A white circle with a black border surrounding a chevron pointing up. It indicates 'click here to go back to the top of the page.' Show Only dogs who are truly allergic to grains should eat grain-free dog food. Sally Anscombe/Getty Images Dog parents often treat their dogs as a member of the family, which means providing them with the utmost care and a nutritious diet. As a result, fad diets that are popular for humans can sometimes lead to fad diets for dogs. For example, gluten-free dog food became popular around the same time that gluten-free diets (for humans) were all the rage, says Rebecca Greenstein, DVM, a Veterinary Medical Advisor for Rover. However, these fad diets aren't always good for humans, and the same goes for your pooch — especially if your vet didn't recommend it. Here we take a closer look at grain-free dog food and offer some advice from veterinarians on the benefits and risks. Grain-free dog food typically does not contain ingredients such as: Instead, it typically contains potatoes or legumes such as peas or lentils as an alternative carb source, says Greenstein. Although dog parents have good intentions when feeding their dogs a grain-free diet, it may actually be harmful. The FDA has alerted pet owners that there may be a link between grain-free diets and a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), says Emily Wilson, DVM, a veterinarian with Fuzzy, a pet telehealth company. DCM is a disease of the heart muscle, which can cause the heart to become enlarged, which hinders its ability to pump blood properly.
It's believed that the high amount of legumes in grain-free diets is to blame for this problem. "Legumes have been used in dog food diets previously, as they are a source of plant-based protein. More recently, though, they have been used in a much higher proportion in certain diets, which are often labeled as grain-free diets," says Wilson. When the FDA looked into the diets of dogs with DCM, 93% of products that the dogs ate contained peas or lentils. However, the FDA is still investigating exactly why a grain-free diet puts dogs at higher risk for DCM, says Rebecca Ruch-Gallie, DVM, an associate professor in clinical sciences at Colorado State University. But Greenstein says that the absence of grains in the diet appears to affect the bioavailability of key nutrients like taurine, which is important for heart muscle health. The good news, Ruch-Gallie says, is that researchers found that DCM reversed when the grain-free diet was discontinued, and grains were reintroduced into the diet. Aside from the DCM risk, there are other health drawbacks associated with going grain-free. When you cut out grains from the diet, Ruch-Gallie says your dog is missing out on:
Wilson says that there isn't substantial scientific evidence regarding the benefits of feeding your dog a grain-free diet. The main benefit of grain-free dog food would be if your dog has a direct allergy related to grains. Then, your vet may recommend a grain-free diet. However, Wilson says grain allergies are very rare, and it's more common for food allergies in dogs to be linked to the protein source rather than the grain source. "Very few pet owners ever really needed to avoid grain-containing diets for medical reasons, but there was a perception that grain was somehow a nutritional 'villain' and eliminating it completely was the next big thing," says Greenstein. Grain-free food may be appropriate if a dog has a grain allergy and if a vet recommends it, however, the diet does come with serious health risks. All three vets are not proponents of grain-free diets for dogs, and they advise discussing any special diet plans with your vet. "Pet owners should avoid choosing diets arbitrarily or based on human food fads. Your veterinarian is your best, and most overlooked, resource to help you find the safest and most appropriate diet for your fur baby," says Greenstein.
