We’ve created this in-depth guide to help you decide should golden retrievers eat grain-free food or not, answering all relevant aspects to avoid any dietary mistakes.
Golden retrievers should not eat grain-free unless they are allergic to grains and cannot digest them. Dogs eating grain-free food are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and may be deprived of a complete, nutritional diet.
Blindly following the grain-free diet “trend” without knowing the potential consequences can be fatal for your golden retriever. Let’s look at everything related to a grain and grain-free diet and what the FDA investigation says about it.
Table of Contents
What Are Grains?
Grains are a diverse group of edible seeds that come from grass-like plants. Grains have been cultivated for many years and are vital to human and animal nutrition.
In golden retrievers’ nutrition, grains refer to the seeds of certain grasses used as a source of carbohydrates, energy, and essential nutrients in dog food.
Grains come in various forms, including whole and refined grains.
Whole grains, such as brown rice, oats, barley, and quinoa, are not refined and contain all three parts of the grain kernel – the bran, germ, and endosperm.
These parts provide essential nutrients, fiber, and other beneficial compounds.
On the other hand, refined grains don’t have bran and germ, leaving behind mainly the endosperm.
Examples of these grains include white rice, corn grits, and white flour. They don’t have most of the nutrients, including fiber.
When looking for the best food for golden retriever puppy and your dog, look for whole grains instead of refined grains, which are mostly used as fillers.
Summary: Grains include diverse seeds like brown rice and oats. Whole grains, containing bran, germ, and endosperm, offer more nutrients than refined grains like white rice.
Common Misconceptions Related to Grains for Dogs
Grains and allergies in dogs
The most common misconception is that grains are the primary cause of allergies in dogs.
While grains are often blamed for causing dog allergies, true grain allergies are rare in dogs.
In fact, food allergies in dogs are more commonly associated with proteins, such as those found in beef, chicken, or dairy products.
However, not the entire food group “grains” can be associated with allergies. Most grain-associated allergies are caused by wheat.
Summary: Grains are commonly but mistakenly believed to be the main cause of allergies in dogs. True grain allergies are rare, with most dog allergies linked to proteins like beef and chicken.
Grain-free diets will eliminate all food allergies
Switching to a grain-free diet does not guarantee the resolution of food allergies in dogs.
Food allergies are complex and can be triggered by various ingredients, including protein sources or other components in the diet.
Identifying and eliminating the specific allergens is crucial, and it may not necessarily be grains. Your vet will help you identify any suspected food allergies.
Summary: Switching to a grain-free diet doesn’t ensure allergy resolution in dogs, as food allergies can be caused by various ingredients, not just grains. Identifying specific allergens with a vet’s help is essential.
All dogs should follow a grain-free diet
Grain-free diets have gained popularity, but they are not beneficial for all dogs.
If your dog isn’t allergic to grains, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t eat a grain-inclusive diet.
Most dogs can easily digest grains and derive nutritional benefits from them.
Grains can provide dietary fiber, energy, and essential nutrients that contribute to a balanced diet. (which we will discuss in detail below)
Summary: Grain-free diets, while popular, are not necessary for all dogs. Those without grain allergies can benefit from the dietary fiber, energy, and nutrients grains provide in a balanced diet.
Grain-free diets are inherently healthier
The perception that grain-free diets are automatically healthier is not accurate.
A healthy dog diet should focus on providing balanced nutrition, including appropriate amounts of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
The exclusion of grains alone does not guarantee a healthier diet. In fact, your dog should have a well-balanced diet.
Considering that grains have plenty of nutrients, it doesn’t make any sense that eliminating grains from your dog’s diet will make it a healthier meal (unless they are allergic to it).
Summary: The belief that grain-free diets are inherently healthier for dogs is incorrect. Balanced nutrition is key, and excluding grains doesn’t guarantee a healthier diet, especially as grains offer numerous nutrients.
