Grain-free or not? The expert's verdict

When reading the back of feed bags or scrolling through the feed jungle at Alpha Zoo, you are guaranteed to come across the term "Grain-Free". It is often marketed as the absolute best and most natural choice for our four-legged friends. At the same time, many of the most well-proven veterinary diets still contain ingredients such as rice, oats, or wheat.

Is grain harmful to pets, or is it just a clever marketing trend?

Here is Alpha Zoo’s honest expert opinion: There is no one-size-fits-all feed, because dogs and cats function completely differently. Choose a 100% grain-free feed for your cat (which is an obligate carnivore and has no need for carbohydrates) and for the dog that has a diagnosed allergy or a sensitive stomach. Choose a feed with high-quality grains (such as oats or rice) for the healthy, active dog that needs a stable and easily digestible energy source for its muscles.

Below, we bust the myths and explain what is actually true about grains in pet food.

Myth vs. Truth: Is grain bad?

The biggest argument for grain-free is that wolves and wild cats don't eat wheat on the savannah. But the truth is more nuanced than that:

• The dog is not a wolf: Over thousands of years of living with humans, the dog's DNA has evolved. Modern dogs, unlike wolves, have a fantastic ability to break down and utilize cooked carbohydrates (such as rice, oats, and barley) and use them as pure energy.

• The allergy myth: Many believe that grain is the biggest source of allergy and itching in dogs. That is wrong. Veterinary studies show that the absolute most common food allergies in dogs are due to proteins – most often chicken, beef, or dairy products. Only a very small percentage are allergic to gluten or grain specifically.

• The cat's unique position: Here the rules are completely different. The cat is a so-called obligate carnivore. Their bodies are not built to handle large amounts of carbohydrates. Too much grain in cat food can lead to both obesity and diabetes.

The benefits of Grain-Free feed (High meat content)

When you buy a good grain-free feed, the wheat or corn is usually replaced with ingredients such as potatoes, peas, or sweet potatoes, but above all with a higher proportion of pure meat.

• Perfect for sensitive stomachs: If you have a dog that often has loose stools, is gassy, or is itchy, a grain-free feed (preferably one with a single protein source, known as monoprotein) can do wonders for digestion.

• The natural choice for the cat: By choosing grain-free for your cat, you ensure that the energy comes from animal proteins and fats, which keeps your cat lean and healthy.

The benefits of feed with Grain (Slow energy)

High-quality grains such as oats, brown rice, and barley are not "cheap fillers" – they are functional ingredients.

• Stable energy and satiety: Easily digestible grains provide the dog with slow carbohydrates and important dietary fiber. It keeps the intestinal flora active, provides a stable feeling of fullness, and supplies the active dog with energy that lasts during long forest walks or training sessions.

• Kind to the wallet: Producing high-quality feed with a balanced amount of grain is more cost-effective, which means you get a premium feed with fantastic raw materials at a significantly better price per kilo.

Our final verdict: What should you put in the food bowl?

Our expert advice: Stop obsessing over the word "grain-free" and look instead at your individual family member.

For the cat, you should in 9 out of 10 cases choose a grain-free feed with as high a meat content as possible. It is best for their biology.

For the dog, you should choose grain-free if the dog has a sensitive stomach, itching, or skin problems. But do you have a healthy, active companion dog that has a good stomach and a nice coat? Do not hesitate to buy a feed with wholesome grains like oats or rice – it gives the dog exactly the energy and fiber balance it needs to be at its very best.