To Be Grain-Free Or Not To Be?

by Melanie Hauf

After researching and consulting with veterinarians, we have decided to introduce several new treats containing wheat. The wheat used in these recipes consists solely of the grinded whole kernels. There is no processing, and nothing is added to the ingredient.

Many veterinarians are now identifying and treating heart diseases caused by the lack of grain in a pet’s diet. There are many dog and cat foods sold as grain-free. suggesting that a grain-free diet is healthier. This is not true and can, in fact, cause illnesses for some dogs and cats. There is no medical or physiological basis proving that feeding dogs or cats a grain-free diet is better.

Side Effects of a Grain-Free Diet

  • Heart Disease
    • Some research suggests that grain-free diets are linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a type of heart disease that weakens the heart's ability to pump blood.
    • DCM can lead to:
1. heart murmurs
2. arrhythmias
3. collapse episodes
4. exercise intolerance
5. congestive heart failure
  • Taurine deficiency
    • Grain-free foods can contribute to taurine deficiencies, which can be linked to DCM. Taurine is an amino acid that's important for heart health and other bodily functions.
  • Low fiber
    • Grain-free diets can be low in fiber, which can be less filling for dogs/cats. Older and less active dogs/cats may benefit more from an increased fiber diet to give them the energy they need.
  • Legumes
    • Legumes such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin, beans and more are part of a well-balanced diet. 

In conclusion:
Wheat or other grains are not bad for your pet(s) as long as it is an organic and/or natural, non-processed ingredient.

As an example, Martine's dog Max is a rescue, and they were told he was allergic to chicken. One day he ate a piece of chicken. Martine immediately called Dr. Davis (her vet) who asked how Max was doing. Max was fine playing and happy. The next morning, Dr. Davis examined Max and told Martine that he was not actually allergic to Chicken, but to PROCESSED chicken. Since then, Martine has been cooking all her dog’s meals. She regularly uses chicken with either beef, lamb, or pork as meat for a protein base for their meals. As a person who suffers from severe allergies, Martine is extremely cautious about all the ingredients used in the baking of our treats.

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