Commercial dog foods that exclude grains have become increasingly popular in recent years. As we humans have moved away from a carbohydrate-rich diet and have discovered adverse health effects associated with some grains (including gluten) we have been tempted to do the same for our four-legged friends. But do all dogs really need this kind of diet? In fact, the majority of dogs will do very well on a diet that includes grains. Whole grains are better as they have not been so highly refined and retain all of their natural nutrition.
It’s no wonder that there is so much confusion about choosing the best diet for your dog! To help you out, we’ve prepared a no-nonsense guide on how to choose a dog food with grains for your pooch.
The 10 Top-Rated Grain Inclusive Dog Foods
1 Blue Buffalo Life Protection Fish & Brown Rice Dry Food
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- First 5 ingredients: Whitefish, Menhaden Fish Meal (Source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Brown Rice, Barley
- Primary Protein Source: Whitefish, Menhaden Fish Meal
- Calories: 377 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Brown Rice, Barley
- Life Stage: Adult
The grain-inclusive recipe of this premium kibble delivers a healthy and balanced diet for adult dogs. It is the best non-grain-free dog food to promote a strong immune system and build strong muscles. The whole grains in this recipe include barley, oatmeal, and brown rice.
Using whitefish and Menhaden Fish Meal as the primary animal protein ingredients, it contains a minimum of 22 % crude protein. There is plenty of fat for energy, and this kibble delivers 377 Kcals in each cup. There’s 5 % fiber to keep your dog’s gut healthy.
The recipe is packed with healthy vegetables which provide anti-oxidants and micro-nutrients to support overall health. These include sweet potatoes, peas, and carrots. The omega 3 and 6 fatty acids will keep your dog’s coat looking great, and the LIFESOURCE BITS unique blend of supplements delivers the right amount of essential vitamins and minerals.
It contains chicken meals, no poultry by-product meals, and no corn, wheat, or soy which can trigger allergies. The focus is on fresh and natural ingredients so there are also no artificial preservatives or additives.
If you want to learn more about their company, product lines, and recall history, read our review of Blue Buffalo Dog Food
Whitefish, Menhaden Fish Meal (Source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Pea Starch, Peas, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed (Source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Chicken Meal, Dried Tomato Pomace, Pea Protein, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Potatoes, Dried Chicory Root, Pea Fiber, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Choline Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Garlic, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice For Color, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Copper Sulfate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), L-Carnitine, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Taurine, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.
2 Eagle Pack Original Adult Lamb Meal & Brown Rice
- Brand: Eagle Pack
- First 5 ingredients: Lamb Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Brown Rice, Dehulled Barley
- Primary Protein Source: Lamb
- Calories: 337 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Lamb
- Life Stage: Adult
There’s plenty of healthy protein (lamb meal) in this premium dog kibble which delivers exactly the right nutritional profile for very active dogs. As well as the lamb meal protein to build strong muscle, there’s a minimum of 12 % crude fat, and the kibble delivers plenty of energy to keep your dog active. The protein content is provided by three animal sources: lamb, chicken, and fish.
All ingredients are natural, and there are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. The oatmeal and brown rice support healthy digestion and ensure that your dog passes firm stools. Flaxseed is included in omega fatty acids, giving your dog a lovely shiny coat.
Active dogs can suffer from wear and tear of their joints, so glucosamine hydrochloride has been added to keep the joints supple and pain-free.
If you are looking for grain-free food for dogs because your pooch has an allergy to corn or wheat, this recipe will be suitable for your dog as these ingredients have been excluded from the recipe.
Lamb Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Brown Rice, Dehulled Barley, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Chicken Meal, Brewers Dried Yeast, Tomato Pomace, Anchovy and Sardine Meal, Rice, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid], Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate], Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Inulin, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Trichoderma reesei Fermentation Product, Dried Rhizopus oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
3 Nature’s Logic Canine Chicken Meal Feast Dry Dog Food
- Brand: Nature’s Logic
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Millet, Chicken Fat, Pumpkin Seed, Yeast Culture
- Primary Protein Source: Chicken, Pumpkin Seed
- Calories: 417.95 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: Adult
The wholesome recipe of this canine kibble is completely natural and contains no synthetic ingredients. It is suitable for all life stages and provides all the nutrients required in a dog s diet. For strong muscle and tissue repair, a minimum of 36 % protein (chicken meal) is balanced with the fat content (15 %) for energy.
