{"id":17151,"date":"2026-09-18T08:29:54","date_gmt":"2026-09-18T15:29:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.justfoodfordogs.com\/?p=17151"},"modified":"2026-09-18T08:30:26","modified_gmt":"2026-09-18T15:30:26","slug":"is-grain-free-bad-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/is-grain-free-bad-for-dogs","title":{"rendered":"Is grain-free dog food bad? What you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"17151\" class=\"elementor elementor-17151\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4faefc0 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"4faefc0\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ca224c4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ca224c4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b>TL;DR: Grain-Inclusive vs. Grain-Free Dog Food<\/b><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Grain-free diets aren\u2019t always healthier.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> They rose in popularity by comparing dogs to wolves and labeling grains as \u201cfillers,\u201d but research doesn\u2019t support that claim.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>FDA investigating reports linked some grain-free \u201cBEG\u201d diets<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (boutique, exotic, grain-free) to heart disease (DCM) due to nutrient imbalances.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dogs are omnivores, not wolves.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> They\u2019ve evolved to digest grains efficiently, gaining energy, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals from them.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Grains provide real benefits:<\/b><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steady energy from complex carbs<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digestive support through fiber<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, and selenium<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>True grain allergies are rare.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Most food sensitivities stem from animal proteins, not grains. Always confirm with your vet before going grain-free.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bottom line: Skip the fad. Feed the facts. Choose a grain-inclusive, vet-formulated diet for your dog\u2019s long-term health and happiness.<\/span><\/i><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember when gluten-free everything swept the human diet scene? Well, a similar wave hit the pet food world, ushering in the era of grain-free dry dog food. It was marketed as a more \u201cnatural\u201d or \u201cancestral\u201d diet, appealing to our desire to give our pets the best without fully understanding the underlying science. For years, the grain-free movement has dominated the pet food conversation, leaving many well-meaning dog owners wondering if grains are the enemy of canine health. For many pups, however, grain-inclusive dog food isn\u2019t just good, it\u2019s often <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">better<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a devoted dog owner, you want to make informed decisions, not just follow fads. This guide will help you understand the real differences between grain-inclusive and grain-free diets, cut through the noise, and ultimately, give your furry companion the best possible nutrition. Let\u2019s dive in.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>What is grain-free dog food?<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grain-free dog food replaces traditional grains like wheat, corn, and rice with carbohydrate and legume substitutes such as peas, lentils, chickpeas, and potatoes. The removal of grains, however, does not mean the food is lower in carbohydrates or nutritionally superior.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The grain-free trend gained immense popularity by playing on a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetmed.tamu.edu\/news\/pet-talk\/grains-or-no-grains-addressing-pet-owner-concerns\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common misconception<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: that dogs are essentially wolves and, therefore, shouldn\u2019t consume grains. The narrative suggested that grains were \u201cfillers\u201d or common allergens, leading to digestive issues with sensitive stomachs or skin problems. Pet food companies capitalized on this, creating a vast market for grain-free kibbles, wet foods, and treats.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The messaging was powerful and persuasive, leading many to believe that eliminating grains was a surefire way to improve their dog\u2019s health. While well-intentioned and fueled by love for our pets, it often lacked a solid scientific foundation.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>What Exactly Are Grains in Dog Food?<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When we talk about grains in dog food, we\u2019re referring to the edible seeds of certain grasses. Common examples include:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">corn<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wheat<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rice<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/can-dogs-have-quinoa.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">quinoa<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">barley<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oats<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">millet<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sorghum<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For years, these ingredients have formed the backbone of balanced dog food formulations.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s crucial to understand that these aren\u2019t the indigestible, raw grains you might imagine. In high-quality dog food, grains are carefully processed and cooked, making their nutrients bioavailable and easily digestible for your canine companion. They\u2019re not just cheap chewy \u201cfillers\u201d; they\u2019re carefully selected ingredients chosen for their nutritional value.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>Why do dogs need grains in their diet?<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contrary to popular belief, dogs are not strict carnivores <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/all-about-cats.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">like cats<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. They are omnivores, meaning their digestive systems are well-equipped to process and utilize both animal and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/the-science-behind-vegan-dog-food.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plant-based ingredients<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including grains. Over thousands of years of domestication, dogs have evolved alongside humans, developing enzymes that allow them to digest starches much more efficiently than their wolf ancestors.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When grains are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/gently-cooked-dog-food.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">properly cooked<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and incorporated into a well-formulated dog food, their starch content is highly digestible. This means your dog\u2019s digestive system can break them down efficiently, extracting the maximum nutritional benefit with minimal waste.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Dietary fiber for digestive health<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grains are excellent sources of both <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/fiber-for-dogs.