their health and energy.

But what is the origin of this new trend? Is it a fad or is it truly linked to a scientific discovery? Are there proven benefits to grain-free kibble? Is it of better quality? Is it better for the health of our animals? What are the risks? Is it suitable for all dog breeds, all sizes, all ages? All these questions that we must ask ourselves before changing our pet's diet.

Let's go back to basics: what does it take to make kibble?

The manufacture of dog food is a delicate process, designed to provide a complete and balanced diet that meets the specific needs of our dogs. This kibble, with or without grains, is supposed to be the result of a carefully studied mixture of ingredients selected for their nutritional value, digestibility, and palatability. Here is a list of the key ingredients:

Dog kibble incorporates various ingredients, each providing essential nutrients:

• Proteins: primary sources of energy and tissue builders, they come from meats like chicken, beef, lamb, or fish, as well as plant sources.

• Carbohydrates: provided by grains (corn, wheat, rice) or vegetables, they provide energy and aid in stool formation.

• Fiber: essential for good digestion, they often come from vegetables, beet pulp, or grain bran.

• Fats: concentrated sources of energy, animal fats or vegetable oils also add flavor to kibble.

• Vitamins and minerals: Supplements added to meet dogs' specific nutritional needs, contributing to their overall health.

The quality and origin of the ingredients, the amount of animal protein, and the dosage of vitamins and minerals in the kibble will vary depending on the brand. Premium brands (often veterinary brands), which are therefore more expensive, will have a better composition than brands purchased in supermarkets. It is important to consult professionals to choose kibble that best meets your pet's nutritional needs.

The origin of grain-free kibble

Let's get straight to the point: grain-free originates from BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), which is, very concretely, a return to nature. Since dogs descend from wolves, they can subsist on what is found in nature for food. The reasoning is quite simple: since grains are not an ingredient found in nature, it would not be necessary to give them to a dog.

Now that we know this, it's important to talk about how kibble is made. To make kibble, it is absolutely essential to use starch. No starch, no kibble. It's the starch that gives kibble its crunchy texture. Thus, starch is an integral ingredient in kibble used by all pet food brands (= those who manufacture our dogs' kibble).

In kibble with grains, the starch comes from grains (such as wheat, barley, or corn). In grain-free kibble, the starch then comes from potatoes, sweet potatoes, but also and in most cases from legumes (peas, lentils, green peas).

The first point that weakens the reasoning is, if we don't give grains to our animals because they are not found in nature, why do we give them vegetables?

It is important to emphasize here that grain-free has no nutritional basis.

What are the risks of a grain-free diet for dogs? Can it cause problems in the animal that it didn't have before?

Kibble appeared about 70 years ago. So, we have about fifty years of hindsight on kibble, its effects, things to avoid, the benefits of each ingredient, the necessary nutritional contributions, etc.

As for grain-free kibble, it appeared 10 years ago ("grain free") and 5 years ago in France. To date, we therefore don't really have enough hindsight on the effects of grain-free or on the problems it could cause in the long term. The only conclusion we have been able to draw is related to digestive intolerances. Eating grain-free kibble packed with legumes (essential for the starch they contain) is the equivalent of eating a cassoulet every day. We'll let you imagine the damage to digestion; it's an open door to gas and diarrhea.

The second risk of a grain-free diet is that it could cause dilated myocarditis, i.e., heart disease, according to a recent study by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration, the organization regulating public health in the United States). This would come precisely from the lentils and peas used as a source of starch. Soluble fibers in too large quantities, in addition to causing gas, would cause taurine deficiencies (and therefore heart disease).

Fact / Fiction about grain-free

"A dog is a carnivore, so it should not eat cereals as they make digestion difficult." => FALSE

We often hear the argument from those who advocate a grain-free canine diet, claiming that dogs are naturally carnivorous because they are ultimately just domesticated wolves. A diet based on meat and offal should therefore be sufficient. But unlike the wolf, the dog has grown closer to humans, who began agriculture more than 10,000 years ago. Dogs were fed human table scraps. They have therefore followed a very different path from that of the wolf in terms of diet. The proof is a recent scientific study which showed that, unlike the wolf, the dog has acquired the ability to digest starch (thanks to enzymes called amylase). Starch is the basis of kibble production!

"Grain-free kibble is carbohydrate-free, therefore better for our dogs." => FALSE.

Kibble with grains is made from wheat, corn, and barley. As we explained, starch is essential for producing kibble. Kibble with grains will therefore contain carbohydrates.

