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Experienced and professional animal trainer provide their insights in answering this question :
A. Grain Free diets are a very popular option these days and are formulated to try and fit a dogs “ancient” needs for diet. However, dogs are omnivores by nature, meaning that they will enjoy a diet of both meat and vegetables readily. Many owners choose to feed a grain free diet in order to avoid common allergenic grain products such as wheat, corn and soy products which can cause skin rashes, allergies and digestive upset. However, these grain free diets will often incorporate other food sources that are not grains such as peas and potatoes to provide for an omnivorous diet.

if you are feeding a commercial pet food that is complete and balanced (there should be an AAFCO statement somewhere on the bag that states this), then your dog should not need any vitamin supplements. However, if your dog is not doing well on his food, or appears to have some health issues such as cracked nails, scheduling an appointment with your vet is best. Your vet can check for any nutrient deficiencies and may recommend a change in food or a supplement to meet any holes in the diet.

How to Identify Common Pet Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced pet care professionals :

There are a lot of dog and cat foods sold as grain-free with marketing suggesting that feeding no grains is healthier. This is not true and can, in fact, cause illness for some dogs and cats. There is no medical or physiologic basis to feed dogs or cats a grain-free diet.
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 general, grain-free foods are OK for your dog, but they don`t necessarily add any extra nutritional benefit or protect your dog from developing food allergies.
Grain-free dog food is actually intended for pets with a grain allergy or intolerance, which isn`t a problem for most dogs. And since it`s been linked to heart disease, a regular diet of grain-free food can potentially do more harm than good.
Grain-free dog food offers all the nutrients that normal dog food has, including omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, iron and calcium and is also high in protein and dietary fiber. Some dogs have adverse reactions to certain grains and are more active and happy on grain-free diets.
Additionally, grain-free pet foods could be beneficial if your dog has digestive issues, since carbohydrates can be difficult for some dogs to digest. Dog foods with grains may use wheat gluten or corn meal, which are cheap fillers that have little nutritional value and reduce the quality of the kibble or wet food.
Iron, thiamine, calcium, riboflavin, folate, and niacin are all in grain. Grain free diets may result in a deficiency of these essential nutrients. Plus, these carbohydrate sources cost more. Depending on your cat`s health status and specific nutritional needs, a diet with grain may be better than one without.
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.
Like humans, dogs need a balanced diet to get all the nutrients they need to stay healthy, and some of those nutrients come from the grains in their dog food. Healthy grains are good for your dog`s heart, which means a grain-free diet can lead to heart problems due to a lack of certain nutrients.
Slowly introduce grain-free and higher protein dog food by mixing it in a little at a time. By gradually increasing amounts over the course of a few weeks, you allow your dog`s digestive system to adjust. During the switch, keep an eye on your pup`s stool to make sure they`re not constipated or suffering from diarrhea.
Yes, dogs can eat brown rice. It`s an easily digestible carbohydrate source and provides beneficial minerals and B vitamins. When reading dog food labels, you may see brown rice as a common ingredient, and that`s because it`s so nutritious.
Changing to grain-free dog food may help with itchy skin and leave your dog`s coat in a much nicer, more comfortable state than it was, previously.
When reading dog food labels, grains you may see include corn, rice, oats, barley, wheat, rye, and sorghum. “These are the standard grains in dog foods,” says Brooks. “They are all fine for dogs to eat and are a good source of fiber as well.”
Though technically a seed, Quinoa is classified as a whole grain and is a good source of plant protein and fiber. One cup cooked provides about 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber.
Oats, formally named Avena sativa, is a type of cereal grain from the Poaceae grass family of plants. The grain refers specifically to the edible seeds of oat grass, which is what ends up in our breakfast bowls.
Corn is the primary U.S. feed grain, accounting for more than 95 percent of total feed grain production and use. The United States is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of corn in the world.
While it`s less common than other food sensitivities, cats can be sensitive to grains. A food sensitivity or intolerance can cause problems like vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and skin irritation.
Studies suggest a link between grain-free dog food and canine heart disease, but no such connection has been established in cats. Just as with any food ingredients, if your cat is diagnosed with allergies to grains, a grain-free diet is highly recommended.
Broccoli is safe for dogs to eat frozen, raw or cooked, plus it`s packed full of vitamins and minerals. Broccoli should be treated as an occasional snack and the florets, in particular, should only be eaten in small amounts.
Are carrots safe for me to feed my dog?” While some of the vegetables we love are unsafe to feed our dogs, carrots are a perfectly safe and nutritious treat for your dog.
Cheese can be given as an occasional treat in moderation, alongside a healthy diet. If your dog manages to eat a whole block or other large amount of cheese, they may vomit. Keep an eye on them, and call your vet for advice if they become unwell.
Dogs require sulfur based amino acids, which come from animal protein, in order to make taurine. If a grain free diet provides the bulk of its protein from plants (pea, potato, etc) and does not have enough of the precursor amino acids to make taurine, the diet will be deficient.
Grain-free dog food is one of the most nutritious diets you could give your dog, but some manufacturers might not consider the protein sources. As such, your dog could be consuming protein that`s difficult to digest, resulting in diarrhoea or constipation.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Q. Whenever I take my dog on walks he always barks at people and others dogs in my neighborhood. What should I do to resolve the problem
ANSWER : A. The very first thing to do is to make sure your dog is getting sufficient physical and mental exercise every day. A tired dog is a good, happy dog and one who is less likely to bark from boredom or frustration. Depending on his breed, age, and health, your dog may require several long walks as well as a good game of chasing the ball and playing with some interactive toys.

