19 June 2023 | Product and Promotions Guide
The Grain-Free Diet
Grains are pets' source of essential carbohydrates, but
some pet foods have been swapping out wheat, rice, and
corn with potato starch and pea flour. As it turns out, this
pet-food trend may be on its way out the door.
Why people like it: The grain-free diet would be
advisable if a dog has a grain allergy. If an owner suspects
their dog has a high sensitivity to grains, they should
consult their vet before making any dietary decisions
— grains are among the rarest allergens a dog can be
affected by.
What they should know: If a dog has been eating
grains regularly and they're healthy, there's no reason to
take them off grains. Not only will sudden changes to their
diet upset their stomach, but there can also be a risk of
heart problems from the lack of natural grains dog foods
contain. In recent years, the FDA has been conducting an
investigation on certain brands of grain-free pet-foods
after reports of heart disease and heart failure, especially
in larger breeds of dogs.
2
The Homemade Diet
Some pet owners prefer hand-making meals at home.
But is it worth the effort?
Why people like it: A homemade diet means total
control over ingredients. When an owner expresses interest
in this trend, veterinarians should ask about their recipes to
verify the pet will be getting their necessary proteins, fibers,
carbohydrates, and vitamins. This is a good opportunity for
a vet to keep themselves in the loop with their client and
their dog's diet.
What they should know: The downside of a
homemade diet? It's time-consuming and it can be expensive.
Purchasing the various veterinarian-approved ingredients
such as vegetables, meats, and grains can begin to add up,
not to mention the amount of time it will take to prepare a
meal that guarantees healthy results. If a pet owner isn't up
to the commitment, they should stick to the kibble.
About the author Jaime Williamson is a sales
administrator at EPiQ Animal Health, where she helps manage
distributor relationships. She graduated from The Ohio State
University with a Bachelor of Science in food, agriculture,
and environmental sciences and a minor in developmental
psychology.
1. AVMA Policy: Raw or undercooked animal-source protein in cat and dog diets. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/raw-or-undercooked-animal-source-protein-cat-and-dog-
diets. Accessed online May 5, 2023.
2. U.S. Food & Drug Administration Advisory: FDA Investigation into Potential Link between Certain Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-
and-advisories/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy. Accessed online May 5, 2023.
Regardless of the pet-food trend a pet owner might
follow, clients should be consulting you, their veterinarian,
before making any major changes to their pet's diet. After
all, a veterinarian communicating nutrition with their
clients and pets isn't just a fad — it's a necessity.
