What Grains Do Dogs Need for Heart Health?

Despite the rising popularity of grain-free diets, research shows that grains can be a great component of a dog's healthy diet. But not all grains are created equal.

Read on for the science behind grains and which are the best for supporting cardiovascular health in dogs.

Key Takeaways

Grains are a common component in many dog foods.
Research shows that grains are generally well-tolerated by most dogs.
Whole grains, in particular, are considered a nutritious component of a well-balanced diet.
They provide various nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, some of which may help support cardiovascular health.
Grain-free diets are growing in popularity, but have been associated with changes in heart health in dogs.

See Related: Is it Safe for Dogs to Eat CBD Gummies?

Understanding Your Dog's Diet

You've likely heard the old saying: you are what you eat. A balanced diet is absolutely vital for overall well-being, both for you and your furry friend.

But what, exactly, does a "balanced diet" mean for dogs?

After all, dogs are famous for their love of food. Plenty of pups are more than willing to wolf down things we would definitely not call food, too.

Just because many dogs seem to eat anything doesn't mean they can just eat anything. Like us humans, dogs have nutritional needs that require a balanced diet.

These needs vary based on several factors, including size, body weight, activity level, age, and more. Therefore, one type of dog food might be perfect for one dog but not for another.

The same is true for treats. For example, the extra-strength version of our hemp dog chews have with a recommended dose of 1-2 per day for dogs between 50 and 79 pounds. Bigger dogs can have 3-4 per day.

Essential Nutrients

The Association of American Feed Control Officials, or AAFCO, is a nonprofit that provides information on dog food and the nutritional benefits of different diets.

According to the AAFCO, dogs require six nutrients: ¹

Water: Dogs should have access to clean drinking water. If their diet is more wet, they'll usually need to drink less (and vice versa).
Minerals: Dogs need various minerals to thrive, including Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Manganese, Selenium, and Iodine.
Vitamins: Necessary vitamins are divided into fat-soluble (Vitamins A, D, E, and K) and water-soluble (Thiamin, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Cobalamin, Folic Acid, Biotin, and Choline).
Carbohydrates: This includes both soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Other carbs include simple sugars, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides. One source of these nutrients is grain. We'll get back to that later. Typical dog foods are usually between one- and two-thirds carbohydrates.
Fat: Dietary fat includes fatty acids, which are vital to everyday health, the heart and cardiovascular systems. According to the AAFCO, dog foods should be at least 5.5% fat for adult dogs (that figure increases if dogs are growing).
Protein: The AAFCO recommends dog foods contain a minimum of 18% (more if a dog is growing). However, not all protein is created equal. Some proteins can't be absorbed by the body, or lack some essential amino acids. They're called "low-quality proteins."

Amino Acids

Speaking of amino acids, there are 10 of these crucial compounds that are considered essential for dogs. "Essential" means they must be included in your dog's diet, because your dog can't create them.

The 10 essential amino acids are: lysine, threonine, valine, tryptophan, methionine, leucine, histidine, arginine, phenylalanine, and isoleucine.²

dog looking at oats canine dilated cardiomyopathy dilated cardiomyopathy dcm veterinary medicine particularly those

How Grains Affect Your Dog's Heart Health

Grains serve several functions in dog food. Some grains, often called whole grains, are great sources of complex carbohydrates, which are important for energy levels. In turn, that energy is used to keep the heart pumping blood.³

Grains can also be a source of dietary fiber. Research shows this fiber is important for supporting gut health.⁴

Some grains also contain some of the vitamins and minerals necessary for overall well-being. For example, brown rice contains calcium, iron, magnesium, thiamine, and pyridoxine, among other things.⁵

However, like proteins, not all grains are created equal. Many grains are processed, which can remove or destroy some of these vital nutrients and fiber.⁶

The Pros and Cons of Certain Diets

In recent years, many dog owners have begun exploring grain-free diets. There are various reasons for this; one is the belief that grain-inclusive foods have downsides that grain-free foods do not.⁷

If you feel like your dog thrives on a grain-free diet, consider opting for grain-free treats, too. Two great options are Beef & Pumpkin or Duck & Apple calming chews. Lentils are used to replace grains.

On the one hand, some research suggests that grain-free dog foods could provide some potential health benefits, such as helping support blood sugar levels within normal ranges.⁸

On the other hand, grain-free diets may not provide other expected benefits. For example, some pet owners opt for grain-free diets because they think it will help with allergies. But research doesn't support that (with the exception of dogs that are sensitive to gluten or grains themselves).⁹

Keep in mind that one diet isn’t better than another. For some, a grain-free diet is ideal; for others, a grain-filled one is. The debate between grain diets and grain-free diets for pets has been a topic of discussion in the pet care industry for many years and will likely continue to be so.

