Grain-free dog food or grain-free diets have been all the rage these past several years. With the discovery that kibbles filled with cheap grains such as corn or wheat have been contributing to many health conditions in dogs, pet food companies have shifted the focus to providing more and more grain-free options.
However, not all dogs do well on a grain-free diet. In fact, some of the best dog foods available contain grains. Find more information on the best dog food with grain in this 2023 review.
Here at DogFood.Guide we have a dedicated mission to provide dog owners like you with well-researched information so they can provide the nutrition and health care towards their dogs.
Our readers rely upon our dog food articles, reviews and recall alerts that we took the time to research. We also routinely update and review our own reviews ensuring that any changes by manufacturers are brought to your attention.
DogFood.Guide is maintained by Mary Nielsen & her staff. Mary is an advocate and lover. She and her staff are passionate about animals and work hard to provide you with a wealth of information for you and your dog.
Our site is supported by our readers. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may earn a referral fee. This helps cover the cost of operating our free blog. Thanks for your support!
Grain-free Foods vs Grain-inclusive Foods
There is no one dog food that is the absolute best for every dog. This also applies to the absence or presence of grain in your dog’s diet. While grain-free dog foods or grain-free diets were created to help dogs with allergies and food intolerances, this does not mean that grains are the culprit for all of them.
While quite rare, there are dogs that are unable to tolerate gluten, which is found in wheat. But what if more fiber is needed in your dog’s diet? You can put your pup on a gluten-free diet without totally eliminating grains. This can be done by simply looking for high-quality dog foods that contain healthy and wholesome gluten-free grains such as brown rice, oats, millet, brewers rice, etc.
Whole grains are normally less processed, high in fiber, and less likely to trigger adverse reactions in dogs compared to corn, wheat, or soy. They are also nutritious and highly digestible. Does this mean that a grain-inclusive diet or grain-inclusive dog foods are better than grain-free diets? Not necessarily.
According to Dr. Jennifer Adolphe, a PhD pet nutritionist for pet food brand Petcurean, she has noticed some weight management benefits to peas, which is one of the ingredients commonly found in grain-free food or grain-free diets. This goes to show that the best dog food you can give your dog depends a lot on his health needs and preferences.
If you are considering switching your dog to a grain-inclusive food or grain-free dog food, we highly recommend talking to your vet, especially if you are looking to address certain health conditions. Another thing we can recommend is to ensure that what your dog eats has high-quality protein sources, as well as fiber and carb sources.
OUR TOP 3 PICKS FOR BEST DOG FOOD WITH GRAIN
| VIEW LATEST PRICE →See Customer Reviews → |
| VIEW LATEST PRICE →See Customer Reviews → |
| VIEW LATEST PRICE →See Customer Reviews → |
What to look for in Dog Foods with Grains
High-Quality And Natural Ingredients
Feeding a high-quality and nutritious diet goes a long way in keeping your pup in tiptop shape. Ensuring that your dog’s food provides all of his or her nutritional needs helps save you from expensive vet bills and meds.
Whether you decide on a grain-inclusive or a grain-free diet, make sure that your dog’s food has no artificial enhancers such as color, flavors, or preservatives.
Check the ingredient list to avoid purchasing food that is full of cheap fillers such as whole grain wheat, corn, and soy. Opt for ones made with high-quality animal proteins and nutrient-dense whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
High-Quality Animal Proteins
Unless your dog is on a special diet prescribed by the vet, the best food for most dogs is one that has a high-quality animal protein source as the first ingredient. Select one with a named fresh animal source or meat meal as the number one ingredient.
Meat meals such as chicken meal, pork meal, or menhaden fish meal are just muscle meat that has been rendered to remove the water content. These are considered high-quality, concentrated sources of protein.
If you have a sensitive dog, avoid foods with unnamed animal ingredients such as poultry by product meal, animal fat, liver, etc. The source must be named, such as chicken fat, pork meal, chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon, or beef liver. By-products are also considered sub-par ingredients. Most commonly used is chicken by product meal.
Reading the ingredient list is especially important if you have a dog with food sensitivities. A can of wet food labeled “chicken casserole” may also contain meat sources other than chicken.
