Pet parents often worry when their beloved dogs have food allergies and sensitivities. They understand how troublesome it is to search for the appropriate diet.
If your vet has diagnosed your fur baby to have issues when consuming grains, you can now begin the hunt for the best grain-free dog food.
However, you’ll soon discover that it’s confusing to pick the right one because there are several brands and recipes available in the market. Let me help you decide with the most popular diets I reviewed.
Table of Contents
The Best Grain-Free Dog Food Are…
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food |  Top Pick |
| Check Current Price |
| 2. American Journey Grain-Free Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe in Kibbles Form |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 3. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 5. American Journey Grain-Free Recipe Dry Dog Food |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 6. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grill Grain-Free Canned Dog Food |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 7. Hill's Science Diet Grain-free Salmon & Vegetable Entree for Sensitive Skin and Stomach Canned Dog Food |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 8. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Turkey & Chicken Grill Grain-Free Canned Dog Food |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 9. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Canned Dog Food |  |
| Check Current Price |
1. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
I like Taste of the Wild High Prairie because my fur baby loves the unique taste of roasted venison and bison. It provides highly digestible proteins for the energy my active dog needs. It also has potent antioxidants for the maintenance of overall vitality.
I also approve that it has probiotics that support healthy immune and digestive systems. It’s a complete and balanced diet without the grains that can cause weight gain, digestion issues, and food allergies.
My only complaint is that transitioning to this pet food took some time for my dog, but he likes eating it now. I sometimes add its wet counterpart for variety in the diet.
Specs
- Dry dog food
- Grain-free
- AAFCO-approved
- For adult canines
Pros
- Has real buffalo, bison, beef, and roasted venison as sources of high-quality proteins for healthy muscles
- Natural recipe fortified with vitamins and antioxidants that promote overall health
- Includes omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Grain-free, corn-free, wheat-free, and filler-free
- Doesn’t have artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors
- An easily digestible and nutrient-rich diet with proprietary K9 strain probiotic for digestive health
Cons
- Not palatable for some dogs
You may want to try Taste of the Wild High Prairie with Roasted Venison and Bison. It is complete and balanced nutrition but a grain-free diet for your furry buddy.
It has real buffalo, and lamb and chicken meals as sources of meat-based proteins. It also has gluten-free sweet potatoes as a carbohydrate source.
This canine kibble is excellent because it contains the necessary amino acids that your dog needs. Additionally, it doesn’t contain unnamed meat ingredients, artificial colors, and preservatives.
Overall Rating – 4.7
2. American Journey Grain-Free Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe in Kibbles Form
My dogs like American Journey Grain-free Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe because it has their favorite salmon. For my part, I prefer this pet food because I notice that they have the energy for their everyday adventures.
It also has amino acids and proteins for leaner muscles. It has wholesome ingredients that provide beneficial antioxidants, phytonutrients, and fiber. If I can cite a single complaint, it will be that it’s too expensive for my wallet.
Specs
- Grain-free
- AAFCO-approved
- For dogs of all ages
- Dry canine food
Pros
- Soy-free, wheat-free, and corn-free to avoid stomach upset in food sensitive fur babies
- Includes nutritious fruits and vegetables enriched with vitamins, phytonutrients, minerals, and antioxidants
- Rich in amino acids for lean muscle mass
- Has omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Contains long-chain DHA for eye and brain development
Cons
- Not palatable for some fur buddies
- Expensive
You may want to try American Journey Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe for your lovely canines. It provides a balanced and complete diet with real salmon as an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acid.
It also has sweet potatoes as a source of gluten-free carbohydrates. It derives its proteins from meat-based ingredients, so you have an assurance that your pets have the essential amino acids they need.
It also doesn’t contain any unknown meat ingredients, preservatives, and artificial colors.
Overall Rating – 4.6
3. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
I prefer Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream because it’s also egg-free, aside from being grain-free. It sources its meat-based protein from fish, so it’s also rich in omega fatty acids for healthy skin and fur.
It is excellent dog food for active adult canines, and those with food sensitivities because they do not experience any upset stomach or allergies. I also like that it has the proprietary K9 strain probiotics for healthy immune and digestive systems.
I notice that the kibbles are too big for small breeds, so my pug finds it troublesome to eat them.
Specs
- In kibble form
- Grain-free
- AAFCO-approved
- For adult canines
Pros
- Easily digestible real smoked salmon for pets with food sensitivities or allergies
- Includes antioxidants from vegetables and fruits for a healthy immune system
- Consists of chelated minerals for maximum absorption of essential nutrients
- Has omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Grain-free, corn-free, wheat-free, filler-fee
- No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
Cons
- Too large kibbles for small-breed canines
- Not liked by some dogs
You may like Taste of the Wild Grain-free Pacific Stream for your adult dogs with food sensitivities. It’s a balanced and complete diet with salmon and ocean fish meal as protein sources.