All grains are problematic for dogs
Not all grains are created equal when it comes to their potential impact on dogs’ health.
Some grains, such as wheat, have been associated with occasional allergies or sensitivities in some dogs.
However, many other grains, like barley, brown rice, or oats, are generally well-tolerated and can contribute to a nutritious diet.
It is important for pet owners to approach the topic of grains and allergies in dogs with an evidence-based perspective.
Suppose a dog exhibits signs of allergies or sensitivities.
In that case, a thorough examination and proper diagnosis by a veterinarian is necessary to identify the specific allergens and develop an appropriate dietary plan.
Moreover, most pet parents may even think about introducing the best homemade diet for golden retriever with a sensitive stomach, so they can ensure their pet’s health.
However, it’s better to look for professionally and safely formulated best dog food for golden retriever with sensitive stomach from companies that strictly comply with food regulations.
Summary: Not all grains affect dogs’ health equally; while some like wheat may cause allergies, others like barley and brown rice are nutritious and well-tolerated. Proper veterinary guidance is essential for diet planning.
What Are The Benefits of Grains for Dogs?
Regular dog food also includes grains. Some of the functions that grains perform for a dog’s body are as follows.
1. Energy Source
Grains are a valuable energy source for golden retrievers, providing carbohydrates converted into glucose for energy.
Golden retrievers usually have high energy requirements due to their active nature and exercise needs.
Dogs have enzymes in their digestive system specifically designed to break down and metabolize carbohydrates.
By incorporating grains into their diet, golden retrievers can obtain the power they need to support their daily activities, exercise, and overall metabolic processes.
2. Dietary Fiber
Grains are an incredible source of dietary fiber for retrievers. Fiber plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy digestive system for dogs.
It adds bulk to their diet, promotes regular bowel movements, and can help prevent digestive issues such as constipation.
Including grains rich in fiber can contribute to the overall digestive health and well-being of golden retrievers.
3. Flavor and Variety
Grains can enhance the flavor of golden retrievers’ meals and offer variety in their diet.
Mixing some grains with other healthy ingredients in their food can add different flavors, textures, and aromas, making meals more appealing to dogs.
This variety can help maintain their interest in their food and ensure they receive a balanced diet.
4. Digestive Health
Grains, significantly high in fiber, can contribute to the overall digestive health of golden retrievers.
Whole grains contain prebiotics, supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and aiding in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
A healthy digestive system is essential for healthy nutrient absorption and overall well-being of golden retrievers.
5. Nutritional Balance
Grains can contribute to the overall nutritional balance of a dog’s diet as they contain fiber, B vitamins, zinc, iron, magnesium, protein, phosphorous, and antioxidants.
Summary: Grains offer energy, essential for active golden retrievers, and dietary fiber for digestive health. They add flavor and variety to meals, promote a healthy gut microbiome, and ensure nutritional balance with vital nutrients like B vitamins, zinc, iron, and antioxidants.
What Are Grain-Free Diets?
Grain-free diets exclude grains such as wheat, corn, rice, and oats from their ingredients.
Instead, these diets often rely on alternative carbohydrate sources like potatoes, peas, lentils, or sweet potatoes.
People usually argue that grains are unnecessary fillers and can lead to allergies, sensitivities, or digestive issues in dogs.
Grain-free diets also typically emphasize higher protein content, often sourced from animal-based ingredients like meat, poultry, or fish.
Keep in mind that food allergies associated with grains are not common in dogs.
According to AKC, the most allergy-provoking ingredients (in order) for dogs are beef, dairy, wheat, chicken, and egg.
Summary: Grain-free diets for dogs exclude grains, using alternative carb sources like potatoes and peas. They often contain higher protein from meat sources and address concerns about grain allergies, which are relatively uncommon in dogs.
FDA Investigation on Grain-Free Foods
FDA (Food and Drug Administration) initiated the investigation in 2018 for the potential link between certain diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
Between January 1, 2014 and April 30, 2019, 515 canine reports were received for DCM by the FDA. Of these, 219 canine reports were received between December 1, 2018 and April 30, 2019, which is about 42.5% of cases in this period.
