3 min. read

Grain-Free Dog Food: All You Need to Know

Bo Vanbeselaere (Veterinarian)
8/14/2019

In the last few years, grain-free dog food has become the talk of the town. Designed to be easily digestible and to meet the new trends in human dietary thinking, grain-free pet food has conquered a large part of the market. The widespread use of lower quality grains as fillers (like, for example, maize) meant dogs became increasingly sensitive. As a result, many pet owners started choosing grain-free pet food - a very understandable choice! There’s more to know about grain-free dog food than meets the eye. Get to grips with this doggie delicacy and discover what a grain-free dog food can offer your pet. Only the best is good enough to ensure a healthy and happy life for your furry friend!

What Is Grain-Free Dog Food?

You don’t have to be a super sleuth to work out grain-free dog food contains no grains whatsoever! You won’t find any wheat, barley, rice, oats, rye, etc. in this type of product. Instead, it’s packed full of fresh meat, which provides important protein and healthy animal fats, together with alternative carbohydrate sources, such as potatoes and peas, to produce the energy your four-legged friend needs.

Why is our grain-free dog food a perfect match for your dog?

There isn’t anything actually wrong with grains - we even use some of them in our organic dry food (like whole brown rice, whole barley and whole oats). At the end of the day, with or without grains, it’s all about providing a balanced and nutritious meal for your dogs. That's the only thing that matters.. Some dogs don't need a grain-free diet to feel healthy, but others suffer from a wide spectrum of grain intolerances. For example, some dogs struggle to digest grains efficiently, which can lead to unpleasant side effects such as flatulence or intestinal cramps. Most dog food allergies concern beef or dairy products, but again, different types of grains can be a problem. If your dog has trouble digesting their food, we recommend introducing them to a grain-free diet. At Edgard and Cooper, we want every pet to be strong and healthy. So, seeing as we can provide a perfectly-balanced grain-free solution that suits every dog, why take the risk! That's why we choose to avoid grains in most of our products.

Does grain-free also mean carbohydrate-free?

Certainly not. Next to proteins and fat, carbohydrates are one of the most important nutrients in your dog’s diet.

Dogs descended from wolves. Although they may have the same ancestors, today a dog and wolf’s way of life is very different. Whereas wolves survive on mostly protein and fats, modern dogs have evolved digestive systems that can make good use of carbohydrates.

The main thing your dog gets from carbohydrates is energy. And, when their body runs out of carbs, it will start using proteins or fat instead.

Here’s an analogy: your car needs fuel to move. Carbohydrates are a great form of fuel and will make sure your ‘car’ keeps moving. Meanwhile, proteins and fat make up the vehicle’s structure – a strong frame, sturdy wheels, and so on. Everything needs to be balanced to get started and to keep going. After all, nobody wants a flashy sports car you can’t actually drive.

At Edgard and Cooper, our focus is always on providing complete and well-balanced nutrition. This means a carefully selected combination of protein, fat, carbohydrates, moisture, minerals and vitamins.

Is Grain-Free Dog Food Suitable for My Pet?

Yes, as long as you choose the right one! Almost all dogs can benefit from grain-free food, and a grain-free diet is a wonderful way to help your dog live a happy and healthy life.

To ensure that your furry friends are getting the nutrients they require, their food must provide them with energy, proteins, fats (and fatty acids), vitamins, minerals and essential micro-nutrients. They also need a plentiful supply of clean, fresh water and plenty of regular exercise.

From succulent free-run chicken to irresistible grass-fed lamb; yummy Norwegian salmon to delicious venison and duck, your dog is in for a real treat with our protein-packed dry food. When it comes to going grain-free, you’re in good hands with Edgard & Cooper.

A Few Final Pointers

Our range of dog treats aren’t just protein-packed, they’re also grain-free. All our treats are about 85% high-quality meat and – as you’d expect – we never use any dried or processed meat, or any animal derivatives!

Grain-free dog treats are a great way to say ‘I love you’ in dog. They can also be effective as rewards and motivation. However, do remember that treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake, and you must adjust their meal portions accordingly.

Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, your dog will love going grain-free with us.

Find out how we prepare our fresh & tasty kibbles.
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Find out how we prepare our fresh & tasty kibbles.
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About Edgard & Cooper

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Joyful pet food

Eating is one of life’s simple joys, so why overcomplicate things? Unlike most other pet foods, we treat nature’s ingredients with respect and make food that’s naturally healthy and full of flavour.

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We’re on a mission to become the world’s most sustainable pet food. We love nature, so we pledge to make real, lasting change through our targets of zero carbon, fully sustainable packaging and ethically sourced ingredients.

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