Grain Free…No corn or wheat!
Probably 75% of the product we have in dog and cat food kibble is totally grain free. Now let’s discuss what grain free means. Or perhaps more importantly what it does not mean. In the case of dog and cat food kibble some starch is needed to make the extrusion process work. That is the process that very quickly heats under steam and pressure and expands the product which then is cooled and contracts to form a hard kibble. That’s a very simple description but generally accurate. That starch has traditionally come from rice, pearled barley and occasionally oat groats in the best quality foods. These are ingredients that rarely cause any issues for your pets. And they provide a source of carbohydrate (energy) as well. Good recipes limit their inclusion rate and rely on meat for protein (amino acids). They do NOT have corn or wheat! Grocery store and big box store brands will frequently utilize corn or corn by-products and frequently wheat as well. Not good stuff in that their inclusion at high levels in these brands creates all kinds of issues with potential allergens as well as amino acid balancing challenges which can provide your pet sub-par nutrition. Remember that article on skin issues and rough hair? True grain-free foods still (in most cases) utilize starch in the process. But they turn to potatoes, sweet potatoes, lentils and/or tapioca as starch sources. Hence they are labeled “grain free” as they do not even utilize rice or barley. Their protein level is typically higher. And the dog will in most cases leave you with less poop to deal with. And much more limited chance of an allergic reaction. They are the “best” of the best.
We also carry a large selection of totally grain free treats for dogs and cats. There is absolutely NO WHEAT in any of our treats. Not what your dog or cat needs!
