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Is Pure Balance Trout & Lentils dog food causing health issues?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Siberian Husky | Female | spayed | 7 months and 21 days old | 48.8 lbs

What’s your thoughts on Pure Balance Trout and Lentils Wild and Free Superfood? (Based on ingredients) Anything concerning or could cause problems? (Btw I don’t like Science Diet or Royal Canine so don’t suggest those). Thanks valued vets :)

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 22nd, 2018

I personally am not a fan of dog foods that are grain free or with lentils in them. New research has come out showing that in certain breeds of dogs, diets with lentils in them prevented taurine absorption. This has lead to diet-induced (taurine deficiency) dilated cardiomyopathy in the future for those dogs. In addition, grains are truly beneficial to dogs and provide a source of fiber and lasting energy. The truth is that a grain allergy is actually very rare in dogs. Of all of the dogs who have allergies, the most common allergy is environment. Only 10% of dogs with allergies have food related allergies, and the majority of those are protein related. I only recommend grain free diets if the dog has a diagnostically proven grain allergy. If you don't like Science Diet or Royal Canin, certainly I won't recommend them, but I do like Purina ProPlan and Iams. I feel my own dogs Iams, and they do great on it. I would recommend one of those food for them. I hope this helps.

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