As domesticated animals, there’s a lot that we can learn about dogs based on their ancestral cousin, the wolf. Obviously wolves don’t graze on grasses, but instead compliment their protein rich meat diet with vegetables and fruit. Because of this, their digestive systems never evolved to support the breaking down of complex carbohydrates, such as those found in grains. When a dog struggles to digest these cereal grains, over a long period of time they can start to damage the lining of the digestive system. This can result in sensitivity and allergic reactions to foods, bowel disorders, diarrhoea and weight gain.

At Paddington Pups we are proud to sell a selection of grain free options in our dog food ranges. Meals for Mutts is a popular dry kibble that we both sell and use for our boarding dogs. Meals for Mutts is entirely gluten free with many products being grain free including the Duck and Turkey and a Salmon and Sardine bags. Ivory Coat is another great brand that is entirely grain free and the dogs just love it. As far as raw food goes, all of our brands can boast being grain free. These include Complete Pet Meals, Whoa Nelly!, And BARF.

When switching a dog over to any new diet, it should be done gradually. This is to avoid digestive upset or tummy trouble. The transition is made by mixing your dog’s current food with their new food. Make the transition by gradually decreasing the amount of the current dog food while increasing the amount of new dog food. Of course, there are many healthy options when considering your dog’s dietary needs. It’s important to consult your vet before changing your dog’s diet.