Is grain-free food good for my dog? With the growing popularity of grain-free dog food and so much conflicting information, this is a question among many dog owners. You want absolutely the best for your furry friend, and you are wondering if grain-free is the way to go.
Well, in this article, we demystify the myths, look at the pros and cons, and suggestions for you the best brands of grain-free dog foods. Great, right? Read on and find out what grain-free dog exactly is and if a switch to this is better.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons.
What Are the 10 Best Grain-Free Dog Food?
Puppies- Is grain-free good for puppies?
Yes. Grain-free food is okay if it contains the right balance of nutrients. It’s also good for puppies that are allergic to grains.
Here are our best picks for puppies.
American Journey Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Puppy Dry Dog Food
This 4.5 stars rated food sources its proteins from genuine boneless lamb. For energy that keeps going, sweet potatoes and peas are incorporated.
Unsaturated omega fats from salmon oil and flaxseed are included to advance brain and eye health. It’s enhanced with carrots, dried kelp, and blueberries for fiber and antioxidants.
Benefits
- Contains omega 3 &6 unsaturated fats for brain, eye, and skin health.
- Protein-packed food loaded with amino acids for lean muscles.
- Incorporates fiber-rich chicken peas and sweet potatoes for lasting energy
- Has no fillers hence suitable for food-sensitive dogs
| Key Ingredients | Suitability | Price |
| -Deboned lamb -Chicken meal -Turkey meal -Chickpeas -Sweet potatoes | Puppies | $27.99 |
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
This 4.7 stars rated food is crafted with buffalo as the primary ingredient for a taste of the wild. Other novel proteins like bison, roasted venison, and beef are added to help build strong muscles.
Vegetables and fruits are incorporated for natural antioxidants, while peas and sweet potatoes deliver highly digestible energy. Prebiotics from dried chicory roots is used to support healthy digestion.
Benefits
- Protein-packed with buffalo and a mix of other protein-rich ingredients for lean, strong muscles.
- Contains proprietary species-specific probiotics to support healthy digestion.
- Has natural DHA for brain and vision health.
| Key Ingredients | Suitability | Price |
| -Buffalo -Lamb meal -Sweet potatoes -Egg product -Pea protein | Puppies | $14.99 |
Read our Taste of the Wild Dog Food Review: Is it Good Enough For Your Frenchie
NomNom Beef Mash Fresh Dog Food
This 4.8 stars rated food is formulated by a leader in veterinary nutrition. It’s well balanced and portioned to cater to the needs of puppies.
Ground beef is the primary ingredient with a balanced mix of amino acids, essential fats, minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients, including DHA.
Benefits
- Crafted with the optimal amount of calcium and phosphorus to promote ideal bone growth
- Made with real beef for protein to build and maintain lean muscles
- It’s all-natural and fresh for optimal health
- Enhanced with DHA for proper brain development
| Key Ingredients | Suitability | Price |
| -Ground beef -Russet potatoes -Eggs -Carrots -Peas | Puppies | $24.36 |
Read our Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food Review: Why It’s Worth The Price?
Adult
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Made with roasted genuine meat and a mix of protein sources, including bison and venison, this 4.7 rated recipe gives edible energy and nourishment to your dog.
This formula contains antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits for a sound lifestyle and prebiotic support from dried chicory roots to support healthy digestion.
Benefits
- Ideal amino acid profile from genuine roasted buffalo and venison for lean muscles.
- Made in USA Quality is assured.
- 100% natural food with ensured species-specific probiotics to aid in digestion.
- Contains antioxidants and natural DHA for immune and brain health
| Key Ingredients | Suitability | Price |
| -Buffalo -Lamb meal -Sweet potatoes -Egg product -Pea protein | Adult Dogs | $13.99 |
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Uniquely planned for grown-up canines, this 4.7 rated food contains proteins in addition to complex starches from leafy foods that help uphold your canine’s energy needs.
It features protein-rich chicken plus cell reinforcement life source Bits. It’s further upgraded with vitamins and different nutrients for a wholesome diet.
Benefits
- Inclusive of omega 3&6 unsaturated fats for healthy skin and a brilliant coat.
- Made with real chicken meat protein for building and maintaining lean muscles.
