Why grain-inclusive dog food is still part of the conversation

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Whole Dog Journal has published a new consumer-facing article arguing that grain-inclusive dog foods remain a sound option for many dogs, so long as the overall formulation is strong. In “Dog Food that Contains Grain: Still a Good Choice,” animal nutritionist Mary Cope, PhD, says the question isn’t simply whether a food contains grains, but whether the diet is thoughtfully built with quality protein, balanced fats, and digestible grain sources. The piece lands against the backdrop of years of scrutiny around some grain-free formulations, particularly those relying heavily on legumes. FDA says reports of non-hereditary dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, have involved both grain-free and grain-containing diets, but that many reported diets had non-soy pulses high on the ingredient list, and the agency continues to investigate formulation, processing, nutrient bioavailability, and other factors. (whole-dog-journal.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the article reflects a broader shift away from treating “grain-free” or “grain-inclusive” as a useful standalone proxy for diet quality. Tufts cardiology guidance continues to recommend diets that meet WSAVA guidelines, contain grains, and avoid heavy reliance on pulses or potatoes among top ingredients for dogs at risk of diet-associated DCM. That gives clinicians a practical framework when counseling pet parents who may still equate grain-free with premium nutrition or assume grains are a common cause of food allergy, despite most true canine food allergies being linked to proteins rather than grains. (vet.tufts.edu)

What to watch: Expect ongoing FDA and academic work to keep focusing less on the simple presence of grains and more on formulation patterns, ingredient proportions, and which dogs appear most vulnerable to diet-associated DCM. (fda.gov)