The 14 Best Grain-Free Dog Foods in 2023

This updated guide lists all of the best grain-free dog foods this year.

Opting for grain-free dog food is a choice rooted in the quest for optimal health and well-being for your beloved furry friend. By eliminating grains like wheat, corn, and soy from your dog’s diet, you’re embracing a diet that more closely mirrors their ancestral preferences.

The search for the best grain-free dog food has never been more exciting. Get ready to discover the ultimate blend of nutrition and delight that will have your canine companion begging for more.

Our choice of top products is based on our very detailed 40-point inspection standards. Compare your top options and choose the best one for your furry buddy without a worry!  

Let’s dive in.

The Best Grain Free Dog Foods

#1. Nature’s Recipe Dry Dog Food, Grain Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Garbanzo Beans, 4. Peas, 5. Pea Starch

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,470 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 25%, Fat (min.) 12%, Fiber (max.) 4.5%, Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form: Dry

Crafted with your furry friend’s well-being in mind, this exceptional recipe combines high-quality ingredients to provide a nourishing and flavorful meal that supports their overall health. Real chicken is the star ingredient, offering a lean source of protein to help maintain strong muscles and a healthy body.

This recipe is thoughtfully crafted without grains, making it an ideal choice for dogs with grain sensitivities or those following a grain-free diet. Your dog can enjoy every bite without the worry of potential allergens. Whether your dog is a small breed or a large one, Nature’s Recipe Grain-Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe offers a complete and balanced nutrition profile suitable for dogs of all sizes and life stages

#2. Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Puppy Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Turkey, 2. Chickpeas, 3. Chicken Fat, 4. Sweet Potato, 5. Dried Carrots

• Life Stage: Puppy
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,742 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 33%, Fat (min.) 18%, Fiber (max.) 4%, Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form: Dry

Boost your puppy’s growth without stomach upsets with the grain-free Nulo Freestyle Puppy Dog Food. The recipe consists of nearly 80% animal ingredients —making it super-easy to break down for your pup’s fragile stomachs. Most of this includes deboned turkey and trout that actively build muscle blocks and tissues.

Instead of grains, the formula uses sweet potatoes and chickpeas to supply fiber and fuel your pup’s energy reserves. DHA and EPA are included for proper brain development, while added omega fatty acids nourish their coat and skin. Not only is the food free from grain, but it also eliminates eggs and chicken to minimize any chances of gastrointestinal upset and promote healthy growth.

#3. Blue Buffalo Freedom Senior Chicken Grain-Free Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Potatoes, 3. Peas, 4. Chicken Meal, 5. Dried Tomato Pomace

• Life Stage: Senior
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,646 kcal
• Analysis: Protein min. 18% | Fat min. 10%, | Fiber max. 7% | Moisture max. 10%
• Form: Dry

Grains can put an unnecessary load on the weakening stomachs of senior dogs. That’s why we recommend switching to Blue Buffalo Freedom Senior Recipe. It’s formulated with everything an aging dog needs; glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints, omega fatty acids for a shiny coat, and taurine for a stronger heart.

The primary protein source in the food is chicken, which is full of muscle-building amino acids. Vegetables like sweet potatoes and peas keep your senior active and deliver antioxidants to strengthen immunity. Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource bits provide essential vitamins and minerals to support essential body functions. The absence of common allergens like corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives ensures a happy stomach.

#4. Nulo Freestyle Beef with Apples Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Beef, 2. Beef Heart, 3. Apples, 4. Sweet Potato, 5. Carrot

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 4,329 kcal
• Analysis: Protein min. 42% | Fat min. 28%, | Fiber max. 6% | Moisture max. 5%
• Form: Freeze-Dried

The main nutritional benefits of Nulo Freestyle Beef Freeze-Dried Dog Food lie in its raw nature. Since the food is freeze-dried, it contains minimal artificial ingredients and primarily consists of raw foods like beef, sweet potatoes, and apples. Beef provides essential amino acids that encourage muscle growth, while fruits and vegetables offer carbs and various micronutrients.

Besides that, the formula features GanedanBC30 probiotics that allow your dog to digest their meals quicker and absorb more nutrients. Because the food is freeze-dried, it is minimally processed, which prevents it from losing its raw nutritional value. Each batch of this dog food originates from a USDA-approved facility without corn, wheat, or artificial additives.

