PetHealth

EVERY DOG OWNERWANTS TOMAKE SURE THEIR BESTMATE IS GETTING THE BEST NUTRITION. ARMYOURSELFWITH THE RIGHT

Grains are hard, dry seeds that are harvested from grasses like oat, corn, GRAIN FOOD AND GRAIN-FREE FOOD FOR THEIR DIET. G rain vs . A gr ain- b ase d diet rice and wheat – and they contain INFORMATIONWHEN CHOOSING BETWEEN

The end of the last ice age. That’s how long scientific analysis using dog DNA has revealed it has been since the first dogs were domesticated. Over those 10,000 years, dogs have eaten – and evolved to digest – lots of different types of food that humans grow and consume, including grains. “Dogs can tolerate grains, and there are real benefits to some of the components of grains, such as fibre and prebiotics,” says Ivory Coat vet, Dr Angus Hayes. Choosing what your dog eats is a crucial part of their day-to-day life. Ultimately, it will contribute to their health and lifespan. Grain-based or grain-free diets each have their own benefits and drawbacks. Here’s what to consider.

REFINED GRAINS are the unhealthier of the 2, due to processing that strips away most of their nutrition and fibre. Barley, oat, millet, quinoa, buckwheat, teff and amaranth all fall into the unrefined or whole grain category. They all contain essential nutrients for long-term dog health. These grains can help contribute essential fatty acids and vitamins (including B1, B2, B3, B9 and E) to your pet’s diet. This helps with breaking down carbohydrates, providing energy and maintaining skin and coat health. Whole grains are a great source of protein and contain many of the essential minerals that dogs need in their diet. These include iron, which aids in many bodily functions; and magnesium, which aids in normal nerve and muscle function. Another way grains can help your dog’s diet is by making your dog feel full, reducing opportunities for overeating. Plus, the high fibre content helps ensure regular and consistent bowel movements.

multiple nutritional benefits. There are 2 types of grain: unrefined and refined. UNREFINED GRAINS are lightly processed. Also known as ‘whole grains’, they’re a better option for a dog’s diet, as they retain the entirety of the grain after processing.

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