Throughout 2019, headlines about grain free pet foods and dogs with enlarged hearts circulated around the news and the industry in general. Manufacturers, distributors, retailers and consumers anxiously awaited any news as to whether or not there is indeed a link between grain-free diets and enlarged heart disease and DCM (canine dilated cardiomyopathy). In response, the commotion has brought up an important discussion regarding grain vs. grain free pet foods and which is best to feed pets. Before we dive into what we know, let’s take a look at where the DCM issue stands as of now. DCM UpdateTo put things simply, there is still no dietary link between grain free pet food ingredients and DCM. And there’s been no major update since we last checked in early last year. In June of 2019, the Pet Food Institute released a Q&A document that outlined the DCM issue along with questions from a consumer’s perspective. They instructed pet owners that the most important thing they can do is “make sure your dog is receiving a complete and balanced diet that is formulated for his or her life stage.” When asked if any ingredients or grain free food as a whole should be avoided, the FDA stated that they do not advise any dietary changes based on the information gathered so far. The ResultWhen this issue first arose, many pet owners impulsively switched their pets’ diets believing the absence of grains was causing these problems and that grains are healthier for pets. They also felt uneasy about not knowing the cause of pets’ enlarged hearts. As a result, diets with grains surged this past year, as owners searched for answers and made changes to their pets’ diets in an attempt to combat these issues. What’s NextWith the DCM question in full swing, manufacturers wasted no time developing formulas to accommodate retailers’ requests for formulas with grains while, at the same time, some chose not to react due to the lack of evidence-based facts. Those that did tweak formulas added grains such as oats, wheat or rice and removed legumes such as lentils and peas. Even though pet owners begin to realize that the link has yet to be proven, grain diets are still regaining popularity and are expected to return strongly in 2020. One veterinarian notes that “whole grains, in particular, shouldn’t be considered as fillers — they contain valuable nutrients, and the vast majority of domestic dogs and cats can digest them with ease.” Grain vs. Grain FreeSo, what is the difference between grain and grain free? Commonly used grains in pet food include wheat, corn, barley, oatmeal, rye and rice; novel grains include quinoa, buckwheat and sorghum, among others. Grain free pet food would contain none of those ingredients but most likely would include other carbohydrate sources like potato, sweet potato or legumes such as peas, lentils or beans. Grain pet food would have healthy grains as the main carbohydrate source and potentially a variety of vegetables as well. As with most foods, some grains are better to feed your pets than others – and that could vary based on breed or health needs. According to Food Industry Executive: “In actuality, wheat gluten contains more than 80% protein, is 99 percent digestible, and has an amino acid profile similar to meat proteins. Corn, when prepared properly, is actually an excellent source of highly digestible carbohydrate, essential fatty acids, and fiber, and can be an especially crucial ingredient in diets for dogs with medical conditions requiring reduced fat or protein.” The question many consumers have is whether formulas with grains are better for pets than formulas that are grain free. Why Grain is GoodGrains have always had a purpose in pet food. They provide a variety of nutrients and vitamins that pets need in everyday life. Packed with carbohydrates, fats and antioxidants, pet food with grains supports the skin, hair, immune system and overall health. With each different grain comes different nutrients creating a nutritionally complete pet food. While every pet has unique nutritional needs, all pets need vitamins and healthy substances found primarily in grain. Research shows that grain free isn’t necessarily better for pets, except for the 10% of pets who have a grain allergy or intolerance. That means, for most pet owners, there’s no right or wrong answer when deciding between the two. “While grain-free diets aren’t off the menu just yet, it’s clear that the consumer perception of what’s “healthy” is now pointed at the inclusion of whole grains and the removal of ingredients that have been overused in their place,” says one expert. PetFood Industry goes on to note that “some professionals have questioned the validity of the FDA’s findings. Others dispute the logic behind alerting the public while so many questions remained.” ConclusionSo, are grain free or grain diets better for our pets? Some say grain free is merely a marketing trend that’s once again following what we see in human food (see Part I and Part II of this series). And while 2019 did showcase its rise, foods with grains are expected to make a significant comeback in 2020. If your dog is doing fine on a grain-free diet, then there’s no sense in fixing what isn’t broken. However, as with anything, it’s always best to check with your veterinarian for the best options. As trends come and go, one thing is clear: Grain will always be a necessity, especially from a health perspective. That’s something manufacturers can count on for 2020 and beyond. Page 2