#5. Purina Beyond Turkey and Sweet Potato Grain Free Wet Dog Food Ground Entree

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Turkey, 2. Chicken, 3. Turkey Broth, 4. Liver, 5. Sweet Potatoes

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 1,217 kcal
• Analysis: Protein min. 8% | Fat min. 6%, | Fiber max. 1.5% | Moisture max. 78%
• Form: Wet

A fusion of real turkey and nutrient-rich sweet potato transforms each serving into a culinary journey that exceeds expectations. Tailored to cater to dogs at every stage of life, this wet dog food provides a complete and balanced nutrition profile.

Purina prioritizes your dog’s health by leaving out grains, corn, wheat, and soy in this recipe. It is perfect for sensitive dogs or those on grain-free diets. Your dog can enjoy their meal without any worries about ingredients.

#6. ORIJEN Six Fish Grain-Free Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Whole Mackerel, 2. Whole Herring, 3. Monkfish, 4. Acadian Redfish, 5. Flounder

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,900 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 38% | Fat (min.) 18% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 12%
• Form: Dry

Orijen focuses a lot on creating a biologically appropriate diet that only contains essential nutrients. Their Six Fish Dog Food is an optimal diet for dogs that frequently suffer from grain allergies or a sensitive stomach. Almost 85% of the food’s protein comes from whole fish meat, which is easily digestible and helps keep your dog in lean shape.

Instead of grains, this dog food sources carbs from lentils, peas, and beans, all of which have a low GI and digest much quicker than grains. Apart from the base recipe, this dog food also contains wholesome fruits and vegetables that deliver various micronutrients. Freeze-dried liver coats each kibble for a delicious taste that will appeal to your dog.

#7. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Water Buffalo, 2. Lamb Meal, 3. Sweet Potatoes, 4. Peas, 5. Roasted Bison

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,719 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 32% | Fat (min.) 18% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form: Dry

This formula from Taste of the Wild is an excellent option if you’re looking for a high-protein, grain-free diet for your pup. This brand has established itself as a top-of-the-line manufactures its foods in the USA under expert supervision. As for this option, the formula offers the highest protein ratios with an ideal balance of other nutrients to ensure your super-active tail-wagger gets the best nutrition.

This recipe is formulated with an additional dose of antioxidants and vitamins to offer maximum benefits and help optimize the absorption of nutrients. The novel protein sources are great for helping your dog maintain strong, lean muscles and good overall health. This complete and highly nutritious food uses sustainable ingredients from trusted sources. Exactly what your little guy deserves!

#8. Crave High Protein Chicken Adult Grain-Free Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Split Peas, 3. Lentils, 4. Pork Meal, 5. Chicken Fat

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,795 kcal
• Analysis: Protein min. 34% | Fat min. 17%, | Fiber max. 4% | Moisture max. 10%
• Form: Dry

When it comes to gaining weight, most dog food options in the market contain a surplus of grains. But not Crave High Protein Dog Food. Their recipe has 449 calories per cup, a crude protein content of 34%, and is completely grain-free. Its protein comes from farm-raised chickens, which are full of amino acids and trigger muscle growth.

Dogs also need a surplus of calories to gain weight, which the food provides with lentils, split peas, and other carb-rich beans. Because of its high-calorie count, the food is also suitable for highly-active dogs that want to put on lean mass. Besides grains, the recipe is also free from by-product meals, artificial additives, corn, wheat, and soy, all of which are the main culprits of allergies and stomach problems in dogs.

#9. Instinct Raw Boost Healthy Weight Grain-Free Chicken Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Tapioca, 5. Menhaden Fish Meal

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,668 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 35%, Fat (min.) 12%, Fiber (max.) 6%, Moisture (max.) 9%
• Form: Dry

Help your dog cut down on weight while receiving the benefits of a raw diet with Instinct Raw Boost Healthy Weight Dog Food. The recipe has 15% fewer calories and 25% less fat than the standard formula, placing your dog in a deficit and kickstarting fat metabolization. L-carnitine accelerates this process by converting excess fat into energy.

The main recipe is grain-free and uses peas as the primary source of carbohydrates. It’s also full of protein from boneless chicken and freeze-dried gizzards. Natural fruits and veggies like carrots, apples, pumpkins, and cranberries deliver antioxidants and essential vitamins. They make for a smooth weight loss journey with guaranteed satisfaction after every meal and zero digestive upsets. 