Chicken meal provides protein, and the recipe is packed with fruit and vegetables to provide all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs. This includes dried blueberry, dried spinach, and dried cranberry as natural sources of essential micro-nutrients.
Probiotics have been added to support healthy digestion. The carbohydrate whole grain is provided by gluten-free millet. The recipe contains no corn, wheat, or soy and is therefore suitable for dogs with allergies to these ingredients.
Chicken Meal, Millet, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Pumpkin Seed, Yeast Culture, Spray Dried Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Montmorillonite Clay, Dried Kelp, Spray Dried Porcine Plasma, Dried Tomato, Almonds, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Carrot, Dried Apple, Menhaden Fish Meal, Dried Pumpkin, Dried Apricot, Dried Blueberry, Dried Spinach, Dried Broccoli, Dried Cranberry, Parsley, Dried Artichoke, Rosemary, Dried Mushroom, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium bifidium Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Pineapple Extract, Dried Aspergillus niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract
4 Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Turkey & Oatmeal
- Brand: Wellness Complete
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Brown Rice
- Primary Protein Source: Turkey, Chicken
- Calories: 408 kcal/cup ME
- Flavor: Salmon
- Life Stage: Adult
This recipe combines turkey and oatmeal to produce a dog kibble that is perfect for adult small-breed dogs. It is the best kibble to help them to maintain healthy body weight and to look their best with a shiny coat.
There are three sources of animal protein, namely deboned turkey, chicken meal, and salmon meal which contribute to the overall protein content of 28 %. Added to the chicken meal are plenty of healthy fresh ingredients, such as spinach, sweet potatoes, and blueberries, which are packed with antioxidants to support the immune system.
Flaxseed is the ingredient that delivers omega oils, glucosamine, and chondroitin to help keep joints healthy. To support gut health, there are added probiotics. The ingredients list does not contain any chicken by-product meal, artificial preservatives, or fillers.
Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Brown Rice, Barley, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Oats, Tomato Pomace, Tomatoes, Pea Fiber, Ground Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Natural Chicken Flavor, Carrots, Spinach, Potassium Chloride, Sweet Potatoes, Blueberries, Apples, Choline Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract. This is a naturally preserved product.
5 VICTOR Select Beef Meal & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food
- Brand: VICTOR
- First 5 ingredients: Beef Meal, Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Chicken Fat
- Primary Protein Source: Beef
- Calories: 357 kcal/8oz cup
- Flavor: Beef
- Life Stage: Adult
Made from gluten-free grains and brown rice as the primary carbohydrate source, this pet kibble is suitable for all life stages, so you can use it if you need puppy food with grain or whole grain dog food for an adult. It is suitable for dogs that have a gluten allergy.
It’s made from high-quality beef meals as the main source of animal meat protein. It suits dogs that have an average lifestyle and that have average activity levels. In addition to the meat content, there is a full range of micro-nutrient supplementation.
Some notable components are prebiotics for healthy digestion and immune response, probiotics to promote friendly gut bacteria, and mineral complexes to sustain paw pad integrity.
For more information on the brand, check out our Victor Dog Food Review.
Beef Meal, Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Yeast Culture, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Carrot Powder, Tomato Pomace, Salt, Organic Dried Seaweed Meal, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Calcium Stearate, Zinc Methionine Complex, Vitamin E Supplement, DL-Methionine, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Hydrolyzed Yeast, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Silicon Dioxide, L-Carnitine, Selenium Yeast, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract, Copper Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Calcium Carbonate, Riboflavin Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Vegetable Oil, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract, Inulin, Lecithin, Folic Acid.
6 Whole Earth Farms Chicken & Rice Recipe Puppy Food
- Brand: Whole Earth Farms
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Canola Meal, Rice, Barley
- Primary Protein Source: Chicken
- Calories: 383 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: Puppy
This recipe combines meat source proteins (including chicken meal and salmon) with whole grains (brown rice, oatmeal, pearled barley) to provide a complete and balanced kibble for your pup. Together with the chicken fat, it provides plenty of energy for a lively young dog. The protein is also provided by potatoes, peas, and dried alfalfa meals.