Multi-protein recipes or those with more than one source of protein are totally fine unless it includes an ingredient your dog is allergic to.
Wholesome Grains
Grain-inclusive dog food offers many health advantages. With the right grains, such meals can give your pup their daily dietary fiber, vitamins, and mineral requirements. Choose recipes that contain grains such as oats, rice bran, grain sorghum, barley, rye, or brown rice.
These wholesome grains are mostly unprocessed and are less likely to trigger food intolerances in dogs.
Guaranteed Analysis
Now that you know which grains are the best for our furkids, it is time to find the right dog food that suits them the best based on their needs and preferences.
It is important that we focus on the nutritional value of the food as a whole, and not just what is listed in the ingredients. Looking at the guaranteed analysis can help pet parents determine whether a certain dog food is the right fit for their dog’s health requirements, activity levels, and age.
As a general rule, a high protein diet is the best for most dogs unless otherwise advised by the vet. That being said, dogs with lower activity levels may not need as much protein and fat as their more active counterparts.
The guaranteed analysis is also a quick way to see if the dog food has certain features that you are looking for, such as glucosamine/ chondroitin for joint support, taurine for heart and eye health, probiotics for gut health, etc.
If you are unsure whether a certain recipe can give your pup a complete and balanced diet for her age, look for the nutrition statement (usually below the guaranteed analysis) that states the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutrient profile.
It should state whether the food meets the nutritional levels required by AAFCO for adult maintenance or if it is suitable for the growth of puppies.
Quick-look: Best Ingredients to Include in Your Dog’s Diet
Protein source
✔ Fresh, deboned, or dehydrated
- Beef
- Fish (salmon, menhaden fish, ocean fish, pollock, etc.)
- Chicken
- Pork
- Turkey
- Lamb
- Game meats (venison, bison, etc.)
✔ Named meat meals, organs:
- Chicken meal
- Menhaden fish meal
- Salmon meal
- Turkey meal
- Ocean fish meal
- Beef meal
- Chicken liver
- Lamb tripe
- Turkey giblets
- Beef kidney
✘ Unnamed animal ingredients and by-products
- Chicken by product meal
- Animal fat
- Poultry by product meal
- Liver
Carb/ Fiber Source
✔ Ancient grains or high-quality grains
- Oats
- Whole brown rice/ ground brown rice
- Brewers rice
- Sorghum
- Millet
- Pearled/ ground barley
- Quinoa
- White rice/ ground white rice
- Nutritious vegetables and fruits
✘ Cheap grains
- Corn
- Wheat/ whole grain wheat
- Soy
Our Best Dog Food with Grain List
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
---|---|---|
Nom Nom
|
Check Price Here! | |
Acana Singles
|
Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Farmina Natural & Delicious
|
Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream Formula
|
Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Solid Gold Wolf Cub Bison & Oatmeal
|
Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Canidae All Life Stages Formula
|
Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Whole Earth Farms Whole Grains Chicken Recipe
|
Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Merrick LID Turkey & Brown Rice Recipe
|
Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Beef Recipe
|
Check Price on SiteCheck Price on Chewy | |
Charlee Bear Bearnola Bites Cranberry Cobbler
|
Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon |
To help save you some time in searching for the best dog foods with grains, we have narrowed down your search by collating the best dry, wet, fresh, and raw dehydrated dog foods with grains on the market.
If you are not able to find the right combination of ingredients for your picky pooch, you’ll be pleased to know that these brands make the same grain-inclusive recipes in a variety of flavors. You can easily find chicken meal, fish, or even pork meal based versions of the featured products.
- Nom Nom Fresh Pet Food
- Acana Singles
- Farmina Natural & Delicious
- Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream Formula
- Solid Gold Wolf Cub Bison & Oatmeal
- Canidae All Life Stages Formula
- Whole Earth Farms Whole Grains Chicken Recipe
- Merrick LID Turkey & Brown Rice Recipe
- The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Beef Recipe
- Charlee Bear Bearnola Bites Cranberry Cobbler
Continue reading below _______________________
1. Nom Nom Turkey Fare Fresh Dog Food
First 5 ingredients: Ground Turkey, Brown Rice, Eggs, Carrots, Spinach
Guaranteed Analysis:
Nom Nom Turkey Fare is a fresh dog food that is gently cooked and delivered frozen. This fancy meal for dogs is pre-portioned to perfection and suitable for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages.