#10. CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE LID Lamb & Pea Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Lamb, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Sweet Potato, 4. Peas, 5. Garbanzo Beans

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,980 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 32%, Fat (min.) 18%, Fiber (max.) 4.5%, Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form: Dry

If your dog suffers from poor appearance and low energy due to stomach issues, replace their food with Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Formula featuring wholesome ingredients like lamb, sweet potatoes, chicken fat, and peas. With high protein levels and simple carbs, this dog food encourages muscle development and keeps your dog active throughout the day.

Micronutrients like antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and probiotics are also plentiful. The formula uses omega fatty acids to promote coat and skin health. This limited-ingredient diet is free of corn, wheat, soy, and other artificial additives. 

#11. Nutro LID Sensitive Real Lamb & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Lamb, 2. Lamb Meal, 3. Chickpeas, 4. Dried Potatoes, 5. Lentils

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,635 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 20%, Fat (min.) 14%, Fiber (max.) 3.5%, Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form: Dry

Dog owners seek a grain-free diet mostly to avoid allergic reactions. But with Nutro LID Sensitive Support, they can thrive and get rid of itchy paws and rashes forever. The main ingredients in the recipe are lamb and sweet potatoes, both known for their excellent digestibility and support for muscle growth and gastrointestinal health. 

Apart from being grain-free, the food has zero GMO ingredients, dairy, wheat, corn, soy, and artificial additives—all known allergens for dogs. Your dog will also start to grow back healthy fur on Nutro LID and have more energy over the day due to its high-fat content. All in all, it’s excellent anti-allergy dog food for canines of all sizes and activity levels. 

#12. Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Potatoes, 3. Canola Meal, 4. Peas, 5. Chicken Fat

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,563 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 27%, Fat (min.) 14%, Fiber (max.) 3.5%, Moisture (max.) 11%
• Form: Dry

With several premium sources of protein, minerals, and vitamins, this blend by Whole Earth Farms is a great option with naturally nutritious ingredients. The unique recipe, crafted under expert supervision, combines high-quality ingredients that deliver complete and balanced nutrition. 

It’s free from fillers, artificial preservatives, and grains, making it an excellent choice for sensitive and allergic dogs. Vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and omega fatty acids are plentiful in dog food and can nourish your dog’s coat to improve its appearance.

#13. Sport Dog Food Elite Series Grain-Free Buffalo & Sweet Potato Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Buffalo Meal, 2. Dried Sweet Potato, 3. Dried Potato, 4. Coconut Oil, 5. Salmon Oil

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,846 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 30%, Fat (min.) 20%, Fiber (max.) 3.2%, Moisture (max.) 9%
• Form: Dry

Athletic breeds have different nutritional requirements, and Sports Dog Food Elite Formula meets those needs. The recipe consists of buffalo meat that encourages muscle nourishment and helps your dog stay lean. It’s also filled with easily digestible carbs like sweet potatoes that constantly fuel your dog’s energy reserves.

But probably the best part of this formula is that it’s also grain-free and contains zero fillers, preservatives, or by-products. Sensitive and allergic dogs can specifically benefit from this and consume the food without worries of digestive problems. 

#14. Now Fresh Grain Free Small Breed Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. De-Boned Turkey, 2. Whole Dried Egg, 3. Peas, 4. Potatoes, 5. Potato Flour

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,711 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 27%, Fat (min.) 17%, Fiber (max.) 4.5%, Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form: Dry

This dry dog food offers an Adult Recipe designed to provide a healthy diet for your small breed companion. Packed with real meat and fish as a protein source, and enriched with probiotics, it’s a complete and balanced option for your dog’s wellness. Now Fresh Grain-Free Small Breed Dog Food offers a well-rounded nutrition profile that fulfills your dog’s dietary requirements. It’s formulated to provide everything your adult small-breed dog needs to thrive

If you have a sensitive dog or following a special diet, this grain-free option is your perfect choice.

How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick

Related:

• Guide to the best dry dog foods (Updated List)
• Reviews of the large breed dog foods
• Guide on best grain-free puppy foods

The Best Grain-Free Dog Food – A Buyer’s Guide

A simple ‘grain-free’ label on the package isn’t enough. When you’re looking for the best grain-free dog food, you cannot only rely on what the food does not include. You will need to be more careful about what’s in the food that you will be feeding your adorable little tail-wagger.

