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→Free from Grains
==== Free from Grains ====
==== Free from Grains ====
There is no official definition for grain-free in feed legislation and this term overlaps with the terms, low carb, wheat free and gluten free.
There is no official definition for grain-free in feed legislation and this term overlaps with the terms, low carb, wheat free and [[Feeding Types of Pet Food#Free From Gluten|gluten free]].
Some owners are in favour of pet food without grains because, in their view, it reflects the original nutrition of dogs and cats in a more appropriate way. It is often claimed that dogs and cats are unable to digest grains and that feeding grains will cause various diseases such as allergies and cancer. Consequently, pet owners selecting grain-free diets believe that it is healthier for their pets.
Some owners are in favour of pet food without grains because, in their view, it reflects the original nutrition of dogs and cats in a more appropriate way. It is often claimed that dogs and cats are unable to digest grains and that feeding grains will cause various diseases such as allergies and cancer. Consequently, pet owners selecting grain-free diets believe that it is healthier for their pets.
Raw whole grains are indeed difficult to digest, but carbohydrates from properly cooked starch are a highly digestible source of dietary energy. Providing energy in the form of starch frees up dietary protein and fat to be used for tissue development and maintenance and metabolic processes. It has to be noted that manufactured grain-free diets are not usually starch- or gluten-free and contain alternative carbohydrate sources, such as potato starch. Grains are also a good source of dietary fibre, which are beneficial for a healthy digestive function.
Raw whole grains are indeed difficult to digest, but carbohydrates from properly cooked starch are a highly digestible source of dietary energy. Providing energy in the form of starch frees up dietary protein and fat to be used for tissue development and maintenance and metabolic processes. It has to be noted that manufactured grain-free diets are not usually starch- or gluten-free and contain alternative carbohydrate sources, such as potato starch. Grains are also a good source of dietary fibre, which are beneficial for a healthy digestive function.
The risk of allergies associated with grains is, in contrast to the perception of many pet owners, rather low. Grains rank below animal proteins as a primary cause despite being used much more often in pet food<ref name="Fiora">Fiora, P., Carlotti, D. and Viaud, S. '''A retrospective study on the prevalence and causative allergens of food-induced atopic dermatitis in France'''. In: ESVD congress, Valencia 2013.</ref><ref name="Verlinden">Verlinden, A., Hesta, M., Millet, S., et al. (2006) '''Food allergy in dogs and cats: a review.''' Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr ( 46):259-73.</ref><ref name="Roudebush">Roudebush, P. (2013) '''Ingredients and foods associated with adverse reactions in dogs and cats.''' Vet Dermatol 24(2):293-4.</ref><ref name="Roudebush 1">Roudebush, P. (2010) '''Adverse reactions to foods'''. In Small animal clinical nutrition, 5th, [M. S. Hand, R. L. Remillard, P. Roudebush and B. J. Novotny, eds.]. Topeka: Mark Morris Institute.</ref>.
In summary, there is nothing known currently about potential health-benefits of grain-free diets or their preventative usage to reduce the risk of allergy development
The risk of allergies associated with grains is, in contrast to the perception of many pet owners, rather low. Grains rank below animal proteins as a primary cause despite being used much more often in pet food<ref name="Fiora">Fiora, P., Carlotti, D. and Viaud, S. '''A retrospective study on the prevalence and causative allergens of food-induced atopic dermatitis in France'''. In: ESVD congress, Valencia 2013.</ref><ref name="Verlinden">Verlinden, A., Hesta, M., Millet, S., et al. (2006) '''Food allergy in dogs and cats: a review.''' Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr ( 46):259-73.</ref><ref name="Roudebush">Roudebush, P. (2013) '''Ingredients and foods associated with adverse reactions in dogs and cats.''' Vet Dermatol 24(2):293-4.</ref><ref name="Roudebush 1">Roudebush, P. (2010) '''Adverse reactions to foods'''. In Small animal clinical nutrition, 5th, [M. S. Hand, R. L. Remillard, P. Roudebush and B. J. Novotny, eds.]. Topeka: Mark Morris Institute.</ref>.
In summary, there is nothing known currently about potential health-benefits of grain-free diets or their preventative usage to reduce the risk of allergy development
==== Free from Additives (LINK to ingredients?). ====
==== Free from Additives (LINK to ingredients?). ====