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Grain free dog foods are gaining popularity among pet owners with their benefits and high protein content. These foods are useful for all dogs but especially for dogs with food sensitivities and upset tummy. You can easily feed them.
This article contains a list of well-researched best grain-free dog foods that provide a completely balanced diet to your furry friend. 5 FAQs are also added at the end of this article.
But…
Before going through the list of all high-quality dog foods let’s get a deep meaning of grain free dog food.
What is the Best Grain-Free Dog Food?
A grain free dog food is crafted without fillers like wheat, soy, or corn. They are manufactured with one or many animal protein sources (high amounts of protein) and potatoes, peas, or lentils.
Best dog food grain-free comes into highlight due to its premium quality, alternative carb sources, easy-to-digest, good for sensitivities, and controversies.
Grain free dog foods are good alternatives for grain-intolerant dogs. There are multiple choices available in the market for pet owners to select the best grain-free dog food per their requirements. But that needs time and effort.
This article will make it easier to pick high-quality grain-free dog foods with all the pros and cons.
List of the Best 10 Grain-Free Dog Food
Certain parameters are used to make this hand-picked list of the best grain free dog food and those are as follows:
- Above 4 stars rating.
- Made in USA dog food.
- Highest Ratings.
- Follow AAFCO standards.
- The required amount of protein contains.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Among 2 recipes of Rachael Ray grain free dog food, we are here with Salmon & Sweet Potato formula. This home-cooked recipe nourishes your food from head to toe and provides 26% protein, 5% fiber, and other important nutrients.
The Salient features of this recipe are as follows:
- Salmon is the key animal source of protein.
- It contains wholesome ingredients for easy digestion.
- It contains fatty acids to provide healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- It is boosted with added minerals, vitamins, and nutrients to support joint health.
- It contains taurine for the healthy heart of your pet.
Summarization
| Flavor | Salmon & Sweet Potato |
| First 5 ingredients | Salmon, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potato, Turkey Meal, Pea Starch |
| Used for | Adult dogs of all breeds |
| Ratings | 4.4 |
| Price | Click to check the price on Chewy Click to check the price on Amazon |
Pros
- This recipe is free from artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors.
- It is safe for gluten-intolerant dogs.
- You can try its one more flavor.
Cons
- It is not suitable for pea-sensitive dogs.
- It contains a chicken meal.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
This best grain free dog food combines the taste and benefits of Bison and Vension. Your picky eater can select from its 6 delicious and completely balanced recipes.
This 32% protein High Pairier recipe is wrapped with the benefits of buffalo, beef, chicken meal, bison, and venison. The salient features of the High Prairie recipe are as follows:
- It provides a roasted flavor.
- It contains added minerals and vitamins.
- It is crafted with real fruits and superfoods.
- It contains omega fatty acids for nourishing skin.
- It boosts the immune system through probiotics and antioxidants.
Summarization
| Flavor | High Prairie |
| First 5 ingredients | Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas |
| Used for | Adult dogs of all breeds |
| Ratings | 4.5 |
| Price | Click to check the price on Chewy Click to check the price on Amazon |
Pros
- It is a gluten-free recipe.
- It is available in multiple bag sizes.
Cons
- It contains chicken meal and egg products.
- Its small bag is costly.
Nature’s Recipe Small Breed Grain-Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog Food
A perfect choice for a small breed pet is from the house of Nature’s recipe. This best grain-free dog food uses chicken as its key ingredient and provides 24% protein.
The Chicken, Pumpkin & Sweet Potato recipe charges your buddy for the whole through its energy source ingredients.
The salient features of this recipe are as follows:
- Chicken is the key source of animal protein.
- It contains Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids to provide crystal-clear skin.
- It is crafted with Vitamin E and antioxidants zinc to boost the immune system.
- It contains taurine for a healthy heart.
Summarization
| Flavor | Chicken, Pumpkin & Sweet Potato |
| First 5 ingredients | Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Tapioca Starch, Canola Meal |
| Used for | Small dogs of all breeds |
| Ratings | 4.6 |
| Price | Click to check the price on Chewy Click to check the price on Amazon |
Pros
- It contains perfect-sized kibbles.
- It is free from artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors.
- It does not contain poultry byproducts, corn, soy, or wheat.