- Highlights sound carbs like sweet potatoes and peas for energy supply.
| Key Ingredients | Suitability | Price |
| -Deboned chicken -Chicken meal -Pea protein -Peas -Tapioca starch | Adult dogs | $31.98 |
Read our article on Blue Buffalo Dog Food Review: Is It Right for French Bulldog
American Journey Stews Poultry & Beef Variety Pack Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
This recipe starts with real chicken and beef in pleasant broth for high-quality protein to help maintain lean muscles.
The 4.4 stars rated food is free from all fillers, additives, and artificial preservatives. It’s further fortified with omega fats and added minerals and vitamins.
Benefits
- Has real meat as the primary source of protein for maintaining lean muscles.
- Contains valuable supplements like amino acids for proteins and omega3&6 for healthy skin and coat.
- Provides strong nourishment to fuel your canine’s daily activities.
| Key Ingredients | Suitability | Price |
| -Chicken/Beef-Chicken/Beef Broth -Chicken liver -Dried egg white -Carrots | Adult dogs | $19.99 |
Senior dogs: Is grain-free good for senior dogs?
Grain-free food containing high proteins and moderates to few carbs and fats is ideal for aging dogs.
ORIJEN Dry Dog Food-Senior
This is made from a special blend of free-range chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs.
The 4.7 stars rated is packed with meat and proteins to support lean muscle mass and healthy weight maintenance for senior dogs. With this recipe, give your dog the proper nutrition with irresistible flavor.
Benefits
- Protein-packed for promotion of lean muscle mass
- It’s nutrient-dense with a mix of fresh meat, whole fish, and eggs for the complete nutrition that your dogs need.
- It’s completely natural and hence wholesome and healthy.
| Key Ingredients | Suitability | Price |
| -Deboned chicken -Deboned turkey -Atlantic flounder -Whole eggs -Atlantic mackerel | Senior dogs | $26 |
CANIDAE Pure Senior Recipe, Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Premium Dry Dog Food
This 4.6 rated meal is crafted with 9 real ingredients free from corn, wheat, or artificial additives. Formulated to cater to the nutritional needs of senior dogs, it features real chicken as the primary protein source.
It’s enhanced with wholesome veggies for energy, probiotics for digestion, and antioxidants for immune health.
Benefits
- Free from wheat, corn, or soy to avoid upsetting touchy stomachs.
- Made with nine real food ingredients that keep your canine at his best
- Has no fake flavors or additives hence naturally healthy.
| Key Ingredients | Suitability | Price |
| -Chicken -Chicken meal -Turkey meal -Sweet potatoes -Garbanzo beans | Senior dogs | $40.50 |
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Senior Wet Dog Food
Designed to help uphold sound muscle upkeep, this 4.7 star rated recipe begins with premium protein from delicate bits of chicken.
It’s pressed with garden veggies and fruits and improved with nutrients and minerals such as glucosamine and chondroitin. It contains only healthy ingredients with no grains, additives, or preservatives.
Benefits
- Improved with glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint well-being
- It begins with genuine chicken to support sound muscle maintenance.
- 100% natural and healthy as it has no by-products, additives, or preservatives.
| Key Ingredient | Suitability | Price |
| -Chicken -Chicken Broth -Chicken liver -Carrots -Peas | Senior dogs | $18.17 |
Best budget choice
Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food
This 4.6 star rated hearty and wholesome meal highlights a delicious mix of high-quality chicken and turkey. It’s composed of natural ingredients with added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that support digestion, decrease shedding, advance a sparkly coat and promote strong nails and skin.
Its total nourishment contains apples, potatoes, and flaxseed suited for sensitive stomachs.
Benefits
- Grain-free hence great for sensitive stomachs
- Made with high-quality protein from chicken and turkey to help support lean muscles
- Has vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for complete well-balanced nutrition.
| Key Ingredients | Suitability | Price |
| -Chicken meal -Turkey meal -Sweet potatoes -Potatoes -Peas | Adult Dogs | $10.99 |
Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Natural Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
This 4.6 stars rated meal features real US-raised chicken as the primary ingredient for premium quality protein to help build and maintain lean muscles.