A protein-rich diet has always played an important role in pet food. However, in the upcoming year, buyers should anticipate increased emphasis on protein-rich diets, with an additional highlight on wholesome meats, protein sources and ingredient percentages. These six pet food trends are expected to impact the way brands and manufacturers deliver healthy and protein-rich diets for pets. Six Protein-Focused Pet Food TrendsMeat as the First IngredientThroughout 2020, expect to see meat at the top of most ingredient lists. As consumers look for natural, protein-rich foods for their pets, many brands and manufacturers will prioritize the role of real meat in their foods. This trend will impact pet food in two ways. First, meat will be listed first on ingredient lists – reflecting their importance as the primary ingredient in the formula. Second, meat will play a primary role in the creation of new formulas, serving as the foundation that foods are built on. Single Animal Protein SourceIn the upcoming year, buyers can anticipate the continued rise of limited-ingredient diets (LIDs), which usually restrict formulas to a single animal protein. Limited-ingredient diets aid in protein allergy management and easy testing for allergies because the food usually only contains one type of animal protein. However, it’s important to note that just because a product has limited ingredients, it doesn’t always just have one single source of protein. Most formulas will also include plant-based protein sources, such as whole grains, legumes or flaxseed, in addition to animal protein. It’s likely that in limited-ingredient diets that the single animal protein will contribute a large percentage of the overall protein and calories. This trend will also impact labels and packaging by featuring more callouts regarding the source of protein in the formula – something we’ve seen a lot of in the past year and expect to continue (more on this later). Protein-Rich FormulasThe high protein trend that rapidly caught on in 2019 will linger in 2020. High protein is a priority for many manufacturers and pet owners because of proteins’ ability to repair muscles and other tissues while also assisting in the creation of hormones, enzymes and chemicals that are necessary for the body to function. In particular, dogs need 22 amino acids for their bodies to create the protein that they need. These are found in everything from meats, eggs, dairy, legumes and even some grains. “A good-quality dog food will list one or two sources of quality protein in the first few ingredients and will have a percentage that is about 20-25 percent crude protein,” says Pet MD. The amount of protein that pets need can vary drastically based on species, age and activity level. For example, cats need significantly more protein than dogs because they metabolize protein differently. However, kittens and puppies need more protein than adults because their activity level is much higher than older pets. “In the past, it was believed that older pets should be fed diets with lower protein, but veterinary nutritionists now believe that healthy older pets need protein every bit as much as their middle-aged counterparts,” says vetSTREET. Finding a balanced, protein-rich formula for both cats and dogs will ensure a healthy lifestyle and a longer lifespan. Protein Source PercentagesWhile protein is the primary ingredient in many pet foods, many pet owners are visual and rely on pet food packaging for key information. As mentioned earlier, both brands and retailers have begun to call out protein percentages on pet food bags. Buyers and consumers will see this trend continue and expand in 2020 with bag designs stating the percent of protein coming from animal sources – including meat and meat meal – along with plant-based protein percentages. Unique ProteinsMost pet parents think of traditional proteins such as beef and chicken when it comes to the ingredients in their pets’ food. But in 2020, unique and exotic proteins are expected to gain traction. Unique proteins have long been a common asset as premium ingredients. And exotic protein sources such as duck, rabbit and wild boar will become more popular because of their novelty and nutritional benefits. Pet parents could also see insect protein-based pet foods in the near future. But it’s not just about nutrients. Rotating unique protein sources outside of the traditional beef and chicken can positively impact the long-term health of pets. One major reason is that feeding pets the same common proteins can have long-term adverse effects such as protein sensitivities and allergies. Ethical Protein SourcesConsumer demand for ethically and sustainably sourced products is transforming nearly every industry – and pet food is no exception. As consumers are turning to friendly farming and environmentally conscious choices in their own diets, many pet owners are doing the same for their pets. There is expected to be a growing demand for pet food options that are healthy, sustainable and affordable. The positive effects of raising livestock in cage-free, free-range or grass-fed environments is well documented. When using these methods, higher quality protein is produced, and it provides a more humane setting for livestock to be raised. A key 2020 pet food trend will be pet food manufacturers sourcing ingredients through these methods. So, how will this affect pet food brands? The expectation for ethical ingredient sourcing will be higher than ever. In addition, packaging and advertising will respond by calling out the source, quality and sustainability of ingredients. ConclusionThroughout 2020, we expect the most influential pet food trends to focus on the role that protein plays in our pet’s diets. Many manufacturers, brands and retailers are expected to incorporate formulas that emphasize the quantity, quality and sources of protein in pet food. Learn more about the vast protein sources that Alphia uses in products: here or contact us today to learn more about how we work with pet food brands and retailers. Page 3