Cons
- It contains beans and peas. Not recommended for dogs with these ingredient sensitives.
- Only two bag sizes are available.
ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
ORIJEN Dog Foods uses WholePrey formula for their different recipe to deliver the nutritionally tailored part of the prey. This formula provides your dog with a needed amount of natural vitamins and proteins.
The Original recipe combines the benefits of chicken, turkey, prey, and flounder. It is crafted with premium ingredients and provides 38% protein. The salient features of this recipe are as follows:
- It contains a good amount of fatty acid and provides a healthy coat and shiny skin.
- Animal sources of protein in this recipe are Chicken and turkey.
- It is crafted with 85% animal ingredients and Wholeprey ingredients.
- It contains naturally sourced Vitamins, proteins, and minerals.
Summarization
| Flavors | Original |
| First 5 Ingredients | Chicken, Chicken Liver, Ground with Bone, Turkey, Herring oil. |
| Used for | Adult dogs of all breeds |
| Ratings | 4.5 |
| Price | Click to check the price on Chewy Click to check the price on Amazon |
Pros
- It does not contain grain, GMO ingredients, and Gluten.
- Customers are happy with Orijen’s recipes.
Cons
- It comes in only two bag sizes.
- It is not recommended for pea-sensitive dogs.
Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Pork, Beef & Lamb Recipe Dry Dog Food
(image credit to Amazon.com)
Whole Earth Farm develops its recipes under the guidance of experts and vets. Its 3 delicious grain free recipes are crafted with all essential nutrients and premium ingredients.
The Pork, Beef & Lamb recipe combines the benefits of 3 different animal sources. It provides 24% protein and 0.12% taurine.
The salient features of this recipe are as follows:
- Derive protein from pork, beef, and lamb.
- Its kibbles are heart-shaped.
- It supports the immune system through antioxidants.
- It supports joints and hips through glucosamine and chondroitin.
- It contains fatty acids for skin health.
Summarization
| Flavors | Pork, Beef & Lamb |
| First 5 Ingredients | Pork Meal, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Canola Meal |
| Used for | Adult dogs of all breeds |
| Ratings | 4.4 |
| Price | Click to check the price on Chewy Click to check the price on Amazon |
Pros
- It is free from artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- It does not contain byproducts meal.
- It is affordable.
Cons
- It has only the smallest bag size and largest bag size.
- We do not like the combination of multiple animal sources.
The Honest Kitchen Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Dehydrated Dog Food
Regarding the best dog food grain free and dehydrated, we recommend Honest Kitchen. Its high-rated turkey recipe is a balanced wet dog food with added minerals and vitamins. It provides 29% protein and 9.6% fiber.
You have 4 grain-free recipes for your furry friend from Honest Kitchen.
The salient features of this recipe are as follows:
- It is made with 100% human-grade ingredients.
- It is useful for senior dogs and nursing mothers.
- It contains taurine for a healthy heart.
Summarization
| Flavors | Turkey |
| First 5 Ingredients | Dehydrated Turkey, Organic Flaxseed, Dehydrated Potatoes, Dehydrated Spinach, Dehydrated Carrots |
| Used for | Adult dogs of all breeds |
| Ratings | 4.4 |
| Price | Click to check the price on Chewy Click to check the price on Amazon |
Pros
- No preservatives, fillers, GMO ingredients, and byproducts are used in this recipe.
- It is free from corn, soy, or wheat.
Cons
- It is costly.
American Journey Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Image credit chewy.com
The 7 grain-free recipes of American Journey are crafted with care, attention, experts, and love. So that your pet gets the best ingredients and lives a long healthy life. The Salmon and Sweet Potato recipe contains real salmon, chicken, and turkey meals. It provides 32% protein, 5% fiber, and other essential nutrients.
The salient features of this recipe are as follows:
- Protein is sourced from real Salmon.
- It provides healthy skin and a shiny coat through fatty acids
- It contains antioxidants for a strong immune system.
Summarization
| Flavors | Salmon and Sweet Potato |
| First 5 Ingredients | Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes |
| Used for | Adult dogs of all breeds |
| Ratings | 4.4 |
| Price | Click to check the price on Chewy |
Pros
- It is free from poultry byproducts, corn, soy, or wheat.
