Which would you prefer?

Dogs with a diagnosed intolerance obviously need different foods. So what is the problem with "regular" grains for "regular" dogs??

Dogs with a diagnosed intolerance obviously need different foods. So what is the problem with "regular" grains for "regular" dogs??

 
Nothing, it makes them well, "regular".

I don't think that's exactly true and it's not usually an issue of dogs being "allergic" to grains, more like intolerant

  Luvntzus, please explain the difference between being allergic to a grain and intolerant to it.

ORIGINAL: jessies_mom

I don't think that's exactly true and it's not usually an issue of dogs being "allergic" to grains, more like intolerant

Please explain the difference between being allergic to a grain and intolerant to it.

Allergic usually means they have some sort of serious reaction (like skin outbreak,etc).  An intolerance usually shows up through GI issues and lack of "quality" look to coat, etc.

ORIGINAL: ottoluv

Potato has a high glycemic index as well, so I'm still not quite getting your point

I'm saying the claims of difference between dog food ingredients can be reserached given the correct critera for difference. Criteria can be calories, bioavailability, glycemic index, etc. That's all I'm trying to say. You asked how another poster's statement could be proved or disproved and I'm saying it depends on the criteria for comparison.

And BTW, the glycemic index for white potatoes is different than for sweet potatoes (here's a citation:  "A few good carbs: The new glycemic index diet"http://www.dentalplans.com/articles/2538/).

Paula

Please explain the difference between being allergic to a grain and intolerant to it.

Food allergy: a dogs immune system is abnormally sensitive to a component of it's food (most common antigen is protein), a hypersensitivity reaction with preformed antibodies to this antigen. Usually manifested by itching, skin rxn, or GI symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, or both)

Food intolerance: rxn that does not involve immune system, clinical signs of vomiting and diarrhea, gas

The procedures used to make dog food increase the antigens and may cause an allergic response while the fresh equivalent may not as has been seen by some people on this board.

Both can appear at any age, it is rare to see very young

This is from one of Bruce Fogle, DVM's books

Allergic usually means they have some sort of serious reaction (like skin outbreak,etc). An intolerance usually shows up through GI issues and lack of "quality" look to coat, etc.

 
  Thanks, but I know the difference; I wanted to know what Luvntzus meant though.

Thanks, but I know the difference; I wanted to know what Luvntzus meant thoug

sorry, i thought something was fishy, ha ha

ORIGINAL: Misskiwi67

Dogs with a diagnosed intolerance obviously need different foods. So what is the problem with "regular" grains for "regular" dogs??

 
Darned if I know!  Maybe someone else can give you a more relevant answer but the grain content is not a big concern for me as long as it does not bother my dog.  My personal preference is for a kibble with higher than the common level of protein and fat.   The vast majority of kibble has crude protein levels in the low to mid 20s and fat in the low double digits.  I think you can knock a few percentage points off that low 20s percentage to get to the truly available protein figure (amino acid profile, yada, yada). 
 
I think that is not the best food for my healthy 16 month old German Shepherd.  That may change as she ages or if I get a 2nd dog and want a single food that works for both dogs or something.  Though I feed my dog additional meat, eggs and stuff I don't do it every day and want to feel confident that the kibble can stand on its own.  When I know I will be feeding additional stuff I reduce the kibble somewhat.

ORIGINAL: jessies_mom

I don't think that's exactly true and it's not usually an issue of dogs being "allergic" to grains, more like intolerant

Please explain the difference between being allergic to a grain and intolerant to it.

Its sort of like the difference between a peanut allergy (a true allergy, and therefore an immune problem) and lactose intolerance (a lack of a specific enzyme, and therefore a digestive problem).

Its sort of like the difference between a peanut allergy (a true allergy, and therefore an immune problem) and lactose intolerance (a lack of a specific enzyme, and therefore a digestive problem).

ORIGINAL: Misskiwi67

But in the case of gluten intolerance there can be serious consequences (GI damage & malnutrition) with long term consumption of grains with gluten. 

Its sort of like the difference between a peanut allergy (a true allergy, and therefore an immune problem) and lactose intolerance (a lack of a specific enzyme, and therefore a digestive problem).

 
 Thanks but I know what the difference is; I wanted Luvntzus to explain what she meant her statement.

Carbs are carbs... so whats the difference?? The stigma on grains is pressuring food companies to come up with more and more creative ways to formulate dog foods. I wonder if dogs can become allergic to potatos???

Of course they can be allergic to potatoes! Any being can be allergic to any protein, and it can pop up at any time.

Carbs are not just carbs. Some carbs are better than others. Gluten is, IMO, bad for all of us. Anything with epilepsy should be on a gluten free, soy free, dairy free diet. I have an epileptic dog, and she is the reason I ended up being so into nutrition. Sweet potatoes are full of beta carotene. They're carbs, yes, but they have LOTS of other nurtients, as well. Whole grains have lots of fiber. White potatoes are full of potassium (we have a hard time with food sources of minerals, because of our soil).

I feed a grain free, homemade diet. I use lots of different veggies, including sweet potatoes, white potatoes, squash, carrots, broccoli, and kale. Nothing gets used two batches in a row, to ensure variety of nutrients. I used to have the USDA database bookmarked, but I can't find it at the moment. Maybe someone else can give it to us. Even in the variety between carbs, the nutrient value changes according to where and how veggies are grown.

ORIGINAL: jennie_c_d

Carbs are carbs... so whats the difference?? The stigma on grains is pressuring food companies to come up with more and more creative ways to formulate dog foods. I wonder if dogs can become allergic to potatos???

Of course they can be allergic to potatoes! Any being can be allergic to any protein, and it can pop up at any time.

Carbs are not just carbs. Some carbs are better than others. Gluten is, IMO, bad for all of us. Anything with epilepsy should be on a gluten free, soy free, dairy free diet. I have an epileptic dog, and she is the reason I ended up being so into nutrition. Sweet potatoes are full of beta carotene.

The whole "gluten is bad" thing is new to me, as well as the association with epilepsy. Do you have any links for a curious and bewildered vet student?

ORIGINAL: jessies_mom

Allergic usually means they have some sort of serious reaction (like skin outbreak,etc). An intolerance usually shows up through GI issues and lack of "quality" look to coat, etc.

Thanks, but I know the difference; I wanted to know what Luvntzus meant though.

Oh, sorry! lol