[NAGDU] Grain vs. Other Food

Tue Jul 25 19:35:55 UTC 2017

Hi Elise,

There are a couple of differences between food containing grain and
those which do not. Dogs typically do best with a diet higher in
protein (from animal sources) and lower in carbs. Many foods
containing grain have a lower protein content, and therefore higher
carbohydrate content, than grain free foods. Of course, this is a
generalization, and there are definitely some foods containing grain
with high protein levels and some grain free foods with very little
protein. I have also noticed that lower quality grain containing foods
tend to use corn and/or wheat, while higher quality ones use rice,
barley, oatmeal, etc.

Though foods contain grains (especially with lower protein levels)
tend to be lower priced per pound, you often have to feed more than
you would with a higher protein grain free food with the same caloric
content.

Removing grains from a dog's diet is by no means a magical cure for
all allergies. When a dog develops allergies, the first place to look
is usually at the food. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the main
ingredients of a food that they have eaten constantly for years
(though this of course does not apply to all or even most dogs). Most
common brands of food contain some protein followed by one or two
types of grains. This is why many dogs with food allergies tend to do
better on a grain free diet, because you are removing one of the most
likely allergens.

If you are looking at switching foods, or need to do so at any time in
the future, Dog Food Advisor is a great resource. I tend to only
consider brands/formulas with a 4.5 or 5 star rating. I personally
also try to stay at or above 29 or 30% protein.

Danielle and Thai

On 7/25/17, Janell via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Hi Viviana,  what brand do you use?  I am always looking for suggestions,
> but I don’t have the time to research it as much as others.
> T
> Hanks-Janell and Sully
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Vivianna via
> NAGDU
> Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2017 12:13 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Vivianna <irishana at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Grain vs. Other Food
>
> Well, i have read that feeding grain just isn’t the best for dogs.  i am
> geeky enough to browse the ingredients for many many dog foods.
> dog food advisor gives natural balance a rating of 3.5 stars, with 5 being
> the highest.  so, i tend to think of it like this.  if i am shopping for
> something on amazon, for example, and i read that there are 2 different
> brands of the same thing but, one has a rating of only 3.5 while the other
> has a rating of 5, then, of course, i will purchase the one with the highest
> rating.
> I have looked up many many brand reviews over on dog food advisor and i have
> yet to find a single food with grains in it that makes the highest rating of
> 5 stars.
> dogs can get candida just like we can and eating a food ful of grains can
> promote this.
> also, grain-free foods seem to be more concentrated so that you feed less
> and your dog eliminates less as well.  this is a fine thing as far as i am
> concerned.
> chewie.com has come out with a new brand of food that is sold only by them
> called American Journey.  it is a moderately priced food that receives 5
> stars from dog food advisor.  I got a small 4 pound bag to try out..
>
> Vivianna
> On Jul 25, 2017, at 10:04 AM, Ricky Joe Cook via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Hi Becky, II feed Darcy Wellness Core Wild Game. It is grain free. I was
>> feeding her Natures Recipe Venison and rice but she was gaining to much
>> weight. One of the reasons I am feeding her the Wellness Core food is
>> because it is high in protein and low in carbs and has good vegetables in
>> it. She weighs about 65 pounds and has stablized her weight there.
>>
>> She really loves the food which to me is important because I want her to
>> enjoy her meals.
>>
>> Ricky Joe & Darcy
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message----- From: Elise Berkley via NAGDU
>> Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2017 6:13 AM
>> To: National Association for Guide Dog Users
>> Cc: Elise Berkley
>> Subject: [NAGDU] Grain vs. Other Food
>>
>> Hey, all.
>>
>> I have been seeing all of these varieties of food for our pooches. I am
>> still feeding Becky on the original Natural Balance Lamb and Rice fdry
>> good that the school sent her with. She is four ytears and about 68
>> pounds. Can you explain to me the debate of grain vs. non-grain food? I do
>> not understand what the idea of both is all about. Thanks.
>>
>> Elise and Becky
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>
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