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">soluble and insoluble fiber<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Fiber is vital for digestive health. It aids in regular bowel movements, acts as a prebiotic to nourish beneficial gut bacteria, and helps your dog feel full and satisfied.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>B vitamins and essential minerals<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grains like oats, rice, and barley are excellent sources of B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folate. These vitamins are crucial cofactors in countless metabolic processes, supporting energy production, nerve function, and red blood cell formation.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond just energy and fiber, grains contribute a wealth of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/6-essential-nutrients-that-make-a-balanced-diet-for-dogs.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">other important nutrients<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including magnesium (for muscle and nerve function) and selenium (an antioxidant).<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Carbohydrates as an energy source<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imagine trying to run a marathon on a diet solely of high protein and fat. You\u2019d likely feel sluggish and quickly run out of steam. Dogs are active creatures, and their bodies require readily available energy. This is where complex carbohydrates from grains shine. They are an incredibly efficient and easily digestible energy source, powering everything from a morning walk to an afternoon play session.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The idea that grains are merely \u201cfillers\u201d that pass through undigested is simply untrue for quality grain-inclusive foods. They provide the sustained energy your dog needs to thrive, without taxing their system.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Support for a healthy gut microbiome<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fiber from grains is fundamental for gut health and supporting a healthy weight. It promotes regular bowel movements, preventing both constipation and diarrhea. More importantly, certain types of fiber act as prebiotics, feeding the beneficial bacteria in your dog\u2019s gut microbiome. A healthy gut microbiome is increasingly recognized as central to overall health, influencing everything from immunity to mood.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>Are grain-free dog food diets bad for dogs?<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s where the plot thickens. While the grain-free trend was soaring, veterinary nutritionists and researchers began to notice a disturbing pattern with heart conditions. In the late 2010s, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) started investigating a potential link between certain \u201cboutique,\u201d \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/grain-free-dog-food-heart-disease.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">grain-free<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,\u201d and \u201cexotic ingredient\u201d (BEG) diets and an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucdavis.edu\/news\/dogs-fed-some-popular-diets-could-be-risk-heart-disease\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increased risk of<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DCM is a serious heart disease that causes the heart to enlarge and lose its ability to pump blood effectively, often leading to heart failure. What researchers found was startling: dogs on these BEG diets, particularly grain-free ones, were developing DCM at higher rates, even in small breeds or large breeds not typically predisposed to the condition.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The working hypothesis points to an imbalance in certain nutrients, specifically taurine, which is crucial for heart health. While the exact mechanism is still being studied, it\u2019s believed that the ingredients used as grain alternatives (legumes like peas, lentils, and potatoes) might interfere with taurine metabolism or absorption, or simply not provide sufficient levels.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>When do vets recommend grain-free dog food?<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With all this talk about the benefits of grains, you might wonder if there\u2019s <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ever<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a good reason to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/a-veterinarians-take-on-grain-free-dog-food.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">go grain-free<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. And the answer is yes, but these instances are far rarer than the grain-free marketing would have you believe.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Dogs with confirmed gluten intolerance or grain allergy<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The notion that grain allergies are widespread in dogs is a myth. Food allergies in dogs are far less common than often perceived, and when they do occur, they are most frequently triggered by animal protein sources like beef, dairy, chicken, lamb, or fish, not grains. True grain allergies, specifically to corn or wheat, are quite rare.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diagnosing a true food allergy requires a systematic approach, typically involving a limited-ingredient <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/dog-food-trial.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">elimination diet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This means feeding your dog a novel protein and carbohydrate source (ingredients they\u2019ve never eaten before) for several weeks, then reintroducing potential allergens one by one to pinpoint the culprit.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms of food allergies often manifest as skin issues (itching, redness, recurrent ear infections) or gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea).<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s crucial not to self-diagnose a grain allergy. Switching to a grain-free diet \u201cjust in case\u201d without a confirmed diagnosis not only exposes your dog to potential health risks but also prevents you from addressing the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> underlying issue.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Working with Your Vet: A Tailored Approach<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your dog is experiencing persistent health issues that you suspect might be diet-related, the absolute best course of action as a pet parent is to consult your veterinarian. They can help differentiate between true food allergies, environmental allergies, or other medical conditions. If a food allergy is suspected, your vet will guide you through the diagnostic process.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the rare event that your dog is diagnosed with a true grain allergy, your vet can recommend a carefully formulated, nutritionally complete <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/grain-free-dog-food-heart-disease.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">grain-free diet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, often a therapeutic diet specifically designed by veterinary nutritionists to mitigate risks.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These specialized diets are very different from the widely available, commercial grain-free foods that have been linked to DCM. This is the only scenario where a grain-free diet is genuinely indicated, and it should always be implemented under strict veterinary supervision.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>How to choose the right food for your dog<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, you\u2019re convinced that grain-inclusive is the way to go for most dogs. Great! Now, how do you navigate the overwhelming options on the shelves and pick a truly excellent food?