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What is the Best Grain-Free Dog Food?
- Best Overall Grain-Free Dog Food: The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Turkey Clusters
Human-grade, grain-free, and minimally processed food in the form of easily chewable, bite-sized, and tasty clusters. - Best Natural Grain-Free Dog Food: Open Farm Grass-Fed Beef Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Formulated with premium cuts of real, humanely-raised beef from family farms - Best High-Quality Grain-Free Dog Food: Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Dry Dog Food
This is one of the favorites when it comes to premium grain-free dog food as it contains high-quality ingredients. - Most Innovative Grain-Free Dog Food: Nature’s Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Formulated using a unique blend of ingredients, this innovative dog food caters to dogs of all life stages. - Best Budget-Friendly Grain-Free Dog Food: Purina Beyond Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food
If your dog loves natural foods, this product is perfect for your furry friend as it contains all-natural ingredients. - Best High-Protein Grain-Free Dog Food: CRAVE Grain-Free Adult High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food
If you are looking for the perfect adult dog food, look no further than this high-quality and high-protein recipe. - Best Raw Grain-Free Dog Food: Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Blend Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
While some dog foods can be expensive, this product offers an affordable option for pet parents without compromising quality. - Best Tasting Grain-Free Dog Food: Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
If your dog is a picky eater, this delicious dog food will have them coming back for more after every meal. - Best Wet Grain-Free Dog Food: Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Grain-Free Recipe
Formulated with a special blend of unique ingredients, this dog food packs a punch when it comes to nutrition.
- 30% off on first orders of $30+ using code VETERINARIANS30
- PREMIUM NUTRITION: Clusters are thoughtfully prepared using human-grade muscle meat & liver, low glycemic carbs, beneficial fats & live probiotics; cold pressed into delicious, bite-size, ready-to-eat pieces.
- MINIMALLY PROCESSED: Clusters are made by mixing small batches of fresh ingredients.
- WE SAY NO TO: This recipe contains no feed-grade ingredients, meat meals, fillers, GMO ingredients, artificial flavors or artificial preservatives.
What is Grain-Free Dog Food?
Grain-free dog food is pet food made without the use of any wheat, corn, rice, and other grains. However, the requirement for carbohydrates is met through alternate means, including potatoes and pea flour.
Is Grain-Free Food Better for Dogs?
It depends. Grain-free dog food is better for dogs that are sensitive to grains. Here are some of the benefits of grain-free diets:
- Fewer Allergies. Grains can often lead to allergic reactions. Therefore, switching to a grain-free diet helps to reduce the breakout of allergies.
- Healthy Skin & Coat. Grain-free diet can reduce inflammation in your dog’s skin. This also leads to healthier and shinier coats.
- Smaller Stools. Switching to a grain-free diet will make your dog’s stools smaller and more manageable.
- Less Gas. Since your dog will be able to digest their meals easily, there will be less bloating and production of smelly gas.
- Better Breath. Grain-free dog food has been known to improve your dog’s oral health by reducing bad breath overall.
What is Wrong With Grain-Free Dog Food?
According to reports, the FDA has investigated a potential link between canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and grain-free dog food.
The issue arises with grain-free recipes containing alternative carbohydrate sources like legumes (lentils, peas, chickpeas). However, it is not established whether it is due to the lack of grains or the presence of legumes.
Can a Grain-Free Diet Cause Heart Problems in Dogs?
Yes, based on recent warnings by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), grain-free dog food can cause heart problems – dilated cardiomyopathy or simply enlarged heart.
The Best Grain-Free Dog Food Reviewed
There are many pet food brands offering grain-free recipes for dogs. With so many options, it can be hard to find the right formula for your dog’s needs. To help narrow the search, we have selected and reviewed the best grain-free dog foods on the market.
Summary: The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Turkey Clusters is human-grade dog food made with carefully selected and nutrient-dense ingredients. The first item on the ingredient list is cage-free chicken, thus ensuring a healthy intake of lean protein. The food features fruits and vegetables to round up the nutritional profile, and it is complete & balanced for dogs of all life stages. It comes in the form of small, bite-sized clusters that promote chewing and healthy digestion. Customers can also get 30% off on their first orders of $30+ using code VETERINARIANS30.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Puppies and adult dogs
Flavor Options: Beef; Chicken; Turkey; Beef & Turkey
Price: $6.99/pound
Pros
- 30% off on first orders of $30+ using code VETERINARIANS30
- Grain-free and human-grade food of maximum quality
- Cage-free turkey is the first ingredient
- Enriched with health-boosting superfoods
- Formulated by veterinary nutritionists
- No rendered meal, fillers, and feed-grade ingredients
Cons
- No significant cons
Ingredient Analysis
- Turkey: This is a great source of lean protein. It has a versatile amino acid profile and helps with weight control.
