For several years now, there has been a debate about the actual nutritional value of grain-free formulas. This discussion originated in the US, concerning issues observed in dogs that had been fed this type of product, formulated without the use of grains, for an extended period. In particular, in the recent past, it was believed that grain-free formulas could be responsible for the onset of a heart disease, Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM).
Unfortunately, in the field of nutrition, there are countless opinions, making it difficult to navigate through all the various trends, including the one that, especially in the US, has significantly changed the market: Grain-free. This trend, born from the observation that dogs descend from wolves, led Canadian industries to be the first to formulate grain-free foods: wolves certainly didn't eat grains, and dogs, their direct descendants, should do the same. Objectively, this concept is fascinating but not entirely transferable: almost all modern dogs, except for Dingos and Siberian Huskies among others, can digest carbohydrates well (when cooked) because domestication has evolved them, providing them with many more gene copies capable of producing amylase, the enzymes that break down carbohydrates into simple sugars (between 20 and 40 compared to the two of their wolf ancestors). Grain-free lines were created to satisfy customers drawn to this new trend, especially in America, which was captivated by the "grain-free" concept and the significant amounts of protein in the formulas. Dogs would generally have no problems eating a grain-free diet with a moderately increased protein content. The issue lies in the starch sources used as an alternative to grains and their digestibility and absorption; another problem is that, to include high quantities of protein in the formula, there is an increased risk of potential pharmacological residues carried by meat and bone meals, especially from chicken and turkey, from intensive farming.
For this reason, it is preferable to use products containing fish caught in the sea or meat from pasture-raised or extensively farmed animals, or from organic sources. Furthermore, to understand whether other raw materials used to replace grain could cause harm, it may take decades. As you are undoubtedly aware, grain-free diets are now also under scrutiny for various reasons, making every choice difficult.
What I can say is that it is advisable to turn to those companies that have been engaged for years in studies on nutritional pathology or on Adverse Food Reactions (AFR) and food intolerances.
Unfortunately, in recent years, statistics have shown an increasing number of inflammatory disorders in our furry friends, which in most cases are resolved through a change in diet. It is up to you to make the choice, but if you opt for grain-free, choose formulas that are naturally rich in or supplemented with taurine, an amino acid identified as deficient (and a probable cause of heart problems in dogs).
For commercial inquiries: FORZA10 Monoprotein Line
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