Best Grain-Free Dog Food

What Is Grain-Free Dog Food?

Traditional grains like wheat, rice, barley, and corn are common in human diets. Grain-free dog food eliminates these traditional grains and replaces them with alternative carbohydrate sources such as legumes, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, and lentils. These ingredients provide fiber and energy while maintaining a grain-free formulation.

The grain-free pet food market has experienced significant growth in recent years. According to Packaged Facts, grain-free pet diets account for 44 % of the U.S. pet food market.

Grain-free formulas are popular among pet parents due to their health benefits in allergies, sensitivities, and digestive upset in dogs.

In this post, we’ll discuss why some dogs are advised grain-free diets, compare them with regular dog food, and their link to health concerns like DCM. Plus, we’ll share expert tips on choosing the best grain-free options and answer common FAQs.

To help you further, check our Furry Tail Pet Care’s recommended best grain-free dog food brands for grain-free choices.

Is Grain-Free Dog Food Better for Dogs?

What is the difference between gluten-free, grain-free, and wheat-free food?

Many dog parents are often confused about grain-free and gluten-free formulas. Here, these differences are explained in simple words.

Gluten is a protein found in several grains, but not in all. Gluten-free food excludes this protein but may contain other grains like rice, maize, and oats.

Grain-free food does not contain any form of grain. Gluten is present in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye.

Wheat-free food does not contain wheat but includes other grains that contain gluten. Oats are gluten-free but can be contaminated with gluten from other grains during processing.

In pet food, gluten helps food maintain its shape and acts as a binding agent to hold food together. Gluten allergies are rare in both humans and dogs. Several people suffer from celiac disease, which is an allergic reaction to the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Therefore, they require a gluten-free diet. Gluten, which is found as a protein in grains, damages the small intestinal villi and impairs their ability to absorb nutrients from food.

Pet food companies promoted grain-free diets as healthier options for allergies because they’ve fewer fillers.

Filler Vs Fiber

Fillers add bulk to the food but provide little or no nutritional value to the pet. Some low-quality brands use cheap fillers to reduce costs. e.g., corn, and wheat gluten

Fibers are beneficial ingredients that promote digestion and gut health, e.g., pumpkin and whole grains.

Veterinary Insights

According to Tufts University Veterinary School, most dogs thrive on diets that contain grains, and excluding them without a medical reason may result in nutritional imbalances.

Why Are Some Dogs Recommended Grain-Free Dog Food?

Grain-free dog food is often recommended for dogs with food allergies and digestive sensitivities. Many dogs thrive on traditional grain, while some may benefit from a grain-free formula due to grain sensitivities to wheat, corn, and soy.

Food Allergies & Sensitivities

Dog food owners switch to a grain-free diet because of food allergies or grain sensitivities. The common symptoms of grain allergies in dogs include;

Skin Itching– chronic ear infections, licking, excessive scratching, and rashes.

Digestive issues– Bloating, excessive gas, vomiting, diarrhea, loose stools

Hot spot and Hair loss– Reddish, inflamed patches due to scratching

Grains like wheat, corn, and soy trigger allergic reactions in dogs due to difficulty digesting them. Hypoallergenic dog food and limited-ingredient diets help to remove common allergens, hence alleviating symptoms.

Veterinary Insight

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) stated that only 10 % of dogs are allergic to food, and grains are not a common cause. Dr. Klein, the Chief Veterinary Officer for AKC, says dog food allergies are rare.

True food allergies trigger an immune response to protein in food. The common symptoms of allergies include hives, facial swelling, itchiness, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Grains vs. Fillers: Understanding the Difference

Many pet parents make mistakes with grains or fillers, but they serve different roles in pet food.

Are Grains Bad for Dogs?

Grains are nutrient-rich ingredients that provide:

Carbohydrates for energy, e.g., oats, barley, brown rice
Fiber for digestion, e.g., whole grain,s helps in gut health
Essential vitamins and minerals e.g,. iron, magnesium, Vitamins B

What Are Fillers in Dog Food?

Fillers are low-quality ingredients that add bulk to the food but provide little or no nutritional value to the pet. The common fillers used in dog food include

Wheat middling – leftover grain fragments
Soy flour- often used to cut costs
Corn gluten meal- a cheap protein alternative

Is Grain-Free Better For Dogs With Digestive Issues?