- Lentils: Lentils are packed with plant-based protein. They also contain a healthy amount of prebiotics.
- Carrots: Carrots are loaded with antioxidants (beta-carotene) as well as health-boosting vitamins and minerals.
- Pumpkin: This is an excellent source of natural dietary fibers that support gut health and promote easy digestion.
Review: Both dogs and pet owners love this recipe by The Honest Kitchen. They say it is packed with nutrients, delicious, and easy to use. Overall, Amazon customers rate the food 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Summary: Open Farm Grass-Fed Beef Dry Dog Food is formulated with premium cuts of real, humanely-raised beef from family farms, hence firmly adhering to their “farm-to-bowl” mission. You can feel good about this grain-free dog food in your pooch’s bowl because the beef was raised without the use of additives and is 100% GAP-certified.
This recipe is rich in meaty protein, probiotic fiber that supports digestion and allergy prevention, and essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health and balance. Get 20% off your first auto-ship order with code VET20.
Type: Grain-free, dry
Best for: Dogs of all life stages
Flavor Options: Beef, Homestead Turkey & Chicken, Whitefish, Wild-Caught Salmon, Pasture-Raised Lamb, Pork & Root Vegetables
Price: $7.25 per pound (based on a 4lb variant)
Pros
- 20% off your first auto-ship order with code VET20.
- Grain-free, organic, & non-GMO
- High in protein and humanely-raised fresh beef
- A rich source of prebiotic fibers to support healthy digestion
- Meats from audited higher welfare farms
- Free from rendered poultry or meat meals and has 100% traceable ingredients
Cons
- The kibble’s texture is a little bit hard for some dogs.
Ingredient Analysis
- Grass-fed Beef: Open Farm’s humanely-raised beef is pasture-raised, grass-fed, and grass-finished by ranchers on family farms. Grass-fed beef is a quality protein that is high in vitamin E.
- Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes are a source of complex carbohydrates as well as potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and manganese. It is also a source of fiber and beta-carotene which helps support digestive health.
- Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a good source of fiber and beta-carotene. Fiber is helpful for digestive health.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is packed with health benefits including lauric acid, a type of omega-9 fatty acid. It is an excellent source of energy, easy to digest, and excellent for metabolic function, particularly fat metabolism.
- Carrots: Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene and contain high levels of vitamins that protect against free radicals which may damage cells.
- Apples: Apples are known to be a good source of Potassium and Vitamin C in addition to fiber.
Review: Garnering 4.5 out of 5-star ratings on Amazon, customers were impressed by this grain-free dog food recipe by Open Farm. They reported that their dogs’ digestion has improved so much that they have achieved regular poop sessions, and issues like diarrhea, constipation, and upset stomach were avoided.
Summary: This dry dog food offers a grain-free formula and is made with real turkey as its primary ingredient. As a result, you can expect great flavors along with great nutrition. The product also contains added vitamins, minerals, and taurine. Additionally, the dog food is free of grain, gluten, filler ingredients, poultry by-product meal, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. If you are looking for a wholesome meal for your dog, this is the product you need.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Adult dogs
Flavor Options: Turkey & Potato; Chicken & Sweet Potato; Beef, Potato & Bison; Salmon & Sweet Potato
Price: $1.71/pound
Pros
- Simple, delicious, and natural ingredients
- With added vitamins, minerals, and taurine
- Uses real turkey as the first ingredient
- No added grains, gluten, and fillers
- Available at a budget-friendly price
Cons
- The scent can be off-putting for some dogs
Ingredient Analysis
- Turkey: Turkey is a protein source that supports muscle development and energy.
- Chicken Meal: Chicken meal is an extremely rich source of protein, providing pets with supplemental energy and nutrients while aiding in digestion.
- Whole Dried Potatoes: Potatoes provide easily digestible carbohydrates, vitamins B & C, potassium, iron, and magnesium.
- Dried Peas: Peas contain protein, vitamins, fiber, and potassium that pets need. It also supports a pet’s GI health.
Review: This dog food uses a unique blend of ingredients with a high nutritional profile. It is excellent for both small and large breeds. Pet owners give this recipe 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon reviews.
