Over the last few years, the term “grain-free pet food” has achieved the hallowed status otherwise reserved for words like “organic”, “local”, and “kombucha.” Devoid of grains like wheat, corn, rye, oats, and rice, grain-free foods promise to keep our pets brimming over with lustrous coats and the best of health. Furthermore, delicious flavors like roasted venison and dried sweet potato seem to make the purchase of grain-free pet foods a no-brainer.

It’s no wonder that grain-free foods have seen a sharp increase in sales over the last few years. According to Nielsen, sales of grain-free pet food saw a 9.6% year-over-year increase till September 2018. However, this growth has stalled over the last few years – since 2018, the sales of grain-free pet foods have actually declined by 0.3%.

What happened?

In 2018, the United States Food and Drug Administration published research that linked canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain grain-free pet foods. DCM causes the muscles of the heart to degenerate and wears thin. Thinner wall muscles restrict the heart’s ability to contract and pump blood, which ultimately leads to congestive heart failure. Two further reports published by the agency in February 2019 and June 2019 further confirm this worrying trend.

Should you buy grain-free pet food for your pet?

You would turn to a doctor for important decisions related to your health. You should do the same for your pet. Don’t go by the promises made on pet food labels, or the advice of a pet store employee. Instead, rely on the advice of your veterinarian. They are equipped to make recommendations based on a variety of science-related considerations. In addition, they have an understanding of your pet’s history and can make accurate personalized recommendations.

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has issued guidelines on selecting pet food. The report has several useful tips that include checking whether the brand employs a nutritionist, examining the quality control process for ingredients and finished products, and analyzing the nutrition adequacy statement. And the American Association of Food Control Officers (AAFCO) has set strict standards for pet food labels; make sure that any food you buy meets these standards (the packaging will include a statement).

As a pet owner, the onset of a serious illness in a previously healthy pet can be devastating. To decide the best diet for your pet, don’t go by an enticing marketing slogan that promises a world of goodness. Instead, go by the science. Speak to your veterinarian. When it comes to health, the old adage is true: prevention is indeed better than cure.

One of the ways you can help improve your pet’s preventative care is with the Astro pet health app. Check it out and sign up for the free preview.