Some dogs suffer from sensitive stomachs, and many dog parents are often confused about whether grain-free dog food is easier to digest. Yet, grain-free diets may benefit certain dogs, but they’re not always the best choice for every pet.

Factors	Grain-free benefits	Consideration	Vet Insight
Digestive health	Grain-free dog food may help dogs with grain allergies, IBD, or IBS by reducing bloating and diarrhea. Sweet potatoes and limited-ingredients diets promote digestion.	Most of the dogs digest grain easily. Some grain-free foods rely heavily on legumes, which may cause digestive upset in dogs.	American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) stated that grains are not a common allergen for dogs.
Digestibility	Easily digestible protein sources reduce digestive stress when used in high-quality grain-free formulas. e.g., chicken, turkey, and salmon.	Proteins like beef, chicken, and dairy are common allergens that trigger allergic reactions. Whereas grains are not a common cause of allergies.	FDA Investigation on DCM & Diet – Reports suggest a potential link between high-legume diets and heart disease.
Skin and Body coat	Fish oil, salmon, and flaxseed are rich sources of omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids that promote healthy skin and shiny body coats.	Proteins like beef, chicken, and dairy are common allergens, that trigger allergic reactions. Whereas grains are not a common cause of allergies.	Tufts University Veterinary School – Most dogs thrive on grain-inclusive diets unless diagnosed with allergies.
Allergies	Grain-free diets may reduce itchiness and hot spots in grain-allergic dogs.	Only 10% of dogs have food allergies, and grains are not a common culprit.	AVMA Report on Food Allergies – Proteins like beef, chicken, and dairy are more likely to cause allergies than grains.
Best Grain-Free Choices	Look for high-quality animal proteins, omega fatty acids, and essential nutrients like zinc, vitamin E, and biotin. Limited-ingredient diets can help sensitive dogs	Avoid low-quality grain-free foods with excessive legumes and fillers to ensure proper nutrition.	FDA & Veterinary Nutritionist Recommended – Balanced diets are essential for long-term health and growth.

Skin & Coat Health

Some food-allergic dogs develop skin and coat issues. Grain-free diets are high in omega fatty acids and novel protein sources that help to improve the skin coat and reduce itchiness.

For a detailed breakdown, refer to the Skin & Coat Health section in the table above.

Is Grain-Free Dog Food Linked to Health Risks?

FDA Report on Grain-Free Dog Food & Dilated Cardiomyopathy

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reviewed the report linking canine dilated myopathy (DCM) in certain dog foods. They’re labeled as “grain-free”. DCM is a serious health condition that can lead to congestive heart failure (CHF)

Brands Involved: FDA’s investigation identified several brands frequently reported in DCM cases. Brands associated with at least 10 cases include

Brand	Number of Cases
Acana	67
Zignature	64
Taste of the Wild	53
4Health	32
Earthborn Holistic	32
Blue Buffalo	31
Nature’s Domain	29
Fromm	24
Merrick	16
California Natural	15
Natural Balance	15
Orijen	12
Nature’s Variety	11
NutriSource	10
Nutro	10
Rachael Ray Nutrish	10

Source: FDA Investigation into Potential Link between Certain Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Ingredient Concerns

Many reported DCM cases involved grain-free diets containing high levels of peas, lentils, chickpeas, and potatoes, as per the FDA and DVM360

Over 90% of the dog food products were labeled as “grain-free.”
93 % of ingredients contained peas and/ or lentils
A smaller proposition included potatoes.

These ingredients were often listed among the top 10 components of dog food.

Are All Grain-Free Foods Bad, Or Are They Just Formulas?

The FDA did not conclude that all grain-free diets are harmful to allergic dogs. They identified the ingredients and raised concerns about specific formulations that use potatoes and legumes, e.g., peas, lentils, as primary ingredients.

According to these reports, certain grain-free recipes pose a higher risk than others. These may be the potential culprits, but the exact cause is still under investigation.

Common Dog Breeds Affected by DCM

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) has historically been linked to certain large and giant dog breeds with genetic predispositions.

However, recent FDA investigations have identified DCM cases across a broader range of breeds, including those not typically associated with the disease.