It’s enhanced with profoundly edible veggies and fruits, including sweet potatoes for fiber and antioxidants, custard and peas for fundamental carbohydrates, and vitamin C-rich cranberries for immune boosting.
Benefits
- Made with protein-rich real US-raised chicken for growth and maintenance of lean muscles.
- 100% natural food offering complete nutrition for your dog
- Highly absorbable fruits and veggies to support digestive health.
| Key Ingredients | Suitability | Price |
| -Chicken -Chicken meal -Sweet potatoes -Pea protein -Pea flour | Adult Dogs | $22.54 |
Grain-Free Dog Food: Buying Guide
What Is Grain-Free Dog Food?
Grain-free dog food is any recipe that is made without cereals. It contains no grains like wheat, rye, rice, barley, oats, or maize. These cereals are replaced with a delicious mix of vegetables such as peas and potatoes. Grain-free food is not carb-free as it uses alternative sources of carbohydrates like sweet potatoes.
Grain-free dog food benefits
- High in protein and therefore an incredible energy source
- Easy to digest as they contain fewer carbohydrates
- Has less risk of food allergies and intolerances as it contains no grains
- Provides better nutrients and value as they are high in healthy proteins, vegetables, and fiber
- Encourage healthier skin and coat as they contain healthy fats and oils
Grain-free dog food concerns
- It’s more expensive than grain inclusive food
- Increases the risk of heart diseases, specifically canine dilated cardiomyopathy
- It’s not suitable for less active dogs
- Leads to excessive weight gain
- Can be unhealthy if it uses anything other than the named protein sources
- Can be high in carbohydrates
Regular vs Grain Free Dog Food
Any dog food that includes popular grains like wheat, rice, soy, corn, etc is regular. On the other hand, Grain-free doesn’t contain these popular grains but uses alternative carbohydrate sources.
Grain-free dog food myths
- Grain-free food is carbohydrate-free
- Dogs can’t digest grains
- Grain-free equals high protein
- Dogs are allergic to grains
- Grain-free food is the only cause of dilated cardiomyopathy
Grain-free dog food FDA
There are concerns linking an increase in canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) to some grain-free food. The FDA is still investigating this issue. However, the relationship between grain-free food and DCM has not yet been proven.
Good health begins in the gut.
Consideration of gut health is of the utmost importance when choosing your dog’s diet. Choose the food that promotes digestive system health. Fully understand your dog and go for what suits them best.
Is grain-free pet food helpful or harmful?
Grain-free pet food is helpful and particularly to those with food-related intolerances associated with grains. However, there is also a risk that it may cause heart problems.
How We Reviewed
For this compilation, we consider customer feedback on their experience on the use of grain-free dog food and recommendations from veterinarians. We chose a rating of 4 and above.
Overall Pricing
Generally, the price of grain-free food ranges from as low as $10 to $60 and above for the premium prices. This depends on the brand, and quality, among other things.
Grain-Free Dog Food FAQs
Is grain-free food good?
Grain-free food is good. It comes with many health benefits because it contains more proteins and animal fats and fewer carbohydrates, which makes it highly digestible.
Does grain-free help dogs with allergies?
If your dog is intolerant to foods containing popular grains, then yes, grain-free food can help sort it out. However, consult your vet before making the switch to grain-free food.
Here is our article on Common Food Allergies for Dogs and How to Avoid Them
Does grain-free dog food cause heart problems?
Reports link some grain-free food containing legumes and certain potato levels to heart problems, specifically dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs. An investigation by the FDA is ongoing on this matter.
Does grain-free food cause weight gain?
Grain-free doesn’t mean carbs-free as the grains have been substituted with alternative starch sources, including legumes and potatoes. This means they could be having more carbs which may lead to weight gain.
Are dogs carnivorous or omnivorous?
The carnivorous nature of dogs is linked to their historical ancestors, the wolves, and their carnivorous teeth. However, dogs can fully digest nutrients from grains and benefit from meat in their diet.
Should I Buy My Dog Grain-Free Dog Food?
Balanced and complete nutrition is vital in choosing the right dog food. Before switching to a grain-free diet, discuss what’s best, the benefits, and the risks with your veterinarian.
The diet choice should be based on what works best for your dog. There you have it.
