Kibble: What's Safe to Feed?

Most first-time owners are unsure of where to start when looking for a kibble and often end up turning to pet store employees for recommendations. This leads to uninformed choices and can, unfortunately, have lasting consequences.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is on the rise in breeds that were previously at low risk of developing this once uncommon disease. While we have come a long way in canine nutrition in the last few decades, not all or even much of the pet food market has been driven by science. Grain-free products, which now dominate the industry, were originally pushed in an effort to appeal to health-conscious pet parents.

Studies have shown that domesticated dogs have evolved the ability to process grains and while they should not be the main ingredient in our animal's food, neither are they something to fear. This can, to an extent, be said of grain-free foods so long as the filler that replaces the grains are not legumes. Common legumes found in pet food are soy, peas, and lentils. These block absorption of taurine, a key amino acid for heart health, which means that despite grain-free foods meeting the industry standards for taurine levels, if the food contains legumes, your pup won't be able to absorb and use it. This is what leads to upticks in heart disease like dilated cardiomyopathy.

So when choosing your dog's kibble, be sure to carefully read the ingredients on the back of the bag! Soy, in particular, is quite pervasive in pet foods. Try to do away with any preconceived notions you might have about certain brands, as often the "higher-end" products are those that contain legumes. The right food for your pup is the one they will eat and that will keep them healthy!