Barekmor: Grain Free Beef Recipe (All Life Stage – For Puppies And Adult Dogs) With 65% Beef and 35% Fruits and Veg (2024)

FAQs

What is the 25% rule in dog food? ›

The 25% Rule

The named ingredient(s) must comprise at least 10% of the total product by weight and at least 25% of the product by weight not including the added water. Additional descriptors, such as “dinner,” “entrée,” “platter” and so on, appear in the name.

Despite the benefits for some dogs, there are downsides to feeding a grain-free dog food. Many people assume grain free means low carb, but that's not the case. In fact, some dog foods without grains are higher in alternative carbohydrate sources like potatoes and peas. This could result in unintentional weight gain.

For the majority of puppies, traditional food is perfectly healthy and if your dog enjoys it and is eating a balanced diet, then that is all that matters. However, for those of you with puppies that are showing signs of allergies, grain-free food represents a great option.

In most cases, yes, grain-free food is bad for dogs. There is no medical basis for feeding your dog a grain-free diet. The only exception is if your dog has a specific condition and you are advised to do so by your vet. In short, no studies indicate that grain-free diets are better for dogs than diets with grain.

The term “80/20 dog food” typically refers to a diet that consists of 80% meat and 20% other ingredients such as fruits and vegetables. This ratio is often associated with the concept of a more biologically appropriate and natural diet for dogs.

This rule states that any food label that contains “with” in the description must contain no less than 3% of the meat ingredient listed. Common examples include Made with Chicken and Dog Food with Beef. The “Flavor” Rule.

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.

In addition to Blue Buffalo, the brands cited by the FDA are Acana, California Natural, Earthborn Holistic, 4Health, Fromm, Merrick, Nature's Domain, Nature's Variety, Natural Balance, NutriSource, Nutro, Orijen, Rachael Ray Nutrish, Taste of the Wild and Zignature.

Potentially being on a grain free diet, might indicate that your puppy doesn't eat enough fibre and will end up feeling less full after their meal. This might result in their parents feeding them more than they might require, which could cause excess fat to build up.

Filling your dog's diet with too much human food may result in nutrient deficiencies. If you're considering oatmeal as an easily digestible option for a dog with an upset stomach, go for white or brown rice instead. “Those are much more tried-and-true and safe,” Watkins says.

Do vets recommend grain or grain free? ›

There are a few reasons why a vet might recommend grain-free pet food for a particular dog, but it really depends on any health issues. First, if a dog has a food allergies, such as a grain allergy, then a grain-free diet may be necessary to manage their condition.

Royal Canin's dried dog food is consistently a top pick among veterinarians because of the extensive research they put into making each blend.

Foods that are classified as grains are; corn, wheat, soy, rice, oatmeal, barley, oats, sorghum, etc. All of these ingredients should be avoided when choosing a kibble. The three top allergens for dogs are corn, wheat, and soy - all of which are in most dog food brands.

Sweet potato is a safe, healthy, and natural treat for dogs, offering a range of health benefits (and a sweet flavor they'll likely love). For example, sweet potatoes support a healthy digestive system thanks to their high dietary fiber content. They're also low in fat and contain essential vitamins like B6, C, and A.

The 95% Rule

At least 95% of the product must be the named ingredient, for example, “Chicken for Dogs,” or “Salmon Dog Food,” must include at least 95% of chicken or salmon, respectively. In addition, this main product must be at least 70% of the total product when counting the added water.