In recent years, there has been concern about using grains in pet foods as they’re sometimes seen as cheap fillers. Corn and wheat in particular are two grains that dog owners try to steer away from when looking at the ingredients. One of the issues is that they’re not particularly high in nutritional value and aren’t easily digestible. Of even greater concern, corn has caused multiple recalls of kibble due to increased levels of aflatoxin, which is a mold commonly present in this ingredient.
This has led consumers to look towards grain-free diets. While there is nothing wrong with choosing a grain-free food, grains are still an important part of your dog’s diet. Just like humans, our dogs need a well rounded diet that consists of carbohydrates, high quality proteins, and healthy fats. One of the best carbohydrates that can be included in pet foods are whole grains such as brown rice.
Benefits of Brown Rice
Brown rice is made from the entire grain with only the inedible outer husk removed. It’s not considered a cheap filler and is a great addition to dog and cat foods.
It contains seven minerals and five B vitamins which are essential for promoting heart health and metabolism.
Brown rice leaves some of the rice bran intact meaning it is a source of fiber. Fiber aids in your dog’s digestive system and heart health. Not to mention it can also increase their energy levels!
Being a complex carb with over a 90% digestion rate, it burns slowly which helps to support their blood sugar levels for longer periods of time.
Brown rice keeps your dogs feeling full so you can feel even better knowing it aids in your dog’s weight management.
At Life’s Abundance, we include brown rice in both our dog foods and cat foods, as it’s a healthy addition to their diet and provides them with sustained energy. And, you can take comfort knowing we routinely test for hazards such as arsenic in our foods so your dog can live a long, happy and healthy life by your side!