- It comes in multiple bag sizes.
Cons
- It is costly.
ACANA Red Meat Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Try ACANA’s best grain free dog food to satisfy your pet’s body needs and enhance the taste buds. Among its 4 delicious recipes, the Read Meat recipe combines beef, pork, and lamb. It provides 29% protein and 6% fiber.
The salient features of this recipe are as follows:
- The protein sources are raw lamb, farm-raised beef, and Yorkshire pork.
- It contains fatty acids to provide healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- It comprises 60% animal ingredients and 40% wholesome fruits.
- It contains Vitamin E and antioxidants to support the immune system.
Summarization
| Flavors | Red Meat |
| First 5 Ingredients | Beef, Pork, Beef Meal, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans |
| Used for | Adult dogs of all breeds |
| Ratings | 4.5 |
| Price | Click to check the price on Chewy Click to check the price on Amazon |
Pros
- It has the benefits of 3 delicious animal ingredients.
- It is free from gluten, chicken, and fillers like corn, wheat, or soy.
- It contains premium ingredients.
- It provides the nutrients of whole fruits.
Cons
- It contains lentils.
True Acre Foods Grain-Free Chicken & Vegetable Dry Dog Food
(Image credit to chewy.com)
Start your pet’s day with delicious 2 recipes of True Acre grain free dog foods. Its Chicken & Vegetable recipe is made with USA-raised chicken and real veggies. It provides 24% protein and 5% fiber.
The salient features of this recipe are as follows:
- The key source of animal protein is real Chicken.
- It contains fatty acids to provide healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- Antioxidants are present in this recipe to support the immune system.
- It is a complete and balanced dry dog food.
Summarization
| Flavors | Chicken & Vegetable |
| First 5 Ingredients | Chicken, Peas, Pea Starch, Canola Meal, Poultry By-Product Meal |
| Used for | Adult dogs of all breeds |
| Ratings | 4.3 |
| Price | Click to check the price on Chewy |
Pros
- It contains farm-raised veggies.
- It is affordable.
- It is free from gluten.
- No artificial flavors or colors are added during its processing.
- It is free from soy, or wheat.
Cons
- Small bag size is not available.
- Poultry byproduct meals are used in this recipe.
Jinx Salmon, Sweet Potato & Carrot ALS Kibble Dog Dry Food
Boost your pet’s energy level and overall body development with 2 of the Jinx grain free dog foods. Its Salmon, Sweet Potato & carrot recipe is designed with 20 superfoods. It nourishes your dog by providing 27% protein and other essential nutrients.
The salient features of this recipe are as follows:
- Omega-5 and Omega-3 fatty acids in this recipe provide healthy skin and a lustrous coat.
- It contains antioxidants and natural fiber for healthy digestion.
- It is crafted with Vitamin E, A, and C to support the immune system.
- It contains added probiotics.
Summarization
| Flavors | Salmon, Sweet Potato & Carrot |
| First 5 Ingredients | Salmon, Turkey Meal, Chickpeas, Lentils, Ground Peas |
| Used for | Adult dogs of all breeds |
| Ratings | 4.8 |
| Price | Click to check the price on Chewy Click to check the price on Amazon |
Pros
- No artificial preservatives are used in this recipe.
- It is free from soy, fillers, wheat, or corn.
- No by-product meals are used in this recipe.
- It is affordable.
Cons
- Only two bag sizes are available.
- It contains lentils which may be unsuitable for some dogs.
Tips to buy the Best Grain Free Dog Food
- Check the ingredient list.
- Check the protein content.
- Consult your vet.
- Check the ratings and reviews.
- Check your budget and available flavors.
- The dog food should be as per AAFCO standards and free from artificial preservatives.
- Go for premium quality dog food ingredients.
- Use the trial method to identify the taste of your dog.
Who Needs Grain-Free Dog Foods
The best grain-free dog food is useful for all types of dogs. It is gaining popularity due to its premium ingredients and health trends among dogs.
It is useful for the following dogs:
- Dogs with grain sensitivities or other types of allergies.
- Hiper Active dogs can use grain-free dog foods due to their high protein content.
- Dogs with skin and stomach sensitivities.
- For weight management.
