Grain Free or Kibble with Grain?? Which way should you go?

This is a huge topic today as people are very concerned about the growing number of dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart disease which kills because the heart can not pump the blood needed. The FDA found an appalling connection between grain free foods and the increase in this disease. Certain breeds have always been prone to canine dilated cardiomyopathy, like boxers, but all of a sudden there has been a huge increase in breeds that are not genetically predisposed to this condition such as retrievers.

So what to do? We thought going grain free was the best thing we could do! Now we are finding out that peas, chickpeas, and potatoes were the substitutes for the grains, and there appears to be an issue with how a dog metabolizes them.

I have gone back to grain! I am using Science Diet. My best advice is to look at the ingredients,and to talk to your vet. The first three ingredients are the most important. They should be meat.

Obviously any kibble is processed and most people will tell you a raw diet is the way to go. There are some great products out there. They can get pricey though, I supplement the kibble with protein and veggies. They also have salmon oil, probiotics and cranberry pills (for urinary health) daily. My dogs have gorgeous coats and clear bright eyes. Immune systems seem strong. I welcome your opinions!