These reports signaled FDA that most dog breeds weren’t even genetically predisposed to this heart condition, and diet may be the issue.
The golden retriever was the most frequently reported breed to the FDA for DCM cases. Males were in greater proportion than females in DCM cases, and it could be due to genetics or a combination of genetics and diet.
Although most DCM reports were for dry dog food, raw food, semi-moist food, and wet foods were also reported.
91% of reported products for DCM cases were grain-free, 93% were peas and/or lentils, 89% were peas, 62% were lentils, and 42% were potatoes/sweet potatoes.
In addition, chicken, lamb, and fish (salmon and whitefish) were the most common proteins in the reported diets.
The average percentage for amino acids like taurine, cysteine, and methionine was similar for grain-free and grain-containing products. However, the FDA is still investigating if taurine metabolism has any role in DCM cases.
Golden retrievers may be genetically prone to taurine deficiency, which can also cause DCM. Taurine supplements and even dietary changes that include taurine might help but must be diagnosed and treated by your vet.
According to a study, 23 of 24 golden retrievers diagnosed with taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy were either fed grain-free, legume-rich, or a combination of these diets.
The above study suggests taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers is mostly dependent upon multiple factors, including a combination of metabolic, dietary, and genetic factors.
It’s important to note that the FDA’s investigation is ongoing with veterinary cardiologists and nutritionists, and they still need to establish a definitive relationship between grain-free diets and DCM.
The latest update from the FDA was on December 23, 2022, and they will share updates once there are any new meaningful scientific developments. You can check out its work on potential causes of non-hereditary DCM in dogs as of November 1, 2022, here.
However, as the FDA has reported so many cases, it’s better to keep your dog safe and consult your vet before making any changes to your golden retriever eating habits or diet.
Summary: The FDA is investigating a potential link between grain-free diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), especially in golden retrievers. Most reported cases involved grain-free, legume-rich diets, with ongoing research into dietary, metabolic, and genetic factors affecting taurine levels and DCM.
What is Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)?
Dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs is a heart condition that weakens the heart muscles, which stretch out and cause the enlargement of the heart. Due to this, the heart cannot pump blood efficiently.
It may develop slowly and go unnoticed. However, it can lead to heart failure, which is a medical emergency and can be fatal.
The symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers include:
- Lethargy
- Coughing
- Rapid breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Fainting
- Restlessness
If your golden retriever has been showing above mentioned signs, you must contact your vet.
It is impossible to draw a conclusion based on visual signs, and your vet will further examine your dog with x-rays, electrocardiography, ultrasound, and other tests.
Summary: Dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs is a condition where weakened heart muscles cause heart enlargement, leading to inefficient blood pumping, potentially resulting in heart failure. Symptoms include lethargy, coughing, and rapid breathing.
What are the Signs of Grain Allergies in Golden Retrievers?
Like in other dog breeds, grain allergies in golden retrievers can manifest through various symptoms. If the pet parents know the signs of allergies, they may better decide when to start a grain-free diet for their dog after consulting with their vet.
If you suspect your golden retriever may have a grain allergy, here are some possible signs to look out for.
1. Skin Problems
Golden retrievers with grain allergies may exhibit a range of skin issues.
These can include itching (pruritus), scratching, rubbing against furniture or walls, redness (erythema), inflammation, rashes, hives (urticaria), or hot spots (acute moist dermatitis).
You may notice your dog constantly scratching or biting at their skin, leading to hair loss and potential skin infections.
2. Gastrointestinal Issues
Grain allergies can cause gastrointestinal problems in some dogs.
Suppose your golden retriever is allergic to grains.
In that case, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea which may be watery or contain mucus or blood, gas (flatulence), abdominal discomfort, bloating, or decreased appetite.