If you have a fussy pup that prefers fresh food, Nom Nom is the way to go. The company can even customize the meals according to your dog’s age, weight, and activity level.
The conveniently packed meals are so easy to prepare. Simply defrost and serve. It saves pet owners the time, effort, and dedication required to cook a healthy, freshly cooked meal for dogs.
Meeting your dog’s nutritional requirements is quite tricky if you want to make homemade meals unless you are a vet or pet nutritionist.
Formulated by Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists, Nom Nom ensures that this Turkey Fare is nutritionally balanced and complete.
Turkey serves as an easy-to-digest protein source ideal for sensitive dogs. Eggs are also included as an additional source of amino acids.
Brown rice provides carbohydrates and fiber, along with carrots and spinach to promote overall good health. Fish oil is added as a source of omega 3 fatty acids to promote good skin, coat, and brain health.
Nom Nom fans are loving the positive results that this fresh cooked dog food is able to deliver to their pups. The dogs’ coats are shinier, have better stool quality, and show more energy. Not to mention, they lick their bowls clean when served this fancy turkey dinner.
Pros
- High-fiber brown rice
- Custom-made meals
- Prepared by a veterinary nutritionist
- No artificial flavors, colors, preservatives
- Limited-ingredient – turkey and eggs are the only animal protein sources
Cons
- Expensive
- Few reports of the food not being cold upon arrival
2. ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains LID Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe
First 5 ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Lamb Meal, Oat Groats, Whole Sorghum, Lamb Liver
Guaranteed Analysis:
This Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe from ACANA is a premium grain-inclusive dry dog food that is made of carefully selected high-quality ingredients. It ticks all the boxes for many dogs, even the sensitive ones. This recipe is suitable for dogs of breeds and ages except for large breed puppies.
Not only does it have only 2 wholesome grains as its main carb and fiber source (oat groats and whole grain sorghum), but it also has one of the best plant-based ingredients you can include in your dog’s diet – pumpkin.
Pumpkin is rich in soluble and insoluble fibers that can help with gut health as well as weight management. It is loaded with vitamins A, Bs, C, E and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and copper.
A high-protein recipe at 27%, its first 2 ingredients are sourced from grass-fed lamb. Aside from deboned lamb and lamb meal, it also has lamb tripe which is another superfood that benefits dogs’ digestion.
Aside from being rich in omega fatty acids from fish oil and lamb fat, this recipe is enriched with glucosamine for joint health, taurine for eye and heart support, and probiotics to boost your pup’s gut health and help her absorb more nutrients. Its crude fat content is 17%.
This dog food with grain has garnered rave reviews from numerous dog owners online. Many of them bought this limited ingredient formula dry dog food to help their sensitive pups.
A lot of them are quite happy with the results it delivered. No more loose stools, upset stomachs, with a few dogs now off their prescription food.
While all pet owners were generally impressed with its ingredient quality, not all furkids were. A few picky pups (mostly oodles) seem to have turned their noses up on this Acana dog food.
Other buyers thought it was understandably pricey due to its ingredient quality. There were also a few who found the pieces too big for their small breed dogs.
Pros
- Limited-ingredient
- Made for sensitive dogs
- High-quality grains; without corn, wheat, soy
- No artificial flavors, colors, preservatives
- Has glucosamine, taurine, probiotics, and antioxidants from superfoods
Cons
- Expensive
- Kibble size may be a bit big for some small breed pups
3. Farmina N&D Chicken & Ancestral Low-Grain Mini Breed Formula
First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Dehydrated Chicken, Whole Spelt, Whole Oats, Chicken Fat
Guaranteed Analysis:
Farmina N&D Chicken & Ancestral Grain Mini Breed Formula is the perfect grain-inclusive dog food for small breed dogs who require a low glycemic, grain-inclusive diet. This highly digestible kibble is high in protein to help little dogs build a lean and strong muscle mass.
