NUTRITION SPOT LIGHT

THE GRAIN-FREE AND GLUTEN-FREE DIET TREND

A majority of our clients these days will proudly proclaim that their pets are eating a grain-free or gluten-free diet.  Unfortunately, the gluten-free trend, which coincides alongside the same human trend, is just the latest nutrition craze, and gluten-free doesn’t always mean better nutrition.

There are a few key factors that need to be considered when selecting the appropriate food for your pet.

Dogs are omnivores and are able to handle plant and animal based foods equally well.  In other words, their digestive tract is built like ours, and they can essentially eat anything.  There are very few known diseases in which dogs have gluten or grain intolerance.  There are definitely medical reasons to switch your dog’s food, or have them on a certain diet, based on various health concerns, but a typical healthy canine does not “need” a gluten-free food.   

These days, there is a HUGE selection of pet foods on the shelves of every pet store, and grocery store we frequent.  It makes it extremely difficult to choose a healthy food for your pet.  Make sure you speak with your veterinarian about what food is the best for your pet if they have any health concerns, but otherwise, be wary.....Good marketing doesn’t always equal better nutrition.