The careful blend of natural ingredients with vitamins and minerals supports a puppy’s metabolism. Added to the chicken meal are vitamins that include Vitamin A and D3; the minerals include iron amino acid complex and zinc sulfate.
Because there are no corn, wheat, soy, or poultry by-products and no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, it is suitable for dogs with allergies to these ingredients.
Here’s a detailed look at Whole Earth Farms Dog Food.
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Canola Meal, Rice, Barley, Turkey Meal, Chicken Fat, Whole Grain Sorghum, Natural Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Flaxseed, Dried Beet Pulp, Dried Yeast, Apples, Carrots, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Riboflavin Supplement, Niacin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Choline Chloride, Minerals (Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide), Fish Oil, Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols For Freshness, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Citric Acid For Freshness, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product. 2C86088
7 Holistic Select Adult Health Anchovy, Sardine & Salmon Meals
- Brand: Holistic
- First 5 ingredients: Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Rice, Anchovy Meal, Sardine Meal, Salmon Meal
- Primary Protein Source: Salmon, Sardine
- Calories: 425 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Sardine, Salmon
- Life Stage: Adult
A delicious anchovy, salmon, and sardine recipe for dogs that love fish! The high-quality animal protein is combined with whole grains provided by ground brown rice to ensure that your dog s diet delivers all the nutrition they need to stay healthy.
In this recipe, there is an emphasis on gut health so that your pooch can get every last drop of goodness from the kibble. The probiotics and prebiotics encourage the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut so that the kibble can be broken down efficiently.
The live cultures ensure diversity among the friendly gut bacteria, and natural fiber moves the food efficiently through the intestines. Added to this are digestive enzymes that help to break down the kibble so that the essential micro-nutrients can be absorbed.
Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Rice, Anchovy Meal, Sardine Meal, Salmon Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Canola Oil, Oats, Flaxseed, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Pumpkin, Salmon Oil, Cranberries, Apples, Brewers Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Papayas, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Blueberries, Pomegranates, Vitamin E Supplement, Inulin, Dried Kelp, Mixed Tocopherols Added To Preserve Freshness, Niacin, Zinc Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Ground Cinnamon, Ground Fennel, Ground Peppermint, Sodium Selenite, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Dried Lactobacillus Delbrueckii Fermentation Product, Dried Streptococcus Thermophilus Fermentation Product, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Dried Bacillus Licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Trichoderma Reesei Fermentation Product, Dried Rhizopus Oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
8 The Honest Kitchen Limited Ingredient Chicken Recipe
- Brand: The Honest Kitchen
- First 5 ingredients: Dehydrated Chicken, Organic Quinoa, Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes, Dehydrated Spinach
- Primary Protein Source: Chicken, Spinach
- Calories: 516 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: Adult
This minimally processed formula is suitable for all life stages and can be eaten by dogs on grain-free diets because it contains no gluten. It is also great if you want food with few ingredients because you suspect your pooch has allergies.
These ingredients are chicken, quinoa, spinach, sweet potatoes, parsley, and kelp.
The stand-out feature of this recipe is that it is made with human-grade ingredients, so you know that your dog is getting the highest quality nutrition. The limited ingredients list also makes it suitable for dogs with food allergies.
Dehydrated Chicken, Organic Quinoa, Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes, Dehydrated Spinach, Dried Parsley, Dehydrated Organic Kelp, Minerals [Tricalcium Phosphate, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Potassium Iodide, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite], Taurine, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), D- Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement], EPA, DHA.
9 Diamond Naturals Beef Meal and Rice Formula Dry Food
- Brand: Diamond Naturals
- First 5 ingredients: Beef Meal, Grain Sorghum, Ground White Rice, Dried Yeast, Egg Product
- Primary Protein Source: Beef, Eggs
- Calories: 399 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Beef
- Life Stage: Adult
Pasture-raised beef and rice form the basis of the ingredients in this complete dog food for adult dogs. There are superfoods to supply antioxidants, including blueberries, spinach, and carrots. Additional sources of protein are chia seed and quinoa.
