Health & WellbeingThere have been many articles about dog food. Mine is, should dog food contain grains? If so, how much? If not, what small dog food is good we are currently using Van Patton’s Natural Balance. Good? Bad? Thank you in advance for your help. It’s a gre
Grains aren't bad; it is a personal choice whether to feed your dog grain-free food. The amount of grains in a diet will depend on the other nutrients in the food. They are often used to make a dog food balanced in the total nutrients. There is some concern right now that some grain-free diets (particularly those that use potatoes or legumes) may be related to heart disease in some breeds of dogs. We don't know enough information to say there is a direct correlation. However, for that reason, I tend to guide my clients away from grain-free foods. When deciding if a brand or type of dog food is good or not, I look at the pet. If they are eating it well without vomiting, diarrhea, or flatulence, and they have plenty of energy and a nice, glossy coat, then it is probably a good food for them. Here is an article you may not have read yet: https://www.petcoach.co/article/can-my-dog-eat-grain-free/
Updated on August 12th, 2025