RELATED: Do Golden Retrievers Fart A Lot?
These symptoms can indicate an adverse reaction to grains in their diet.
RELATED: Why Does My Golden Retriever Puppy Have Diarrhea at Night?
3. Ear Infections
Chronic ear infections are a common sign of food sensitivity.
If your golden retriever frequently suffers from ear infections, it may result from their immune system reacting to the presence of grains in their food.
Symptoms of ear infections can include redness, swelling, discharge often with a foul odor, excessive scratching or rubbing of the ears, head shaking, or sensitivity when the ears are touched.
4. Chronic Licking or Chewing of Paws
Dogs with grain allergies may develop a habit of excessive licking or chewing, mainly targeting their feet.
RELATED: Why Do Golden Retrievers Lick So Much?
This behavior, known as pododermatitis, can lead to redness, inflammation, swelling, hair loss, sores, or secondary infections.
Paw chewing is often a response to the discomfort caused by allergies.
RELATED: Why Do Golden Retrievers Lick Their Paws? (Get the Facts!)
5. Respiratory Issues
While respiratory symptoms are less familiar with grain allergies, they can still occur in some dogs.
If your golden retriever has a grain allergy, they may experience sneezing, coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.
These symptoms may be more noticeable after eating grain-containing foods or exposure to airborne grains like grain dust.
Summary: Grain allergies in golden retrievers can manifest as skin issues, gastrointestinal problems, chronic ear infections, excessive paw licking/chewing, and in rare cases, respiratory symptoms like sneezing and coughing.
Should Golden Retrievers Be Fed a Grain-Free Diet?
Grains are usually a part of the debate when pet parents discuss what can golden retrievers eat and not eat.
As discussed, the FDA is still investigating the potential link between these diets and the development of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs.
However, the research conducted so far does signal that eating grain-free diets can be linked to DCM in dogs due to the reported cases.
So, why take the risk and feed your golden retriever a grain-free diet when they aren’t allergic or sensitive to grains?
If your golden retriever is allergic to grains, it certainly makes sense to feed them a grain-free diet. Otherwise, it doesn’t.
In fact, foods labeled grain-free contain pulses (peas, lentils, etc.), potatoes, and sweet potatoes in greater proportion than most grain-inclusive foods to replace grains as a source of carbohydrates.
This way, your dog is at a higher risk of gaining weight and having to deal with obesity-related issues. They may not be able to walk properly or even climb stairs.
RELATED: When Can Golden Retriever Puppies Go Up and Down Stairs?
Summary: Feeding golden retrievers a grain-free diet is risky unless they’re allergic to grains, as it’s linked to dilated cardiomyopathy and can lead to obesity due to high carbohydrate replacements like peas and potatoes.
What Makes a Balanced Diet for Golden Retrievers?
Whether you’re thinking what to feed golden retriever puppy or an adult dog, you must make sure that it’s a well-balanced diet for their overall health.
A detailed breakdown of the key components of a balanced diet for golden retrievers is as follows.
1. Protein
Protein is important for a balanced diet as it helps develop, repair, and maintain muscles and tissues, immune function, and the production of enzymes and hormones for normal body function.
The high-quality sources of protein are chicken, turkey, beef, fish, and duck.
2. Fats
Fats are high-energy sources that help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and help in brain function and hormone production.
Some of the healthy sources of fats for golden retrievers are fish oil and flaxseed oil.
In fact, omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain the healthy skin and coat of your golden retriever in case you’re worried about them shedding excessively.
RELATED: Do Golden Retriever Puppies Shed?
3. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are a great energy source and provide fiber (a form of carbs) for better digestion and a healthy gut.
Some sources of carbs are whole oats, barley, brown rice, whole wheat, potato, or sweet potato.
4. Vitamins
Vitamins are also essential for a balanced diet as they support overall health, provide proper growth and development, and improve immune function and bone health.
