In recent years we have witnessed the emergence of more and more feed options for dogs made without including any cereal, contrary to what had been customary until then. This composition is based on the idea that dogs are carnivorous animals that, therefore, need a diet based on proteins of animal origin, from meat or fish. The recipe can be completed with fruits and vegetables, but not with cereals, since it is said that dogs cannot digest them and, furthermore, they are foods capable of causing food intolerances or allergies. But is this statement true? Should we choose a feed with cereals or without cereals?
Next, in this article on our site, we explain whether cereals are good for dogs or, on the contrary, it is better avoid introducing them into your diet.
Can dogs eat cereal?
Yes, dogs can eat and digest grains, which does not mean that they have to be the basis of their diet. As carnivores, the first ingredient of a menu suitable for dogs has to be the animal protein, that is, meat or fish, never cereals. The idea behind removing grains from the canine diet is that dogs are unable to digest starches, but this is not true. Dogs, like people, can take advantage of them, since they have amylase, an enzyme that is responsible for it. They are not wolves and have been adapting to the peculiarities of human food throughout their domestication. In fact, grain-free feed also contains starch, as it is needed to make croquettes. The difference is that it comes from other sources, such as tubers or legumes, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, lentils, beans, tapioca, parsnip, etc.
The exception to the consumption of cereals, logically, will be the dogs with intolerance or allergyto these foods. They really should not include them in their diet. But just because some dogs can't eat them doesn't mean they're bad. In the same way that we do not think that, for example, beef is harmful to them, although some specimens are allergic to these proteins and cannot consume them. In fact, it is much more common for allergies in dogs to be, in addition to meat, dairy products, rather than cereals such as wheat.
For example, the brand of dog and cat food KOME offers a natural feed for adult dogs with chicken and lamb, without transgenics or additives, which is also made with brown rice and is formulated by specialized veterinarians. In addition, it contains corn and hydrolyzed wheat, a process that prevents the appearance of intolerances and allergies to this ingredient. All its ingredients are 100% natural and, in addition, they donate 10% of the profits to animal associations, so that, with the purchase of their products, you will be helping animal protectors and associations. If you want to try this food, you can do it right here: Adult Dog Food with Chicken and Lamb.
KOME also has a feed for sterilized cats with chicken and tuna. Without GMOs or artificial additives, just like dog food, brown rice completes the recipe. Although the idea that they need grain-free feed also circulates for cats, their behavior in this regard is like that of the dog. This means that, except intolerances or allergies, cats can eat cereals in the right measure as part of a balanced diet always based on animal protein, whether from meat or fish.
Benefits of cereals for dogs
For dogs without intolerances or allergies, the contribution of cereals in their diet, always respecting the balance between these ingredients, animal protein, vegetables, fruit and legumes, can bring benefits such as following:
- They are a source of carbohydrates, which provide essential energy for the proper functioning of the body. They provide energy without the need to include an excessive amount of fat in the recipe.
- Add fiber to the diet, necessary for the proper functioning of the digestive system, the maintenance of the intestinal flora and an adequate evacuation of the feces Fiber also provides a satiating effect, which can help in diets for dogs with weight problems or a tendency to gain weight.
- Of course, they contain nutrients considered essential, such as fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins or minerals.
Dog-friendly cereal
Dogs without intolerances or allergies to these foods can benefit from eating cereals such as rice, which is also highly recommended for dogs with digestive problems who need a soft diet. The following are also good cereals for dogs:
- Oatmeal
- Barley
- Amaranth
- Quinoa
- Linen
Flax especially, stands out for its contribution of omega 3. It is recommended to use the wholegrain versions. In any case, you can offer your dog cereal in moderation and observe whether or not there is any adverse reaction before giving more.
How to give a dog cereal?
You can offer cereals to your dog through the feed you give him, such as the aforementioned KOME brand, orthrough home recipes In this second case, we recommend consulting a veterinarian specialized in canine nutrition for advice and help you establish recipes that meet the needs particulars of your dog. Likewise, it will be convenient to start with a small portion to check that it does not present any allergic reaction.
In both cases, the contribution of cereals should not exceed 10% of the total daily diet [1].
Prohibited cereals for dogs
If our dog has any negative effects after eating cereals, logically we will have to remove them from his diet. For example, although it is not a very common ailment in them, dogs can also suffer, just like humans, gluten intolerance or celiac disease, which is not more than a hypersensitivity to this ingredient. Breeds such as the Irish Setter or the Samoyed are considered to have a predisposition to this disease. Gluten is a component of vegetable protein found in cereals such as wheat, barley or rye. Dogs with gluten intolerance will suffer from digestive problems if they eat it, which is why it is necessary to eliminate cereals that contain it from their diet.
On the other hand, dogs with an allergy to this component will normally manifest it with skin problems, such as itching, hair loss, etc. But avoiding gluten does not mean that cereals are prohibited for them, since they could consume those free of this component, such as rice or corn.
Finally, it should be noted that what we know as breakfast cereals for human consumption are not, in general, cereals for dogs that are considered suitable, since they usually contain sugars and other ingredients that are highly inadvisable for them.
