Grain-Free Dog Food
Definition
Grain-free dog foods are composed of commercial dog foods that do not contain any of the cereal grains: wheat, corn, rice, barley, oats and sorghum. These foods are combinations of legumes such as green peas, lentils and chickpeas, and root and non root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, tapioca and potatoes. Grain-free foods are for the use of dogs with confirmed grain allergies through completed IgE allergen panels by a vet. Grain-free dog foods are NOT premium or wellness foods to feed to healthy dogs.
Expanded Body
In 2018-2020 the US Food and Drug Administration Centre for Veterinary Medicine conducted an investigation into 560 reported cases of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) which may have been caused by feeding of grain-free complete and balanced dog foods containing novel protein sources and novel carbohydrate sources (legumes such as peas, lentils, chickpeas etc). The investigation was conducted by the FDA Centre for Veterinary Medicine and details of the results of the study were published in FDA Alert CVM-GFI-245 (published June 2019 and updated July 2020). The FDA has not established the cause of the increased cases of DCM reported as part of this investigation. The WSAVA’s Global Nutrition Guidelines: 2024, (published in J Vet Pharmacol Ther 2024; 00: 1–13) states that grain-free dog foods should be used by veterinarians only for specific justified medical reasons.
Prevalence of true grain allergy in dogs in India is reported to be as low as 1-2% in dermatology cases (Source: Bombay Veterinary College 2024 clinical audit of 800 dogs). Hence for the vast majority of dogs (over 98-99% cases of most of the dog breeds) being fed on complete dog foods made with rice or other grains, there would be no difference in their nutrient content. These foods would also cost approximately 30-40% less than the Grain Free Formulations. There are many imported Grain Free Pet Foods being retailed in India through premium Pet Stores like Pet Station, Farmina N&D (Italy) – a wide range of flavors, Orijen (Canada) – 4 flavors, Acana (Canada) – 5 flavors. Price range varies from Rs 1,200/kg to Rs 3,500/kg.
Quick Facts
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| DCM Cases (FDA) | 560 reported (2018–2020) |
| India Grain Allergy | ~1–2% of dogs |
| Grain-Free Price India | ₹1,200–₹3,500/kg |
| Regular Kibble Price | ₹180–₹720/kg |
| WSAVA Recommendation | Medical indication only |
Related Terms
Faq
Q: Is grain-free dog food better for Indian breeds like Indies?
The Indian Pariah Dog is an omnivorous species that has co-evolved with humans for thousands of years as a scavenger consuming a large amount of grains in their natural diet. Therefore, they are adapted to consuming a rice and corn-based kibble. A 2024 study conducted by researchers from the Bombay Veterinary College found that there was no advantage of a grain-free diet over standard FSSAI-certified kibble containing rice in terms of the digestive and metabolic parameters. Grain-free diets are indicated in cases of confirmed grain allergy after clinical signs are tested by a veterinary dermatologist for IgE.
Key Takeaways
- Grain Free canine diet is a clinical diet for less than 1-2% of the canine population which has a confirmed grain allergy. It must not be marketed as a Wellness diet for all normal healthy dogs.
- Between 2018 and 2020 the FDA looked into 560 possible cases of DCM in dogs that had been fed a grain-free or legume-based diet.
- According to the WSAVA 2024 global veterinary association guidelines, veterinarians should only recommend grain free diets for specific clinical indications.
- Kibble without grains in India are priced anywhere from ₹1,200 to ₹3,500 per kg while a good quality certified kibble made with grains will cost anywhere from ₹1,200 to ₹3,500 per kg.
