Dogs are primarily meat eaters. Unlike humans, their teeth are not made to grind down food. With humans, digestion begins this way in the mouth. As well as our front teeth which rip apart food, our back teeth grind food and so begin the process of digestion.

Dogs, on the other hand, only have teeth to tear apart food. They are actually designed to tear apart meat. Dogs tend to gulp their food down and begin the process of digestion in the stomach. Mama dogs do not tell their puppies to chew their food carefully!

When dogs have carbohydrates as a large part of their diet, the time, and energy, required for digestion increases. With more undigested food sitting in the stomach, a dog will perform less well, and larger amounts of stool are produced. Most importantly, a protein deficiency might occur.

Dogs do need grains, but they are primarily meat eaters. We only have to look at their evolution (and teeth!), to see this. Meat therefore should be a more significant part of their diet. This actually supports their health, and longevity, better.

As well as the difference in teeth, humans have a longer digestive tract than dogs. This means there is less opportunity for foods to be digested. And humans have enzymes in the mouth to break down food, whereas dogs don't.

Carbohydrates such as wheat, corn, rice, oats, soy and millet are preferred to carbs like brans, hulls, and peanut shells for dogs. This is because they break down when cooked into starches and sugar. Most nutrients come from the first set of carbohydrates.

If you notice dry dog food containing a lot of carbohydrates, this is only because it is cheaper. Better quality dry food (which is generally more expensive, and available only through the vet), has a higher portion of protein.

Allergic reactions to grains are common in dogs. The best diet for your dog matches that fed in the breed's country of origin as the breed developed. Each dog is an individual, and if yours refuses to eat his food, check the grains listed on the package. The dog may balk because of an allergy to one of the grains in the food. He may not be refusing the food because he is a fussy eater, as many people assume. Try switching to a better quality dry food, or change the ingredients in the homemade food.