It also has gluten-free carbohydrates fortified with vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. It lists peas, which are high-protein legumes, for the supply of dietary fiber.
This dog food doesn’t contain any unknown meat ingredients, preservatives, and artificial colors.
Overall Rating – 4.7
4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
I like feeding my doggies Blue Wilderness Grain-free Chicken Recipe because it has LifeSource Bits in the mix. These small, dark kibbles have the right blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
They are exclusive to Blue Buffalo and help my pets prevent any cellular destruction due to environmental factors. They are rich in Vitamins A, C, E, barley grass, blueberries, and kelp. Moreover, they support a healthy immune system.
LifeSource Bits also contain the following ingredients that my pets need as they age:
- Omega fatty acids for coat and skin health
- Taurine for healthy heart and eye
- L-Lysine for the optimal biosynthesis of calcium and protein
- Vitamin D for tissue and bone health
- Vitamin B12 for growth
- L-Carnitine for metabolism and endurance support
It took some time for my fur babies to transition to this high-quality dog food. They had to adjust seeing and eating the dark bits in their bowls.
Specs
- Grain-free
- Dry pet food
- AAFCO-approved
- For adult canines
Pros
- Rich in omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Includes a LifeSource Bits, an astounding mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for a healthy immune system
- Doesn’t contain poultry by-product meals, soy, corn, and meat
- No artificial preservatives and flavor
Cons
- LifeSource Bits left uneaten
- Not liked by some canines
- Transitioning takes time
You may want to try Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-free Chicken Recipe for your pet dogs if you’re searching for high-quality kibbles.
It provides a balanced and complete diet with all-meat protein sources, so you know that it’s an exceptional product. You may also like that it doesn’t contain any unnamed meat ingredients, preservatives, and artificial colors.
Overall Rating – 4.7
5. American Journey Grain-Free Recipe Dry Dog Food
I decided to feed my two puppies American Journey Grain-free Chicken and Sweet Potato Recipe, and they enjoyed it. I prefer this formula because it has real, deboned chicken as its amino acids and protein source.
They like the exceptional flavor of this dry dog food. It has chickpeas and sweet potatoes as sources of energy, and omega fatty acids with DHA for the healthy development of their eyes and brains.
I notice that it has dried, plain beet pulp in its list of ingredients. It’s a by-product of sugar beets, but it’s also a controversial addition to this exceptional food product.
It’s a dietary fiber that regulates blood sugar and helps maintain healthy intestines, but it’s also an inexpensive filler. The manufacturer may improve on it by replacing it with a better option.
Specs
- Grain-free
- Kibble form
- For dogs of all life stages
- AAFCO-approved
Pros
- Without wheat, soy, and corn
- Nutritious vegetables and fruits packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Includes long-chain DHA for brain and eye development
- Fiber-rich sweet potatoes and chickpeas for the energy requirement of active fur babies
Cons
- Not palatable for some canines
- Contains beet pulp
If you want to transition your dogs to a grain-free diet, you may try American Journey Chicken and Sweet Potato Recipe. It provides complete and balanced nutrition for canines of all life stages.
Its proteins come from animal meats, so it’s a premium quality food for your beloved fur babies. You also will like that it doesn’t contain any unnamed meat ingredients, artificial colors, and preservatives.
Overall Rating – 4.6
6. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grill Grain-Free Canned Dog Food — Best Grain Free Wet Dog Food
Blue Wilderness Grain-free Beef and Chicken Grill is irresistibly tasty for adult doggies. I tried it on my fur babies, and they like it when I put broth or gravy.
It has grilled meat pieces with fruit and vegetables fortified with vitamins and minerals. It contains natural ingredients that are gluten-free and grain-free.
I notice that my pets have more energy for their active lifestyles every day. If there’s one complaint that I have, it’s the extra dry mixture. I find it challenging to take out the contents from the can, and my canines won’t eat it if I don’t soften it first.
Specs
- Wet dog food
- AAFCO-approved
- Grain-free
- For adult pets
Pros
- High-quality beef and chicken for healthy muscle growth and energy
- No corn, gluten, soy, and by-product meals
- Doesn’t contain preservatives and artificial flavors
Cons
- Not liked by some dogs
- Super dry pate
You may want to feed your fur buddies Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-free Beef and Chicken Grill. It’s a balanced and complete diet for adult canines, and it has high-quality protein sources in chicken broth.
It derives its carbohydrates content from gluten-free potatoes. It’s an exceptional food without artificial preservatives, anonymous meats, and artificial colors.
