Grains are an Essential Component in a Healthy Diet for Dogs

Grains are a Beneficial Component in a Healthy Diet for Dogs

For years, grains have been a topic of debate in the dog food industry. Some owners and manufacturers opt for grain-free diets, fearing that grains may lead to allergies or digestive issues in dogs. However, evidence shows that grains are a highly beneficial component of a dog's diet when included in balanced formulations. Excluding grains without proper substitution can lead to nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals, potentially impacting digestive health, energy levels, and overall vitality.

Nutritional Benefits of Grains for Dogs

Grains such as rice, wheat, and sorghum are rich in nutrients that can contribute to a balanced, wholesome diet for dogs. Contrary to popular misconceptions, grains offer many nutritional advantages, especially when integrated into a well-formulated dog food. These advantages include providing a source of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals that promote overall health.

1. Source of Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are a useful and efficient energy source for dogs, particularly for active breeds. Grains provide complex carbohydrates, which are slow to digest and provide sustained energy. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), carbohydrates are critical for maintaining an active lifestyle and supporting overall bodily functions, including brain activity and muscle repair. The slow-release nature of carbohydrates found in whole grains helps avoid spikes and crashes in blood sugar, which is especially important for maintaining stable energy levels throughout the day.
2. Dietary Fiber for Digestive Health: Grains like brown rice and sorghum are excellent sources of dietary fiber. Fiber plays a crucial role in digestive health by supporting regular bowel movements and maintaining gut health. Research has consistently shown that fiber in grains can help regulate digestion in dogs, improve stool quality, and prevent constipation. Fiber also aids in the fermentation of beneficial gut bacteria, supporting a healthy microbiome. This can contribute to improved digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall immune function
3. Vitamins and Minerals: Grains also contain vital nutrients such as B-vitamins, iron, magnesium, and zinc. These vitamins and minerals are important for a variety of functions, including energy metabolism, immune health, and maintaining skin and coat health. The B-vitamins found in grains, such as niacin, riboflavin, and thiamine, are particularly important for energy production, nerve function, and the metabolism of proteins and fats. Magnesium and zinc help support healthy bone growth, muscle function, and immune response. These nutrients play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of dogs at all life stages.

Scientific Support for Grains in Dog Diets

Leading veterinary authorities agree that grains provide essential nutritional benefits for dogs. Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer at the American Kennel Club, states that "studies have shown that there are nutrients present in grains that are essential for a complete and balanced diet," adding that "the fiber that grains contribute to the diet helps keep the dog's gastrointestinal system functioning and healthy." This expert consensus is supported by extensive research from major veterinary institutions.

The Clinical Nutrition Service at Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine has conducted comprehensive research demonstrating the value of grains in canine nutrition. Their findings emphasize that "whole grains, rather than being fillers, contribute valuable nutrients including vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and fiber to diets while helping to keep the fat and calories lower than if animal products were used in their place." Tufts researchers note that the vast majority of dogs are highly efficient—over 90%—at digesting and utilizing nutrients from grains in the amounts typically found in pet foods. Furthermore, while food allergies in pets are uncommon, allergies to grains are even rarer, with the small number of pets that do have allergies most likely to be allergic to animal proteins such as chicken, beef, and dairy rather than grains.

Grain Allergies are Uncommon in Dogs

While it is true that some dogs may have allergies or intolerances to certain grains, it is important to note that grain allergies in dogs are relatively uncommon. According to research published in BMC Veterinary Research, when food allergies do occur in dogs, wheat accounts for only 13% of cases, while beef (34%), dairy (17%), and chicken (15%) are far more common allergens. It is critical to understand that these percentages represent the proportion of food-allergic dogs, not the general dog population. Food allergies themselves affect only approximately 1-2% of all dogs. Therefore, wheat allergies represent just 13% of that already small 1-2% subset, meaning that wheat allergies affect less than one quarter of one percent of the entire dog population—an extraordinarily small fraction. This data underscores that grain sensitivities affect only a very small minority of dogs.

