Pets are no less family members to us. They hop with us when we are joyful, share our cries, wander here and there, and whatnot. And as an owner, we want to feed them the best diet possible. Feeding them the right food can help them lead a long and healthy life, while a poor diet can lead to health issues and even shorten their lifespan. With so many products standing on store shelves, choosing one can easily be confusing. Which one is the best? Is it safe? Is it too much processed? Will it be allergic? And among those many products, we also see whole grains looking toward us. However, there is a lot of debate among pet owners and veterinarians about whether this is a good idea. So, if you too are confused about the same, read further.
Whole Grains and their benefits
Before we dive into the debate, let’s first understand what whole grains are. Indeed, whole grains are wholesome, but this does not tell you anything. Well, these are the seeds of cereal plants that include the bran, germ, and endosperm. These are the rawest form of grains without them getting processed any further. Some common examples of whole grains are wheat, oats, barley, brown rice, and quinoa. Now, the whole thing comes down to their benefits. What benefits do these grains offer?
Know that whole grains are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients are essential not only for you but for your pet’s health as well. Feeding your pets whole grains can provide them with a host of benefits, such as:
- Improved Digestion: The fiber contained in whole grains can help regulate your pet’s digestion and prevent constipation. It means that they’ll be hopping around joyful with a happy tummy.
- Weight Management: Because whole grains are low in fat and high in fiber, they’ll help your pet look slim and trim. Phew!
- Dental Health: These natural abrasives can help keep your pet’s teeth clean and healthy. It simply means the reduced expense of their dental health.
- Improved Energy: We all know that carbs are the easiest and quickest source of energy. Now, know that whole grains are a good source of carbohydrates as well.
Feed it to your pet and observe the changes. However, know that the quality of your pet supplies will also decide the level of benefits your pet will be getting from them.
Can You Feed Whole Grains to Your Pet?
While there are many benefits to feeding your pet whole grains, there is also a lot of debate about whether this is a good idea. Some pet owners and veterinarians argue that pets should not eat grains at all. It is because they are not evolved to digest grains. Their diet is different and thus they must be fed accordingly. While others believe that whole grains can be a healthy addition to your pet’s diet.
One concern that some pet owners have is that grains can be difficult for pets to digest. They fear that it will lead to gastrointestinal problems. However, studies show that pets can digest grains as long as introduced gradually and rightly.
Furthermore, a few argue that grains can cause allergies in pets. While it is true that some pets are allergic to grains, it is relatively uncommon. In fact, studies have shown that pets are more likely to be allergic to animal proteins, such as chicken than to grains.
Now, how should you feed grains to your pet?
Tips to Feed Your Pet Whole Grains Safely
- Like with any new food, it’s important to introduce whole grains gradually and in small amounts to prevent digestive upset.
- Look for whole grains that are high in fiber and low in fat, such as brown rice or quinoa. You may check out sites like Shopify to buy them at a lower price.
- Also, if you notice any signs of allergies, such as itching, vomiting, or diarrhea, stop feeding your pet grains immediately and consult your veterinarian.
Taking care of your pet is your responsibility. Whatever you feed them, make sure you do your research well.