Grains for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Rooted in a shared evolutionary change alongside human agriculture, grains have been an important part of canine nutrition for thousands of years. Importantly, grain consumption actually drove the genetic separation of dogs from wolves!
As humans began farming wheat, rice and barley, dogs stayed near settlements to guard stores and scavenge waste. According to a landmark study, dogs evolved to produce up to 30 copies of the AMY2B gene (which produces amylase, the enzyme that breaks down starch). Wolves only have two copies. This genetic mutation made domesticated dogs roughly five times better at digesting agricultural starches than their wild ancestors, cementing their status as true omnivores.
What are grains?
Grains are the edible seeds of cereal grasses and have been cultivated for thousands of years as an important source of nutrition for both humans and their companion animals.
What are the health benefits of feeding dogs grains?
Potential health benefits of feeding dogs grains include:
Sustained energy
Grains provide complex carbohydrates that release energy gradually throughout the day, helping to fuel active dogs. Fats are a dog’s main energy source, but carbohydrates are can give an extra boost when required.
Digestive health
Many grains provide important nutrients including B vitamins, iron, magnesium, selenium and manganese.
Heart health
Whole grains contain naturally occurring nutrients and fibre that contribute to overall health in dogs.
Healthy weight management
The combination of fibre and complex carbohydrates may help dogs feel fuller for longer, supporting healthy weight management.
Are grain-free diets better for dogs?
Not necessarily. While some dogs benefit from grain-free diets due to specific dietary sensitivities, the majority of dogs digest grains perfectly well. True grain allergies are relatively uncommon, and many food allergies are not allergies but intolerances, and more commonly linked to animal proteins rather than grains.
Choosing between grain-inclusive and grain-free diets should be based on your dog’s individual needs, health status and advice from your veterinarian.
Safety guidelines
While there is no official minimum requirement for carbohydrates in canine nutrition, dogs can safely digest them. However, safely feeding carbs to dogs does require attention to preparation, carbohydrate types and underlying health conditions.
Cooking and preparation
- Always cook starch: raw starch causes severe gastrointestinal distress. Cooking modifies starch structure to exceed 90% digestibility.
- Mechanically break down: finely chop, mash or puree cooked vegetables to help your dog better absorb the nutrients.
Glycaemic index and health status
- Avoid simple sugars: simple sugars cause extreme postprandial insulin and blood glucose spikes.
- Manage special conditions: use complex carbohydrates and fibre for diabetic dogs to prevent blood sugar spikes.
- Restrict carbs for cancer: consider a low-carbohydrate, higher-protein diet if your dog has cancer as cancer cells utilise glucose for energy.
- Limit high-glycaemic foods: reduce or eliminate white rice and white potatoes for sedentary, obese or diabetic dogs.
Portioning and balance
- Cap the ratio: ensure carbohydrates stay between 20% and 30% of your dog’s total daily diet to maximise protein and healthy fat intake.
- Calculate portions: limit carbohydrate-heavy fresh fruits and vegetables to under 10% of total daily calories if used as treats.
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How to feed grains to dogs
When feeding grains:
Always cook thoroughly
Cook grains before feeding to improve digestibility and nutrient absorption.
Introduce gradually
Add new grains slowly and monitor your dog for any digestive changes.
Combine with high-quality protein
Grains should complement animal protein, vegetables and healthy fats as part of a balanced diet.
Practice portion control
Grains provide valuable nutrition but should be fed in appropriate quantities according to your dog’s size and activity level.
How much grain can dogs eat?
The amount depends on your dog’s size, age, activity level and health status.
As a general (very general) guide:
Small dogs: 1–2 tablespoons cooked grains per meal
Medium dogs: 2–4 tablespoons cooked grains per meal
Large dogs: 45-90g cooked grains per meal
Remember the rule of 10: no more than 10% of your dog’s overall daily calorie intake should be provided by grains.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can dogs eat oats?
A. Yes. Oats — either cooked or uncooked — are highly nutritious and are one of the best grains for dogs.
Q. Can dogs eat rice?
A. Yes. Both white and brown rice are generally well tolerated by dogs. White rice is the easiest to digest making it particularly beneficial for dogs with digestive issues, while brown rice, at the same time as being less easily digestible, is in fact more nutritious.
Q. Can dogs eat barley?
A. Yes. Barley is a nutritious whole grain that provides fibre and slow-release carbohydrates.
Q. Can dogs eat wheat?
A. Yes. Most dogs tolerate wheat well unless they have a diagnosed sensitivity or allergy.
Q. Are grains bad for dogs?
A. No. Dogs have eaten grains for tens of thousands of years. Healthy dogs can digest most grains very effectively. Whole grains provide valuable nutrients which is why they are included in many high-quality dog foods.
Q. Are grain allergies common?
A. No. Grain allergies are relatively rare compared with allergies to certain animal proteins.
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