It has ancient whole grains such as spelt and oats. This recipe has none of the nasty stuff such as artificial additives and overly processed ingredients.
According to the brand, their Ancient Grains dry dog foods are 60% high-quality animal ingredients, 20% organic spelt and organic oats, and 20% vegetables, fruits, vitamins, and minerals. All ingredients that go into this recipe are non-GMO.
With boneless chicken meat as the most plentiful ingredient, you can be assured that your little pup can easily digest this food while getting all the amino acid that she needs for good overall health. At 30% protein and 18% fat, this low-carb, grain-inclusive food can sustain even the high energy requirements of active dogs.
This dual-protein dog food also has herring as an additional source of protein. It also adds more flavor and omega 3 fatty acids to this grain-inclusive diet.
Instead of chicken meal which commonly follows fresh chicken in the ingredient list, dehydrated chicken takes the spot next to deboned chicken.
Chicken fat and salmon and herring oil blend provide the majority of the essential fatty acids your dog needs for healthy skin, coat, and brain.
This is another dog food from Farmina that has earned the trust of so many pet owners. Many of them noticed improvements in their dogs’ stool quality, skin, coat, and even their energy levels.
This chicken + fish dog food seems to be popular among little dogs as well. The kibbles are not too hard and are just the right size for toy and small breed adult dogs.
While most of the commenters love this low-grain recipe, some find the food too smelly. There were also a few dogs who were not fans of this chicken kibble.
Pros
- With organic grains such as whole oats, spelt
- Low glycemic, low-grain dog food
- No by products like chicken by product meal
- Perfectly sized kibbles for small breed adult dogs
- Has glucosamine, chondroitin (joint support); taurine (eye & heart support); L-carnitine (healthy metabolism); antioxidants from superfoods
Cons
- Strong odor
4. Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream with Ancient Grains
First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Ocean Fish Meal, Grain Sorghum, Millet
Guaranteed Analysis:
Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream with Ancient Grains is a dry dog food that has been gaining popularity since the brand launched its grain-inclusive line. This fish-based recipe is suitable for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages. Quite handy if you have multiple dogs in your home.
Formulated to be highly digestible and suitable for sensitive dogs, this high protein recipe has fresh salmon, salmon meal, and ocean fish meal.
These high-quality protein sources are naturally packed with omega 3 fatty acids that support dogs’ skin and coat health. At 30% protein, dry food can help pups build lean and strong muscle mass, as well as sustain high energy levels.
Instead of cheap fillers, it has ancient grains like grain sorghum, whole grain millet, and quinoa which are highly nutritious and rich in fiber. These grains help improve digestion, stool quality, and help dogs feel fuller for longer.
Formulated in the US, this kibble has K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics which the brand developed specifically for dogs and added after the cooking process to ensure viability. According to them, a pound of this recipe provides 80 million live, active cultures that support dogs’ digestive systems and overall health.
This smoked salmon recipe seems to be a hit among dogs of all ages. Numerous dogs are happy to have these high-protein fish kibbles for their meals.
Their owners are quite impressed with the ingredient quality as well. Some of them have stated that they bought this food on their vet’s recommendation to add ancient grains to their pups’ diets.
The high protein and above-average fat content make it great even for working dogs. According to owners of such dogs, they are in great shape and are thriving on this Taste of the Wild dry dog food.
However, a few dogs seemed to have loose stools with this recipe. Their owners suspect that their dogs’ tummies simply don’t agree with some of the ancient grains in this food.
Another possible cause is that the fat content (15%) may be higher than what their dogs used to eat. Other naysayers find this recipe is quite pricey.
Pros
- High palatability
- With K9 Strain Probiotics
- Has only salmon and ocean fish as protein sources
- Healthy grains like whole grain millet, grain sorghum, pearled barley, quinoa
- Crafted with vitamins and minerals from real fruits, superfoods
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Caused loose stools in a few dogs
5. Solid Gold Wolf Cub Bison & Oatmeal Puppy Formula
First 5 ingredients: Bison, Ocean Fish Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Peas
Guaranteed Analysis:
Solid Gold Wolf Cub Bison & Oatmeal Formula is a dry puppy food formulated for medium and large-breed puppies. This recipe uses high-fiber grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and pearled barley.