Figure out what he gets out of barking and remove it. Don’t give your dog the opportunity to continue the barking behavior.

Ignore your dog’s barking for as long as it takes him to stop. That means don’t give him attention at all while he’s barking. Your attention only rewards him for being noisy. Don’t talk to, don’t touch, or even look at him. When he finally quiets, even to take a breath, reward him with a treat. To be successful with this method, you must wait as long as it takes for him to stop barking. Yelling at him is the equivalent of barking with him.

Get your dog accustomed to whatever causes him to bark. Start with whatever makes him bark at a distance. It must be far enough away that he doesn’t bark when he sees it. Feed him lots of good treats. Move the stimulus a little closer (perhaps as little as a few inches or a few feet to start) and feed treats. If the stimulus moves out of sight, stop giving your dog treats. You want your dog to learn that the appearance of the stimulus leads to good things.

Teach your dog the ‘quiet’ command. Oddly, the first step is to teach your dog to bark on command. Give your dog the command to “speak,” wait for him to bark two or three times, and then stick a tasty treat in front of his nose. When he stops barking to sniff the treat, praise him and give him the treat. Repeat until he starts barking as soon as you say “speak.” Once your dog can reliably bark on command, teach him the “quiet” command. In a calm environment with no distractions, tell him to “speak.” When he starts barking, say “quiet” and stick a treat in front of his nose. Praise him for being quiet and give him the treat.

As in all training, always end training on a good note, even if it is just for obeying something very simple, like the ‘sit’ command. If you dog regresses in training, go back to the last thing he did successfully and reinforce that before moving on again. Keep sessions short, 15-20 minutes max, and do this several times a day.

Read Full Q/A … : Help! My Dog Barks & Lunges At Other Dogs! — Your Dog's Friend

Q. Is grain free really a good thing? If yes, should I also give vitamins? My dogs have been on grain free for a few months and have cracked nails
ANSWER : A. Grain Free diets are a very popular option these days and are formulated to try and fit a dogs “ancient” needs for diet. However, dogs are omnivores by nature, meaning that they will enjoy a diet of both meat and vegetables readily. Many owners choose to feed a grain free diet in order to avoid common allergenic grain products such as wheat, corn and soy products which can cause skin rashes, allergies and digestive upset. However, these grain free diets will often incorporate other food sources that are not grains such as peas and potatoes to provide for an omnivorous diet.

if you are feeding a commercial pet food that is complete and balanced (there should be an AAFCO statement somewhere on the bag that states this), then your dog should not need any vitamin supplements. However, if your dog is not doing well on his food, or appears to have some health issues such as cracked nails, scheduling an appointment with your vet is best. Your vet can check for any nutrient deficiencies and may recommend a change in food or a supplement to meet any holes in the diet.

Read Full Q/A … : What You Need To Know About Coconut Flour

Q. My dog has a split nail, what should I do?
ANSWER : A. Split or torn nails are very common in dogs, and treatment depends on the level of the tear. If the nail is split above the quik (blood supply to the nail) then it can be safely trimmed back and the torn part removed. You can find the quik in a dog’s nails by looking for a red or pink line in light colored nails, or a darker groove on the underside of dark colored nails.

If the tear is behind the quik or the nail is bleeding, stopping the bleeding with styptic powder or starches such as corn or rice starch can help. It is then best to bring your dog into your local vet to have the nail safely trimmed back. This may require anesthesia or sedation depending on the size of the tear to make the experience less painful for your dog. Your vet may also recommend antibiotics if the tear is large to prevent infection from taking hold until the nail can heal.

Once the torn part of the nail is removed, the nail should be able to begin growing back as normal. Regular nail trims to keep nails short and in shape can also help to prevent tears and splits in the future.