Ingredients, including flaxseed and coconut, provide Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat. Pumpkin and dried kelp provide insoluble fiber, and there are plenty of vegetables and fruits to provide phytonutrients.
To further support digestive health, there are 80,000,000 colony-forming units of friendly gut bacteria in every pound of this food. The recipe is kept as natural as possible, and there are no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
Beef Meal, Grain Sorghum, Ground White Rice, Dried Yeast, Egg Product, Rice Bran, Cracked Pearled Barley, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Dl-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Kale, Chia Seed, Pumpkin, Blueberries, Oranges, Quinoa, Dried Kelp, Coconut, Spinach, Carrots, Papaya, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Vitamin E Supplement, Beta Carotene, Chondroitin Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Proteinate, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.
10 Iams Adult MiniChunks Chicken & Whole Grains Recipe
- Brand: Iams
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp
- Primary Protein Source: Chicken
- Calories: 380 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: Adult
The farm-raised chicken in this recipe is one of the best sources of animal protein that you can give your pooch. The grains provide valuable carbohydrates for energy. Chicken fat supplies omega-6 fatty acids to keep the skin and coat healthy.
For intestinal health, your dog needs a healthy source of fiber, which is provided by beet pulp and natural probiotics in this recipe.
This particular recipe also includes several sources of antioxidants to keep the immune system healthy. The added supplementation of vitamins and minerals includes vitamin b12 and calcium carbonate.
Head over to our review of Iams Dog Food for more alternatives.
Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Dried Egg Product, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Caramel Color, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (source of Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide), Potassium Chloride, Carrot, Choline Chloride, Fructooligosaccharides, Calcium Carbonate, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Rosemary Extract.
Best Dog Food With Grain: Buying Guide & FAQs
What to Look for in Dog Food With Grain
Sometimes it can seem that you need a degree in nutrition or veterinary science to choose the best food for your dog! Whilst it is true that your veterinarian is always the best source of advice, there are some things that you can look out for yourself. Try to find out all about the dog food that you are intending to purchase by looking carefully at the information given on the ingredients list. Here are some essential ingredients that you should look out for.
Protein Content and Source of Protein
Dogs need plenty of protein to build healthy muscle so that they can race around. The requirement for protein varies with the different life stages. Most of this protein needs to come from high-quality protein sources. The best dog foods will therefore have meat and fish amongst the first three ingredients or they may have meat/fish meal such as lamb meal, chicken meal or salmon meal. Protein allergies are fairly common amongst pets and the proteins in poultry by-product meals are a particular problem. This is one dog foods ingredient that it may be best to avoid.
Take a look at our review of the Best Low-Protein Dog Food.
Whole Grains
Dogs can get a lot of their energy from fats in the diet but they do need a small amount of carbohydrate as well. The best source of carbohydrate for your dog is whole grain. These offer superior nutrition to grain that has been processed in some way. Look out for terms such as ‘whole oats’ or ‘whole grain oats’ in the ingredients list of dog foods.
Support for a Healthy Gut
If your dog’s gut is not functioning properly, it cannot efficiently extract the nutrients in the food. This is true at all life stages. Therefore, it is a good idea to choose dog foods that have probiotics and healthy fiber. Probiotics are cultures of friendly bacteria that help to break down the food. Healthy fiber such as dried beet and dried beet pulp are needed to help these bacteria flourish. They also help to move the food efficiently through the intestines.
Avoid Cheap Fillers
You may see some dog foods brands claim that you should feed your dog on a gluten free diet but very few dogs are actually allergic to gluten. Nevertheless, some dogs do have reactions to carbs such as soy and corn and to artificial additives so these are best avoided.
Labrador retriever puppy with feeding bowls
Benefits of Grain Inclusive Dog Food
There has been a rise in the popularity of grain-free dog foods but unless your dog has a specific allergy to grains there is actually no need to avoid them. Here are just some of the benefits of whole grains in dog foods.
