| The Great Grain Debate: |
It seems everyone has an opinion
on this subject. Ah, to feed grains
or not to feed grains...that is the
question! The purpose of this
page is to give you examples of
each side of the story and give
you my personal experience.
on this subject. Ah, to feed grains
or not to feed grains...that is the
question! The purpose of this
page is to give you examples of
each side of the story and give
you my personal experience.
In the "grain free" corner: a
more natural way of feeding the
canine. After all, dogs are not
seen hunting spears of wheat or
bowls of oatmeal. The Merck
Manual states that the canine
has no real use for complex
carbohydrates. "Grain Free" is
said to decrease cancers,
auto-immune problems, ear
infections, skin disease,
seizures...the list goes on and
on.....
You can reference GrainFree
for more information and
theories.
more natural way of feeding the
canine. After all, dogs are not
seen hunting spears of wheat or
bowls of oatmeal. The Merck
Manual states that the canine
has no real use for complex
carbohydrates. "Grain Free" is
said to decrease cancers,
auto-immune problems, ear
infections, skin disease,
seizures...the list goes on and
on.....
You can reference GrainFree
for more information and
theories.
In the "grained" corner:
canines need and use grains
provided they are properly
chosen and prepared. They
are essential for proper
vitamin and mineral balance.
They complete the "raw food"
or "natural rearing" diet; a
fresh, whole food diet. They
are part of the large picture.
They improve skin, coat,
hormones, growth, strength,
stamina, energy and vitality.
You can reference
Wholegrains for more
information and theories.
canines need and use grains
provided they are properly
chosen and prepared. They
are essential for proper
vitamin and mineral balance.
They complete the "raw food"
or "natural rearing" diet; a
fresh, whole food diet. They
are part of the large picture.
They improve skin, coat,
hormones, growth, strength,
stamina, energy and vitality.
You can reference
Wholegrains for more
information and theories.
| Now my story..... I have been feeding fresh food for the last 10+ years. Before that I was feeding a natural, quality kibble. Healthy feeding became very important to me after experiencing chronic, debilitating digestive issues with one of my cats. Fresh feeding was a gradual process for me. First, I starting with kibble and fresh additions then I moved on to a commercial grain mix that required adding fresh meat. At first I was cooking the meat, then I graduated to raw. After finding myself in a better position financially, I felt I was finally able to provide my animals with a completely grain free diet; what is considered by most, the perfect canine diet. After working with several types, styles and rotations, I was starting to see health issues that this type of diet claimed to cure; health issues I was not experiencing before the grain free switch. I began to see muscle cramps, tendon issues, weight problems with tiny rations, teething issues, increased shedding and no change with a particular behavior problem. The final straw was a serious appetite and chronic Calcium/Phosphorus issue with a new pup. Frustrated with my personal results, I re-started the original grain mixer I used previously. Within weeks, issues started to dissolve. The most amazing example was the balance of Calcium/Phosphorus blood levels and appetite in that one particular pup. Blood values are not subjective; they cannot lie. Well, that is my story and personal experience with grain free and I will not stray from a grain based diet again. I do not condemn grain free diets. What I have learned is to observe your results, no matter what you feed. If you are seeing problems, re-think your feeding program. Don't be afraid to admit it's not working, even if it is suppose to be the best and "so-in-so" says it is. Be open minded. Every animal is different. Do what works. If it doesn't work, find something that does. Listen to ideas and suggestions. Listen to your animals. One thing for sure, FEEDING FRESH AND WHOLESOME FOOD IS VERY IMPORTANT, never stray from that! |
Questions? Comments? swanbackjacks@yahoo.com
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