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Natural & Grain-Free Pet Food | FAQ

It's a well-known saying, 'You are what you eat'. This doesn't only apply to humans, but to our furry friends too. It may feel as though we are bombarded with new specialty diets everyday, but these concepts of natural diets do hold some truth. Just as our ancestors lived off the natural produce of the earth many years ago, dog and cat ancestors did too! Before the kibbles and processed pet foods, our pets were natural hunters. You have never seen a dog or cat grazing in a field of wheat, have you?

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This is why there is a growing interest and concern around the diet we should really be feeding our special furbabies. But what exactly does 'grain-free' mean? What are the benefits? Does it mean grains are bad? Does it contain carbs? Can it keep allergies at bay?  and how do you convert your pet? We have all the answers right here.

Natural & Grain-Free FAQ

What is grain-free pet food?

The term 'Grain-free' suggests that the food consists of no grains such as wheat, barley, corn, oats or rice.

During WW1, grains like wheat, corn and rice were added to pet foods as a means to bulk them up and reduce costs.  However, even to this day most pet foods still list grains as the primary ingredient by adding rice and corn for example.

Is food that contains grain bad for my pet?

While some pets do well with diets that include grain, the logic goes that animals should be fed their natural diet consisting of mostly protein and studies have suggested that vegetables should also form a large part of your furbaby's diet.

With that being said, the best diet is one that is going to give your pet the most nutritional benefit and therefore there is a no 'one-size-fits-all' diet. Grains can offer nutritional value to your pet and are not bad, but the important aspect is how much grains are they eating and the effect this has on their digestive systems which are naturally better equipped for high protein diets.

What are the benefits of a grain-free/ natural diet?

There are multiple benefits to a grain-free or natural diet for your pet. These include the following:

- Keeps your pet fuller for longer ( You feed smaller portions)

- More energy

- Fewer and smaller stools ( Great news for the poop scooper in the family!)

- Shinier and healthier coat

- Less shedding of fur

- Better breath

Do grains cause allergies?

It depends. Some pets are sensitive to grains and this is when feeding a grain-free diet will alleviate their symptoms of itching and discomfort. The best would be to consult your vet to make sure.

Is grain-free pet food free from carbs?

Although this is a common misconception, the answer is NO. There is a difference between 'grain-free' and 'low-carb' foods. Grain-free foods can contain carbs in other forms such as potatoes, while others are purely made from protein and natural plant matter such as vegetables, fruits, grasses etc. Have a look at the ingredients of the product to find out.

How do I convert my pet to a grain-free diet?

Do not make an immediate transition by feeding a grain-based diet one day and a protein-rich diet the next. Slowly introduce the new food by adding more and more kibbles each day to your pet's original diet. Before you know it, your pet will be consuming a natural diet rich in proteins and enjoying all the benefits that come along with it! You can browse an extensive range of natural diets on PetHeaven.co.za.  Browse dog and cat natural pet foods right here!

 

 

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