Read Full Q/A … : My Dog Has A Split Nail – Ask A Vet – Banfield Pet Hospital®

Q. How do I determine how much my overweight pet should weigh?
ANSWER : A. There are many tools to determine overweight and obesity levels in pets. A new tool, morphometric measurements and body fat index, are available to accurately determine a pet’s ideal weight; this will allow an accurate determination of the amount of food a pet should receive to achieve weight loss. Feeding the correct amount will lead to greater weight loss success.

There are many weight loss food options to help pets reach their ideal weight. Your veterinarian can help make a ideal weight recommendation. Here are some tips to help your dog lose weight in a healthy and safe way:

1. Diet: Providing a healthy and well balanced diet is essential to your pet’s overall health. Finding the right food for your dog can be a challenging process. For those overweight animals many commercial dog companies offer weight loss diets, but it is important to evaluate food labels for adequate nutritional content.

You want to ensure you are not missing other essential vitamin or mineral content. Volume of food is also important and the amount of food that works for one breed of dog may not be the same for another breed of dog. Portion control as opposed to free-choice feeding can help your dog to drop a few unnecessary pounds.

There are also prescription weight loss foods designed by veterinary nutritionists, such as Hill’s r/d (http://bit.ly/1AoENSd). Some pet owners find that home cooking is the best option for helping to provide a well-balanced and realistic diet plan. There are websites such as balanceit.com that offers recipes to fit your dog’s specific needs. Consulting with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to find the appropriate diet is a great way to help your dog be as healthy as possible.

2. Exercise: Another great tactic for weight loss for your dog is exercise. Whether this is through running, walking or playing with a favorite toy all of these are wonderful types of exercise to help keep your dog at a lean and healthy weight.

For those pet owners with busy schedules utilizing professional dog walking services or playtime through dog daycare services is another option. It has been shown that those pet owners that exercise regularly with their pets generally live a healthier lifestyle.

3. Physical therapy: As animals age pet owners offer encounter their favorite canine having more difficulty walking and have a dwindling desire to play with toys. Physical therapy, specifically hydrotherapy is a wonderful way to help older and arthritic animals gain more mobility and lose weight. Hydrotherapy has been proven to have several therapeutic effects on the body including, muscle strengthening, relief of swelling, decreased joint pain, less stiffness in limbs, improved circulation, weight loss, and increased tissue healing to name a few. For more information on the benefits of hydrotherapy:
http://bit.ly/1w1qqoy

4. Veterinary visit and blood work: Weight gain can also be related to underlying health concerns such as hypothyroidism or other endocrine disorders. Scheduling a veterinary evaluation and routine blood work can be another important component in increasing the longevity of your dog’s life. Conditions such as hypothyroidism that predispose dogs to gain weight can be treated with a daily medication to improve hormonal balance. If feel that your dog is unnecessarily overweight there can be an underlying health condition that needs to be addressed.

5. Healthy treats: Pet owners love the chance to reward their favorite canine companion with treats and most dogs jump at the chance to consume these delicious products. The problem is many treats, which can include commercial dog treats or table scrapes can add many unnecessary calories to your dog’s daily intake. Reading labels and making note of the calories in these treats is an important component of understanding your dog’s overall health. Treats should not exceed more than 10 percent of your pet’s daily calories. There are healthier treats that can be offered to your pet to keep calories lower yet provide a fuller sensation. A pet owner can add steamed or pureed vegetables, such as carrots, green beans or sweet potato to add more fiber and thus a fuller feeling for your dog.

Read Full Q/A … : How Do I Determine if My Dog is Overweight? – Pet Health Care

Q. What can I do to stop my dog from barking at people and front doors?
ANSWER : A. Ignore your dog’s barking for as long as it takes him to stop. This means don’t give him any attention at all while he’s barking. Your attention only rewards him for being noisy. Don’t talk to him, don’t touch him, and don’t even look at him. When he finally quiets down, even to take a breath, reward him with a treat. To be successful with this method, you must wait as long as it takes for him to stop barking. If he barks for an hour and you finally get so frustrated that you yell at him to be quiet, the next time he’ll probably bark for an hour and a half. Dogs learns that if they bark long enough you’ll give them attention.

Teach your dog the ‘quiet’ command. It may sound nonsensical, but the first step is to teach your dog to bark on command. Give your dog the command to “speak,” wait for him to bark two or three times, and then stick a tasty treat in front of his nose. When he stops barking to sniff the treat, praise him and give him the treat. Repeat until he starts barking as soon as you say “speak.” Once your dog can reliably bark on command, teach him the “quiet” command. In a calm environment with no distractions, tell him to “speak.” When he starts barking, say “quiet” and stick a treat in front of his nose. Praise him for being quiet and give him the treat.

