Dog Food with or without Grains? We Help You Make the Right Choice

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The diet of our dogs plays a crucial role in their health and well-being. Good nutrition can improve their energy, digestion, and extend their lifespan. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right kibble for your four-legged friend.

The dog kibble market offers a variety of choices, including kibble with grains and grain-free options. Each has its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, and it’s easy to get lost in all these choices. Here is a guide to help you decide on the dilemma of dog kibble with or without grains!

Dog Kibble with Grains
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Dog kibble with grains includes ingredients like corn, rice, wheat, and oats. These grains are often used as sources of carbohydrates and fiber, providing energy and aiding digestion.

Benefits and advantages of dog kibble with grains
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Quick Energy: Grains provide a quick and lasting source of energy. If you have an active dog, this kibble will give them all the energy they need!

⚠️ Check the carbohydrate content. It tends to be higher in kibble with grains, and the higher it is, the less sustainable the energy boost will be. Prefer kibble with a moderate carbohydrate content, around 20% to 25%.
Digestibility: The fibers in grains help with good digestion. This is therefore beneficial for many dogs.
Cost: Kibble with grains is often cheaper than grain-free options. For smaller budgets, kibble with grains is therefore often favored.

Popular brands
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Royal Canin: the brand is already known and recognized for its specific formulations according to breeds and health needs.
Purina Pro Plan: it offers a varied range that adapts to different life stages of the dog.
Hill’s Science Diet: recommended by veterinarians, the brand offers balanced and scientifically studied formulas to suit a maximum number of dogs.

Grain-Free Dog Kibble
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Grain-free dog kibble replaces grains with ingredients like potatoes, peas, and legumes. They are often richer in proteins and fats, generally coming from high-quality animal sources.

Benefits and advantages of grain-free dog kibble
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Hypoallergenic: Grain-free kibble is less likely to cause food allergies. If you have a sensitive or grain-allergic dog, this type of kibble is therefore ideal. Alternative ingredients reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
Quality Proteins: They often contain more animal proteins. They are therefore beneficial for the growth and muscle maintenance of your pet.
Digestive Health: Grain-free formulations can improve digestion in sensitive dogs, thanks to alternative fiber sources, such as vegetables and legumes. They notably help reduce gas and diarrhea issues.
Energy Source and Skin Health: Grain-free kibble can contain higher levels of healthy fats. These are essential for addressing skin issues, maintaining a healthy coat, and providing energy to your dog.

Popular brands
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Orijen: Known for its high-quality ingredients, the brand offers dog kibble with biologically appropriate formulations.
Acana: If you are looking for kibble rich in proteins and low in carbohydrates, Acana offers an ideal solution for a natural diet.
Taste of the Wild: Its recipes are inspired by the natural diet of wild dogs. The brand uses top-quality ingredients to get as close as possible to this.

Dog Nutrition and Health: Minitailz by Invoxia Takes Care of Their Health, You Take Care of the Kibble
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Paying attention to your dog’s diet is essential to keep them healthy. But that’s not always enough. And monitoring their diet isn’t the only thing you need to do.

To keep your dog in shape, it is necessary to take care of their overall well-being, including their activities. That’s where Minitailz can come in: with its AI-enhanced technology, our dog tracker gives you an overview of their daily activities. You can thus ensure they get enough exercise throughout the week.

Beyond activities, Minitailz also offers home health monitoring. With its scans of heart rate and breathing rate at rest, you can keep an eye on their health status to complement monitoring your dog.

Learn More

Reviews and Studies on Dog Kibble
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Reviews from dog owners and veterinarians
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Many dog owners and veterinarians have observed significant improvements when switching to grain-free kibble, particularly in terms of skin and coat health, as well as digestion.

Testimonial from Sophie, owner of Max
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Max is a 5-year-old Labrador Retriever. He has always had digestive issues and frequent itching. We decided to switch to grain-free kibble and noticed an improvement within the first week. Max had less itching and his stools were more consistent. After a month, his digestive problems seemed to have disappeared and his coat was shinier and healthier.

Results of studies on kibble presented
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Studies show varied results, with some dogs thriving on kibble with grains, while others benefit from grain-free formulations, especially in cases of food sensitivities. A study published by the Journal of Veterinary Science showed that dogs sensitive to grains had a notable improvement in their symptoms after switching to grain-free kibble.

With or Without Grains: Choosing the Right Dog Kibble
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How to choose according to your dog’s specific needs
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Breed and age: Nutritional needs vary according to breed and age of the dog. For example, a puppy will need more proteins and fats for growth, while a senior dog might benefit from a lower-calorie diet to avoid overweight. You will therefore need to be vigilant about the ingredients in your kibble and adapt to each stage of their life.
Health issues: Dogs with digestive problems or allergies may benefit from specific kibble. In this case, always consult a veterinarian for tailored recommendations before choosing kibble with or without grains.

Value for money
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Kibble with grains: Generally more affordable, most owners turn to this option. But it is important to check the quality of the ingredients to avoid unnecessary fillers and additives.
Grain-free kibble: They are often more expensive and not necessarily available in all stores, which can discourage many people. However, keep in mind that they can offer additional health benefits, which justifies their higher cost.

Practical tips for buying online and in-store
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Read the labels: Check the list of ingredients and nutritional values to ensure the kibble meets your dog’s needs. To help you assess their needs, do not hesitate to seek advice from your veterinarian.
Consult reviews: Testimonials from other owners can provide valuable feedback on the effectiveness of the kibble. So before buying, find out about the experiences of others when possible.
Consult a veterinarian: Always seek a professional’s opinion before changing your dog’s diet. The veterinarian can recommend a specific brand based on the health condition and needs of your dog.

Choosing your dog’s diet is often a puzzle, especially if it’s your first dog. Between the very (or even too) varied choices of kibble or foods to avoid in their diet, you always need to be careful.