It’s no secret that human foods have made progress within the past five years. The high-sugar, heavily processed, mass-produced meals of yesterday have been replaced with food that is organic, all natural, gluten-free, sustainable and increasingly plant-based. With such changeover becoming more common, you might be surprised to learn pet food is following closely behind. Here’s why. According to a National Pet Owners Survey by the APPA, “67% of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 84.9 million homes”. More than likely, of those 85 million families, the majority consider their pet to be family. Because of that, many pet owners choose to feed their pets high quality and healthy food, just like how they feed their own family. The human-pet food connection is not new. But the time gap that we are seeing these human trends translate into pet food is increasingly shrinking. “Pet food trends used to follow human trends by three to five years,” says Pet Food Industry. “Now that cycle has compressed due to several factors such as a more demanding consumer with more access to information, increased capital investment, and more robust marketing sophistication. In some cases, like digestive health, such as prebiotic and probiotic supplementation, the pet industry has actually led the human industry. Grain-free or gluten-free pet food caught on even faster than for human food.” With that in mind, here are three trends manufacturers are embracing to stay ahead. Organic, Holistic and All NaturalIn a study done by Farm Journal, more than 82% of U.S. households in the lower 48 states buy organic food on a regular basis – accounting for 5% of total U.S. food sales in the country. Organic pet food sales closely follow this rise. As with humans, organic foods provide pets with the fuel they need to be active and stay healthy because they contain a significant number of nutrient-dense calories – a fact buyers love. Along with nutrient-dense calories, organic foods are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or genetically modified organisms – ensuring that pets are eating fresh, GMO-free ingredients at all times. The organic trend has gone hand-in-hand with all natural and holistic pet food sales. When buying a holistic pet food, pet parents not only want food that provides optimal nutrition, they want a meal that supports the overall well-being of their pet. Ingredients rich in Omega 3 and 6 for skin and coat health, along with natural prebiotics for digestion are expected to soar. Pet food that is all natural is also in high demand. All natural pet food contains minimally processed ingredients and no artificial additives. While the added expense may seem daunting to some, the benefits of buying an organic, holistic or all natural pet food can outweigh those costs for some pet parents – and the demand will only continue in the years to come. Sustainability – Ingredients, Packaging, Operations“The concept of sustainability is composed of three pillars: economic, environmental, and social—also known informally as profits, planet, and people,” says Investopedia. In the pet food industry, manufacturers focus on ingredients, packaging and operations when working on sustainability initiatives For years, some pet food ingredients have been by-products of the human food industry. Protein sources that are used in pet food are often taken from a part of the animal that is not highly sought after for human consumption, such as kidneys, liver or meat scraps. Because of this, those ingredients have increased sustainability in the pet food industry without impacting the food supply for humans. Manufacturers are continuously evaluating sources and elements to provide a healthy supply of ingredients that are sustainable long-term – and that push will continue in the coming year. As millennials become the most influential consumer in the pet industry, trends in eco-friendly packaging and products are on the rise. Packaging that uses recycled materials or compostable materials that help reduce our environmental footprint are gaining popularity. As sustainability continues to be a focus in the pet food industry, manufacturers are implementing operational protocols that positively impact the environment on a daily basis. Pet food manufactures have been taking steps to minimize water and natural gas usage, reduce emissions, and minimize waste – and that trend is expected to continue and grow in 2020. PersonalizationHumans are naturally drawn to personalization. Who doesn’t feel special with diets specifically tailored to your blood type or workout plans crafted based on your heart rate? Pet parents are no different in wanting their furry friends to experience the same benefits that come with personalization. As humans continue to find new ways to personalize their everyday life, it’s only natural that the trend migrates toward opportunities in the pet food industry. The pet food industry has begun to recognize the desire for personalization and is expanding on this with new product offerings. But the need to feel special is far from the only reason this trend is gaining traction. “Pet parents seem to like the experience of preparing food for their pets, as this gives them the feeling of having more control over the ingredients they are feeding their pets,” says one industry expert. In the upcoming year, we expect to see a growth in home-delivery, customizable fresh or frozen pet food, meal toppers and add-ins all tailored to your pets’ specific needs. ConclusionThere is a clear relationship between what we eat and what our pets eat. As people care more about what they consume, they care more about what their pets consume. As we saw in 2019, the pet food industry has done a solid job responding to the demand for better pet food options. 2020 will be even better, so if you want to capitalize on these trends, start now. Want to learn how to take advantage of trends? Take a look at our capabilities page. |
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