Every pet parent’s priority is providing their fur baby with food that will keep them happy and healthy, and for some dogs, this means feeding them a diet of the best grain-free dog food. However, not all dogs require this type of diet.
Just like humans, dogs of all breeds also deal with food allergies, and though not very common, they can also be allergic to grains.
Just remember that when you feed your pooch grain-free dog food, the amount of carbohydrates that they consume drastically decreases. So, it’s important that you add other carbohydrate alternatives that are free from grains.
What Are the Advantages of Grain-Free Dog Food?
Grain-free dog food has become popular in recent years, and this could be because of the following advantages:
Free From Potential Allergens
Some dogs may be allergic or sensitive to grains such as corn, wheat, or soy in their food. In this case, the best grain-free formulations are recommended. They are much more gentle on the digestive system than traditional dog food.
Packed With Protein
Most grain-free dog food recipes prioritize sources of protein like beef or fish. This can help dogs build better lean muscle and could also be a great option for pets who are required to consume a high-protein diet.
Helps in Weight Management
Since there is a lower amount of carbohydrates in grain-free pet diets, it can help your pooch manage their weight while maintaining a good lean body mass as well.
Betters Skin and Coat Health
Many grain-free dog food brands add omega fatty acids from sources like fish to their recipes. This can make your dog’s skin healthier and their coat more lustrous.
Improves Digestive Health
Grain-free pet food can be a boon for pets with sensitive stomachs. They are very easy to digest, hence making them the ideal option for dogs suffering from digestive issues.
Do Vets Recommend Grain-Free Dog Food?
Though dogs consuming a grain-free diet can be quite a controversial topic, a veterinarian may recommend grain-free dog food for dogs with health issues. If a dog has food allergies and is allergic to grains, then yes, grain-free dog food is a necessity since it helps manage their condition.
Additionally, dog food that’s free from grains can also help in reducing the symptoms of stomach sensitivities and digestive issues. Dogs with these conditions will first be prescribed a limited-ingredient diet, and if that doesn’t work, then vets recommend that they consume a grain-free diet.
The Best Grain-free Dog Food To Buy in 2025
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Why We Love
Balanced nutrition
Aids weight management
Large-sized bag
Contains high-quality ingredients
Can also be used as training treats
But…
Premium price point
This premium grain-free dog food from Merrick is one of the most wholesome options on our list — the formula is all-natural and contains added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are ideal for adult dogs. The primary ingredient is real deboned chicken, featuring a holistic blend of 70% protein and healthy fats that help maintain lean muscle mass and optimal energy levels. It is also devoid of artificial flavors, colors, or fragrances, adding to the authenticity of the product.
Additionally, the Merrick grain-free dog food is loaded with omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, aiding the nourishment of your pet’s skin and coat. Glucosamine and chondroitin ensure that their hips and joints remain healthy, making it a must-try option.
BEST WET GRAIN-FREE DOG FOOD
PURINA Beyond Cage-Free Turkey & Green Bean Recipe
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Why We Love
Ideal portion size
Highly palatable
Enticing aroma
Comes in a pack of 12
Loaded with protein
Offers immune support
But…
Cans can get dented easily
This wet dog food from PURINA’s Beyond range is made with cage-free turkey and contains natural prebiotic fiber — the turkey is raised without steroids or hormones. There’s also no added corn, soy, poultry by-product meal, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives in the recipe. Moreover, it contains vitamins and minerals, along with accents of green beans.
Crafted in the USA, this PURINA grain-free dog food is made in facilities that are actively trying to reduce the usage of water and limit waste reduction. So it’s more than just a good option for your pooch; it’s also great for the planet!
BEST FOR ALL BREEDS
CRAVE Premium Adult Dog Food
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Why We Love
Fish is the first ingredient
Contains vitamins and minerals
Low calorie
Safe for sensitive stomachs
Nourishes the coat
But…
Humans may not like the smell
This CRAVE grain-free recipe is made using salmon and ocean fish, suitable for dogs of all sizes. It is crafted with high-quality protein and is free from the addition of grains — the meaty flavor will make your fur baby relish every bit of it. To be more accurate, the dry food comprises 34% protein — it will make your pet strong, promoting lean muscle growth.
You don’t have to worry about it containing by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives — the formula is completely free of those ingredients. A customer on Amazon says, “My 70Ib dog LOVES Crave. He has a sensitive stomach and so I’m picky with what he eats. He’s been eating Crave for about 1.5 years and has had no problems. This is high-quality food for a reasonable price.”
BEST NATURAL
BLUE BUFFALO Freedom Grain-Free Adult Recipe
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Why We Love
Strengthens the joints and hips
Crafted especially for adult dogs
Offers complete and balanced nutrition
Made with high-quality ingredients
Made in the USA
But…
Pieces of kibble are quite small
BLUE BUFFALO’s Freedom Grain-Free Adult Recipe is formulated with the finest ingredients that your four-legged companion won’t be able to get enough of! It is devoid of any grains and gluten and specifically caters to dogs that live an active lifestyle. Moreover, vets and animal nutritionists worked together to meticulously select a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to be added to the formula — it supports the immune system and maintains a healthy oxidative balance.