With a novel protein source such as bison, this recipe is highly recommended for sensitive young pups. It has no corn, wheat, or soy, and is even potato-free.
Ocean fish meal is the second ingredient, giving more highly digestible protein as well as appetizing flavor to this puppy food. Flavor-packed fish is great for stimulating the appetites of growing puppies as they need a lot of nutrients to help them grow strong and healthy. This recipe is great for fussy puppies who are getting tired of the chicken meal-based puppy food that most dog food brands offer.
Chicken fat and salmon oil are the main sources of essential fatty acids in this puppy food. It has DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which is an Omega 3 fatty acid puppies need for brain and nervous system development.
Known for its holistic approach to pet nutrition, Solid Gold also included probiotics to help boost puppies’ digestive health. Having a healthy digestive system helps pups absorb more nutrients from their food.
To help them develop strong immune systems, the brand also included antioxidant-rich superfoods such as carrots, blueberries, and cranberries in this puppy food.
Based on feedback from buyers, a lot of them are quite pleased with how their puppies are thriving with this Solid Gold puppy food. Underweight pups have gained a good amount of muscle mass since switching to this formula. Even those who were previously growing at a slower rate, have started to bulk up, according to their owners.
The puppies love this bison and fish combo. They come running for dinnertime, with one even picking out this bag of food at a pet store. While not so high in fat at 12%, it is able to sustain the high energy levels of playful puppies.
There are not that many negative comments about this recipe. One says the kibbles are not large enough for his large breed puppy, while another finds that the bags have a lot of food dust sitting at the bottom. The rest are owners of a handful of pups who are just not bison fans.
Pros
- Novel protein sources: bison and ocean fish
- Non-GMO wholesome grains like oats, pearled barley
- DHA for healthy brain development; probiotics for gut health
- Has helped many puppies develop healthy, lean muscle mass
Cons
- Few reports of too much food dust
- Kibbles may not be large enough for some
6. CANIDAE All Life Stages Chicken, Turkey, Lamb, and Fish Meal Formula
First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Oatmeal
Guaranteed Analysis:
CANIDAE All Life Stages Chicken, Turkey, Lamb, and Fish Meal Formula is a multi-protein dry food formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition to dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages.
We especially like this formula for senior pups as it has a moderate protein level at 24% and fairly low fat content at 10%. It is also great for multi-dog households as puppies and adults of all sizes can enjoy this meal.
Unlike other dry recipes in this list, this All Life Stages dog food from Canidae uses both wholesome grains and carb/fiber sources typically found in grain-free foods.
Along with fiber-rich oatmeal, barley, and whole grain sorghum, this recipe has peas and lentils as well. These not only have fiber, but also protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, if you are staying away from grain-free foods because of lentils, this may not be the right product for you.
This vet-formulated recipe has high-quality protein from chicken meal, turkey meal, and lamb meal, making each kibble packed with rich, meaty flavors. Chicken fat and salmon oil are the main sources of essential fatty acids in this recipe. They support dogs, skin, coat, and cognitive health.
Aside from the benefits that the digestive system can get from the fiber from whole grains, this Canidae formula also has probiotics.
Probiotics help improve intestinal flora and aid nutrient absorption. This dog food also has glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to support joint health, especially of senior and large breed dogs.
Multiple packs of pups young and old seem to enjoy having this multi-protein recipe for their meals. Some even find the kibbles tasty enough to be training treats. Majority of buyers are quite pleased with its popularity among their dogs as well as the good overall health it was able to deliver.
Most dogs seem to be thriving on this lamb, chicken and turkey meal, with many of them having improved digestion and skin quality. Several have noticed that their itchy dogs are no longer scratching after being switched to this formula.
While most are pleased, with some saying that the food is pricey but worth all the benefits, the naysayers mostly complained about food dust.
According to a few buyers, the kibbles were quite crumbly and there was a good amount of food dust left at the bottom of the bag. However, some stated that the bags they received did not have this issue.
