Best Grain-Free Dog Foods
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Dog food brands in pet stores often offer multiple recipes, but the quality of dog food is determined by the ingredients and their nutritional value.
Many grain-free dog foods are now available, but what sets them apart and their potential benefits for your dog are discussed.
This article provides information on the benefits of grain-free dog food, how to choose the best one, and our top picks for the best grain-free dog food.
Compare Best Grain-Free Dog Food
|
Protein
36% Min |
Protein
24% Min |
Protein
27% Min |
Protein
32% Min |
Protein
24% Min |
|
Fat
12.5% Min |
Fat
14% Min |
Fat
15% Min |
Fat
12% Min |
Fat
21.5% Min |
|
Fiber
4.0% Max |
Fiber
3.5% Max |
Fiber
5.0% Max |
Fiber
5% Max |
Fiber
3.5% Max |
|
Calories
430 kcal/cup |
Calories
348 kcal/cup |
Calories
360 kcal/cup |
Calories
359 kcal/cup |
Calories
447 kcal/cup |
Top Picks for Best Grain-Free Dog Foods
A high-quality grain-free dog food will list an animal protein like meat, poultry, or fish as the main ingredient, along with healthy fats and digestible grain-free carbohydrates. You should also look for fresh fruits and vegetables, chelated minerals, probiotics, and other healthy supplements.
Here are our top 5 picks for the best grain-free dog food that you should consider:
Canidae Grain-Free PURE Ancestral Dry Food
Product Info
- Protein: 36% Min
- Fat: 12.5% Min
- Fiber: 4.0% Max
- Calories: 430 kcal/cup
- Made with 7 regionally sourced fish species for lean protein
- Digestible grain-free carbohydrates like legumes and vegetables
- Freeze-dried coating for nutrition and flavor
- Very expensive compared to most dog food brands
Made with 7 regionally sourced fish species, this formula is loaded with premium proteins and digestible carbohydrates like vegetables, legumes, and tapioca. It is completely free from artificial additives and fillers, plus it has a freeze-dried raw coating for a boost of flavor and nutrition.
Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 24% Min
- Fat: 14% Min
- Fiber: 3.5% Max
- Calories: 348 kcal/cup
- Very affordable but still high in quality and nutrition
- Formulated for all breeds and life stages
- Beneficial supplements like chelated minerals and probiotics
- Many recipes contain beef and pork, some dogs may be sensitive or allergic
They offer a number of grain-free formulas as well as poultry-free options which makes it a good choice for dogs with food allergies and sensitivities. Most recipes are formulated for all breeds and life stages, plus they are supplemented with chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption and probiotics for healthy digestion.
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 27% Min
- Fat: 15% Min
- Fiber: 5.0% Max
- Calories: 360 kcal/cup
- Premium-quality proteins from several sources
- Digestible grain-free carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and peas
- Rich in essential fatty acids for energy and brain development
- Main source of fat is plant-based not animal-based (canola oil)
- Somewhat expensive compared to other puppy foods
This formula contains digestible grain-free carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and peas with chelated minerals and vitamin supplements for nutritional balance.
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Senior Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 32% Min
- Fat: 12% Min
- Fiber: 5% Max
- Calories: 359 kcal/cup
- Formulated specifically for the changing needs of senior dogs
- Rich in lean protein to support muscle mass
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health and support
- Some dogs are sensitive or allergic to chicken ingredients
- May be a little too high in fiber for some dogs (6%)
It is a highly digestible grain-free recipe with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, plus it is rich in antioxidants for healthy immunity and nutritional balance.
Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet
Product Info
- Protein: 24% Min
- Fat: 21.5% Min
- Fiber: 3.5% Max
- Calories: 447 kcal/cup
- Limited number of ingredients and one protein source
- Digestible grain-free carbohydrates like peas and tapioca
- Freeze-dried organ meats for nutrition and flavor
- First source of fat is plant-based not animal-based (canola oil)
This recipe features real lamb as the main ingredient and only source of protein, with digestible carbohydrates like peas and tapioca. It also contains beneficial supplements like chelated minerals and freeze-dried organ meats for flavor as well as nutritional balance.
What Do You Need to Know About Grain-Free Dog Food?
Low-quality dog food brands use grain-based fillers like corn, wheat, and soy to add bulk without increasing costs. These ingredients are low in nutritional value and difficult for dogs to digest. There is controversy about the nutritional benefits of grains. While grain-free dog food is not necessarily healthier than regular food, it may be a good option for dogs with food allergies and sensitive stomachs.
Here are some things to look for in grain-free dog food:
- Quality Protein. High-quality animal protein should be the first ingredient in any dog food, grain-free or not. Premium meats, poultry, and fish make excellent proteins for dogs, so look for these ingredients when you start shopping.
- Digestible Carbohydrates. In the absence of grains, you’ll need to choose a recipe made with other carbohydrates, and you should ensure that they are highly digestible for dogs. Things like sweet potatoes, peas, legumes, and tapioca are all good options.
- Nutritional Balance. In addition to quality proteins and digestible carbohydrates, grain-free dog food should also be nutritionally balanced. Fresh fruits and veggies offer grain-free sources of key nutrients, though chelated minerals and vitamin supplements are beneficial as well.
- Fiber Content. Just because a dog food recipe is grain-free doesn’t mean that there aren’t any carbohydrates. Look for a recipe that contains up to 5% dietary fiber to ensure healthy digestion for your dog.
Keeping all of these things in mind, you are now fully prepared to learn how to choose the best grain-free dog food. Here’s what you need to know:
How Do You Choose the Best Grain-Free Dog Food?
Protein is the most crucial nutrient for dogs, and a high-quality animal protein recipe with at least 18% protein is ideal. Carbohydrates, such as starchy vegetables, beans, and legumes, are essential for digestibility and nutritional value.
These complex carbohydrates are easy to digest and rich in fiber and nutrients. Chicken fat and salmon oil are healthy sources of fat, providing energy and essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coats. Chelated minerals and probiotics are beneficial supplements for dogs, as they increase absorption and ensure healthy digestion.
Overall, a well-balanced dog food recipe should include protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and supplements to ensure a balanced diet for your dog.
How Much Should You Feed Your Dog?
The amount you feed your dog depends on its breed, size, and age; changing to grain-free dog food doesn’t necessarily mean changing how much you feed your dog. Something to keep in mind is that small-breed dogs have faster metabolisms than large-breed dogs.
This means that you should feed small dogs three meals per day and larger dogs just two. Puppies may also need three or four meals to fuel their growth and development.
In terms of how much to feed your dog, you’ll need to refer to the feeding recommendations on the package because every dog’s food is different. The higher the calorie content of the food, the more careful you need to be to avoid overfeeding. Check the package and choose the right amount of food based on your dog’s size and weight.
What About Food Allergies and Sensitivities?
Grain-free dog food is a great choice for dogs with food allergies and sensitivities because, in many cases, these things are triggered by grains.
Corn, wheat, and soy are the most common culprits of grain-based allergies, though things like rice and barley can trigger allergic reactions in some dogs as well.
When eliminating grains from your dog’s diet, you still need to meet its needs for carbohydrate energy and dietary fiber, so look for healthy alternatives. If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, you may also want to consider a limited-ingredient diet to reduce the risk of triggering those allergies.
Final Remarks
Grain-free dog food is suitable for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to grains, but it’s crucial to choose a high-nutrient recipe. Protein is the most crucial nutrient for dogs, and digestible ingredients are also essential. To find the best grain-free dog food, consider one of our top picks.
