NEADS periodically receives questions from our clients regarding the national discussion about the health effects of grain-free dog food versus grained dog food.

The research is conflicting about this topic. As some of our clients know, for a time NEADS provided our dogs with grain-free dog food. We are now transitioning our dogs to grained dog food. This change was not made because of any negative effects from the grain-free diet. Rather, because we haven’t experienced any ill effects from a grained diet, we are operating under an abundance of caution until more substantial and definitive research is available.

As NEADS clients consider which formula of food to use, we encourage you to discuss food choices with your veterinarian to determine the best option for your Service Dog. If you do make changes to your dog’s formula, be sure to follow a food transition plan, which can be developed with the help of your veterinarian.

Whether you choose grain-free dog food or grained dog food, please remember that keeping your Service Dog at a healthy, lean weight is the very best thing that you can do to help your dog live a long and healthy life.