Concerns About Grain-Free Diets and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

In recent years, grain-free diets—particularly those featuring boutique, exotic, and grain-free (BEG) formulations—have come under scrutiny due to a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched an investigation into these cases after reports emerged linking certain grain-free diets with increased incidence of DCM in dogs.

Research from Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine has documented significant benefits of grain-inclusive diets and raised concerns about grain-free formulations. A 2022 prospective study by Freeman et al., published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, found that dogs with diet-associated DCM showed marked improvement when provided veterinary care and switched from non-traditional (grain-free) diets to traditional grain-inclusive diets, with many experiencing reversal of heart enlargement and living longer than dogs with typical genetic DCM. This research provides strong evidence that grain-inclusive diets can support cardiac health and even reverse diet-associated heart damage.

While research is still ongoing and no definitive causal link has been established between grain-free diets and DCM, the mounting evidence has underscored the importance of choosing well-researched, nutritionally balanced dog foods. For most dogs, grain-inclusive diets appear to offer both nutritional benefits and cardiac safety advantages over grain-free alternatives.

Common Grains Used in Dog Foods

1. Rice: White and brown rice are frequently included in dog foods due to their digestibility and moderate glycemic index. Brown rice, in particular, retains its bran and germ, providing higher fiber content compared to white rice, which helps regulate digestion.
2. Oats: Oats are a great source of soluble fiber, which aids in controlling blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Oats are also gentle on a dog's digestive system and are often recommended for dogs with sensitive stomach.
3. Wheat: While wheat can sometimes be a source of allergens for sensitive dogs, it can be a highly digestible grain when there are no sensitivities. It contains important nutrients like B-vitamins, fiber, and protein.

Lesser Known, Highly Beneficial Grain: Sorghum

Sorghum is often called a "superfood" and for good reason. It is a gluten-free grain that is highly digestible and packed with essential nutrients. As a complex carbohydrate, it provides a slow-release energy source that helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, making it especially beneficial for active dogs or those with diabetes or other blood sugar-related concerns. Sorghum is also an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which promotes gastrointestinal health by regulating bowel movements, reducing bloating, and preventing constipation. Additionally, it contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and support immune health, as well as B-vitamins (such as thiamine and niacin) that aid in energy metabolism and overall cellular function. Sorghum is particularly beneficial for dogs with gluten sensitivities or those in need of a nutrient-dense grain option, earning sorghum its well-deserved reputation as a canine superfood.

Grains, when appropriately incorporated into a dog's diet, offer a variety of benefits, including providing a steady source of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Evidence-based research consistently supports the inclusion of grains in dog foods for overall health and well-being. While some dogs may have sensitivities to certain grains, for the majority, grains are a nutritious and valuable component of a balanced diet. When grains are excluded from a dog's diet without proper substitution, it can lead to nutritional deficiencies, particularly in fiber, B-vitamins, and essential minerals, potentially affecting digestive health, energy levels, and immune function. Moreover, emerging evidence suggests that grain-free diets may be associated with increased risks of dilated cardiomyopathy. For dog owners, understanding the role and benefits of grains in canine nutrition is key to ensuring their pets receive a well-rounded, health-promoting diet that supports their energy needs, digestive health, cardiac function, and longevity.

References

American Kennel Club. (2024). Essential Dog Food Ingredients for Healthy Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/essential-dog-food-ingredients-for-healthy-dogs/

Freeman, L.M., Rush, J.E., Adin, D.B., Weeks, K.L., Antoon, K.N., Bramblett, D.E., Hooper, A.N., Jones, A.E., Matos, J.N., & Dorsey, R.M. (2022). Prospective study of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs eating non-traditional or traditional diets and in dogs with subclinical cardiac abnormalities. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 36, 451-463. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.16397

Mueller, R.S., Olivry, T., & Prélaud, P. (2016). Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (2): common food allergen sources in dogs and cats. BMC Veterinary Research, 12, 9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-015-0633-8

Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Clinical Nutrition Service. Frequently Asked Questions about General Pet Nutrition. Retrieved from https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/faqs/about-general-pet-nutrition/