Q: Are grain-free diets really dangerous?

A: This has become one of the most debated topics in canine nutrition. Grain-free diets aren’t inherently dangerous, but some may increase risk of heart disease (DCM – dilated cardiomyopathy) when poorly formulated.

The concern arose when researchers found links between certain grain-free, legume-heavy diets and DCM in dogs not genetically predisposed to it. The issue wasn’t ‘grains’ themselves, but imbalances in amino acids (like taurine) and excessive use of lentils or peas that interfered with nutrient absorption.

High-quality grain-free diets formulated by veterinary nutritionists can still be safe, especially for dogs with genuine grain allergies. The takeaway? Choose reputable brands that conduct feeding trials and disclose nutritional testing.

Grains like rice, oats, and barley aren’t ‘fillers’; they’re digestible carbohydrate sources that provide energy and fibre. Unless there’s a medical reason, most dogs do well with them.