These posts make me want to pull my hair out! Grain free diets have now been linked with dilated cardiomyopathy. And since grain free was introduced, there has been a rise in anal gland issues in dogs. “This does not appear to be just an issue with grain-free diets though. I am calling the suspected diets, “BEG” diets – boutique companies, exotic ingredients, or grain-free diets. The apparent link between BEG diets and DCM may be due to ingredients used to replace grains in grain-free diets, such as lentils or chickpeas, but also may be due to other common ingredients commonly found in BEG diets, such as exotic meats, vegetables, and fruits. In addition, not all pet food manufacturers have the same level of nutritional expertise and quality control, and this variability could introduce potential issues with some products.” Your best bet has been and is well established brands like Hills, Purina, etc. that have the years, science, and research behind them. It should be noted also that some dogs need their hands expressed regularly while others do not and this is not a symptom of some disease but just what is needed for that particular dog. It never hurts to try adding more fiber to their diet. But unless the dog is getting like weekly expressions it is not recommended to try some boutique dog food as this can create way more problems. Dogs are not wolves. They do not need exotic ingredients and they can definitely handle grain in moderation.