Grains are Carbohydrates
Grains such as whole rice, oatmeal, and quinoa are excellent sources of carbohydrate. These make a valuable contribution to your dog s diet at all life stages. Carbohydrates are essential for the body to produce energy. They are converted to glucose (a type of sugar) which is used by the body to generate energy for metabolism. Of course, there are many alternative sources of carbohydrates to grains, such as potatoes and peas, but these can lead to unwelcome weight gain. Obesity is a real health issue for many dogs and your vet can recommend dog food for weight loss to avoid it.
Grains are a Great Source of Fiber
Fiber is an essential element of a dog’s diet. It is not broken down by the gut but controls the way in which other food passes through. Dogs with enough fiber in their diet have healthy, well-formed stools. Fiber is also needed for friendly gut bacteria to thrive. Grains are an excellent source of fiber in dog good recipes.
Check out our article on High Fiber Dog Food.
Grains are Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
Grains are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. These are essential micro-nutrients that dogs of all life stages need. Every grain has a different nutritional profile. You may need to experiment a bit to find out which grain will suit you best but whole grains are always better than processed grains. Whole grains contain all parts of the seed and therefore retain a higher concentration of vitamins and minerals.
Grains For Dogs to Avoid
Some grains are not so healthy for dogs. Anything that is more refined is not as good as the wholegrain alternative. For example, brown rice is preferable to white rice.
On the whole, it is best to avoid any foods that have highly refined grain products. Have a look on the pet food label for grain by-products including soybean hulls, corn cobs, rice hulls, and cottonseed hulls. Also avoid foods that contain wheat middlings and soy mill run. These may sound like real grains but they are actually leftovers from the refining process and are not good for dogs.
Our Top Pick
Our top pick has a grain-inclusive recipe to deliver a healthy and balanced diet for adult dogs. It supports a strong immune system and builds strong muscles. The whole grains in this recipe include barley, oatmeal and brown rice.
The primary ingredients are whitefish and Menhaden Fish Meal giving 22 % crude protein. The recipe is packed with healthy vegetables which provide anti oxidants and micro-nutrients. The omega fatty acids will keep your dog’s coat looking great and the essential vitamins and minerals support overall health. The recipe includes chicken meal but there are no poultry by-product meals, and no corn, wheat, soy or artificial ingredients that could trigger allergies.
Sources:
- 8 Things You Need To Know About AAHA’s Nutritional Assessment Guidelines, American Animal Hospital Association
- Dr. Deb Zoran, Grains or no Grains Addressing Pet Owner Concerns, Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Frequently Asked Questions
Some owners insist that feeding grains to dogs is a bad idea at all life stages. This is because a small number of dogs develop an allergy to certain grains. However, that does not mean that all dogs have to avoid all grains. In the wild, grains would have made up an important part of a dog’s diet.
If you suspect that your pooch has a food allergy, you must talk to your vet. They will know all about dogs’ food and the effect it can have on the canine body. Grain-free diets are recommended by vets if it can be shown that the grains are causing allergic symptoms. These include dry and itchy skin, gastrointestinal issues and lethargy. Food allergies can also cause ear infections.
Your vet will be able to help you establish if your dog is allergic to grains. They may recommend that you transfer your dog onto a different diet. Limited ingredient diets and grain-free diets can be useful at this stage. Your vet will probably ask you to make the transition gradually as sudden changes in diet can upset your dog’s stomach.
If the allergy symptoms resolve after the grain has been eliminated from the diet, it indicates that your dog does indeed have an allergy. The most common allergens are corn, wheat and soy.
Whole grains consist of all parts of the seed including the outer husk. Often, this is where most of the goodness is found. If you remove the husk during processing, you also remove a lot of the nutrients. Therefore, it is best to leave the husk where it is and use the whole seed in the recipe. The unrefined versions of rice, oatmeal and other grains are always the preferable choice.
If your dog is doing well on a food that contains grains, there is no reason to change it. You should never make drastic changes to your dog foods unless you have to.
There is some evidence that a grain-free diet can cause harm to the wellness complete health of some canines. They may gain weight because of the alternative carbohydrates in the recipe. Diets that lack grains can also affect the blood levels of taurine and that can cause serious problems for the heart including cardiomyopathy.
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