When your dog starts barking, ask him to do something that’s incompatible with barking. Teach your dog to react to barking stimuli with something that inhibits him from barking, such as lying down in his bed.

Make sure your dog is getting sufficient physical and mental exercise every day. A tired dog is a good dog and one who is less likely to bark from boredom or frustration. Depending on his breed, age, and health, your dog may require several long walks as well as a good game of fetch and playing with interactive toys.

Read Full Q/A … : How to Get Your Dog to Stop Barking : The Humane Society of …

Q. My Beagle listens to me, but cries & whines when I’m gone & doesn’t listen to my parents. I adopted him just a couple days ago. Any tips for my folks?
ANSWER : A. I really highly doubt that your Beagle listens to you and has formed a connection with you in just a couple of days. It takes months to build up any kind of serious connection with your dog. You need to work on communication with your dog through training them to understand different cues. For instance the Leave-It cue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1TS5nA7z5Q

You have to work on bonding with your dog through mental stimulation. Training is very important. Luring each new behavior from scratch, and training using treats is how you form a strong bond with your new dog. No scolding is ever necessary… work on being calm, and positive, all the time.

If your dog is crying/whining when you leave, this may be separation anxiety. You’re going to have to separation train this dog from scratch. This dog needs to learn that separation can be a good thing! Tell your “folks” to NOT scold the dog when he is crying/whining after you leave, because that will make your dog MORE anxious when you leave next time. Your dog will be dwelling on the negative if your parents fuel your dogs negative feelings towards you leaving. FUN things should happen when you leave. Your parents should pull out the treats and start doing some basic obedience training with your dog. Your parents should stuff a Kong filled with awesome treats (peanut butter) and give it to him so he feels happy when you leave.

I have some excellent separation anxiety exercises you can work on. If you’d like, you can purchase a consultation with me, and I will go over how to separation train from scratch. It will make your dog comfortable being alone, guaranteed.

Read Full Q/A … : I Don't Like My Mother

Q. My dog licks his feet and legs and they are turning brown. He is a white dog. Can you help?
ANSWER : A. Licking the feet and legs can be caused by a number of things in dogs including allergies, illness or even stress behaviors. Allergies are the most common in dogs, with yeast infections coming in second. Allergies can cause the area to become red and itching, making your dog want to lick and chew on them. Over time, the area may become stained from saliva, especially in lighter or white-coated dogs. Yeast infections are also common between the toes, and may cause a smelly “corn chip” smell to appear near your dog’s feet. Again, dogs will attempt to lick and chew to relieve the itch. Keeping the feet clean and dry can help relieve both allergies and infections and pet wipes or a baby wipe of all paws when your dog comes in from outdoors may also help. Keeping your dog from licking the space with either dog booties or an Elizabethan collar is also good as it will prevent secondary infection and staining of the paws and legs. If your dog is determined to keep licking and keeping the feet clean and dry do not help, then your vet can help by providing a medication to treat any infection or provide relief of allergies.

Read Full Q/A … : Dog licking his paws face and butt. Fur turning brown.

Q. Looking for a dog food with no grains, no sugars and no yeast for a 6 month old Pit Bull pup with grain and yeast allergies. Any recommendations?
ANSWER : A. Many high end brands such as Taste of the Wild and others found at premium pet stores may have the options you need in a dog food. There are also some canned dog foods available that are 95% meat and are a meat source only with added vitamins and minerals and no extra ingredients. These are best as an additive, but can be used as a longer term pet food with supplementation or monitoring from your vet for any signs of ill health.

Costco also carries a completely grain-free dog food under the brand Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain. They offer several flavors such as turkey, salmon, beef and chicken. The ingredients do appear to have natural probiotics in them (bacteria designed to help aid in digestion) but does not appear to have any added sugars or yeast products like other high end foods. The only downside? It is recommended for dogs one year and up, so ask your vet prior to switching.

Here is a list of Dog Advisor’s top grain free foods for dogs as well as reviews of every product: http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/best-dog-foods/best-grain-free-dog-foods/best-grain-free-dog-foods-dry/

Read Full Q/A … : Best Grain Free Dog Foods – Dog Food Reviews and Ratings

joliana smith

My name is Sarah Smith and I am a dog owner, lover, and trainer. I have been working with dogs for over 10 years and have a passion for helping them learn and grow. I am a certified dog trainer and specialize in positive reinforcement methods. I believe that all dogs can learn and that the best way to train them is to build a strong relationship based on trust and respect.