Remember when you first brought your Bolognese home? These adorable furballs, instantly melting your heart with their overpowering cuteness, becoming an integral part of your family. They snuggle with you, play with you, and are loyal like no other. But, as a responsible pet parent, have you ever thought, “What do I feed my Bolognese?”
An interesting fact, which might startle you a little, is this: A wild canine’s diet mainly consists of proteins, most of them being meat-based. Does that make you pause a bit, eying your Bolognese’s grain-filled food bowl with sudden suspicion? This is not to shock you but to ignite curiosity about our dear fur friends’ eating habits, especially a Bolognese’s.
Knowing the best nutrition for your dog is everything. Grain-free has become a bit of a buzzword in the pet food universe. But the question remains: should a Bolognese eat grain-free? Fair question! So, let’s jump headfirst into this grain and paws scenario.
Grain-free diets have become increasingly popular in dog food circle, mainly because canines are seen to have lesser digestive capabilities for grains. It comes across as interesting because dogs, unlike cats, are not strict carnivores. While meat makes up a crucial part of their diet, a healthy dog also enjoys nutrients from grains, fruits, and veggies. But why have grain-free diets become a fad?
This trend has been primarily fueled by an increasing number of pet owners noticing food allergies in their dogs. Rash, itch, hair loss, poor coat quality, chronic ear or foot infections, even gastro-intestinal upset— all these may point to food allergies. Have you noticed how some grains like wheat, corn, and soy have been found to be common culprits causing such reactions?
Now, the part where you might turn your head in surprise. Dogs with food allergies only constitute a minority in the overall dog population, approximately 10%. So, is it even necessary to switch them all to a grain-free diet? As they say, not everything that glitters is gold.
According to several vets and canine nutritionists, grains are not as harmful as they are assumed to be. Grains provide carbohydrates, an essential energy source, particularly in working and highly active dogs. They are packed with vital nutrients like protein, antioxidants, fiber, and essential fatty acids. Your Bolognese can thrive beautifully on a balanced diet that includes grain.
However, a Bolognese parent might choose a grain-free diet for the following reasons:
1. Your Bolognese has an allergy or sensitivity to grains. As mentioned before, this is rare, but it happens. If your dog has been diagnosed with a grain allergy, it’s a no-brainer to switch to grain-free.
2. Your Bolognese is overweight. Since grain-free diets often contain fewer carbs and more protein, they can help control your dog’s weight.
3. You’re aiming for a more ancestral diet for your Bolognese. This refers to the carnivorous diet of wolves, the closest living relatives of domestic dogs. But keep in mind, dogs and wolves have evolved differently over thousands of years.
While a grain-free diet might sound like a wonderful solution, it is essential to know both sides of the coin. The FDA released a statement in 2018 linking certain grain-free diets in dogs to a particular type of heart disease called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). This caused alarm bells to ring in every corner of the pet community.
Hence, it’s crucial to ask: Does your Bolognese really need a grain-free diet? The answer: It depends. It depends on your dog’s specific nutritional needs, any existing health conditions, and your vet’s advice. A healthy Bolognese with no allergies or food sensitivities can eat a properly balanced diet containing healthy grains.
To wrap it up, a grain-free diet isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It may work for some Bolognese, not for others. Remember, every Bolognese is a furry universe all its own. So next time you look into those adoring eyes, you’ll know you’re feeding your furry friend, not just with love, but with the right nutrients too.
Countless choices on the pet food aisle, online pet blogs, often makes dog-food decisions daunting. In such scenarios, expert opinion comes as a lifesaver. Consulting a vet or a canine nutritionist can provide personalized advice on what food suits your Bolognese best, whether it includes grain or free from it. Canines cannot choose their diet, but we can, for them.
Our Bolognese companions fill our lives with unconditional love. So let’s fill their bowls with nutrition-rich, allergen-free food, whether it contains grain or not! After all, looking at a healthy and happy Bolognese is truly a sight that makes our day, doesn’t it?
