Do you remember a few years ago when everyone joined the gluten-free club? Some claimed they were cutting carbs from their diet because of a newfound gluten allergy. While celiac disease is a very real issue, only about 1% of the population is truly allergic to gluten. 

The cutting carbs craze even made its way into the pet food industry. Brands began marketing grain-free dog food formulas to wild success. Even today, most commercial dog food products have no grain ingredients. 

The truth about gluten and grains in dog food only came out a few years ago. In 2019, the FDA released findings from an investigation that links heart failure in dogs with some of the best grain-free dog food brands. 

Where do you stand on dog food with grain? We’ll break down both sides of the issue today so you can decide on what’s best for your furry friend. 

What is grain-free dog food? 

The trend of grainless pet food started in the early 2000s. Gluten-free, paleo, and low-carb diets were all the rage for humans. Why not follow the same protocol for your pup? Pet food brands took the idea and ran with it. 

Grain-free dog food became the more natural choice for canine nutrition–at least, that’s how it was marketed. Brands began to twist the narrative on grain and refer to it as a filler ingredient. The idea makes sense, seeing as animal protein takes up the majority of a dog’s diet. 

So, is grain-free dog food better? Definitely not–we’ll explain why in the next section.

The Issue with Grain Free Dog Food

Even the best grain free dog food has drawbacks. Here are a few important considerations before you take your dog off their grain-inclusive diet.

Nutritional Gaps 

Removing grain or gluten from your pup’s diet doesn’t mean it’s more nutritious. Instead, most grain-free recipes add carbohydrate ingredients like potatoes or legumes. But these foods come with a different nutrient profile that might be harmful to your dog. Missing out on certain vitamins, minerals, or amino acid profiles can upset everything from digestion to heart health. 

Risk to Digestive Health

Whole grains are a great source of soluble and insoluble fiber for dogs. Both types of fiber support smooth digestion, healthy poops, and a stable gut microbiome. If you cut grains out of your dog’s diet, your pup may experience constipation or diarrhea from the missing fiber. 

Grain Allergies are Rare

Unless your dog is allergic to grain, a grainless diet isn’t necessary. Some people make the switch to grain-free dog food under the guise that it will alleviate allergy symptoms. But if you think your food is the culprit, try switching proteins first. Proteins are the most common food allergies in dogs, not grain. 

Ongoing FDA Investigation Linking Grain Free Dog Food & Heart Disease 

In 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced an investigation into grain-free dog foods. Many people reported their dogs were suffering from heart issues after grain-free products from popular pet brands. 

To fill the grain gap, brands add alternative carbohydrates like potatoes, peas, lentils, and chickpeas. Large servings of legume ingredients like these hinder the way dogs process nutrients. Taurine, an essential mineral for heart health, can’t be absorbed properly. 

The investigation found 500+ cases of dogs developing dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) after consistently eating grain-free dog food between 2014 and 2019. Some of the best grain free dog food brands were named in the report, including:

• Acana
• Zignature
• Taste of the Wild
• Natural Balance
• Fromm
• Nature’s Domain
• Orijen
• Blue Buffalo
• NutriSource
• Nutro
• Rachael Ray Nutrish

Why Your Pup Needs Dog Food with Grain

Does your furry friend have a grain allergy? If so, feed them the best grain free dog food you can find. If allergies aren’t your pup’s problem, dog food with grain is the way to go. Whole grain dog food can do a lot for your dog’s health and your peace of mind in return. 

Digestive Support

All grains aren’t created equal. Oats, brown rice, and millet are considered whole grains that are rich in both types of fiber. Exposure to whole grains can help your dog poop regularly, digest food better, and maintain a healthy weight. 

Balanced Energy Levels

Whole grains provide your dog with complex carbohydrates. These types of carbs release energy slowly and steadily throughout the day. It helps your dog keep up all day long instead of releasing short bursts of energy at mealtime. 

Nutrient Boost

Inside healthy whole grains, you’ll find a plethora of nutrients that better your dog. B vitamins boost metabolism, magnesium regulates nerve function, and antioxidants fight off bacteria. What’s the benefit of cutting off natural vitamins and minerals? 

Is grain-free dog food better than dog food with grain?

Let’s face it: humans and animals have different nutritional needs. We may be able to eat some of the same foods, but we don’t need to follow the same diet trends. For instance, dogs need nearly double the protein that humans do. 

As humans, we rely on carbohydrates as our main source of energy. Dogs don’t need nearly as many carbs as we do, but they still benefit from the nutrients found in whole grains. There’s no nutritional reason to cut grains out of your dog’s diet unless they have been diagnosed with food allergies. 

Look, we aren’t here to judge the way you feed your dog. Simply feeding a complete and balanced diet means you’re a good dog parent. We understand that the kibble in the sale bin is all that’s going to cut the budget sometimes. But if you want something better for your pup, try dog food with grain and clean ingredients–like Sundays. 

If you aren’t sure what’s best for your dog, schedule a visit with the vet. They can address your concerns and help you make the right decision for your pup. 

Sundays: The Best Grain-Inclusive Dog Food

At Sundays, we believe in feeding dogs complete and balanced meals that include healthy whole grains. All three Sundays’ dog food recipes feature whole grains, alongside all-natural animal meat, fruits, veggies, and clean superfoods. 

We gently air-dry our food to lock in natural flavor and nutritional value. Whole grains like millet and oat support your dog’s energy, digestion, and nutrient profile. We never rely on filler ingredients like legumes or potatoes. Instead, Sundays delivers 100% human-grade dog food that levels up your pup’s health.