Summary: This dry dog food contains real salmon as its first ingredient. It has been formulated with all-natural ingredients, including sweet potatoes and pumpkin. It also contains added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to help your dog thrive. This product is free from harmful additives like artificial colors and preservatives. Additionally, it does not contain any corn, wheat, or soy. The brand has been in the market for over 30 years and provides pets with the required nutrition.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Adult dogs
Flavor Options: Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin; Lamb, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin; Salmon, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin
Price: $1.92/pound
Pros
- Real salmon is the first ingredient
- Formulated for all breeds and life stages
- No corn, wheat, artificial colors, or flavors
- Made using all-natural ingredients
- Contains added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients
Cons
- May cause allergic reactions in some dogs
Ingredient Analysis
- Salmon: Salmon is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It also reduces inflammation in your dog’s body.
- Chicken Meal: Chicken meal is an extremely rich source of protein, providing pets with supplemental energy and nutrients while aiding in digestion.
- Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, B vitamins, beta carotene, phytochemicals, and carotenoids.
- Tapioca Starch: Tapioca starch is a cholesterol-free, low-sodium ingredient in diets that don’t contain common allergens. It is also gluten-free.
Review: This pet food is made using high-quality natural ingredients. It is also formulated with nutrients such as amino acids, carbs, and other supplements. On Amazon, pet owners give this food 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Summary: Purina Beyond Simply Grain Free White Meat Chicken & Egg Formula adult dry dog food is the perfect tool to improve your dog’s digestive health as it contains natural probiotics. The product is crafted by the brand’s nutritionist and is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. The ingredients all serve a purpose and have been sourced from trusted sources. This limited ingredient, gluten-free, and grain-free dog food, has a high protein content. This kibble can be easily paired with wet foods and toppers.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Adult dogs
Flavor Options: Chicken & Egg; Chicken; Beef Jerky
Price: $1.96/pound
Pros
- Contains real white meat chicken
- Formulated with natural probiotics for digestive support
- No corn, wheat, soy, and poultry by-product meal
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Available at an affordable price
Cons
- Often out of stock on online retailers
Ingredient Analysis
- Chicken: Chicken is a protein source that supports muscle development and energy.
- Chicken Meal: Chicken meal is an extremely rich source of protein, providing pets with supplemental energy and nutrients while aiding in digestion.
- Pea Starch: This ingredient contains protein, vitamins, fiber, and potassium. It also improves your dog’s digestive ability.
- Cassava Root Flour: This is an excellent source of carbohydrates, and it does not contain any nutrients that could lead to food allergies.
Review: This limited ingredient diet is perfect for dogs with food allergies. Dog owners can opt for this product if their dog’s diet is causing problems. Based on Amazon reviews, it scores 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Summary: This dog food has been formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of both large and small dog breeds. Whether a Pug or a Golden Retriever, this grain-free product can offer numerous health benefits. It promotes strong and lean bodies thanks to 34% high protein content. To balance the meal, it contains grain-free carbohydrate sources (like peas). This kibble has further been formulated without including any chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy. It is also free of harmful preservatives.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Adult dogs
Flavor Options: Beef; Chicken
Price: $3/pound
Pros
- Made with real high-quality ingredients
- Perfect for both large and small breeds
- Can be easily paired with wet dog food
- Provides energy through grain-free carbohydrate sources
- Contains high-quality animal protein as its main ingredient
Cons
- High-protein levels can cause stomach issues in some dogs
Ingredient Analysis
- Beef: Beef is a protein source that supports muscle development and energy.
- Chicken Meal: Chicken meal is an extremely rich source of protein, providing pets with supplemental energy and nutrients while aiding in digestion.
- Lentils: Lentils provide pets with polyphenols, protein, iron, fiber, folic acid, and magnesium.
- Pork Meal: This is a good source of protein and amino acids essential for muscle growth and energy.
Review: This dog food focuses on protein-rich diets for a lean and healthy body. It also provides your dog with the energy to play all day. Pet owners give this food 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Summary: Wild Red Raw Blend kibble has been formulated with animal-based protein that has been responsibly sourced from various meat sources. This product contains freeze-dried components that offer a great texture to the meal. As a result, your dog can enjoy a protein-rich taste that they love along with the nutrition that they require. The product has low carbs, no fillers, no legumes, and no preservatives. It also does not contain any artificial flavors or colors.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Adult dogs
Flavor Options: Red Meat
Price: $7.4/pound
Pros
- Contains a freeze-dried raw coating
- Protein from beef, pork, lamb, bison, venison, and goat
- 90% of the protein comes from muscle meat, organ meat, and cartilage
- Easy for dogs of all life stages to digest
- Does not contain any unnecessary fillers
Cons
- This product might be difficult to digest for some dogs
Ingredient Analysis
- Beef: This is a great source of protein that helps to build muscle and provides your dog with sustained energy.