Pros
- Moderate protein, low fat levels
- Suitable for all breeds, sizes, life stages
- Whole grains like oats, sorghum, barley
- High-quality protein sources: chicken meal, turkey meal, lamb
- Has glucosamine, chondroitin (joint support); taurine (eye & heart support); probiotics (gut support)
Cons
- Reports of too much food dust
7. Whole Earth Farms Whole Grains Chicken Recipe
First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey, Chicken Liver, Whitefish
Guaranteed Analysis:
Whole Earth Farms Whole Grains Chicken Recipe wet food is a soft pate that is formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. Its texture and high digestibility make it ideal for even for seniors, sensitive dogs, or those with dental issues.
The first 5 ingredients of this recipe are all from high quality animal sources like chicken, turkey, and whitefish. Instead of cheap fillers, it has healthy grains oatmeal, and brown rice.
Along with high-fiber grains, superfoods like sweet potatoes, apples, and carrots. These are high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support a dog’s immune system and overall health.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for wet dog food that is pea and lentil-free. It has no artificial additives and is free from carrageenan as well.
Carrageenan is a thickener that is commonly found in wet pet food. Some experts claim that it contributes to certain conditions in dogs.
This Whole Earth Farms recipe has received high ratings from buyers. Many have complimented it on its high quality, saying that it actually smells good and does not smell like most commercially available wet dog food. Needless to say, dogs love this chicken, turkey, and fish pate. They slurp the broth and lick their bowls clean.
While the dogs are fans of the hydrating broth, some pet owners feel that there is too much broth and would prefer to get more pate from this canned food.
Pros
- Affordable dog food
- High palatability
- Carrageenan-free
- Contains wholesome grains like oatmeal, brown rice
- Superfoods like sweet potatoes, apples, and carrots
- High-quality protein sources: chicken, turkey, whitefish
Cons
- Too much broth
8. Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey & Brown Rice Recipe
First 5 ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Broth, Turkey Liver, Brown Rice, Oatmeal
Guaranteed Analysis:
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey & Brown Rice Recipe is another high-quality dog food that we love. It is suitable for adult pups of all breeds and sizes. This limited ingredient formula is easy to digest and is recommended for sensitive dogs.
The only animal source is turkey. Deboned turkey makes up most of this recipe, followed by turkey broth to make it a tasty and hydrating complete meal. Turkey liver gives the pate a smooth and rich texture. It also boosts the flavor of the meal.
Only oatmeal and brown rice are included as carb and fiber sources. So if you are looking for a wet recipe that is not loaded with veggies, this may be the one for your pooch. It is a simple, straightforward recipe, yet packed with nutrition.
According to comments from dog parents, this turkey pate seems to be a hit among numerous pooches from adults to seniors. They absolutely love this meaty turkey dinner. The pet owners find that it smells quite appetizing, so it is no surprise that dogs come running when they hear the can being opened.
This has been keeping many dogs with sensitive tummies quite happy. It does not upset their stomachs and the grains seem to be helping their stool quality.
There were very few naysayers, with a couple saying their pups did not like it, and another that complained about dented cans.
Pros
- Carrageenan-free
- Very tasty
- Gentle on sensitive stomachs
- Healthy grains: oatmeal, brown rice
- Single-source protein: turkey
- Limited-ingredient – no pea, potatoes, lentils, veggies
Cons
- Few reports of dented cans
9. The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Beef Recipe
First 5 ingredients: Dehydrated Beef, Organic Oats, Organic Barley, Organic Flaxseed, Dehydrated Potatoes
Guaranteed Analysis:
The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Beef Recipe is a dehydrated dog food that rehydrates to 4x its weight.
Made with high quality ingredients, this recipe has nutrient-dense ingredients that are visibly real and natural. The gentle dehydration process helps the food retain most of its nutritional value while killing harmful bacteria at the same time.
This shelf-stable food for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes makes high-quality fresh food convenient for dog owners.
Preparation is so easy. Simply pour warm water, stir, and serve after 3 minutes. You can adjust the texture according to your pooch’s preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of water.
Instead of beef meal, dehydrated fresh ranch-raised beef is the most plentiful ingredient in this recipe. Many dogs find the savory red meat flavor of beef to be quite irresistible.
It is a good source of amino acids that dogs need for healthy muscle development and organ function. Eggs are also included as an additional source of protein.
