Including Grains In Your Diet

🥣 Customizing the Recipe: Adding Grains

While I do not recommend feeding grains as part of a dog’s diet—especially for those with inflammatory, immune, or gut health concerns—I understand some pet parents still choose to incorporate grains for personal, financial, or transitional reasons. If you choose to add grains, here are a few important things you need to know.

⚖️ Nutritional Shifts and Required Adjustments

Adding grains to the recipe alters the macronutrient and mineral balance, and several adjustments need to be made:

• Increased Carbohydrates: Grains add starch, which shifts the calorie balance from protein and fat toward carbohydrates. This dilutes the nutrient density of the meal.

• Reduced Fat Requirement: You may need to slightly reduce added fat to compensate for the calories provided by the grains—but not eliminate it. Dogs still require healthy fats for skin, brain, and immune support.

• Calcium Supplementation Must Be Recalculated: Most grains contain phytates, which can interfere with mineral absorption, particularly calcium, zinc, and iron. You may need to slightly increase calcium (not decrease like with beans) depending on the type and amount of grain used.

• Digestibility Issues: Many dogs, especially those with compromised gut health, may struggle with grain digestion, resulting in increased gas, bloating, or loose stools.

🌾 Choosing Grains (If You Must)

If you’re going to include grains, please consider these guidelines:

• Always Choose Organic: Non-organic grains are one of the highest contributors to glyphosate (Roundup) exposure—a known endocrine disruptor, microbiome toxin, and potential carcinogen. Glyphosate contamination has been found in nearly every conventional grain crop.

• Cook Thoroughly: Soaking and thoroughly cooking grains helps reduce anti-nutrients like phytic acid and lectins.

• Stick to Ancient Grains or Low-Gluten Varieties: Quinoa, millet, buckwheat, and amaranth may be better tolerated than wheat, corn, or barley. Avoid gluten-containing grains entirely if your dog has any history of itching, GI upset, or autoimmune issues.

• Use Sparingly: Grains should never exceed 10–15% of the total diet (by calories) if used at all. They are not biologically appropriate as a primary energy source for dogs.

• Rotate, Rotate and Rotate.

  • Rotate with each batch and ideally do NOT include grains in every meal / every batch.

⚠️ Inflammation & Immune Complications

Here’s why I typically recommend skipping grains:

• They promote inflammation. Especially in sensitive or compromised dogs, grains can contribute to chronic low-grade inflammation, joint issues, skin flare-ups, and more.

• They feed yeast and dysbiosis. High starch = fuel for the wrong bacteria and fungi in the gut.

• They dilute essential nutrients. Every bite of grain pushes out something more beneficial—like animal protein, healthy fats, or antioxidant-rich vegetables.

• They increase blood sugar. Even “whole grains” spike glucose and insulin, which impacts hormone balance, weight, and energy regulation.

🐾 Bottom Line

I strongly encourage you to avoid grains in homemade diets whenever possible. But if you’re choosing to use them, do so intentionally, in small amounts, and with the necessary nutritional adjustments.

If you’re unsure how much to include—or whether it’s appropriate for your dog—schedule a one-on-one consult so we can review their history and goals.

And no, your dog doesn’t needed them — despite what your traditional vet is telling you. More info on my website and forum.