Grains in pet food can be a confusing topic, with plenty of conflicting advice about whether dogs and cats should eat them.
So, should grains be included in your pet’s diet? The answer depends on the individual animal, the type of grain and, importantly, how the grain is prepared.
Can Dogs and Cats Digest Grains?
Dogs and cats do not naturally consume large amounts of raw, unprocessed grain straight from a plant.
In the wild, however, grains and other plant material may form part of the gut contents of prey animals. This material has already been chewed and partially digested before being consumed.
This provides one explanation for why appropriately prepared grains can be included in a natural diet.
Are Grains Safe for Dogs and Cats?
Grains can be included in a pet’s diet when they are appropriately prepared and fed in moderation.
For a natural-style diet, whole grains can be crushed or otherwise prepared to make them easier to digest. Some approaches also use fermentation to further break down the grain and release nutrients.
Grains can provide:
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A source of carbohydrates
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Fibre and natural roughage
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Additional nutrients
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Variety within a fresh-food diet
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Support for normal bowel function
The quality and preparation of the grain are important, as is the overall balance of the diet.
Dogs and Grains
Dogs are naturally adaptable eaters and can consume both animal and plant-based foods.
When grains are appropriately prepared, they can form a small part of a fresh-food diet alongside meat and plant matter such as vegetables.
The original recommendation for dogs is up to around 20% of the diet, although the ideal amount will vary depending on the individual dog and the rest of their diet.
For more information, see our guide to Feeding Dogs Naturally.
Cats and Grains
Cats are different from dogs. They are obligate carnivores and have a greater dependence on animal-based foods.
Small amounts of appropriately prepared plant material may be included in a natural diet, but grains should make up only a minor portion of a cat’s overall diet.
The original recommendation is less than 10% of the total diet, with fresh meat remaining the foundation of the diet.
What Type of Grain Should You Feed?
If you choose to include grains in your pet’s diet, preparation is important.
Whole grains that have been crushed, cooked or appropriately prepared are generally easier to digest than whole, hard grains.
The aim is to provide grains in a form that is more readily available to the digestive system rather than simply adding raw grains to the food bowl.
A Convenient Way to Include Grains
Lenny’s Kitchen Natural & Complete Muesli provides a simple and convenient way to include appropriately prepared grains as part of a fresh-food diet for dogs and cats.
So, Grains or No Grains?
There is no single answer that suits every pet.
Some dogs and cats may do well with a small amount of appropriately prepared grains, while others may be better suited to a diet with little or no grain.
The important considerations are the individual animal, the quality and preparation of the ingredients, and the balance of the overall diet.
As with any dietary change, introduce new foods gradually and pay attention to how your pet responds.