Below is an overview of breeds commonly affected:

Category	Breeds with Genetic Predisposition	Breeds Reported in FDA Investigations
Large & Giant Breeds	– Great Danes – Newfoundlands – Irish Wolfhounds – Saint Bernards – Doberman Pinschers	– Golden Retrievers – Labrador Retrievers
Medium & Small Breeds	– American Cocker Spaniels – English Cocker Spaniels	– Whippets – Shih Tzus – Bulldogs – Miniature Schnauzers – Mixed Breeds

This expanded list of affected breeds suggests factors beyond genetics, such as diet, may play a crucial role in the development of Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

Veterinary insights & ongoing studies

Dietary-Linked Cases The FDA report also highlighted that Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and mixed breeds were also affected without genetic linkage, raising concern about dietary factors.

Genetic Risk: Large and giant breeds, e.g, Dobermans, Great Danes, and Newfoundlands, have a known genetic predisposition to Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Legume-Based Diets– The FDA report reveals that some grain-free recipes rich in legumes may be a contributing factor in DCM cases. e.g., peas and lentils

Recent Advancements Veterinary experts are studying the dietary linkage between grain-free foods and heart disease, but findings remain inconclusive

Grain-Free vs. Regular Dog Food: Which Is Better?

Factors	Grain-Free Dog Food	Grain-Inclusive Dog Food (Regular dog food)
Protein Content	Contains carbohydrate sources like Legumes, peas, potatoes, lentils, sweet potatoes	A grain-free diet rich in animal protein sources like chicken, beef, and fish
Carbohydrate Sources	Contains carbohydrate sources like Legumes, peas, potatoes, lentils, and sweet potatoes	Include whole grains like rice, wheat, corn, barley, oats
Digestibility	Improve digestion in dogs with grain allergies	Easily digestible for most dogs; high-quality grains provide fiber
Allergy Risk	Recommended for dogs with grain allergies	Grains are not common allergens whereas protein is AMVA
Heart Health Risks	Some grain-free diets rich in legumes and have dietary linkage to Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)	Less associated with Dilated Cardiomyopathy, especially when whole grains are included
Nutritional Balance	Requires careful formulation to ensure sufficient taurine and amino acids	A well-balanced diet includes high-quality grains.
Vet Insight	Vets often recommend dogs with specific sensitivity.	Generally recommended by veterinary nutritionists for overall health
Cost	Premium protein sources make it expensive	More affordable and widely available
FDA Report on Dilated Cardiomyopathy	The FDA identified a potential linkage between grain-free diets and heart disease	No direct FDA concerns over Dilated Cardiomyopathy for grain-inclusive diets
Best For	Dogs with grain sensitivities, allergies, or specific dietary needs	Most dogs, provide balanced nutrition from grains and proteins

Nutritional Differences: Protein, Carbs & Fat Content

Grain-free recipes become popular in the pet food market, but they do provide more nutrition than regular dog food. Here is a detailed breakdown of protein, carbohydrates, and fat content in grain-free diets Vs. grain-inclusive diets.

Nutrient	Grain-Free Dog Food	Regular (Grain-Inclusive) Dog Food	Veterinary Insight
Protein	Grain-free diets are higher in animal-origin protein such as chicken, salmon, or beef. while some rely on pea protein, lentils, and legumes.	A balanced diet contains protein from meat, fish, and grains like rice & oats.	*Tufts University Veterinary School* stated that excessive reliance on plant-based proteins may reduce amino acid bioavailability.
Carbohydrates	Uses legumes, potatoes, and tapioca as carbohydrate sources instead of grains.	Contains carbohydrate sources like whole grains (brown rice, oats, barley, corn, wheat, etc.), which provide fiber and slow-release energy.	*AAFCO Nutrient Profile* shows that whole grains contribute essential B vitamins and minerals.
Fat Content	Higher in omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids from fish oils, flaxseed, or poultry fat.	Varies based on formulation but often contains essential fatty acids from grains like corn and wheat germ.	*American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)* highlighted that omega-fatty acids support skin, coat, and heart health.

Grain-free diets rich in protein and fat content, and overuse of pea protein and legumes as fillers may affect taurine levels, which are essential for heart health.

How to Choose the Best Grain-Free Dog Food?

Key Factors to Consider

Protein Quality (Animal-based vs. plant-based proteins)

Carbohydrate Sources (Are legumes & potatoes safe?)

Essential Nutrients (Taurine, Omega-3s, Probiotics)