The best part is that this dry food is all-natural — it contains no poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, preservatives, or artificial flavors. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are also added to aid in the upkeep of healthy skin and coats.
BEST LIMITED-INGREDIENT
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe
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Why We Love
Made with raw ingredients
Loaded with protein
Internationally sourced ingredients
Suitable for dogs of all sizes
Contains vitamins and minerals
But…
Crumbles easily with pressure
This grain-free dog food from Instinct is made with a single source of protein and one vegetable — it contains absolutely no grains, dairy, eggs, chicken, beef, fish, sweet potatoes, potatoes, chickpeas, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors and preservatives. It features an all-natural recipe and is specially crafted for dogs with allergies — it contains grass-fed lamb — a healthy and easily digestible protein that provides essential amino acids. Additionally, every piece of raw coated kibble is freeze-dried raw to keep the nutritional value and taste intact.
Furthermore, it’s made in the USA with premium ingredients that are minimally processed. You can rest assured that your pooch is indulging in the best when they consume this dry food.
BEST VARIETY PACK
Cesar Filets In Gravy Variety Pack
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Why We Love
Good portion size
2 different flavors of 6 packs each
Great pricing
Doesn’t upset the stomach
Travel-friendly
But…
Texture can be quite chunky
The first ingredient in this Cesar wet dog food is meat — when you feed your pooch this food, you’re providing them with a tasty and healthy meal. Made in the USA with premium ingredients, you can serve the filets in gravy as a meal or use it as a topper to enhance the appeal of dry food. There are no fillers or artificial flavors present — it’s loaded only with the good stuff.
Furthermore, they come in tray packaging with easy-to-peel seals, making it a convenient option for pet parents who are on the move. Lastly, the recipe offers complete and balanced nutrition, just what your precious little furry friend deserves!
BEST HUMAN-GRADE
The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken Recipe
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Why We Love
Great for lactating mothers
Superior quality ingredients
Makes your pet active
Offers allergy relief
Ideal for weight management
But…
Expensive
As the world’s first human-grade dry dog food, the Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken Recipe contains all-natural ingredients that are produced in a human food facility — this means that the ingredients are of the highest quality and meet more safety standards. It offers complete and balanced nutrition, making it suitable for both puppies and dogs of all breeds and sizes. If you’re wondering what exactly goes into the formula, it contains human-grade muscle meat and liver, low glycemic carbs, beneficial fats, and live probiotics — all of this is cold-pressed into lip-smacking, bite-sized pieces that are ready to eat out of the bag.
Furthermore, it’s minimally processed and always made fresh in small batches. Plus, it’s free from feed-grade ingredients such as meat meals, fillers, GMO ingredients, artificial flavors, and artificial preservatives.
How We Chose the Best Grain-Free Dog Food
Though there were many good contenders, our team performed full-fledged research to bring you only the best. We considered the ingredients, flavor, benefits, and budget while also reaching out to experts for their suggestions.
Furthermore, we also spoke to pet parents who have been caring for dogs with allergies and sensitive stomachs. This gave us better insight into what brands we can trust — we discovered some of the most commonly purchased grain-free dry and wet foods that are safe and gentle, suitable for dogs with allergies.
FAQ
What is the healthiest dog food in America?
The healthiest dog food in America is usually made by brands such as Blue Buffalo and Merrick among others.
Is grain-free really best for dogs?
Grain-free food isn’t really the best for all dogs — it depends on your pet’s medical condition. Dogs who have allergies or sensitive stomachs can benefit from grain-free diets.
Is Pedigree grain-free?
No, Pedigree dog food is made with the inclusion of grains in their recipes.
What is the most sold dog food in the US?
According to recent data, Blue Buffalo, Purina, and Pedigree are the most popular dog food brands in the USA.
What is the unhealthiest dog food?
The answer to this question is subjective, as what’s healthy for one dog may be unhealthy for another. Before purchasing any dog food, carefully take a look at the ingredients and check if they are safe for your dog to consume.
What are the disadvantages of grain-free dog food?
Grain-free dog food generally lacks essential nutrients such as carbs, fiber, and vitamins. They are also costlier than traditional dog food. Moreover, grain-free diets may also be linked to an increase in certain heart conditions in dogs; however, studies are yet to conclude their findings on this matter.
How do I know if my dog should be grain-free?
If your dog is prone to skin issues or digestive problems, you can visit the vet with your pet to find out if a grain-free diet can help.
What dog food is not recommended by vets?
Dog food that is crafted with fillers and artificial additives is generally not recommended by veterinarians.
What is the healthiest food to feed your dog?
This generally can vary from dog to dog, but in most cases, dog food that meets AAFCO standards is very healthy and can offer balanced nutrition to your pet.
Is Royal Canin good for dogs?
Royal Canin is considered to be a good dog food brand, as they offer a wide variety of dog foods catering to different breeds, life stages, and medical conditions.
