The benefits of grain-free dog food
There are so many pet-food products on the market that some owners find it difficult to know exactly what their pet needs. Even more important is the health of your pet – you obviously want the best for your furry friend, but what exactly should you buy for them?
When shopping at your local pet store, you’ve probably seen some kibble products advertised as being ‘grain-free’. But what does that mean, and is a grain-free diet healthy for your pet? Here, we explain everything you need to know!
What does ‘grain-free’ actually mean?
As the name suggests, grain-free dog food cuts out all the unnecessary stuff that is used in traditional pet food – think wheat, corn and soy. Regular dry foods with these ‘fillings’ only serve to add more carbs and less protein to your dog’s diet, which isn’t ideal.
Instead, a grain-free pet food keeps your dog fuller for longer and more energetic, with lots of meats and good fats to support your furry friend’s skin, coat and intestinal health.
In short, switching your pet over to a grain-free diet will eliminate all the unnecessary (and unhealthy!) bulk that you find in regular dog food, and replace it with proteins and animal fats to give your pup all the good stuff it needs to thrive!
Benefits of grain-free dog food
Not sure whether grain-free is the right choice for your pet? Here are just a few of the reasons why it’s so beneficial:
- More energy: Compare to cheap, regular pet foods that include wheats and other highly processed grains, a grain-free dog food has more protein-packed real meat and vegetables. You’re also giving your pet higher-quality fuel that will keep them healthy and active all day.
- Weight management: Grains are high in carbohydrates, which can make it harder to control your pet’s diet – especially if they are older or aren’t getting a lot of exercise. Grain-free dog foods are full of proteins, vegetables and lower carbohydrates to help your pup’s weight management.
- Healthy skin and coat: Going grain-free means your dog can eat food packed with essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) that help maintain healthy skin and shiny coats.
- Natural ingredients: With a product like Hypro Premium, you can rest assured your dog is getting 100% grain-free food with optimal nutrient ratios of proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. Just some of the healthy ingredients include chicken, kangaroo, duck, turkey, lamb, fish, eggs, carrots, spinach, potatoes, apples, cranberries and tomatoes. Plus, emu oil is known for its potential anti-inflammatory properties and is beneficial for dogs skin and joint health.
- Allergies: While grain-free dog food is a good idea for all pups, it’s also necessary for animals that have grain-related allergies or sensitivities.
How to start your puppy on dry grain-free dog food
Like any major change to your dog’s lifestyle, it’s best to start slow and let their bodies adjust over time. Rather than switching out their regular pet food for a grain-free alternative immediately, mix in about 10% of the new food to 90% of what they usually eat. This will help pace your pup, giving their tastebuds and stomach time to adapt to the new diet.
Add another 10% of the grain-free food and remove 10% of their old food over the course of 10 days until they are completely onto their new grain-free dog food. If they have any problems during this transition – such as stomach issues or refusing to eat their food – you can slow things down even further. Some dogs just need a bit more time than others.
Once they have adjusted, you’ll start to notice the healthy changes to their coat, energy levels and demeanour over the following weeks.
Hypro Premium offers the most premium dog food on the market – it’s why we’re known as ‘The Breeder’s Choice’. Find out more about our products and search our range today.
