🐾 Should your Dog go grain-free? Here's what You need to know

April 25, 2025

Grain-free dog food has gained popularity in recent years—but what does it actually mean for your pet’s health? Is it just a trend, or are there solid reasons behind the switch? At Ferguson Pet Foods, grain-free isn’t just a buzzword. It’s part of our philosophy to feed dogs the way nature intended.

In this post, we’ll break down what grain-free means, the pros and cons, and why Ferguson’s recipes completely exclude grains—without compromising on nutrition.

🌾 What is Grain-Free Dog Food?

Grain-free dog food excludes common cereal grains like wheat, corn, barley, rye, oats, and rice. Instead, these formulas rely on alternative carbohydrate sources such as:

Sweet potatoes
Peas
Lentils
Chickpeas

At Ferguson Pet Foods, we skip grains entirely and use sweet potatoes and peas for slow-releasing, low-GI carbohydrates. This helps dogs maintain energy levels without spiking blood sugar—ideal for sustained activity and steady digestion.

✅ The Benefits of Grain-Free Dog Food

Switching to a grain-free diet can offer specific benefits, especially for dogs with sensitivities or digestive issues:

1. Hypoallergenic for Sensitive Dogs

Grains are a common culprit behind food allergies or intolerances. Symptoms like itchy skin, ear infections, or digestive upset can sometimes be traced back to wheat or corn.

👉 Ferguson’s recipes are hypoallergenic and free from common irritants. Our Ferguson Original 80/20 blend uses 80% high-quality meat content, making it perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

2. Better Digestibility

Some dogs struggle to digest grain-based fillers. By replacing grains with digestible alternatives like sweet potato, dogs can absorb more nutrients with less gastrointestinal strain.

✅ Our grain-free range supports healthy digestion and minimizes bloating or gas—especially important for active breeds.

3. Improved Skin and Coat

Poor nutrition often manifests through dull coats or flaky skin. The absence of filler grains, combined with omega-rich ingredients like salmon, supports skin health and promotes a soft, shiny coat.

🐟 Try our Ferguson Salmon Grain-Free Recipe, rich in Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to nourish the coat from the inside out.

❗ Considerations: Is Grain-Free right for Every Dog?

While grain-free diets are beneficial for many dogs, they aren’t necessary for every pup. For dogs without sensitivities, whole grains can be part of a balanced diet. However, most commercial grain-inclusive foods use refined, low-quality grains that add bulk but few nutrients.

At Ferguson, we believe that if grains aren't necessary, there's no reason to include them—especially when more nutritious alternatives exist.

🥩 What Ferguson Dog Food uses instead of Grains

We focus on:

High animal protein content (e.g., 80% meat in our 80/20 range)
Sweet potato for digestible energy
Natural botanicals like rosemary, seaweed, and chicory root to support immune and gut health
No artificial additives, preservatives, or fillers

These choices are backed by both nutritional science and years of experience in what dogs actually thrive on.

🐶 Which Dogs benefit most from Grain-Free?

Grain-free food may be ideal for:

Dogs with itchy skin, ear infections, or hot spots
Breeds prone to bloating or flatulence
Dogs with sensitive digestion or grain allergies
Active or working dogs who need steady energy

If you’re unsure whether your dog might benefit, it’s worth trying a small 2kg bag for a grain-free food trial of 4–6 weeks and monitoring changes.

🛒 Shop Ferguson’s Grain-Free Dog Food

Our best-selling recipes include:

Ferguson Original 80/20 Dry Dog Food – High meat, grain-free, and packed with premium protein and natural superfoods (suitable for all life stages)
Ferguson British Free Range Chicken – Gentle on the stomach, great for coat and skin (suitable for adult dogs)
Ferguson Scottish Salmon Puppy Dry Dog Food – Specially formulated for young, developing digestive systems (also available in adult, adult light and senior recipes)

Every Ferguson recipe is proudly made in the UK using only natural ingredients.

🐾 Final Thoughts

Grain-free dog food isn’t just a trend—it’s a thoughtfully considered approach to pet nutrition. At Ferguson Pet Foods, we choose every ingredient for a reason, ensuring your dog receives the best of what nature offers, without unnecessary fillers.

Ready to make the switch? Explore our full range of grain-free dog food and give your pet the nutrition they deserve.