Comparison of the Best Grain-Free Dog Food
| Dog Food Name | Different bag size | Protein content | Specification | Flavors in the brand |
| Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food | 11.5-lb bag13-lb bag23-lb bag26-lb bag | 26% | Easy digestion Healthy heart Strong joints and muscles. Nourishes Skin | Chicken & Sweet Potato Salmon & Sweet Potato |
| Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food | 5-lb bag14-lb bag28-lb bag | 32% | Nourishes Skin Strong immune system | High Prairie Pacific Steam Pine Forest Sierra Mountain Southwest Canyon Wetlands |
| Nature’s Recipe Small Breed Grain-Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog Food | 4-lb bag12-lb bag | 24% | Nourishes Skin Healthy heart Strong immune system | |
| ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food | 4.5-lb bag13-lb bag23.5-lb bag | 38% | Digestive HealthImmune health Skin & coat health | Original Tundra Regional Red Six Fish |
| Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Pork, Beef & Lamb Recipe Dry Dog Food | 4-lb bag25-lb bag | 24% | Immune health Skin & coat health Healthy HeartStrong joints & muscles | Chicken & Turkey Salmon & Whitefish Pork, Beef & Lamb |
| The Honest Kitchen Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Dehydrated Dog Food | 2-lb box4-lb box7-lb box10-lb box | 29% | Overall body development | Beef Chicken Fish Turkey |
| American Journey Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food | 4-lb bag12-lb bag24-lb bag | 32% | Strong immune system Healthy skin & coat Brain & vision development | Beef & Sweet Potato Chicken & Sweet Potato Duck & Sweet Potato Lamb & Sweet Potato Salmon & Sweet Potato Lamb, Venison & BeefSalmon, Whitefish & Trout |
| ACANA Red Meat Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food | 4.5-lb bag13-lb bag25-lb bag | 29% | Healthy weight Healthy weight Digestive HealthImmune health | Free Run Poultry Freshwater fish Light & Fit Red Meat |
| True Acre Foods Grain-Free Chicken & Vegetable Dry Dog Food | 30-lb bag40-lb bag | 24% | Strong immune system Skin & coat health | Beef & Vegetable Chicken & Vegetable |
| Jinx Salmon, Sweet Potato & Carrot ALS Kibble Dog Dry Food | 11.5-lb bag23.5-lb bag | 27% | Skin & coat health Strong immune system Digestive Health | Chicken, Sweet Potato & carrot Salmon, Sweet Potato & carrot |
Conclusion
Grain free dog food contains all essential nutrients without any fillers. It is helpful for dogs with weak digestion and grain sensitivities. Before switching to the best grain free dog food, research thoroughly and consult your vet.
It is a must to keep in mind that most of the grain free dog foods contain peas, chickpeas, or lentils. Along with benefits, this dog food has some disadvantages. It includes potatoes and sweet potatoes which may lead to weight gain. This article will help you to select the best quality food with answers to all your queries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it better for dogs to have grain-free food?
The use of grain-free dog food depends on the dog’s medical needs. You can choose premium quality grain free dog food on your vet’s recommendation.
No facts prove that grain free dog foods are completely healthy and a must for dogs.
Is grain-free dog food better for dogs with allergies?
Depending on the health requirements of the dog you can feed grain-free dog food. Some dogs are gain-allergic and they cannot eat dog foods with grain.
Vets recommend grain-free dog food in special cases.
There are various types of dog allergies and you cannot treat all allergies with grain-free dog foods
What are the disadvantages of grain-free dog food?
Grain-free dog foods are crafted with premium ingredients not made up of grains. The only drawback of these super dog foods is there may be the least amount of taurine which leads to poor heart health.
A low taurine intake over a long period results in DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy) problems in dogs.
Is rice a grain in dog food?
Yes, rice is a grain in dog food. Grain-free dog foods avoid using rice as a key ingredient. But, rice has its benefits, and pet parents prefer white rice to their dogs due to its quick digestion, and high carbs.
You can consult a vet before feeding rice to your sensitive dog.
What is the best grain free dog food?
The best grain free dog foods are listed below:
Racheal Ray
Taste of the Wild Prey
Nature’s Recipe
Orijen
Whole Earth Farms
The Honest Kitchen
American Journey
ACANA
True Acre Foods
Jinx