<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Look for an AAFCO complete and balanced certification<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look for a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/has-the-food-youve-been-feeding-your-dog-ever-been-tested.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AAFCO<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) that says the food is \u201cformulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for [life stage]\u201d (e.g., maintenance, growth, all life stages) or \u201cprovides complete and balanced nutrition for [life stage].\u201d This confirms the food is nutritionally complete and balanced. To go the extra mile, pet parents can use WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) guidelines to evaluate appropriate diets.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Prioritize named protein sources as the first ingredient<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first ingredient should be a named meat source, like \u201cchicken,\u201d \u201cbeef,\u201d or \u201csalmon,\u201d not just \u201cchicken meal\u201d or \u201cpoultry byproduct\u201d (though these can still be good protein sources, a named whole meat is often preferred).<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Consult a vet before switching, especially for pets with existing health conditions<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your vet knows your dog\u2019s individual health history, breed predispositions, activity level, and any existing medical conditions like sensitive stomachs. They can provide personalized recommendations based on sound scientific principles, not marketing hype. Don\u2019t be afraid to bring in your dog\u2019s current food label or ask for specific brand recommendations. Your vet is your partner in ensuring your dog\u2019s optimal health.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>Feed what your dog actually needs<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The journey of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/7-tips-for-choosing-exactly-the-right-food-for-your-dog.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">choosing the right food for your dog<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can feel overwhelming, but armed with accurate information, it becomes a clear path. For the vast majority of dogs, grain-inclusive diets with quality ingredients offer a complete, balanced, and safe nutritional foundation. They provide essential energy, vital nutrients, and fiber, all while avoiding the potential cardiac risks associated with many grain-free formulations.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, your dog\u2019s health isn\u2019t about following the latest fad; it\u2019s about making evidence-based decisions. Trust in the science, consult your veterinarian, and confidently choose a high-quality, grain-inclusive food that meets your pup\u2019s nutritional needs. By doing so, you\u2019re not just filling their bowl; you\u2019re fueling a lifetime of wagging tails, happy adventures, and a healthy heart.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Explore grain-free and grain-inclusive options from JustFoodForDogs Fresh Frozen and Vet-Prescribed Meals.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-74b2419 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"74b2419\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 data-interaction-id=\"e6844b9\" class=\"e-heading-base e-default-h2\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2253ed1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-accordion\" data-id=\"2253ed1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;default_state&quot;:&quot;expanded&quot;,&quot;max_items_expended&quot;:&quot;one&quot;,&quot;n_accordion_animation_duration&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;ms&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:400,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"nested-accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-accordion\" aria-label=\"Accordion. Open links with Enter or Space, close with Escape, and navigate with Arrow Keys\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-3590\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" open>\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"1\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-3590\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What dog food is not recommended by vets? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-3590\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e0c672f e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e0c672f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-58cc7de elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"58cc7de\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vets generally advise against grain-free boutique diets high in legumes like peas, lentils, and chickpeas, particularly those named in the FDA&#8217;s 2019 investigation. Diets that do not meet AAFCO complete and balanced standards are also discouraged.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-3591\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"2\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-3591\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Can dogs have lentils? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-3591\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2fc4c72 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"2fc4c72\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-14114f8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"14114f8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs can eat lentils in small amounts, but lentils and other legumes used as a primary carbohydrate substitute in grain-free diets have been associated with the FDA&#8217;s DCM investigation, making high-lentil diets a concern for long-term feeding.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-3592\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"3\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-3592\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Is grain-free food good for dogs with allergies? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-3592\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d0b4193 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d0b4193\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6bbd1ec elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6bbd1ec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grain-free food is not an effective solution for most dog allergies, as the majority of canine food allergies are caused by protein sources such as chicken, beef, or dairy, not grains. A vet-supervised elimination diet is the only reliable way to identify the actual allergen.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>TL;DR: Grain-Inclusive vs. Grain-Free Dog Food Grain-free diets aren\u2019t always healthier. They rose in popularity by comparing dogs to wolves and labeling grains as \u201cfillers,\u201d but research doesn\u2019t support that claim. FDA investigating reports linked some grain-free \u201cBEG\u201d diets (boutique, exotic, grain-free) to heart disease (DCM) due to nutrient imbalances. Dogs are omnivores, not wolves. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":10993,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_jffd_show_updated":"","footnotes":"","_ppma_block_editor_authors":""},"categories":[80],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[280],"class_list":["post-17151","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wellbeing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.8 (Yoast SEO v28.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Is grain-free dog food bad? What you need to know<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Grain-free diets for dogs have been linked to heart disease by the FDA. 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