- Pork: This is an excellent source of B vitamins to support a healthy nervous system.
- Pork Meal: This is a good source of protein and amino acids essential for muscle growth and energy.
- Sweet Potato: This is an excellent source of healthy carbs, prebiotics, antioxidants, and vitamins.
Review: While this product is a tad bit expensive, it compensates by providing premium dog food, much to the relief of pet owners. On Amazon, they give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Summary: This dog food brand contains real chicken as its first ingredient. The additional ingredients are of high quality, and it does not contain any grains or gluten. This makes it safe for dogs with heart conditions or heart disease. This dog food has been specially formulated to cater to the nutritional requirements of adult dogs. It also helps your dog lead an active life by providing them with sustained energy. The product has been put together by veterinary nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Adult Dogs
Flavor Options: Chicken
Price: $2.7/pound
Pros
- Contains healthy fruits and vegetables
- Does not contain any grains
- Provides energy for an active lifestyle
- With Blue’s signature LifeSource Bits
- Can be used as dog-training treats
Cons
- Only one flavor available on Amazon
Ingredient Analysis
- Deboned Chicken: Chicken is a protein source that supports muscle development and energy.
- Sweet Potatoes: These are great sources of antioxidants that help support the immune system.
- Blueberries: Blueberries are an excellent source of vitamins A & C, potassium, and fiber, and support antioxidant enrichment.
Review: This dog food is made with the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals. On Amazon reviews, this food scores 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Summary: This dog food offers a grain-free recipe blended together with vegetables such as sweet potatoes and peas. It is able to provide energy requirements for active dogs. The product is made with real roasted meat and offers a unique texture that most dogs love. The dog food is further supplemented with fruits which makes this hearty recipe loaded with antioxidants that give your dog a more healthy lifestyle.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Adult Dogs
Flavor Options: Roasted Bison & Roasted Venison
Price: $1.6/pound
Pros
- Made using quality ingredients from trusted sources
- Easily digestible and gut health-boosting
- Helps strengthen bones and joints
- With omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Contains beneficial antioxidants and prebiotics
Cons
- The scent might be off-putting for some dogs
Ingredient Analysis
- Water Buffalo: This is a protein source that supports muscle development and energy. It also improves mobility and reduces the chance of an allergic reaction.
- Lamb Meal: Perfect for pets with limited diets, lamb is a highly digestible protein source.
- Chicken Meal: Chicken meal is an extremely rich source of protein, providing pets with supplemental energy and nutrients while aiding in digestion.
- Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a great source of potassium, B vitamins, beta carotene, and other phytochemicals. Plus, they are rich in carbs and fiber.
Review: This product is made in the USA using quality ingredients from trusted and sustainable local and global sources. Dog owners give this food a grade of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
- Easy-to-clean, food-grade stainless steel bowl
- Smart app control and 1080P HD Camera
- Built-in advanced microphone and speaker
- Motion detection, smart notifications, and indicators
- Use the code Vets15 for 15% off
What Should I Look for in Grain-Free Dog Food?
Before your enter the market for grain-free dog food, there are some pointers you need to keep in mind:
- Ingredients. Always check the ingredients before your buy your dog food. Chances are that your dog might be allergic to one or two of them. It is also best to consult a vet before shifting to a grain-free recipe.
- Cost. Since your dog will require food for their entire life, it can be an expensive affair for some pet parents. Look for brands that are popular and contain premium ingredients without burning a hole in your pocket.
- Shelf Life. If the shelf life of your dog food is not great, you will find yourself buying the dog food again and again. Look for products that have a great shelf life.
- Packaging. Good packaging not only sells the brand but also keeps the dog food intact. It ensures that the food is kept in a hygienic environment.
- Type. While most grain-free dog foods are dry, you might also find some niche brands making wet dog foods. Depending on your pet’s preference, you can opt for a brand of your choice.
Do Vets Recommend Grain-Free Dog Food?
This depends on a case-per-case basis. Namely, veterinarians recommend grain-free dog food only for dogs that actually need it.
This would include dogs with food allergies and food sensitivities to grains. However, a healthy dog with no such intolerances does not need a grain-free diet.
