Think of the typical happy, energetic and loyal dog. The image that most likely popped in your head is a Labrador Retriever. These good-natured dogs have a special place in our hearts as America’s most popular breed for the last 30 years. With their shiny coats and intelligent eyes, it’s easy to fall head over heels for a Labrador! Many Labrador owners take care to feed their pets with the best, most nutritious food available on the market. One hotly debated topic among Labrador parents and dog enthusiasts around the globe is whether Labradors should go grain-free. Whether you are an ardent believer of grain-free diets or a skeptic, this article will offer each of you some food for thought (pun intended).
The issue is not black and white and needs to be dissected based on intense research that has been conducted throughout the years. So before we dive in, get your Labrador by your side, grab a cup of coffee (or biscuits for your furry friend) and let’s voyage into the world of Labrador nutrition.
Firstly, we should address the question: Why do we even feed our dogs grains? Are we barking up the wrong tree? In reality, grains play an important role in a balanced dog diet. Ingredients like wheat, corn and barley contribute valuable nutrients to dog food, including fiber, which aids digestion, and essential fatty acids, which contribute to a healthy coat, skin, joints and brain function. Grains also provide essential proteins for the development and sustainment of tissues and muscles.
However, the grain-inclusion in dog food started to come under scrutiny in the 2000s with the rise of human dietary trends like Gluten-free, Low-carb, Paleo and Keto diets, propelling the grain-free movement into the pet food realm. The idea was simple – what is good for humans must be good for our canine pals too, right?
Well, in 2019, the grain-free belief system was shaken when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it was investigating a potential linkage between grain-free diets and a heart disease known as Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). The scientific community carried out numerous studies and found a strong correlation between dogs fed grain-free food and a spike in the DCM cases. The hard truth hit dog owners like a puppy’s surprising nip – could our well-intended efforts of feeding our Labradors grain-free diets be causing harm instead?
Before we fall headfirst into despair, it is important to understand that correlation is not causation. Many factors could contribute to these findings. Some studies have suggested that it may not be the lack of grain in the diet, but rather certain ingredients that are used to replace the grains in the formulas. The potential culprits are legumes like chickpeas, peas, lentils or regular potatoes. A hypothesis is that these ingredients may interfere with the dog’s ability to absorb taurine, an amino acid that is critical for heart health.
As we delve deeper into this issue, we discover that breed might have a role to play too. The studies indicated that breeds such as Golden Retrievers and some mixed breeds were more predisposed to DCM, suggesting that genetic traits might factor into the equation. So, what about our charming Labrador Retrievers? The current evidence, which is somewhat limited, suggests that Labradors are not at a particularly high risk of developing DCM associated with grain-free diets. However, the whole story has not been thoroughly investigated and told yet, warranting cautious optimism.
So, the burning question remains – should your Labrador eat grain-free? The answer is a resounding ‘maybe’. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. It depends on your furry friend’s individual needs and conditions. If your Labrador has a diagnosed grain allergy or intolerance, then a grain-free diet might be necessary. Symptoms of grain allergies can range from chronic ear inflammation, gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea, to constant licking or biting of the feet, skin rash, and more.
Irrespective of the grain debate, the key is balance and variety in the diet, just like us humans. Opt for dog foods that are high-quality, well-rounded, and formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles. A protein-first diet is preferable and the protein should come from a high-quality animal source. When choosing grain-free food, pick one with a wide array of vegetables and fruits, supplemented with vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial, natural ingredients.
Remember to consult with your trusted veterinarian before switching your Labrador’s diet. If you are feeding grain-free foods, they might recommend additional taurine supplementation.
Now you have the know-how, it is time to make informed dietary decisions for your Labrador. With this newfound knowledge and the waggling approval of your furry friend, you can confidently venture into dog food aisles or butcher shops.
Finally, ‘fetch’ yourself a moment to reflect – our mutual ancestors, the wolves and dogs, might never have finished their meals with a dessert of barley or corn. However, they also never chose gluten-free bison over regular elk! The world of canine nutrition has evolved remarkably over the years and the grain-free debate is just one chapter in this never-ending story. Your Labrador’s health needs will keep changing as they grow, and all you can do is keep learning, adapting and loving unconditionally.
Here’s to many more years of playful fetches, belly rubs, and shared meals with your Labrador!