Overall Rating – 4.5
7. Hill’s Science Diet Grain-free Salmon & Vegetable Entree for Sensitive Skin and Stomach Canned Dog Food
I have a pet with a sensitive digestive system, so I fed it with Hill’s Science Diet Grain-free Salmon and Vegetable Entree. I’m happy that my fur baby likes this loaf food.
It must be delicious because my beloved canine doesn’t leave any morsel in its bowl. I also approve that it has readily absorbable essential fibers and omega fatty acids to maintain the skin and coat health of my buddy.
My only complaint is that it’s a little dry for a canned diet. I have to add water or broth to soften it before giving it to my best buddy.
Specs
- For adult dogs up to six years old with sensitive skin and stomach
- Wet canine food
- AAFCO-approved
- Grain-free
Pros
- Wholesome ingredients without preservatives and artificial flavors
- Premium sources of protein for lean muscle and easy digestion
- Complete and balanced nutrition
- Natural vegetable fibers for healthy digestion
- Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Contains apples to support the immune system
Cons
- Slightly dry
- Not palatable for some furry buddies
If you have a furry buddy with food sensitivities and allergies, you may want to try Hill’s Science Diet Grain-Free Salmon and Vegetable Recipe. It offers a complete and balanced diet with salmon and turkey as protein-rich meat ingredients.
It also has carrots and potatoes as a source of gluten-free carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This is one of the best grain free wet dog food does not contain any artificial preservatives, anonymous meats, and artificial colors.
Overall Rating – 4.4
8. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Turkey & Chicken Grill Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
I tried feeding my dog with Blue Buffalo Grain-free Wilderness Turkey and Chicken Grill, and it couldn’t resist the tasty wet food. My beloved pet licked its bowl clean, and I’m a happy pet parent.
I like that it has grilled turkey and chicken pieces with fruits and vegetables. It’s a complete and balanced diet packed with vitamins and minerals. It also doesn’t contain any gluten, corn, soy, by-product meals, and wheat.
I notice that it’s too watery for a pate, so I have to take out some of the fluids because my fur baby doesn’t want food that’s too wet to its liking.
Specs
- Grain-free
- Canned canine food
- AAFCO-approved
- For adult dogs
Pros
- A specialized formulation for healthy muscle growth
- Includes real chicken and turkey for the energy requirement of active doggies
- Gluten-free, corn-free, soy-free, and wheat-free
- Doesn’t contain by-product meals, preservatives, and artificial flavors
Cons
- Not liked by some furry companions
- Too watery for a pate
You may want to try this complete and balanced nutrition for the maintenance needs of your adult fur buddies. It has real turkey and chicken as sources of high-quality protein.
Moreover, it has gluten-free potatoes for its carbohydrate content. It’s excellent nutrition for your lovely pets because it has no preservatives, unknown meats, and artificial flavors.
Overall Rating – 4.5
9. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
I like Taste of the Wild Grain-free High Prairie wet dog food as a complement to its kibble counterpart. My finicky pet finds it satisfying, so I’m a happy pet parent. Sometimes, I feed it alone, and my lovable fur baby still eats it.
I prefer its venison, lamb, and bison blend as quality meat-based protein sources. I notice it has large chunks, so it may not be suitable for small-breed canines.
Specs
- Canned dog food
- Grain-free
- AAFCO-approved
- For canines of all life stages
Pros
- Has real beef, bison, ocean fish, and roasted lamb for lean, healthy muscles
- Natural recipe enriched with vitamins and antioxidants
- Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Doesn’t contain any corn, filler, and wheat
- No artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors
- Easily digestible with prebiotic fiber and nutrients
Cons
- Not palatable for some fur companions
- Too chunky for small-breed dogs
You may try Taste of the Wild High Prairie with Bison in Gravy if you want a complete and balanced diet for your dog. Canines need meat-based proteins, and this product has them in beef, lamb liver, and bison.
You have an assurance that it is an exceptional diet because it has gluten-free carbohydrates. It also has the essential amino acids that your fur buddy needs.
Overall Rating – 4.6
Buying Guide For The Best Grain Free Dog Food
I already reviewed nine grain-free pet foods, so let’s talk about the factors to consider in buying them.
Dog Breeds Prone To Grain-Related Allergies
- Boxer
- Cocker Spaniel
- Retriever
- Collie
- Chinese Shar-Pei
- Miniature schnauzer
- Dalmatian
- Dachshund
- Lhasa Apso
- Wheaten Terrier
- Springer Spaniel
- White Terrier
Advantages Of Having A Grain-Free Diet For Your Fur Baby
Grain-free canine food is fast becoming a preference for many pet parents. You may wonder why it’s becoming popular.