In grain-free kibble, the source of starch changes, and manufacturers will use legumes or potatoes, for example. So, there will also be carbohydrates! It's important not to confuse "grain free" with "carbohydrate-free."

"As in humans, cereals are sources of allergies and food intolerance (especially to gluten)" => TRUE, but only in very few cases

It is possible that your animal develops allergies or intolerances due to the cereals present in kibble. However, when allergies occur, cereals are only responsible in 13% of cases. Cereals are therefore the 5th most common allergen, behind beef (34% of allergies), dairy products (17%), chicken (15%), and lamb (14.5%).

Next, should we worry about gluten? First, gluten is not present in all cereals. While it is found in foods like wheat, barley, spelt, and rye, it is not present in corn or rice. Second, gluten allergy is hereditary in animals as well as in humans. Only certain breeds are susceptible to this type of problem, such as Irish Setters and Border Terriers. So there's no need to worry excessively, and it's not a reason to remove cereals for all dog breeds.

"By removing grains, pet food manufacturers increase the animal protein content." => FALSE in most cases

It is true that grains are less nutritionally interesting than proteins in our dogs' diets. So the idea that if we remove grains from kibble, there will be more room for more meat is good. Unfortunately, it is not, or hardly, technically feasible. As we have seen, we must always include a source of starch to make kibble. So, room must be left for legumes or potatoes. This space cannot therefore be taken up by more protein.

It should still be noted that some brands manage to reduce the amount of starch to increase the protein content, which in these cases can be interesting.

"Grain-free means mycotoxin-free." => FALSE

For some dog owners, the concern is not so much the grains themselves but the mycotoxins they can contain. These toxins, produced by molds, can form on plant products during cultivation or storage, affecting not only grains but also other foods like potatoes and legumes (used in grain-free kibble). Mycotoxins can also be found in livestock feed, potentially contaminating meat if animals consume these infected forages, and consequently, they can be present in all types of kibble, whether they contain grains or not.

However, the risk of mycotoxin contamination is strictly monitored. Kibble producers who are members of FACCO (French Federation of Pet Food Manufacturers) conduct regular tests on raw materials to identify any presence of mycotoxins, thereby allowing contaminated ingredients to be eliminated before use.

"Kibble packed with grains is nutritionally poor" => TRUE

In reality, the problem isn't really the presence of grains; it's more their quantity. To be healthy, a dog must have a diet rich in protein from meat (chicken, lamb, duck, turkey) or fish such as salmon. Proteins should account for 30 to 40% of their diet. Therefore, kibble that is too rich in grains and not enough in protein does not meet a dog's nutritional needs. Whether you choose kibble with or without grains, it's always important to check the composition and the list of all ingredients on the product label. And be careful, price doesn't always mean quality.

In conclusion, from a purely nutritional perspective, grain-free kibble is not better than kibble containing grains. The only thing that matters is the content of starch-containing ingredients and the protein content. You can find kibble, both with and without grains, that has a low starch content coupled with a high protein level, which makes them good kibbles. Kibble with a very high level of legumes or grains should be avoided. It is always recommended to consult a veterinarian before changing your dog's diet. Every dog is different and has specific nutritional needs, so it is essential to choose a diet that suits your dog and provides all the nutrients they need to be healthy.

FAQ - Grain-free dog food

Is grain-free kibble better?

Grain-free kibble is often presented as a healthier alternative for dogs, especially for those with food sensitivities or grain allergies. However, it is not necessarily better for all dogs. The important thing is to choose kibble that is balanced in essential nutrients, regardless of whether it contains grains or not. Proteins, healthy fats, and vitamins are the key components of a quality diet, and the presence or absence of grains primarily depends on the animal's specific needs.

Is grain-free dog food bad for your dog?

Grain-free dog food is not inherently bad for all dogs. It can be suitable for those with grain allergies or intolerances, but it is not a necessity for all dogs. The absence of grains does not automatically mean better food quality. What matters is that the food provides a good balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. In some cases, grain-free kibble may contain high-carbohydrate substitutes, so it is essential to check the composition to ensure it meets your dog's nutritional needs.

Is grain-free food harmful to my dog?

Grain-free foods are not necessarily harmful to your dog. They can be a good option for dogs suffering from specific grain allergies or intolerances. However, it is important to ensure that these foods contain balanced sources of protein, fat, and essential nutrients. In some cases, grain-free foods may use other carbohydrate sources, such as potatoes or legumes, which must be carefully portioned to avoid deficiencies or excesses. The main thing is to adapt the diet to your dog's specific needs and consult a veterinarian if you have any doubts.