Do dogs need grains? I am starting to think they do for the carbs. I am feeding my 60 lb Boxer Taste of the Wild wild foul formula, but with another puppy coming in the summer, I want a food that is a little more economical, but still good. I have been looking at Canidae all life stages (with grain). I have been finding mixed reviews about it. I have also been looking at Chicken Soup for the Dog lover's soul, and also found mixed reviews. I think I have searched to the end of the internet about this. Do you have any advice?

Hi Marcia,

Thank you for contacting me regarding dog food containing grains.

There are several theories out there as to whether or not dogs need grains. Some companies maintain that dogs do not need grains because if they were in the wild the only grains they would get is what was in the stomach of their prey. Other companies maintain that dogs need a balanced diet of grains and meat.

We believe that it really depends on the dog. Dogs with allergies or other problems tend to do well on a grain free diet-it helps with scratching and other allergy symptoms.

If your dog does not have any digestion issues or allergy symptoms you could try feeding your dog a diet with grains. Canidae is a great food and many dogs do very well on it. It is an all life stages diet so you can feed it to both the adult dog and your new puppy. Chicken soup is also a good food but it is not an all life stages food so you would need to feed the puppy and adult dog separately.

Hope this helps!

"The Chuck"
Chuck & Don's Pet Food Outlet