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The Australian Shepherd is known for being a lively, intelligent and active breed of dog. With such active lifestyles, it is important to ensure that they receive a balanced and nutritious diet. Grain-free diets have been a polarizing topic in the pet food industry in recent years, with some experts warning of the potential dangers of such diets.If you’re an Australian shepherd owner, you might be thinking about switching your dog to a grain-free diet. This type of food is growing in popularity, but some experts say that there are potential problems with these diets for dogs. It’s important to do research on this topic before making any decisions.
What are Grain-Free Diets?
Grain-free diets are pet food products that do not contain grains, such as corn, wheat, or rice. Boutique, exotic, grain-free (BEG) diets contain ingredients like peas, lentils and potatoes instead of traditional grains. These diets have become increasingly popular among pet owners due to the belief that they are more natural and provide more health benefits than traditional diets.
The Australian Shepherd Association states on its website that grain-free dogs need less protein than their counterparts on a standard diet because they have fewer calories overall—and therefore don’t use up all those calories in just one meal! The ASA also claims that feeding your pooch a BEG diet can help prevent other health issues like diabetes and heart disease by giving them access to more antioxidants as well as vitamins A & E which are essential for maintaining good health status overall.”
Statistics of Grain-Free Diets and DCM
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has reported that 90% of dogs diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a heart condition that decreases the heart’s ability to pump blood, were on a grain-free diet and 93% were on diets containing peas and/or lentils.
Many veterinarians are concerned about this data because DCM can be fatal in some cases if not treated quickly enough. However, it’s important to note that correlation does not necessarily equal causation. Just because two things happen together doesn’t mean they’re related. It’s also important to note that this data is based on the assumption that all dogs with DCM were grain-free and peas or lentils were included in their diet. It doesn’t take into account the fact that most dogs are not following a strictly grain-free diet and may be getting other ingredients such as potatoes, sweet potatoes and tapioca flour. It’s also important to note that this data is based on the assumption that all dogs with DCM were grain-free and peas or lentils were included in their diet. It doesn’t take into account the fact that most dogs are not following a strictly grain-free diet and may be getting other ingredients such as potatoes, sweet potatoes and tapioca flour.
Connection between Grain-Free Diets and DCM
Although a relationship between grain-free diets and the development of DCM has not been fully proven, there have been numerous reports of dogs whose condition improved after they were taken off a BEG diet and started on a special amino acid supplementation (Taurine).
This is especially true when it comes to holistic veterinarians who are not necessarily trained in canine nutrition. They may not always be aware of what kind of diet your dog should be eating if you want them to live long healthy lives.
What are the Concerns with Grain-Free Diets for Australian Shepherds
The ASPCA and American Kennel Club (AKC) have both released articles on the potential dangers of grain-free and BEG diets for dogs. The ASPCA states that “many dog food companies are creating new products that “contain no carbohydrates at all” which can make it difficult for your Australian Shepherd to get all its nutrients from their food.
The AKC went further by saying that “eating a diet without grains may cause some health problems” because they lack essential nutrients such as protein and fat. They also suggest that if you are feeding your Australian Shepherd a BEG or grain-free diet, then you should add more fat so they get enough calories per day.
What Do the Experts Recommend for Australian Shepherd Owners?
As with any new diet, it’s important to closely monitor your dog’s health while they are on a BEG diet. If you notice any changes in behaviour or activity level, contact your veterinarian immediately.
I’s important to note that not all grain-free diets are harmful and not all dogs will develop DCM. The best way to ensure your Australian Shepherd is receiving a balanced and nutritious diet is to work with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for their individual needs and health status.
Consult With Your Veterinarian
Are you concerned about the health of your Australian Shepherd? There is no shortage of information about grain-free diets on the internet, but it can be difficult to know who to believe. It is important for owners to consult with their veterinarian regarding what type of food makes sense for their individual dog’s needs and health status. The best way to do this is by having a conversation with them directly about how they recommend feeding their dog.
The ASPCA recommends that all dogs over 6 months old should be fed an appropriate diet based on growth rate (weight), activity level and age, however, most owners choose what works best for them rather than following a rigid rulebook. If you’d like more information about selecting an appropriate diet plan for your Australian Shepherd, we recommend checking out WSAVA’s Global Nutrition Guidelines.
Conclusion
The fact is that grain-free diets are not harmful for all dogs, and they can be beneficial in other ways. But there are also risks associated with these diets. The best thing you can do is to talk with your veterinarian about what’s best for your Australian Shepherd and what kind of diet they should be eating.