While high-protein content is pretty much a prerequisite for preparing a grain-free option, you cannot ignore the rest of the nutrients. Some ingredients can affect the nutrient balance of the finished recipe – and that’s something you cannot ignore.

Instead of getting into the debate of whether a grain-free diet can be harmful to your dog or not, we will only be highlighting the health benefits and other important aspects of feeding a grain-free diet to your pooch. Moreover, we will also be discussing the features of a great grain-free diet for dogs to help you pick the right option.

Best Grain Substitutes

Before jumping onto that detail, let’s first talk about the most common ingredients that are added to the blend to replace major grains in recipes, including corn, wheat, barley, rye, rice, and other cereal grains. These are:

• Potatoes – both sweet and white
• Legumes – chickpeas, peas, soybeans, lentils, etc.

These are the acceptable forms of grain substitutes that are present in high-quality diet options. Legumes are also rich in protein. But this doesn’t mean that you can rely on legumes or plant-based proteins. In any case, I will always recommend a food option based on animal protein since it is also rich in other nutrients and essential amino acids.

Keeping the nutrient profile of a finished recipe in mind, I have reviewed 14 best grain-free dog foods in this article to help you narrow down your options and make this overwhelming task of picking the best food for your pooch simpler.

Keep reading!

Why Do Dogs Need a Grain-Free Diet?

Do you need to switch to a grain-free option for your dog?

Wheat grains can cause food allergies in canines. This could be the ultimate deciding factor. Studies show how wheat grains can be a common reason why canines experience food allergies and sensitivities. While some non-grain options can be the culprit, too, if your dog is extremely intolerant, picking up a grain-free option that also features a limited-ingredient diet can be the solution.

Pay attention to the overall list of labels, and especially the top five ingredients, before you make up your mind.

Canines and Grain Allergies – What’s the Truth

Food allergies in dogs can be a little complicated. In most cases, protein is the culprit in the most common allergen in canines. However, not all food proteins have the potential to trigger sensitivities and allergies.

According to studies, the most common food allergens are:

• Chicken
• Beef
• Dairy
• Eggs
• Corn
• Wheat
• Soy

Grains and animal-based proteins can both trigger allergies in dogs. Don’t limit allergy concerns to just grains. To find the best fit, try different ingredient combinations. For grain-sensitive dogs, switching to grain-free options can greatly improve their health and energy levels.

It’s crucial to understand that not all grains are the same. Wholesome grains may not necessarily cause allergies. Some nutritious options include:

• Oatmeal
• Brown and white rice
• Amaranth
• Buckwheat
• Quinoa
• Millet

That is why you must read the label. After you check the ‘grain-free’ tag on the package, turn it around and thoroughly check the specifically stated grains and the nutrient balance and formulation of the kibble.

Grain Allergies in Dogs – Self-Diagnosis Tips

Even though these wild animals have evolved to become internet celebrities, the digestive system of dogs is still quite primitive. They have only limited support for metabolizing and breaking down cereal grains and complex carbs. Therefore, if they show signs of intolerance and digestive sensitivity, it is best to avoid grains and fibers that are hard on their tummies.

With time, they can show symptoms in the form of disorders and allergies. Here are the most common signs you need to watch out for to determine if you need to switch your pooch’s diet to a grain-free option.

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea or loose stool
• Excessive flatulence
• Chronic licking
• Biting or chewing to relieve itch
• Skin irritations and rash
• Frequent ear infections

While these signs could occur due to other health issues, they are more commonly associated with a sensitive digestive system and food-related allergies. It is best to check with your vet if switching to a grain-free option does not show results.

Benefits of Grain-Free Food Options for Dogs

First and foremost, the best grain-free formulation usually contains a higher level of protein content as compared to traditional food. However, there can be more diet-specific benefits you can offer your dog by feeding them grain-free food. Here’s the list of the most common benefits:

• Helps reduce canine food allergies
• Helps with improved satiation
• Great energy
• Shinier coat
• Healthier skin
• Smaller and fewer stools
• Less shedding
• Reduced flatulence
• Better breath

In short, the food will not trigger sensitivity in your pooch or mess up their digestive system.

Features to Look for in the Best Grain-Free Dog Food

The best grain-free dog food is much more than just the absence of grains. It is more about the wholesomeness of ingredients, the balance of nutrients, and the formulation of the recipe that is equally important.

Here are some things you need to make sure the product that you are choosing includes.

