Dogs have evolved alongside people to eat a variety of foods. So, it鈥檚 not surprising that when people start adding or eliminating certain ingredients from canine diets, owners may want to know more. To separate the wheat from the chaff, let鈥檚 dive into why manufacturers use wheat in dog food and what that might mean for your dog鈥檚 health.
Why Do Manufacturers Include Wheat in Dog Food?
Some types of dog food are made with grains and animal-sourced proteins, while others are labeled grain-free. Wheat is a type of grain, along with the likes of barley, oats, and rice. 鈥淓ach grain has its own combination of nutrients, and many are easily digested by dogs,鈥� says Dr. Kurt Venator, DVM, PhD, Chief Veterinary Officer at Purina.
When producing dog food, manufacturers often use hard red winter wheat, the most common and inexpensive type of wheat, says Dr. Jerry Klein, DVM, Chief Veterinary Officer for the American Kennel Club. Dog food does not contain other types of wheat, such as durum, soft wheat, and white winter wheat, which are sometimes used to make bread and pasta.
Is Wheat a Healthy Option?
鈥淲heat is a good source for use in dog food, as it has carbohydrates and protein, which allows it to blend well with other ingredients to form a complete and well-balanced dog food,鈥� Dr. Klein says. Nutritionally balanced dog food requires certain amounts of protein, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Hard red winter wheat is a great source of protein, fiber, and minerals. These nutrients aid in metabolism and the maintenance of healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
鈥淎lthough seen by some as nonessential food, grains like wheat are an excellent nutrient source for dogs,鈥� Dr. Venator says. Grains provide protein and fatty acids, which are important for cognition, heart health, and immune functioning, along with promoting healthy skin and fur. The carbohydrates in wheat give your dog energy, while the supply of fiber promotes digestion.
How Do I Decide Between Diets With or Without Wheat?
When you鈥檙e looking around the pet food aisle, you鈥檒l see several options. To help you decide what鈥檚 appropriate for your dog, have a look at the nutritional information on the packaging. Food labels should tell you the recommended levels of protein, fat, and essential nutrients in the appropriate ratios and concentrations, Dr. Venator explains. Look for foods that are formulated as complete and balanced and meet Association of American Feed Control (AAFCO) .
Another way to narrow down your choices is to use a This online tool uses the information you provide about your dog to create a personalized feeding guide with tailored recommendations. The tool can filter the many food types by ingredient so you can find one suited to your dog鈥檚 age, breed, weight, and activity level.
Dr. Klein鈥檚 advice is to weigh these dog food trends against scientific evidence. Consider, for example, the finding that the 鈥渢op sources of food allergies in dogs come from meat proteins鈥� like beef and chicken as opposed to wheat, he says.
Are There Drawbacks to Feeding Your Dog Wheat?
鈥淚n some dogs, the protein in wheat (gluten) may cause food sensitivities or allergies,鈥� Dr. Klein says. For instance, there鈥檚 a line of Irish Setters with reminiscent of celiac disease in humans for whom gluten-free diets are necessary. experience an immune reaction to eating gluten that can cause damage to the lining of their small intestine and prevent the absorption of nutrients.
Selecting the best food for your dog isn鈥檛 an easy decision. Whether or not you鈥檙e opting for foods made with wheat, it鈥檚 important to read the food labels carefully and seek advice from your veterinarian. Consider which ingredients have been omitted but also what manufacturers are adding in place of wheat. Make sure the food contains quality ingredients that balance other non-grain ingredients.