Grain-free dog food has been one of the most popular — and controversial — trends in pet nutrition. Before choosing a grain-free formula, it's important to understand both the potential benefits and the ongoing concerns. This guide provides a balanced, evidence-based look at grain-free feeding.
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The DCM Controversy: What You Need to Know
The Background
In 2018, the FDA began investigating reports of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) — a serious heart condition — in dogs eating certain diets. Many of these dogs were eating grain-free foods.
Key Findings
- Reports peaked in 2018-2020, then declined significantly
- The FDA found correlation, not proven causation
- Legume-heavy diets (peas, lentils, chickpeas) showed the strongest association
- Both grain-free AND some grain-containing foods were implicated
- The FDA has not recalled any foods or advised against grain-free broadly
Current Understanding
The issue appears to be related to legume content, not the absence of grains specifically:
- Diets where legumes are primary ingredients showed higher association
- Foods using potatoes, sweet potatoes, or tapioca instead of legumes weren't as strongly implicated
- The exact mechanism remains unknown
For the full scientific breakdown, see our detailed article on The Grain-Free DCM Debate.
When Grain-Free Makes Sense
Confirmed Grain Allergies
True grain allergies are uncommon but do occur. Signs include:
- Itchy skin, especially after eating
- Chronic ear infections
- Digestive upset that resolves on grain-free food
- Confirmed through elimination diet or allergy testing
Important: Most dogs with food allergies react to proteins (chicken, beef), not grains. See Best Dog Food for Allergies.
Specific Grain Intolerances
Some dogs have difficulty digesting certain grains:
- Wheat sensitivity (distinct from celiac disease)
- Corn intolerance
- Individual digestive issues
Not a Valid Reason
- "Wolves don't eat grains" — Dogs have evolved to digest starches
- "Grains are fillers" — Quality grains provide nutrients and energy
- "Grain-free is healthier" — No evidence supports this for dogs without allergies
What to Look for in Grain-Free Food
If you've determined grain-free is appropriate for your dog, choose wisely:
Meat Should Dominate
Look for foods where:
- Named meat or meat meal is the first ingredient
- Multiple meat sources appear in the first five ingredients
- Legumes appear lower on the list (not in top 3-4)
Avoid Legume-Heavy Formulas
Be cautious of foods where:
- Peas, lentils, or chickpeas appear multiple times
- Legumes are in positions 2, 3, AND 4
- "Pea protein" is used to boost protein content
Better Carbohydrate Alternatives
Grain-free foods using these carbs may be safer:
- Sweet potatoes
- Regular potatoes
- Tapioca
- Chickpeas (in moderation, not as primary ingredient)
Our Top Grain-Free Picks
These selections prioritize meat-first formulas with legumes lower on the ingredient list:
1. Taste of the Wild High Prairie
Best Overall Grain-Free
Roasted bison and venison as primary proteins with sweet potatoes as the main carbohydrate. Legumes present but not dominant. Contains omega fatty acids and antioxidants.
Key features: Novel proteins, sweet potato-based, probiotics included
2. Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas Beef
Best Beef-Based
Deboned beef is the first ingredient with sweet potatoes and potatoes providing carbohydrates. Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support.
Key features: Real beef first, joint support, made in USA
3. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original
Best High-Protein
Turkey and chicken provide protein with potatoes as the carb source. Higher protein (34%+) with added omega fatty acids and probiotics.
Key features: High protein, probiotics, omega-rich
4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness
Best Widely Available
Chicken-based with LifeSource Bits antioxidant blend. Available at most pet stores. Sweet potatoes and peas provide carbohydrates.
Key features: Widely available, antioxidant blend, real meat first
5. Orijen Original
Best Premium Option
85% animal ingredients from multiple protein sources. Uses low-glycemic vegetables instead of legumes as primary carbs. Biologically appropriate ratios.
Key features: Premium ingredients, multiple proteins, low-glycemic carbs
6. Instinct Original Grain-Free
Best Raw-Coated
Kibble coated with freeze-dried raw for added nutrition. Chicken is the first ingredient with cage-free poultry. Contains probiotics and omegas.
Key features: Raw coating, high protein, probiotics
7. Natural Balance L.I.D. Grain-Free
Best Limited Ingredient
Single protein options (duck, salmon, or others) for dogs with multiple sensitivities. Potato or sweet potato as primary carb. Minimal legume content.
