It is hard to ignore the multitude of labels across pet shop shelves boasting the brilliance of grain-free food and treats. Storming the market over the last 10 years, grain-free diets have become one of the go-to trends for pet owners not only across the UK but throughout the globe. Suited for pets with allergies and intolerances and created to help with digestive discomfort, grain-free diets are revolutionary for our furry friends with sensitive stomachs.

Is your dog suffering from itchy skin? Have their toilet habits changed? Have you noticed increased bloating or excessive flatulence? Well, all these can be signs that your dog is having sensitivity to grains found in common dog food and treats and re-examining the ingredients that they consume could help contribute to a happier and healthier pup. So, whether you’re a new pup owner or an avid dog adorer, here’s everything you need to know about grain-free treats and their brilliant benefits. 

What are Grain-Free Treats?

If you are sat wondering about what makes a treat ‘grain-free’, look no further about unravelling the mystery of these tasty treats. Absent of grains such as wheat, barley, and oats. Grain-free treats contain none of the ingredients commonly associated as bulking agents to keep our pets feeling fuller for longer. After prolonged exposure to these ingredients, intolerances can develop leading to issues with skin and tummy troubles.

Grain-free treats are created without these bulking agents often replacing rice and wheat with ingredients like root vegetables to help even the most sensitive of stomachs. But there is often a debate about what the difference is between grain-free and gluten-free. Gluten-free refers to products that are absent of the protein gluten that is derived from grains such as barley and rye. Although incredibly similar, some gluten-free foods, for example, those made with oats, are considered gluten-free but not grain-free. 

Benefits of Grain-Free Treats for Your Dog’s Health

• Healthier and thicker looking fur
• Soft and supple skin 
• Reduced bloating and flatulence.
• Healthy weight
• Energy levels 

Do you ever notice your dog itching more than usual? This is one of the primary signs your dog may have developed an intolerance to grains. Like any chemical reaction in the body, grains release histamines causing the skin to become inflamed and incredibly itchy. Excessive itching can then develop into infections causing sore and sensitive skin for our furry friends. Replacing these grains with vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals to helps to support the skin’s natural suppleness and leave them soothed and itch-free.

Incorporating Grain-Free Treats into Your Dog’s Diet

Like any changes to their diet, transitioning your pooch onto a grain-free food takes time and patience. We would never recommend completely replacing food and treats for grain-free alternatives but simply and gradually replacing their regular food and treats with those that contain grain-free ingredients. 
If your dog enjoys a dental chew in the evening, begin by replacing half of their chew with a grain-free alternative giving them two tasty bites to enjoy. After several days of their grain-free addition, completely remove their previous chew and opt for the grain-free alternative. 

What is really important to remember when changing any element to your dog’s diet is there will be period of adjustment time where you may notice changes in the bowel habits. Just like us humans, our digestion changes when we increased the amount of fruit and veggies we eat. You may notice softer stools or your dog visiting the bathroom more frequently, but this will settle after a few days and your dog’s digestion will return to normal. 

We always recommend speaking to your dog’s veterinarian if you believe your dog could be grain intolerant and that you wish to make changes to their diet. Your vet will be able to recommend specific nutrition and rule out any other issues that may have arisen if grain-issues are to blame. 

Popular Grain-Free Treat Options

For those wanting the finest grain-free treats, opt for treats and chews that are made from all-natural ingredients loaded with fruits and veggies that are full of filling power and packed with vitamins and nutrients to help support both immune, skin, coat, and digestive health. 

Deciding on training treats for your new pup can be a difficult decision but when you can find a treat that is low-calorie, low-in fat, grain-free and nutritious beyond belief, you don’t need to look further for a grain-free alternative to regular rewards.

Soopa’s range of healthy bites are loaded with the best human-grade fruit and vegetables pawfect for rewarding those new furry paws. From carrot and pumpkin to apple and blueberry, their array of amazing flavours will leave your dog’s definitely barking for more. 

Go Grain-Free

With some many foods and treats on the market boasting the brilliance of grain-free living, it is easier than ever before to transition your dog onto these tasty treats. Supporting even the most sensitive of stomachs, grain-free treats really can revolutionise the digestion of your four-legged friend. Reducing the likelihood of itchy and sensitive skin, grain-free living really is the way to go. 

Packed with healthy, wholesome, and nutritional ingredients, grain-free treats really can be the pawfect addition to your dog’s daily diet. Available in chews and treats, it is simple to find a Soopa treat that your dog will not only love and adore but will be kind on their skin and tummies.