Should You Feed Your Dog Grains?

By Ekta Bakhle

Dogs began eating grains as a result of living closely with humans. Table scraps often included leftover bread, rice and other starchy foods. Over time, their digestive systems adapted to some extent but they remained carnivores with a limited capacity for processing carbohydrates. Today, grains are a common ingredient in commercial pet foods, often used as cheap fillers and binding agents in kibble. But if dogs can process carbohydrates, does it mean we should feed our dogs grains? Let’s look at what research suggests.

Ekta with her pets

Interpreting Research on Grains: Three Factors to Consider

Limited Independent Research

Canine nutrition is still an emerging field. Research on the use of grains in dog food is sparse and often inconclusive. Unlike human nutrition, where extensive studies exist, much of what we "know" about dogs and grains comes from anecdotal evidence and small-scale studies 

Bias in Industry

Funded Research A significant portion of research on dog food is funded  by pet food companies. These studies often favour grains, as they are cost-effective and  serve as binding agents in kibble production. This conflict of interest means the results may  not always be unbiased or reliable 

India's Unique Context

In a country like India, where breeding practices are largely  unregulated, dogs often have genetic vulnerabilities. Mixed-breed dogs, poorly bred  purebreds and even indigenous breeds may react differently to grains. Research conducted  on dogs in controlled environments abroad may not always apply here

Grains in your dog’s diet should serve a purpose. Here’s how to thoughtfully approach this decision.

Should You Add Grains to Your Dog’s Diet?

As a pet parent, always ask

• What is the purpose of this ingredient in the diet? 

• Is it adding value or is it just a filler? 

• Is it helping my dog thrive? 

Let’s break this down further to understand why you may want to add grains to your dog’s food.

As a Carbohydrate Source 

Dogs don't have a dietary requirement for carbohydrates but grains can be rotated as a carbohydrate source, if needed. They should not dominate the diet but complement it in moderation. Balanced plans should include high -quality ingredients to meet nutritional needs 

To Add Fibre 

Grains contain fibre, but there are better sources like pumpkin and leafy greens. They can provide fibre with minimised  risks of yeast infections or weight gain 

To Economise Meals 

Grains can make meals more economical, but this often requires  supplementation to ensure the diet remains nutritionally balanced. Rice, for instance, isn’t toxic but lacks the variety of nutrients dogs requires

Grain-free diets have gained popularity and are often marketed as a healthier choice. However, this trend comes with its own misconceptions

Grain-Free ≠ Starch-Free 

Many grain-free diets replace grains with other starches like  potatoes, corn or soy. These ingredients can still cause similar problems as grains if overused 

Health-Specific Needs

Dogs with conditions like skin issues, yeast infections, fungal  infections or hypothyroidism often thrive on low-carb or grain-free diets. Starches, whether  from grains or grain-free alternatives, can worsen these conditions 

Avoid Overgeneralisation

While many dogs benefit from grain-free diets, not all do. Focus on your dog's individual needs rather than blindly following trends.

Factors like breed, age, activity level and health conditions should guide your choices when deciding whether to include grains in your dog’s diet. While I typically recommend a low-carb, grain-free diet, I’ve also encountered dogs who do better with grains. These cases are rare, but they highlight the importance of keeping an open mind. 

Looking for the right meal?

Dog nutrition is not one-size-fits-all. The grain vs. no-grain debate should not overshadow the  bigger picture: feeding your dog with purpose and understanding their unique needs. Don’t fall for  marketing gimmicks or sensational statements. Instead, focus on the quality of ingredients, their  role in the diet and whether they’re helping your dog thrive. If in doubt, consult a professional who  can create a tailored, balanced plan for your dog. 

Remember, grains aren’t inherently toxic, nor are they a miracle ingredient. They’re just one piece of the puzzle—and how you use them matters. 

Ekta Bakhle is a certified canine and feline nutritionist. She completed her degree from Southern Illinois University. All opinions and information mentioned in the article are based on her own experience and research. You can reach out to her for consultation at ekta@whiskawoof.com.  

References  

• https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/dilated-cardiomyopathy-dogs-update • https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/17503-new-research-debunks-link-between-grain free-dog-food-and-dcm?

• Effects of a 28-day feeding trial of grain-containing versus pulse-based diets on cardiac function,  taurine levels and digestibility in domestic dogs doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285381 • Effect of Total Starch and Resistant Starch in Commercial Extruded Dog Foods on Gastric  Emptying in Siberian Huskies - Taylor L Richards 1, Alexandra Rankovic 2, John P Cant 1, Anna  K Shoveller 1, Jennifer L Adolphe 3, Dan Ramdath 4, Adronie Verbrugghe 2,  doi: 10.3390/ani11102928 

• https://news.uoguelph.ca/2023/04/peas-of-mind-pulse-ingredients-in-dog-food-not-linked-to heart-problems-says-new-u-of-g-research/