Key features: Single protein, limited ingredients, allergy-friendly
Browse Natural Balance L.I.D. →
8. Canidae Pure Grain-Free
Best for Sensitive Dogs
Limited ingredient formulas with 7-10 key ingredients. Multiple protein options (salmon, bison, lamb). Whole foods focus.
Key features: Simple recipes, whole foods, gentle formulas
Comparison Table
| Product | First Ingredient | Main Carbs | Legume Position | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taste of the Wild | Bison | Sweet potato | 4-5 | High |
| Merrick | Beef | Sweet potato | 5-6 | High |
| Wellness CORE | Turkey | Potatoes | 4-5 | High |
| Blue Wilderness | Chicken | Sweet potato | 4-5 | High |
| Orijen | Chicken | Vegetables | Lower | Premium |
| Natural Balance | Varies | Potato | Lower | High |
Compare products side-by-side →
Reading Grain-Free Labels
Red Flags to Watch For
Multiple legume forms:
Ingredients: Chicken, Peas, Pea Protein, Chickpeas, Lentils...
This food is legume-heavy despite chicken being first.
Protein inflation with pea protein:
Ingredients: Lamb, Pea Protein, Tapioca, Peas...
Pea protein artificially boosts the protein percentage without adding meat.
What Good Grain-Free Looks Like
Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Beef Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Beef Fat...
Meat dominates, non-legume carbs, no pea protein.
Alternatives to Grain-Free
If you're considering grain-free but don't have a confirmed grain allergy, consider these alternatives:
Limited Ingredient with Grains
Foods with simple recipes that include easily digestible grains:
- Oatmeal-based formulas
- Brown rice formulas
- Single-grain options
Browse limited ingredient foods →
Novel Protein with Grains
If your dog is allergic to common proteins (not grains):
- Duck and oatmeal
- Venison and brown rice
- Salmon and rice
Sensitive Stomach Formulas
Many sensitive stomach foods address digestive issues without eliminating grains:
Browse sensitive stomach options →
Monitoring Your Dog on Grain-Free
If you choose grain-free, monitor for:
Signs to Watch
- Decreased energy or exercise intolerance
- Coughing, especially at night or after activity
- Rapid or labored breathing
- Fainting or collapse
- Distended abdomen
These could indicate heart problems and warrant immediate veterinary attention.
Regular Checkups
Consider:
- Annual heart examination (listen for murmurs)
- Baseline echocardiogram for at-risk breeds
- Discussing diet with your vet
At-Risk Breeds
These breeds are genetically predisposed to DCM and may warrant extra caution:
- Doberman Pinschers
- Great Danes
- Boxers
- Irish Wolfhounds
- Golden Retrievers (appeared in diet-related cases)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is grain-free food bad for dogs?
Not inherently. The concern is specifically about legume-heavy diets, not the absence of grains. A well-formulated grain-free food with meat as the primary ingredient and moderate legume content may be appropriate for dogs with confirmed grain allergies.
Do dogs need grains?
Dogs don't require grains specifically, but they do need carbohydrates for energy. They can get these from grains, potatoes, sweet potatoes, or other sources. Grains are nutritious and well-tolerated by most dogs.
My dog has been on grain-free for years with no problems. Should I switch?
Discuss with your vet. If your dog is thriving and has a legitimate reason to be on grain-free (confirmed allergy), switching may not be necessary. If you chose grain-free without medical necessity, a grain-inclusive option might be worth considering.
Are potatoes better than peas in grain-free food?
Based on the DCM investigation, diets heavy in legumes (peas, lentils, chickpeas) showed stronger associations with heart disease than those using potatoes. However, no definitive conclusions have been established.
Can puppies eat grain-free food?
Be especially cautious with puppies, particularly large breed puppies who have specific nutritional requirements. If considering grain-free for a puppy, choose formulas that meet AAFCO requirements for growth and discuss with your vet.
The Bottom Line
Grain-free dog food isn't inherently good or bad. The key is:
- Have a legitimate reason — Confirmed grain allergy or intolerance
- Choose wisely — Meat-first formulas with legumes lower on ingredient list
- Monitor your dog — Watch for signs of heart problems
- Work with your vet — Especially for at-risk breeds
For most dogs without grain allergies, quality grain-inclusive foods are a well-researched, safe choice.