The grains used are non-GMO organic oats and barley. These carefully selected grains reduce the risk of triggering allergies in sensitive dogs.
Immune system boosting antioxidants are provided by superfoods such as cranberries, apples, spinach, parsley, and carrots. Organic flaxseed is added as an additional source of omega fatty acids.
Based on the feedback from pet parents, many of them purchased this beef recipe for their dogs who either had a very sensitive stomach or are allergic to certain ingredients.
The majority is pleased at how the food seemed to have helped resolve the various health issues the dogs had. Those with skin issues have had their skin quality improve and their fur grow back. While the pooches with gut or stool problems have also seen satisfactory results.
There were a few who were not too pleased with this product. Some pet parents did not like that it has barely any odor, while some actually appreciated that it doesn’t smell bad.
For the former, they feel that it is the reason why the food did not appeal to their pups. A handful stated that they did not like the sticky, goopy texture of the rehydrated food, while another claims the recipe yields less than 4x its weight when rehydrated.
Pros
- Superfoods
- 100% organic recipe
- Organic grains: oats, barley
- Complete and balanced nutrition
- Ideal for adult dogs of all breed and size
- High-quality protein source: dehydrated ranch-raised beef
Cons
- Consistency can be sticky/ goopy
- Yield when rehydrated is less than 4x its weight as the brand claims
10. Charlee Bear Bearnola Bites Cranberry Cobbler Flavor Treats
First 5 ingredients: Oats, Honey, Cranberries, Oat Flour, Coconut Oil
Charlee Bear Bearnola Bites Cranberry Cobbler is a grain-inclusive dog treat that is great for dogs who love to munch on crunchy snacks.
These flavorful granola clusters are great for dogs of all ages. They are high in fiber from oats and oat flour, which help improve digestion and stool quality.
These treats have cranberries, which are loaded in antioxidants and nutrients that help decrease inflammation in dogs. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can help improve bladder health as well as oral health. The many benefits of cranberries also include immune system boost and cancer prevention.
Coconut oil is another superfood included in this bag of treats. It is high in essential fatty acids that not only support coat and skin health, but also cognitive function. It can also increase energy levels in dogs, not to mention it is very tasty. A cluster or two can certainly help perk your dog up.
According to feedback from buyers, dogs go nuts for these baked Bearnola Bites. Some of them were pleasantly surprised at how these meat-free treats excite their pooches. The perfectly sized clusters make them great for any size of dog. They can even be used as training rewards.
Some customers complained that the bags they received had more granola bits than actual clusters. A few commented that it smelled too strongly of cinnamon, which prompted one pet parent to try a piece. To their surprise, it is actually bland and does not taste very cinnamon-y. Overall, it is a surprise hit among many, many dogs.
Pros
- Fiber-rich
- Irresistible flavor and aroma
- High-quality superfood ingredients (oats, coconut oil, cranberries)
Cons
- Reports of crushed clusters
- Not suitable for diabetic dogs or those who require low-glycemic treats
Conclusion
Grains have so many health benefits for our canine friends. We just need to be more discerning on the quality of the food we pick for them, especially if they have food sensitivities.
There are so many healthy grains that we are happy to see are now being used more by dog food manufacturers in place of the cheap fillers that have long dominated the diet of our pets.
In our quest to find the best grain-inclusive dog food, we have found that some of the best grains include oats, sorghum, millet, brewers rice, brown rice, quinoa, and many others.
We have also discovered that while quite rare, a handful of pet parents suspect that one or two of these grains may not be the best for their pups’ stomachs. This just proves that we need to carefully choose a product according to each dog’s needs. What works perfectly for one may not be the best for another.
If your furkid has certain health conditions, we highly recommend consulting your vet regarding the best grain-inclusive or grain-free food for her.
That being said, there are so many high-quality products in the market that you can try as long as you start with small amounts and transition gradually.
There is no question that good nutrition helps to keep dogs happy and away from the vet, so trying a good product from time to time is definitely worth doing.
It helps us determine which diet brings out the best in our dogs. This is why a lot of pet owners find that while high-quality food can be pricey, it saves their dogs from illness and their wallets from vet bills.