Grain

What is grain?

Cereals are the seeds of grasses, which are among the oldest cultivated plants known to mankind. There are many different types of grain, such as wheat, rye, barley, oats and maize. Cereals mainly contain carbohydrates (starch), but also protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Does a dog need grain?

Dogs do not need carbohydrates from cereals. They can get their energy from protein and fat. In addition, vegetable protein from grain is of lower quality than animal protein, i.e. it contains fewer essential amino acids that the dog cannot produce itself.

What are the benefits of cereals for dogs?

Grain can be safe as a food supplement for a healthy dog as long as it is not the main component of the diet. It can have some benefits:

• It provides extra energy for high performance dogs that have higher energy requirements.
• It keeps them full for longer and prevents cravings.
• It aids digestion through fiber.
• It provides vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins and zinc.

What are the disadvantages of cereals for dogs?

However, cereals can also lead to problems if they are fed too much or too often or if the dog cannot tolerate them. Possible disadvantages are

• It can lead to obesity, as excess starch is converted into fat.
• It can trigger allergies or intolerances, which can manifest themselves in skin problems, itching or diarrhea.
• It can cause joint problems, as sugar binds water in the body and impairs the elasticity of the joints.
• It can promote cancer, as cancer cells feed on glucose.

What should be considered when feeding cereals?

If you want or need to give your dog some grain from time to time (e.g. because of a diet), you should pay attention to a few points:

• Choose high-quality grain without additives or harmful substances (e.g. organic quality).
• Boil the cereal thoroughly or swell it (e.g. with warm water) so that it is easier to digest.
• Mix the cereal with high-quality meat or other animal products (e.g. eggs or dairy products) to increase the protein content.
• Pay attention to the right amount: cereals should not make up more than 10 to 20 percent of the diet.
• Observe your dog: if he shows signs of intolerance (e.g. bloating or itching), reduce the amount of grain or leave it out completely.

How do I find out if my dog can tolerate grain?

There are various ways to find out whether your dog can tolerate grain. One option is an allergy test at the vet, which can determine whether your dog is allergic to grain. Another option is an elimination diet, in which you avoid grains in the food and observe whether the symptoms disappear. If not, your dog may have another intolerance or illness. There are also special tests for intolerances that you can order online and carry out at home.

The symptoms of a grain intolerance can be

• Itching
• skin problems
• diarrhea
• Flatulence
• Watery eyes
• Ear infections

If you notice these symptoms in your dog, you should take him to the vet or have a test done.