Opt for Real Animal-Based Protein

The primary ingredient of the blend should contain real animal-based protein. These easy-to-digest ingredients are absorbed in our dog’s body and are utilized by different organs and tissues without extensive processing.

If your dog is also allergic to protein ingredients such as beef and chicken, you still have tons of options from which to choose. Salmon, menhaden fish, lamb, duck, and turkey are some common alternatives for natural protein sources. Pick wisely.

Stick to wholesome carbs only

If you want to go grain-free, look for products that include wholesome fruits and vegetables in the recipe. These are not only packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants but hold great health benefits for your pooch.

Don’t Entertain Harmful or Artificial Ingredients

Fillers and flavor enhancers are commonly used by manufacturers to increase the palatability of the food. Even if the blend includes flavor enhancers, make sure they are made from natural ingredients only. Anything that’s labeled ‘artificial’ is harmful to your dog. So skip an option that contains these synthesized ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is grain-free food a better option for my dog?

Most grain-free food options contain high-level protein content, moderate levels of animal fat, and fewer carbohydrates as compared to a grain-inclusive diet, which makes grain-free food easier for dogs to digest. While both grain-free and grain-inclusive diets have their own sets of pros and cons, a grain-free diet is useful for dogs with sensitive digestive systems and grain allergies.

How do I find out if I need to feed a grain-free diet to my dog?

You need to watch out for symptoms in your dog to see if your pooch is allergic to certain ingredients. If your dog’s grain-inclusive diet doesn’t settle well with them, and they are showing signs like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomachache, they may be sensitive or even allergic to certain grains. Switch to a grain-free formula to see if the health improves.

What should I look for in a good grain-free diet for my dog?

Even if a diet claims to be grain-free, it is very important to check the ingredients yourself. Read the nutrition profile to see if the formulation balances the essential nutrients as per your dog’s requirements.

Should puppies be fed grain-free food?

While grain-free foods can be heavier on your pocket as compared to traditional foods, it has great health benefits and can be particularly beneficial for puppies with food allergies and intolerance to grains.

Can my dog digest grains if he has a sensitive digestive system?

Grains are difficult for dogs to digest. It is mainly because of the presence of gluten which is commonly present in barley, wheat, and rye and can be hard on a sensitive digestive system. Grains also contain lectins, which can also be problematic for dogs to break down if they have grain intolerance.

What are the common ingredients to replace grains in a dog’s diet?

Often, peas, beans, and sweet potatoes replace grains such as barley, rye, wheat, and oats. You’ll see them listed often in high-quality grain-free diets.

Does grain-free food help dogs with better stool?

Most dogs tend to produce less waste if they only consume grain-free food. Grain-free options have less indigestible material and include potatoes or sweet potatoes to transit the food through the intestines smoothly.

Is a grain-free diet better for lactating and pregnant dogs?

Lactating and pregnant dogs have specific demands when it comes to nutrition. In addition to obtaining enough food to sustain themselves, they also need more energy to support their growing puppies as well. Calcium and phosphorus are essential nutrients for pregnant dogs. In such a case, vets often recommend giving protein-rich diets to lactating and pregnant dogs. Since grain-free food options have higher protein content, they can be helpful in this case. However, make sure you check out the nutrient profile and list of ingredients to ensure you are only giving the best to your dog.

What breeds are at a higher risk of developing grain-related allergies?

According to some studies, the following dog breeds can be at a higher risk of developing food allergies:

• Boxer
• Retriever
• Cocker Spaniel
• Chinese Shar-Pei
• Collie
• Dalmatian
• Miniature schnauzer
• Lhasa Apso
• Dachshund
• Wheaton Terrier
• White Terrier
• Springer Spaniel

Final Words

If your dog’s health and well-being are important to you, then you need to pay specific attention to their diet. And if your dog has allergies or a sensitive stomach, it may mean feeding them grain-free food. You should choose a wholesome diet that’s not only grain-free but also features high-quality animal protein, and healthy carbs, and is free from unnecessary and harmful ingredients.

We created this list so you won’t have to scratch your head over the tons of options available. Carefully read through the information we’ve provided for you here and choose the food that best fits your dog’s needs and is flavorful for them.

If you have any further concerns, check out with your vet and pick the best grain-free dog food for your pooch.

References:

• Nbcnews.com FDA names food linked to canine heart disease
• Petmd.com why grain-free dog food may not be the best choice
• Rover.com is grain-free dog food always better