Here are some of the reasons why you have to switch to this specialized diet:
- Reduces the risk of adverse reactions to grains, corn, and wheat in many pet nutrition
- Closer to the animal-based diet that the dogs of today in the wild
- Avoids inexpensive and low-quality carbohydrate-based fillers and alternates
- Improves the digestion of fur babies because of quality proteins and healthy fats
Ultimately, your dogs will improve their overall health when you take a more holistic and natural approach to their diet.
However, you don’t decide to switch to a grain-free diet because you want to join the bandwagon. You have to base your decision on the needs of each of your fur babies.
Are Grains Harmful To All Canines?
A grain-free diet limits the chance of your dog having an allergic reaction, but not all dogs have food allergies and sensitivities. Corn and grain intolerance only accounts for 10% of the total allergies diagnosed by veterinarians.
It means that if your dog isn’t allergic to these ingredients, you don’t have to rush switching to this specialized nutrition. If you worry about your hair loss and itchiness of your pet, you can consult your vet for an appropriate diagnosis.
Another reason why your dog has to avoid grains is if it has digestion problems. If your canine doesn’t have any negative issues about its digestive system, you don’t have to transition to another diet. You may even encounter transitioning issues if you decide to feed your fur baby a grain-free diet.
Healthy Grains That Don’t Cause Allergic Reactions
- Oatmeal
- Buckwheat
- Amaranth
- Millet Quinoa
These wholesome grains don’t cause any food sensitivities and allergies, so you have to read the label every time you shop for a new recipe or brand.
Symptoms Of Dogs Sensitive To Grains
You have to monitor your furry buddy for these signs of food sensitivities and allergies:
- Vomiting
- Rash and skin irritations
- Excessive flatulence
- Loose stool or diarrhea
- Sneezing, wheezing, and coughing
- Hair loss
Diagnosing Food Allergies
There isn’t any reliable test available to diagnose food allergies. You may come across some advertisements, but there’s no proof that they work.
There’s an issue about unreliability with these currently available tests. Therefore, the best method or gold standard is still the dietary elimination method.
The elimination diet requires that you feed your furry companion with specialized nutrition your vet recommends. It usually contains a few ingredients that your dog hasn’t eaten before.
If you notice a dramatic change during the trial, your fur baby needs to eat its former food anew. If there’s a relapse, you have to feed it the new diet again to check if the symptoms will improve.
If they do, you have to try adding one component from the old one. You have to finish the tedious process until you identify all the ingredients triggering the allergic reaction.
Some pet parents don’t re-challenge, so they don’t know if the new food helped their pets or it was a coincidence.
Recovering From Grain Allergies
Prognosis of a full recovery is promising once you take out grains from the diet of your furry buddy. All symptoms will cease, and your fur baby will return to its usual behavior and activities.
Skin irritations and chronic infections will heal and won’t recur as long as you don’t put back the grains in its food. Its immune system won’t overreact and will revert to its normal strength.
Qualities Of An Exceptional Grain-Free Pet Food
If you wish to transition your canine buddy to a grain-free diet, you also have to consider the following factors. The absence of grains isn’t the only consideration.
Real Animal-Based Protein
You have to ensure that the dog food’s primary ingredient is a real meat-based protein. These types of components are easy to digest and absorb by your fur baby’s body.
Its organs and tissues can use the proteins without any extensive processing. If your buddy is allergic to chicken and beef, you can opt for salmon, lamb, turkey, menhaden fish, and duck.
Wholesome Carbohydrates
If you decide to go grain-free, you have to ensure that your chosen dog food has wholesome fruits and vegetables. They provide exceptional health benefits aside from the essential antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Oils and Fats
Dogs need oils and fats to maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat. They also provide energy to last throughout the day. Premium quality nutrition includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Healthy Preservatives
Tocopherols and Vitamin C are essential preservatives that you have to search for grain-free dog foods. They’re all-natural, so they aren’t harmful to your pet’s health.
Avoid Artificial and Harmful Ingredients
Manufacturers usually use flavor enhancers and fillers to increase the food’s palatability. You have to ensure that these ingredients come from natural sources.
You have to avoid synthesized components because they’re harmful to your beloved dog.
Common Replacements To Grains
- Sweet potatoes
- Peas
- Beans
Final Thoughts
You already know the top grain-free nutrition that pet parents like you choose for their fur babies in this review.
Although they’re all excellent alternatives, let me recommend Taste of the Wild High Prairie with Roasted Venison and Bison.
It’s a balanced and complete diet with real chicken, lamb, and buffalo as sources of proteins. It also provides essential amino acids without artificial preservatives and colors that are harmful to dogs.
