ANSWER:
Hair loss in dogs can occur for a variety of reasons. One cause is an allergic reaction to an ingredient in the food they are eating. Grains in food are a common allergens and can cause an allergic reaction in dogs. Can grain-free dog food cause hair loss? The answer is no. Grain Free food has been developed to remove certain allergens from the food and will reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions such as hair loss. However if the hair loss is caused by an allergic reaction to a particular protein such as chicken or beef, a switch to a grain free diet will not resolve the issue.
“Hair loss in dogs can occur for a variety of reasons”
BACKGROUND
Dogs do not tolerate cereal grains well in their diet. As a consequence, these grains can be the source of many health issues in dogs. They are common allergens and can cause allergic reactions such as bald spots and hair loss. Grain free recipes have been developed for dogs where these cereal grains are excluded. These recipes are an alternative way to provide the nutritional values which your dog requires in their regular diet whilst reducing their exposure to some of the more common allergens. Although these recipes do not include grains such as wheat, barley and rye, they offer the same meat proteins but with alternative carb and fibre ingredients.
CAN GRAIN-FREE DOG FOOD CAUSE HAIR LOSS?
It is normal for all dogs to shed hair and at some times they will shed more than others. Some breeds are heavy shedders whereas others shed very little hair. However its is not normal for dogs to shed so much that they develop bald patches, and there will be an underlying reason for this.
There are a number of different reasons for hair loss such as parasites, infection, hormonal issues and allergies. Allergies are the most common cause of hair loss in dogs and can be caused by food allergies or environmental allergies such as reaction to certain trees, plants or grasses. If you suspect something is wrong and you are concerned about your dog losing hair, you should book a consultation with a veterinary professional in the first instance. They will be able to diagnose the problem and set your dog on a remedial path.
“it is known that dogs have not evolved to tolerate these ingredients (grains) well in their diet”
FOOD ALLERGIES IN DOGS
It is thought that cereal grains in dog food are one of the most common allergens and can cause a range of symptoms in dogs. For example, your dog can react with gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea, vomiting and flatulence. However some dogs may develop itchy skin, sores, bald patches and hair loss. These grains may include wheat, barley, or rye and it is known that dogs have not evolved to tolerate these ingredients well in their diet.
It is not all about grain though. Some dogs may have an allergic reaction to a particular protein such as chicken or beef. Similar symptoms can occur with protein allergies so it is important that the correct allergen is identified.
“They differ from grain inclusive recipes by substituting the cereal grains with other sources of fibre”
THE PURPOSE OF GRAIN FREE DOG FOODS
The main purpose of grain free dog foods is to provide an alternative method of providing nutrition for dogs that have a grain intolerance or grain allergy. Grain free dog food for seniors, adults and puppies still provides protein in the form of meat and or fish products, essential fats, minerals, fibre and vitamins. They differ from grain inclusive recipes by substituting the cereal grains with other sources of fibre. For example, a popular ingredient in grain free recipes is sweet potato which is a carbohydrate and replaces the fibre found in grain inclusive recipes. Potatoes and peas are also used in grain free recipes in order to substitute the omission of grains in grain inclusive recipes. Some of the other alternative ingredients found in grain free products such as beans, soya beans and peas be the cause of excess gas or flatulence.
If your dog is suffering from a grain allergy, switching their diet to a grain free dog food will solve the problem. So if the allergy was causing hair loss, a switch the a grain free dog food will stop the hair loss and enable your dog to grow his coat back entirely.
PROTEINS IN DOG FOOD
Of course dogs require a substantial protein element in their food. There are many types of proteins which consists of a varying mix of amino acids. Dogs make more than 20 amino acids in their bodies but need a dietary source for others. Protein is a good energy source and is found in all meats, fish and some vegetables. Older dogs require less protein intake than younger dogs and is one of the considerations in formulating feeds for senior dogs.
Some dogs can also be allergic to some sources of protein. For example, chicken, duck, lamb beef and fish are potential allergens. These allergies can manifest in much the same way as grain allergies and symptoms can be similar or the same for protein allergies.
“a grain free diet will not in itself cause your dog to have hair loss”
TRANSITION
If your dog is suffering a food allergy and you wish to change their diet from grain inclusive to grain free this should be done gradually over a period of around ten days. You should start by mixing in a very small amount of the new food with the existing. This should be increased each time until the dog is eating the new diet exclusively. A sudden change will likely cause you dog stomach upset.
Can grain-free dog food cause hair loss? To conclude, a grain free diet for dogs will not in itself cause your dog to have hair loss. If hair loss continues after switching to a grain free diet, it could be due to transitioning too quickly. It could also be due to an allergy to a protein such as chicken, duck or any one of the meat or fish contents in the food. In this event you should again seek the advice of your vet in order to identify the allergen which is triggering the symptoms to manifest.
