Grain Free vs Regular Dog Food - What’s the Difference?

In a world where food choices for our pets seem endless, selecting the perfect dog food can be daunting. With so many types and options out there, it can be challenging for pet owners to identify the right product for their dog. One of the newest options in dog nutrition revolves around the choice between regular and grain free dog food.

Every pet owner wants to ensure that their dog is receiving healthy and tasty food that suits their dog’s dietary requirements, so it’s worth knowing the differences between them! If you’re unsure whether to opt for regular or grain free dog food, this blog is for you. In this blog, we’ll uncover the differences between regular and grain free dog food, touching on their benefits and whether grain free dog food is suitable for puppies.

What is Grain Free Dog Food?

The main and most obvious difference in grain free dog food is the exclusion of common grains such as wheat, corn and rice from its ingredients. Instead, these carbohydrate sources are replaced with additional nutrient-rich vegetables, offering an alternative and potentially beneficial diet for some dogs.

This exclusion helps cater to dogs with sensitive tummies or grain allergies. Although common grains are removed, grain free dog food certainly doesn’t compromise quality or taste.

The amount of choice you get in terms of flavour is not inferior to regular dog food either. Whether you’re after chicken, salmon or lamb flavoured grain free dog food, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a flavour your dog doesn’t love! Take a look at Wilsons’ full range of grain free dog food. 

What are the Benefits of Grain Free Dog Food?

Grain free dog food has gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Here are a few of the benefits that grain free dog food can offer your pet:

• Improved Digestion - One of the main benefits of grain free dog food is improved digestion for those with sensitive tummies. Unlike traditional dog food that contains a larger proportion of grains, grain free options typically use carbohydrates that are easier for allergic dogs to digest, which is known to be particularly beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. If your dog suffers from a sensitive tummy, find out more about our gentle and natural dog food.
• Energy Levels – We all want to see our dog fit, active and healthy, and grain free dog food can help. Grain free dog food often incorporates complex carbohydrates, providing a sustained energy source and helping keep sensitive dogs feeling full for more extended periods. This is essential for active dogs or those who require sustained energy throughout the day.
• Improved Skin and Coat – As well as improving digestion and energy levels, grain based is known to help dogs achieve healthier skin and a shinier coat. Grain free diets help promote a healthier skin and coat thanks to their high protein content and removing the grain that some dogs may have reactions to, which can cause reactions such as itching and scratching.

Wilsons’ Chicken Cold Pressed Dog Food is an excellent example of a grain free product with fantastic health benefits. This product contains sweet potato, thyme, and turmeric, and thanks to it's minimal processing, it also offers benefits such as preventing bloating, supporting digestion and promoting joint care. For those interested in a grain free option that supports overall canine well-being, Chicken Cold Pressed Dog Food could be an excellent choice. 

What are the Benefits of Regular Dog Food?

Although grain free food may have many benefits (especially for dogs with allergies to grain), there is also a lot of benefits of regular dog food that includes grain.

Although grain free diets are becoming increasingly popular, grains can still be a valuable component of a dog’s diet. Grain based dog food can be suitable for many dogs, especially those who can easily digest grains, and ingredients such as rice, barley and oats contribute essential nutrients to a dog's diet. These include protein, magnesium, potassium and fibre, offering a range of health benefits. Protein is crucial for muscle development and overall body function, while magnesium and potassium are vital in maintaining proper heart and muscle function.

Our Grass Fed Lamb Cold Pressed Dog Food is a great example of food with added grains. We include brown rice in this recipe which tends to be less of an irritant when compared to other grains for dogs with allergies.

Is Grain Free Dog Food Good for Puppies?

Both grain free and regular dog food is beneficial for puppies and adult dogs.

Grain free dog food is suitable for puppies because it focuses on high-quality proteins and nutrients, and it can particularly benefit puppies as their developing bodies require a balanced diet to support growth and overall well-being.

As a puppy owner, you must be cautious about feeding. Overfeeding can lead to various health issues, so you must feed your puppy the right amount. Check out Wilsons' Guide to Feeding Your Puppy to find out more! 

Is Grain Free Dog Food Better than Regular?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing the right food for your dog. The decision depends entirely on your dog's unique dietary requirements, allergies, health conditions and preferences.

Grain free dog food has gained popularity due to its health benefits, and some pet owners find that this food can be easier on dogs with particular sensitivities or allergies. 

Purchase Delicious Grain Free Dog Food from Wilsons

At Wilsons, we offer a comprehensive grain free dog food collection designed to cater to various dietary requirements. We’re committed to using high-quality ingredients to provide your dog with a tasty and nutritious alternative.

Our food is crafted using minimal processing and the best ingredients in our bespoke factories in Scotland, perfect for ensuring to aid digestion and preventing bloating. Find out more about how our food is gentle and natural >