But Don't Just Take Our Word for It

Read up on other articles that explain why grains are beneficial for dogs.

  1. A team of Swedish researchers compared the genomes of wolves and dogs and found that a big difference is dogs' ability to easily digest starch.

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  2. Our results indicate that novel adaptations allowing the early ancestors of modern dogs to thrive on a diet rich in starch, relative to the carnivorous diet of wolves, constituted a crucial step in the early domestication of dogs.

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  3. [The Nature study] adds to evidence that dogs should not eat the same food as wolves, says [Robert Wayne, geneticist], who points out that dog food is rich in carbohydrates and low in protein compared with plain meat. 'Every day I get an email from a dog owner who asks, should they feed their dog like a wolf,' says Wayne. 'I think this paper answers that question: no.'

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  4. Oscar Chavez, director of the veterinary technician program at Cal Poly Pomona, said the [Nature study] findings served as a reminder that dogs don't eat like wolves. He said he and his colleagues were befuddled by the trend toward pricey low-carb dog foods and raw diets, which could stress dogs' kidneys with their extra protein load.

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We Study Outcomes in Real Pets, Not Just what Looks Good on a Label.

We look for positive results to make sure our formulas benefit real pets' health, digestion, energy-levels and ability to live a happy, healthy life.

We Start with Nutrients, Not Ingredients.

When we formulate our products, we don't start by prioritizing ingredients that are popular. Instead, we study the nutrients that pets need, and then look to nature for the best ingredients to deliver on them.

We Don't Look at Ingredients in a Vacuum.

We know that even the best ingredients aren't as effective if they're not blended in concert with other ingredients that make the meal as nutritious and digestible as possible. That's why we study how ingredients work together, and use the best team players in our formulas.

Our Nutrition Philosophy
Bowl of corn kernels

Grains are Beneficial
for Dogs

  • Because of our decades of nutrition research, we've seen evidence that nutritious grains like corn produce positive outcomes in dogs. Pound for pound, nutritious grains deliver more complete nutrition than the ingredients that brands typically use to substitute for grains, like potatoes.
  • When it comes to the nutrients dogs need, grains deliver. They provide antioxidants, energy-rich carbohydrate and fiber to promote digestion.
  • Grains are team players. Our long-term research has shown that grains like corn are key for helping dogs digest other nutrients in their foods.

Myths vs. Reality

So why have grains and corn become the object of debate when it
comes to giving dogs the best nutrition possible?

Well, we think it's due to a couple of myths.

Truth #1 - Dogs are not Carnivores

Many people believe dogs are carnivores. In fact, dogs are omnivores, and even wolves in the wild derive nutrition from both plant and animal sources.

Truth #2 - Dogs are not Allergic to Grain

Many people believe that dogs are allergic to grain. Here's the truth.

Grid of dog silouhettes Less than 1% of dogs
are allergic

We make products formulated without grain for the less than 1% of dogs who may have sensitivity to grain. For the other 99%, we believe the responsible thing to do is provide them with the best formulations for their needs, which include grains.

The Power of Corn

A closer look at one of the grains we believe in.

Good for Your Dog

  • Corn provides protein, energy, and linoleic acid, which is an essential fatty acid for dogs.
  • Ounce for ounce, corn has twice the level of antioxidants as an apple.