Ever wondered what you would find if you could sneak a peek inside your beloved Pointer’s stomach? Aside from a couple of chewed up tennis balls and the remnants of a stolen slice of pizza, there may be something else that you’d find surprising: grains.
Most people would assume dogs are carnivorous, right? Wrong. The truth of the matter will blow your mind. Get this; domestic dogs, including our spritely Pointers, belong to the order Carnivora, but they are actually omnivores. Yep, you read that right. Your Pointer is more akin to a human or a panda in its dietary needs than a lion or wolf. Dogs have evolved side by side with humans for over 10,000 years, and during this time, their eating habits have changed significantly from their wolf-like ancestors.
But should your Pointer’s diet include grain? Or should you consider changing their diet to grain-free dog food?
That’s a question that has been subject to a lot of discussion and debate in recent years among pet owners and experts alike. With the influx of numerous grain-free products in the market and the surge of fad diets plastered all over social media, it’s easy to assume that feeding grains to your dogs is a big no-no. But the truth is– it’s not that simple.
We are going to take a deeper dive into the world of canine diets, explore the logic behind the grain-free fad, and separate fact from fiction.
Grain, pretend for an instance you are a Pointer, imagine your daily food dish filled with grains such as corn, wheat, and soy. Most of the times, these grains are the primary fillers in commercial dog food and are often blamed for various health problems in dogs. You may immediately react and say, “Why feed grains when you can feed meat?”
But before stating an outright blanket rejection to all types of grain let’s understand something vital. Grains are a rich source of nutrition. They’re packed with essential nutrients, including protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. No doubt about that.
Most dogs, including our agile Pointers, are perfectly capable of processing grains. They even aid in digestion, cholesterol reduction, and diabetes prevention among canines. Contrary to popular belief, most dogs aren’t allergic to grains. Rather, according to experts, a majority of food allergies in dogs are actually caused by beef, dairy, and chicken. Only a small percentage of dogs react adversely to grains.
Now don’t disregard the grain-free feeding regimen just yet; it’s not totally baseless hype. Some dogs truly can benefit from a grain-free diet.
Consider your personal scenario. Does your Pointer suffer from certain health conditions or allergies? Does he itch, scratch, chew, and bite his skin? Does his coat look dull with patches of hair missing? Or does he suffer from frequent bouts of vomiting and diarrhea?
In certain cases like these, grains might be the culprit. Veterinary dermatologists report that about 10% of allergies in dogs are food-related and of those, wheat and corn are some of the most common offenders. Often, a grain-free diet can help to alleviate these symptoms. For dogs with specific health concerns like weight problems and heart diseases, some veterinarians recommend dietary modifications which may include going grain-free.
But remember, the keyword here is specific. Before you make any significant dietary changes, consult with your vet. dietary changes should be tailored according to the unique needs of your particular pet.
As we unravel the truth behind the grain-free fad, let’s debunk a very common myth: “grain-free” isn’t synonymous with “low carb”. Many grain-free dog foods actually contain alternative carbohydrate sources like potatoes, which can result in a diet that is even higher in carbohydrates than regular dog food. Misconceptions like these cause many pet owners to unknowingly swap a balanced diet for one that could potentially be less beneficial or even harmful.
In 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) even released a report suggesting a potential link between grain-free dog food and a deadly form of canine heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The study is still ongoing, and no causal relationship has been officially established, but many veterinarians now advise caution before jumping on the grain-free bandwagon.
The bottom line?
The answer to the question, “Should Pointers eat grain-free?” is surprisingly simple: It depends.
Every dog is unique. What works miracles for one might not for another. Health requirements can vary not just between different breeds, but even between different dogs of the same breed. Your Pointer might thrive on a diet that his fellow Pointer at the dog park finds disagreeable.
Our beloved Pointers, whether bouncing around our yards or snoozing on our couches, are more than just pets. They are part of our families. We want them to live long, healthy, happy lives, and their diet plays a vital role in that.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to dog diets. Instead, a balanced and nutritious diet that fulfills all nutritional needs is the key. Whether that includes grain should depend on the individual dog.
So, don’t cave into the pressure of trends and fads. Consult your veterinarian, understand your dog’s specific needs and requirements, and work out a diet that’s suitable for them. Healthy doggy years come from a balanced diet and not necessarily a grain-free one.
If you feel intrigued about your Pointer’s food journey, trust your instincts, and embark on a truth-finding mission. Because, in the end, you are not just a pet owner but a nutri-guardian for your fur buddy.
Whether your Pointer eats grain-free or not, it’s important to remember one thing- your doggy pal loves you irrespective of the contents of his feeding bowl. That bond you share with your canine companion is the real secret to a happy, healthy, tail-wagging life. And that, you’ll find, is grain of truth no dietary debate can ever change.
