grains in foods

[otterwoman]

I am wondering about grains in foods (even though I switched to raw and am not going back!), just so I can explain pet food to people when asked.
Why is it better to have rice and potatoes be the binding agent in kibble rather than other grains? They are all carbohydrates, right? But supposedly "grain free" is a selling point, and these types of kibble still have rice and potatoes. Can someone explain that to me?
Thanks!

[sherrylynne]

In many ways, starches are just as bad, if not worse, than grains. The problem(IMO) is the fact that so many different grains cause allergic reactions to different animals. That, and the fact that when people actually started to investigate their pet's diets, many realized their carnivores had absolutely no need for grains in their food! So, the pet food companies finally gave them what they wanted- no grains. Now, to make kibble you MUST have some form of binding agent, hence things like potatoes, peas, etc. And they've suddenly got their newest marketing gimmick.
Granted, grain free kibble is definitely better than your average, run of the mill store brand food, which is just loaded with nonsense. But really? Grains are about as bad, if not worse in some ways, than starches for a carnivore. Here's a really good link on kibbles:
www.bornfreeusa.org/downloads/pdf/PetFoodReport_05-07.pdf

[otterwoman]

Thank you!