For example, the FDA conducted an investigation in 2018 into the potential adverse effects of grain-free diets, which was later widely refuted in a 2023 study.¹⁰

Regardless of what you choose for your furry friend, it’s up to you. Each pet is unique and requires different care. For most pet parents and their canine companions, grain-free diets are completely safe, as studies have not shown any specific disadvantages to grain-free diets.

Bonus: How to Give Your Dog N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

dog sitting by food bowl waiting healthy weight dcm in dogs food sensitivities affected dogs regular veterinary check ups heart disease senior dogs

What Grains Are Important for Your Dog's Health?

Many experts still consider grains an essential part of a well-balanced diet. They help support heart health, can provide sustained energy, support healthy digestion, and can be good sources of essential minerals, nutrients, and vitamins.

As we mentioned, not all grains are created equal. So what are some great grains that could help support your dog's well-being?

Oats

Oats are a traditional grain, used by the pet food industry and its predecessors for centuries to feed all kinds of domestic dogs, horses, and other animals.

Generally, oats are naturally gluten-free.¹¹ They also contain a little more protein and healthy fats than some other grains.¹²

Research also suggests that oats can help support healthy digestion. For example, one study found that dogs fed a diet of oat groats had higher concentrations of healthy fatty acids in their feces than dogs fed other diets.¹³

Oats are also a good source of valuable nutrients that may help support heart function. For example, they contain beta-glucan, a type of fiber that is thought to help support heart function.¹⁴ In one small study, dogs who received oat beta-glucan supplements demonstrated lower levels of LDL cholesterol.¹⁵

Many pet food manufacturers utilize oats as one of their primary ingredients. Oats are also used to make treats, like these Blueberry Hemp Hearts, Pumpkin Hemp Hearts, and Extra Strength Hemp Hearts.

Brown Rice

Unlike white rice, brown rice is usually considered a whole grain. It contains various nutrients, including fiber, manganese, iron, and niacin.¹⁶ Magnesium is crucial for supporting normal heart function.¹⁷

Brown rice is generally considered easily digestible for most dogs. It's therefore a common ingredient in many dogs' diets.¹⁸

Quinoa

Quinoa is an ancient grain that originated in the Andes, in South America. Relative to other grains, it's quite high in protein and contains many essential amino acids, too.¹⁹

Quinoa also contains plenty of vital nutrients, like magnesium (which, as we mentioned, supports normal heart function), iron, potassium, vitamin E, and much more. It even has small quantities of omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital to the heart and cardiovascular systems.²⁰

dog running through water taurine deficiency pet parents

How You Can Support Your Dog's Heart Health

Diet isn't the only way to support your dog's heart health. Certain supplements may also help support normal heart function in dogs.

Calming Chews

You likely know that stress isn't great for your heart. But did you know studies show the same for dogs?²¹

The calming treats we mentioned above all contain full-spectrum CBD, which can help promote relaxation in dogs.²²

If you want grain-free, consider delicious Beef & Pumpkin chews. And if you don't mind grain (or want your dog to reap its potential benefits), consider Blueberry Hemp Hearts instead.

CBD Oil

Another way to give your dog CBD is with CBD oil. You can give it to your dog straight, make your own treats, or mix it with their food.

Beyond promoting relaxation, research suggests CBD can help support normal health function in dogs.²³

Conclusion

Grain-free diets might be growing in popularity and may be helpful for certain dogs. But that doesn't mean grains are unhealthy by any means!

Many grains are actually a central component of a balanced diet. Whole grains like brown rice or oats are great sources of energy, nutrients, and minerals. They provide plenty of nutritional benefits, and studies suggest they may help support normal heart function.

If you're still unsure whether your dog needs grains or no grains, check with your vet. They'll be able to help you come up with the perfect diet for your pup to thrive.

Keep Reading: Glycine for Dogs: Benefits, Uses, & More

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Best Grains for Dog Heart Health?

Whole, unprocessed grains are generally considered the best for supporting cardiovascular health. That's because processing removes essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals, that can help support normal heart function.

What Grains Should Dogs Avoid?

That depends on the dog. Grains are generally tolerated well by most dogs.²⁴

However, some grains are arguably more nutritious than others. You might opt for oats or brown rice, for example, rather than processed wheat or white rice.

What Is the Healthiest Grain to Feed Dogs?

While there isn't a single "healthiest" grain to feed dogs, experts generally agree that whole, unprocessed grains are more nutritious than ultra-processed grains.

The processing removes parts of the grain that contain essential nutrients, including fiber and vitamins. These nutrients are important for overall well-being, and some of them may help support cardiovascular health, too.

Sources

–

Earth Buddy is an environmentally conscious and family-owned company dedicated to providing natural solutions for pets. From our CBD oils to our colostrum supplements, our products are designed to promote calmness and encourage relaxation for our furry friends. To learn more and stay connected, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.

What Grains Do Dogs Need for Heart Health?

Key Takeaways