Please note, I received compensation in exchange for this blog post.
– Shawn Messonnier, DVM
Pet food consumers have many choices when it comes to choosing the best diet for their dogs. Grain-free diets are wonderful options for many pets, but diets that contain grains can also be a great option. What some may not realize is that not all grains are created equal for dogs. Since dogs can benefit from the carbohydrates contained in grains, which are used for energy by the dog, it’s important to select a grain-inclusive diet with high quality grains and premium ingredients to ensure the pet is receiving optimum nutrition.
One diet that contains high quality grains is ACANA® Wholesome Grains. I like all of the products in the ACANA® pet food line as they include quality ingredients with the first two ingredients always from animal sources, balanced by healthy fruits and vegetables. When it comes to grains, the ACANA® Wholesome Grains diet contains farm-grown oats, one of the healthiest grains on earth for dogs. The oats are mixed with sorghum, millet, and ground miscanthus grass; this blend of grains helps support digestive health while providing optimal nourishment. And you will see that the food does not contain ingredients like soy, corn, gluten or tapioca. I recommend avoiding these when choosing any dog or cat food.
Like all ACANA® pet food diets, no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors are added in the kitchen where Wholesome Grains is made. Also, the diet comes in multiple flavors your dog will enjoy, including free-run* poultry (chicken and turkey and eggs), red meat (beef, pork, and grass-fed lamb), fish (herring, mackerel, catfish and redfish), and single protein recipes duck and pumpkin and lamb and pumpkin.
No matter which ACANA® pet food diet you choose, your pet will receive numerous health benefits by eating a diet crafted with care to meet their nutritional needs.
Check out these recipes that your dog may love
Dr. Shawn Messonnier opened Paws & Claws Animal Hospital and Holistic Pet Center in 1991. His special interests include holistic and functional medicine, exotic pets, dermatology, cancer, and internal medicine. Dr. Shawn is a well-known speaker and author. In addition to serving clients, he has written for numerous veterinary and pet publications including Animal Wellness, Body + Soul, Veterinary Forum, Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy, Dog World, Fido Friendly, Whole Dog Journal, Whole Cat Journal, Whole Living, Total Health and Wellness. He is the former radio host of the award-winning Dr. Shawn The Natural Vet for Martha Stewart Living Radio.
*Our free-run chickens and turkeys are not housed in cages and are able to move in a barn without outdoor access.