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Grain Free Dog Food: Tailored Nutrition for Grain-Sensitive Pups!

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Mary Nielsen

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Updated on:

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cheapest grain free dog food

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. It is important to realize, however, that some dogs have difficulty digesting grains and grain allergies are fairly common.

If your dog fits either of these categories, you might consider switching to the cheapest grain free dog food.

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. Unfortunately, many dogs are allergic or sensitive to grains. A dog that can’t properly digest grains needs to be fed a diet free from those ingredients – a grain-free diet.

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.

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Grain Free Dog Food Brands

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

Grain Free Dog Food: Tailored Nutrition for Grain-Sensitive Pups! 1

First 5 ingredients:

Salmon, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Tapioca Starch, Canola Meal

Protein: 25.0% min

Fat: 12.0% min

Fiber: 4.0% max

Moisture: 10.0% max

Food Type: Dry

Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds

Special Diet: Grain-free

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.

Pros

  • High-quality protein source
  • Nutritious and well-balanced
  • Made from natural ingredients
  • Excellent sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals

Cons

  • Limited protein sources
  • May not suit all dogs' palate

2. American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe

Grain Free Dog Food: Tailored Nutrition for Grain-Sensitive Pups! 2

First 5 ingredients:

Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal (a source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Chickpeas

Protein: 32.0% min

Fat: 14.0% min

Fiber: 5.0% max

Moisture: 10.0% max

Food Type: Dry

Best for: Adult, All Breeds

Special Diet: Grain-free

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.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Easy storage
  • Grain Free
  • High-quality meat
  • High levels of protein

Cons

  • Use of pea protein
  • The fishy flavor might be problematic for fussy dogs
  • A higher level of carbohydrates than more expensive brands

3. Taste Of The Wild Taste Of The Wild Pacific Stream

Grain Free Dog Food: Tailored Nutrition for Grain-Sensitive Pups! 3

First 5 ingredients:

Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Pea Flour

Protein: 25.0% min

Fat: 15.0% min

Fiber: 4.0% max

Moisture: 10.0% max

Food Type: Dry

Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds

Special Diet: Grain-free

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.

Pros

  • Grain-free recipe
  • Made in USA
  • Unlimited Storage Space
  • Support healthy skin and a shiny coat
  • Made with ingredients from trusted and sustainable sources

Cons

  • Strong smell
  • Salmon pieces are visibly larger

4. Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Formula

Grain Free Dog Food: Tailored Nutrition for Grain-Sensitive Pups! 4

First 5 ingredients:

Salmon, Fish Meal, Potatoes, Lentils, Peas

Protein: 25.0% min

Fat: 14.0% min

Fiber: 5.5% max

Moisture: 10.0% max

Food Type: Dry

Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds

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.

Pros

  • Low in calories
  • Blend of omega fatty acids
  • Caught salmon first ingredient
  • Highly digestible ingredients
  • More affordable than many recipes
  • Supplemented with fiber and probiotics

Cons

  • Not all dogs need grain-free diets
  • Contains Peas (may trigger allergies)
  • Contains an unnamed source of protein (fish meal)

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

Grain Free Dog Food: Tailored Nutrition for Grain-Sensitive Pups! 5

First 5 ingredients:

Salmon, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potato, Turkey Meal, Pea Starch

Protein: 26.0% min

Fat: 14.0% min

Fiber: 5.0% max

Moisture: 10.0% max

Food Type: Dry

Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds

Special Diet: Grain-free

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.

Pros

  • Well-balanced nutrition
  • Great for pets with grain allergies
  • Highly palatable and encourages dog to eat
  • Features real salmon as the primary ingredient
  • High in fiber, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins

Cons

  • Picky eaters may not like it
  • Contains Peas (may trigger allergy)

6. Whole Earth Farms Pork, Beef & Lamb Recipe

Grain Free Dog Food: Tailored Nutrition for Grain-Sensitive Pups! 6

First 5 ingredients:

Pork Meal, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Canola Meal

Protein: 24.0% min

Fat: 14.0% min

Fiber: 3.5% max

Moisture: 11.0% max

Food Type: Dry

Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds

Special Diet: Grain-free

Whole Earth Farms thrives on one principal belief, which is “Goodness from the Earth.” Simply put, all of the company pet foods are made using wholesome, all-natural ingredients. It is for this reason that many pet lovers swear by this brand.

