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Is wheat bad for my dog? What about grain-free vs potato foods?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Why is wheat considered bad in dog food or treats? Is wheat comparable to potato in grain free foods? Why or why not?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 19th, 2017

This is a great question! There is currently no evidence that wheat or other grains in pet food and treats is 'bad' unless a pet has an allergy to wheat. Grains provide important nutrients, and even strict carnivores like wild cats probably ingest some grain contained in the stomachs of their prey. All pet foods need some way to provide carbohydrates, and the potato or pea in grain free foods is just an alternative source of carbohydrate. In summary, the 'grain free' pet food trend is mostly about marketing, and probably reflects the popularity of grain free and gluten free diets for people.

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on August 5th, 2018

    Grains aren't bad; it is a personal choice whether to feed your dog grain-free food. The amount of grains in a diet will depend on the other nutrients in the food. They are often used to make a dog food balanced in the total nutrients. There is some concern right now that some grain-free diets (particularly those that use potatoes or legumes) may be related to heart disease in some breeds of dogs. We don't know enough information to say there is a direct correlation. However, for that reason, I tend to guide my clients away from grain-free foods. When deciding if a brand or type of dog food is good or not, I look at the pet. If they are eating it well without vomiting, diarrhea, or flatulence, and they have plenty of energy and a nice, glossy coat, then it is probably a good food for them. Here is an article you may not have read yet: https://www.petcoach.co/article/can-my-dog-eat-grain-free/

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