Best Grain Free Dog Food: 7 Dry Picks, Budget Brands & DCM Facts

Many people assume that dogs are carnivores. While this may be partially true, it doesn’t tell the whole story. Dogs are not strict carnivores, though they do require a diet rich in meat.

They are, however, able to digest a limited amount of plant material which technically makes them omnivores. Most dogs digest cooked grains well. A small number do better without them, although true grain allergies are uncommon: in published studies the most frequently reported food allergens in dogs are beef, dairy, chicken and wheat (see our guide to food allergies in dogs).

If your dog does better without grains, or your vet has suggested a grain-free trial, these are the grain-free dry foods we recommend, including a budget option and a gentler choice for sensitive stomachs.

Full reviews of each food follow, then the cheapest grain-free brands and what the FDA has said about grain free dog food and heart disease.

What are the Benefits of Grain-Free Food?

For many dogs, whole grains are a digestible source of carbohydrate that provide energy, fiber, and essential nutrients. Some dogs, however, are sensitive to a particular grain such as wheat. A dog that can’t properly digest grains may do better on a diet free from those ingredients – a grain-free diet. An elimination trial guided by your vet is the reliable way to find out.

A grain-free dog food doesn’t contain any grains, whole grains or otherwise. This doesn’t mean, however, that the recipe is free from carbohydrates altogether. There are plenty of digestible carbohydrates that don’t come from grains.

The main benefit of a grain free diet for dogs is that it may be easier for some dogs to digest and it has a lower risk for triggering food allergies and sensitivities.

 

Grain Free Dog Food Brands

1. Nature’s Recipe Grain-Free Salmon, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe

This recipe is a premium dog food formula that is designed to provide your canine companion with a well-balanced and nutritious meal.

It features real salmon as its primary source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissues. It also contains sweet potato and pumpkin, which are excellent sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

One of the main benefits of this recipe is that it is grain-free, making it ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. The absence of grains like corn, wheat, and soy can help prevent digestive issues and promote better overall health.

Additionally, this recipe is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, ensuring that your dog only gets the best and most natural ingredients.

Overall, this is an excellent choice for dog owners who want to provide their pets with a high-quality and nutritious diet.

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2. American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe

This is our pick for the best budget dog food option. It has a great nutrient profile for its price-point, and also uses a range of high quality, well-sourced ingredients to provide a meal that your dog will love.

American Journey has produced an affordable dry dog food that contains an above-average amount of protein, a near-average amount of fat, and a below-average amount of carbohydrates. On the surface, these stats are pretty great for a budget brand of dog food and should provide a good base for the development of healthy bones and joints.

The use of chickpeas in the formula is great for both protein and fiber. This means that this dog food will help aid digestion. The use of sweet potatoes in the formula also provides Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Calcium which are all needed for the healthy development of your pet.

American Journey does, however, use Pea Protein as a way of increasing the overall proportion of protein. This is bad because Pea Protein is considered a ‘low-quality ingredient’ that contains far less amino acids when compared to protein from meat.

Amino Acids are incredibly important to a dog’s development as they help muscle, hair, and nail development, immune system function, and hormone production.

Unfortunately, pea protein is very common in dry dog foods and can only really be avoided by paying substantially more money for a gourmet brand.

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3. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream

Sometimes it can be difficult to choose a dog food because there are so many options out there. When you just can’t make a choice, consider a trusted brand like Taste of the Wild.

Formulated with novel proteins including real smoked salmon, this grain-free recipe includes peas and sweet potatoes that deliver the highly-digestible energy your active pup needs, along with natural antioxidant support from real fruits and vegetables and dried chicory root for prebiotic support and healthy digestion.

This brand doesn’t have the largest selection (especially compared to big names like Blue Buffalo), but their recipes are complete and balanced and loaded with premium roasted meats and other whole-food ingredients.

Overall, this recipe is an excellent source of natural nutrition and is highly digestible thanks to the inclusion of prebiotic fibers. If this recipe doesn’t seem like the right fit, Taste of the Wild has several more to offer, including wet food recipes.

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4. Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Formula

High-quality nutrition doesn’t always have to come with a high price tag. If you’re looking for a recipe formulated to resolve your dog’s hair loss but you don’t want to spend a fortune, consider this Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Formula.

This formula features wild-caught salmon as the main ingredient supplemented with fish meal as a concentrated source of animal protein. It contains a rich blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as digestible carbohydrates.

You’ll find that this formula contains supplemental fiber as well as naturally occurring microorganisms to support healthy and regular digestion and it is supplemented with prebiotics.

Overall, this formula is a rich source of high-quality animal protein, healthy fats, and fiber but still low in calories at 337 calories per cup.

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5. Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Natural Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe 

This is a premium dog food formula that is crafted using only the finest ingredients to ensure the health and well-being of your furry friend. The formula features real salmon as the primary ingredient, which is an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential fatty acids that support the overall health of your dog.

One of the most significant benefits of this formula is that it is completely grain-free, making it an excellent choice for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. The absence of grains like wheat, corn, and soy can help prevent digestive issues and promote better overall health. Additionally, this formula is free from poultry by-product meals, artificial flavors, and preservatives, ensuring that your dog only gets the best and most natural ingredients.

Overall, this is a fantastic option for dog owners who want to provide their pets with a premium and healthy diet. The formula is designed to meet all the nutritional needs of dogs, including protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a well-balanced and nutritious meal option.

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6. Jinx Salmon, Sweet Potato & Carrot

This is a grain-free, all life stages recipe thoughtfully crafted to provide complete and balanced nutrition for your canine companion.

Made with real salmon as the first ingredient, along with nutrient-rich turkey meal and menhaden fish meal, this protein-packed formula helps build strong, lean muscles while delivering omega-3 fatty acids to support a healthy heart and overall vitality.

Designed to promote digestive wellness, this kibble is enriched with natural fiber from ingredients like sweet potatoes, chickpeas, lentils, pumpkin, and beet pulp. It also helps encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in your dog’s gut, supporting smoother digestion and improved nutrient absorption.

To further boost your dog’s health, this recipe includes antioxidant-rich superfoods such as carrots, cranberries, coconut meal, chia seeds, and dried kelp. These ingredients work together with essential vitamins A, E and C to support a strong immune system, healthy skin, and a shiny coat.

Crafted with your dog’s sensitivities in mind, this formula contains no artificial preservatives, corn, wheat, soy, fillers, or by-products—making it an excellent choice for dogs with food allergies or sensitive stomachs.

With its clean, nutrient-dense profile and thoughtfully selected ingredients, this wholesome kibble delivers balanced nutrition and lasting energy in every bowl.

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7. Canine Caviar Open Range Water Buffalo Alkaline Diet