Each formula begins with a premium animal protein then followed by wholesome carbohydrates, which provide maximum energy and dietary fiber for aiding with digestion.

The brand has made it its goal to guarantee that each product boosts your dog’s digestion and skin health. The company utilizes only the premium elements that Mother Nature has to offer.

Pros

  • Healthy skin & coat
  • Improved digestion
  • Contains no corn, wheat, soy, or gluten meal
  • Multiple proteins including pork meal, beef and lamb

Cons

  • Funny smell
  • Not a hit with picky eaters

7. True Acre Foods Chicken & Vegetable Recipe

Grain Free Dog Food: Tailored Nutrition for Grain-Sensitive Pups! 7

First 5 ingredients:

Pork Meal, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Canola Meal

Protein: 24.0% min

Fat: 14.0% min

Fiber: 3.5% max

Moisture: 11.0% max

Food Type: Dry

Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds

Special Diet: Grain-free

Using chicken as its main protein source, True Acre Foods have created a reasonable dog food formula that gives quite a lot of value for money. Whilst it only contains an average amount of protein and fat at 24% and 13% respectively, this is all from animal protein sources.

This (along with the good sources of fiber present) make this a great dog food if your pooch has a weak stomach. The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids present within the formula will also work to ensure your dog's coat and skin remain healthy and vibrant.

All of their dog foods are made with ingredients sourced from trusted farms, and without grains, wheat, corn or artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Whilst peas are listed as one of the ingredients, it will be difficult to escape this ingredient within this price bracket.

At $39.99 for a 40-lb bag, this formula is quite reasonably priced and represents a good buy for the dog owner on a budget.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Contains natural fibers
  • Made from USA-raised chicken
  • Crafted with farm-grown fruits and veggies
  • Free of any grains, wheat, corn or artificial colors or flavors

Cons

  • Has Peas (may trigger sensitive dogs)

What Kind of Carbohydrates are Grain-Free?

The ideal diet for a dog is rich in protein and healthy fats but limited in carbohydrate. If your dog can’t tolerate grains, you may need to switch to a dog food that is made with an alternative source of carbohydrate.

Some of the most commonly used carbohydrates in grain-free dog foods include the following foods:

  • BeansGrain Free Dog Food: Tailored Nutrition for Grain-Sensitive Pups! 8
  • Chickpeas
  • Green peas
  • Lentils
  • Potatoes
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Tapioca
  • Yellow peas

You may also be wondering about the distinction between grain-free and gluten-free when it comes to carbohydrates for your dog. Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

There are, however, gluten-free grains like brown rice and oatmeal. If you want to feed your dog a grain-free diet, however, you’ll have to avoid these grains as well as other popular grains such as barley, wheat, corn, millet, sorghum, and quinoa.

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Here are some more brands to look at…

The best advice you can follow in regard to your dog’s diet is to feed him the highest quality pet food you can afford on a weekly or monthly basis. When it comes to pet food pricing, however, there are a number of factors to take into account.

Foods made with high-quality ingredients are going to be more expensive than foods made with low-quality ingredients and fillers. Just because a pet food is grain-free doesn’t mean that it will be expensive, but it doesn’t mean it will be cheap either.

It varies from one dog food brand to another. If you’re looking for a grain-free dog food at a low price, here are the sixteen cheapest dog food brands that offer grain-free recipes:

Though the brands listed above may be inexpensive, they aren’t necessarily the highest quality brands on the market. Price isn’t always directly correlated with quality when it comes to pet food, but in most cases, it is.

Some of these brands – like Under the Sun and Whole Earth Farms – are made by some of the top pet food brands on the market but designed specifically to offer pet parents a more affordable product that is still of decent quality.

In the end, you still need to know what your dog’s nutritional needs are and how to evaluate the quality of a pet food product for yourself. That is the only way to make sure that your dog gets the high-quality diet and the nutrition he deserves.

grain free dog food

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