The Grain Truth
Everything You Want to Know About Grains
There’s a lot of information out there about grains and what they mean for your dog or cat. Here you’ll find some helpful information about what grains are, what they do for pets, and the differences between diets with grains and diets without them.
Grains Come in Many Forms
Grains are complex carbohydrates that dogs and cats eat in order to get energy. At Blue Buffalo, we choose to use high-quality, wholesome, natural grains like brown rice, oats, and barley and never include other grains like corn or wheat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between diets with grain and grain-free diets?
All Blue Buffalo diets feature real meat as the first ingredient, but some of our recipes include grains and some don’t. Grain-free diets still contain complex carbohydrates from vegetables like sweet potatoes, while diets with grain feature complex carbs from grains like brown rice, oats and barley.
What are the benefits of feeding grains to my pet?
There are three main benefits of feeding grains:
1. Grains are highly digestible sources of carbohydrates, which your pet can use for energy.
2. Whole grains are filled with important nutrients including minerals, essential fatty acids, vitamins and fiber.
3. Grains have been used in pet food for many years – most grains are considered safe and effective for pets.
Are there any risks to feeding grains? What if my pet is allergic?
While grains provide nutrition for pets, some people choose to avoid grains for various reasons. Grains are not common allergens in most dogs and cats, but if your pet is allergic to a specific grain or ingredient, you should avoid it. Blue Buffalo foods never contain corn, wheat or soy.
What grains are used in Blue Buffalo diets and why?
BLUE uses:
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Barley: Whole grain with the hull and bran – an excellent source of soluble fiber, plus carbohydrates and B vitamins for digestive health.
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Brown Rice: Whole grain that provides pets with essential B vitamins, minerals and high-quality complex carbohydrates for energy and fiber.
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Oats (oat flour & oatmeal): Oat flour is made of ground, whole oats and is an excellent source of carbohydrates, protein and nutritional fiber. Oatmeal is wholesome, high-quality grain rich in B vitamins that gives pets the energy they need.
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Rye: Grain packed with nutrients, minerals, vitamins and organic compounds that have been associated with weight loss.
Why does BLUE have both grain-free diets and diets with grains?
The body recognizes, digests, and uses both grains and grain-free carbohydrates for energy, and both are part of a complete and balanced diet. BLUE has a variety of both grain-in and grain-free diets so that pet parents can choose which ingredients and formulas they prefer to feed their pets.
Which is healthier for my pet – a grain-inclusive or a grain-free diet?
Both grains and grain-free carbohydrates are healthy and nutritious; we recommend talking with your veterinarian to decide which option is best for your pet.
Will feeding grains make my dog or cat fat?
No, just like in people, feeding too many calories can cause your pet to gain weight, but when carbohydrates (grain or grain-free) are fed in proper proportions and amounts, they will be digested and used for energy.
Featured Pet Recipes
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Ask your veterinarian which type of diet is best for your pet. Then take a look at the many Blue Buffalo options you can choose from.
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Our nutrition philosophy
The Blue Difference
Because our pets are family members, we want to feed them with the same care as family. And as pioneers of the natural pet food industry, we understand that it takes quality ingredients to make the healthiest food possible. That’s why everything we make is carefully formulated by veterinarians and animal nutritionists with the ingredients we’re proud to feed our family members- and you will be too.