You can provide your dog with the required amount of vitamins through various food items. A few of them are listed below.
- Vitamin A – carrots, fish oil, and dairy products
- Vitamin B – beef liver, leafy green vegetables, and whole grains
- Vitamin C – carrots, strawberries, and blueberries
- Vitamin D – liver, fish, and beef
- Vitamin E – cereal grains, vegetable oils, and seeds
- Vitamin K – fish meals, liver, and leafy green vegetables
Recommended Reading: What Fruits Can Golden Retrievers Not Eat?
5. Minerals
Minerals are responsible for performing some vital functions in a golden retriever’s body. Below are some of the essential minerals for a dog’s balanced diet.
- Calcium and phosphorus are important for the maintenance of healthy teeth and bones. Calcium can be obtained from green beans, broccoli, and salmon, while phosphorus is present in dairy, meat, and grains.
- Copper promotes healthy bone growth and helps the body effectively use iron. Copper is found in whole grains and liver beans.
- Magnesium helps muscles and bones to develop properly and helps with the absorption of calcium. Sources of magnesium are fish, whole grains, and organ meats.
- Sodium and chloride aid in the functions of the heart, muscles, and nervous system and can be found in whole grains, meats, and fish.
- Potassium is crucial for muscle and nerve function and can be sourced from salmon, bananas, and spinach.
- Sulfur contributes to healthy skin, hair, and nails. It can be obtained from meat, fish, and eggs.
- Red meats, liver, and poultry are enriched with iron, which helps with the oxygenation of red blood cells. It also helps maintain a healthy immune system.
- Iodine in kelp and seaweed is essential for thyroid hormone production.
- Zinc supports the immune system, healthy skin, and coat. It is present in eggs, lamb, and liver.
- Selenium helps support the immune system while working with vitamin E. It is available in meat, eggs, and brown rice.
- Water is vital for hydration, temperature regulation, nutrient absorption, organ function, and waste removal. Provide fresh and clean water to your dog at all times.
Recommended Reading: How Much Water Should a Golden Retriever Puppy Drink?
Summary: A balanced diet for golden retrievers includes proteins for tissue repair, healthy fats for brain function, carbohydrates for energy, vitamins for overall health, minerals for body functions, and water for hydration and nutrient absorption.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is grain-free food better for golden retrievers?
Golden retrievers don’t need grain-free food until or unless they are allergic to grains. Grains contain some essential nutrients, and a grain-free diet can also cause them to develop dilated cardiomyopathy.
2. What is the healthiest food for a golden retriever?
The healthiest and best dog food for golden retrievers is a balanced, high-quality diet that meets their nutritional requirements. Premium-quality meat, vegetables, fruits, and grains in your golden retriever’s food will ensure they get all essential nutrients for their well-being.
3. What foods should golden retrievers avoid?
Foods that golden retrievers should avoid are onions, garlic, caffeine, macadamia nuts, chocolate, raw eggs, meat, bones, and fish, yeast dough, coconuts, milk, potato chips, pretzels, salted popcorn, gum, and candy since they can be harmful to their health.
4. Do vets recommend grain-free dog food?
Many vets do not recommend grain-free dog food because of concerns about a potential link to dilated cardiomyopathy. The FDA and veterinary cardiologists have issued warnings and advised against feeding grain-free diets unless specifically recommended by a veterinarian for a particular health condition.
Conclusion
If your golden retriever isn’t allergic or sensitive to grains, they shouldn’t eat grain-free as it doesn’t constitute a complete nutritious diet. In addition, FDA concerns regarding a potential link between grain-free diets and a heart condition (dilated cardiomyopathy) should be considered.
It’s always advisable to consult with your vet to determine the best diet for your golden retriever, considering their specific needs and any potential dietary sensitivities they may have.
Talking about diet, switching your golden retriever puppy to adult food the right way and at the right time is crucial. You should read this article next – When Should My Golden Retriever Puppy Switch To Adult Food?