Hold your breath because I am about to drop a truth bomb! You know that towering, lovable Mastiff that is always adding magic to your life? Well, I bet you’ve never thought about this – Should our Mastiff friends be eating grain-free?
Eating trends come and go, but the debate around grain-free diets for dogs has lasted longer than the lifespan of a disposable chew toy. With the rise of popular grain-free diets among humans, it’s no surprise that many dog owners are thinking, “Hey, if it’s good for me, it ought to be good for my Mastiff too, right?”
But, wait! Before you start giving your Mastiff that grain-free kibble, let’s dig deeper into this topic. Because, to put it simply, what’s beneficial for humans might not hold the same value to our canine companions.
First off, why grains? Grains are a notable source of carbohydrates – the primary energy source for most animals, including dogs. They pack in nutrients like protein, fiber, and several essential vitamins and minerals. However, the concept of ‘grain’ is a slightly misunderstood one.
When we talk about grains for dogs, we’re referring to whole grains. These include barley, oats, rice, corn, wheat, and millet. On the other hand, grain-free diets generally replace these whole grains with other sources of carbohydrates, such as potatoes, peas, or lentils. So, even on a grain-free diet, dogs still get their carbs, but from different sources.
Now onto the crux of the matter, should Mastiffs be gobbling grain-free meals?
Historically, dogs descended from wolves, motoring on a diet primarily composed of meat. However, through domestication and evolution, modern dogs, including our Mastiffs, have adapted to consume a more omnivorous diet infused with a fair share of grains.
So why the fuss?
Some dog parents argue that, like wolves, modern dogs still have a meat-centric dietary system and grains might not sit well with them. This notion primarily gets leverage from the fact that some dogs are allergic to grains. But here’s the million-dollar fact – only around 10% of all allergy cases in dogs are related to food, and within that, grain allergies are extremely rare.
Research has shown that dogs are more commonly allergic to beef, chicken, eggs, or dairy than to grains. So, unless your furry pal announces a rush of hives or an itchy skin after a grainy meal, grains are more than likely not the culprit.
Additionally, some myths suggest grains are filler content in dog food, without any nutritional value. Cast that thought aside because it is far from the truth. Whole grains are an acknowledged source of wholesome nutrients and are often included in premium brand dog foods to upgrade the nutritional content.
At this point, you might be thinking, “Well, grain-free food won’t harm my Mastiff, so why not give it a shot?”
There’s a twist in the tale here. Recent research from the FDA suggests a possible link between grain-free diets for dogs and a type of canine heart disease called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). Though not directly conclusive, it’s wise to avoid the risk unless there’s a valid health reason to switch, for instance, a grain allergy.
Now, we do understand all our Mastiffs aren’t cut from the same cloth. Some might have special dietary needs or grain allergies that require grain-free diets. If that’s your Mastiff, remember, your friendly vet is the guru who can guide you to the right grain-free diet. Take their opinion into account while making such dietary alterations for your fur-baby.
If your Mastiff doesn’t have any food allergies, he or she is probably better off with a balanced diet that may include the right type of grain.
The bottom line, dear Mastiff parent, is that in most cases, grains in moderation can form a beneficial part of your Mastiff’s diet. Accepted by their system, packed with nutrients, and safe, grains, contrary to popular notions, don’t seem like the dietary villains after all.
Remember, every dog is an individual with unique dietary needs. And as we often hear – the best nutrition for your dog largely depends on its breed, age, health, and lifestyle. When in doubt, always consult your vet because, let’s face it, they know this stuff better than anyone. After all, our Mastiffs deserve nothing but the best, and we wouldn’t want to let any misinformation come in the way of that, would we?
