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What’s the best dog food that’s made with grain?
Due to the recent controversy over grain-free diets, many dog owners are today looking for the best dog foods that contain grain.
But not all grain-inclusive dog foods are created equal.
So, the Dog Food Advisor compiled a list of our most recommended brands that contain grain.
All the top picks below were selected because their recipes feature…
- Above-average meat content
- Limited plant-based protein
- Safe fat-to-protein ratios
- No toxic preservatives
- Moderate carb levels
- No anonymous meat
And they’re made by companies that meet The Advisor’s 9 guidelines for finding superior brands.
Best Dog Food With Grain December 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best grain-inclusive brands for December 2024.
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Best Dry Dog Food With Grain
1. Orijen Original Amazing Grains
Orijen Original is one of five dry recipes included in our review of the Orijen Amazing Grains product line.
This recipe derives the largest share of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 20% fat and 28% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
The first five ingredients are all sourced from fresh animal protein. This formula also contains healthy DHA and EPA omega oils from whole herring, mackerel and pollock for healthy skin and joints.
Our in-house nutritionist Laura Ward recommends this food, due to its hand-picked quality grains, sourced from non-GMO crops. Enthusiastically recommended.
See all five available recipes
Read our review of the full Orijen Amazing Grains Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- High-quality non-GMO grains
- Omega oils
- Up to 90% animal ingredients
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, chicken liver, whole herring, whole mackerel Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 43% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs (including puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"So happy Orijen now has a grain option. My dog likes this even more than the grain free option. My vet recommended a diet that included grains and switch to other brands has been a challenge. Once we saw this though we immediately gave it a try since she used to love the grain free version. Our dog finishes her entire bowl every time!"
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Best Wet Dog Food With Grain
2. Ollie Lamb Dish
Ollie Lamb Dish is one of five fresh human-grade recipes included in our review of this fresh product line.
This formula derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh lamb. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 27% fat and 27% estimated carbs, with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 70%.
Ollie is an exceptional dog food that’s made with real, human-grade ingredients. It’s designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN), making it all worthy of its higher price.
A top, grain-inclusive wet dog food option that we heartily recommend to keep even the most active dog energized for longer.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- 100% human-grade ingredients
- Real lamb
- Includes cranberries for antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and K
Main Ingredients Lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, chickpeas, kale Type Grain-inclusive, fresh Protein Percentage 38% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs (including puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at MyOllie.com"Leia has a sensitive tummy and used to not eat (or throw up) her dry kibble. She literally jumps for joy when we pull Ollie out of the fridge. What a huge difference Ollie has made in our dog's life."
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Best Food With Grain For Large Breeds
3. Dr Tim's Active Pursuit
Dr. Tim’s Active Pursuit Formula is one of nine dry recipes included in our review of this dry product line.
The recipe derives the lion’s share of its animal protein from chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 33% protein, 22% fat and 36% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.
We like the fact this formula offers active, large-breed dogs a grain-inclusive diet to boost endurance and sustained energy.
Read our review of the full Dr. Tim’s Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- High protein
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Patented BC30 probiotics
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, whole oat groats, dried beet pulp Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 33% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"This food is really good for dogs. It is made by a veterinarian that is experienced in dog sports. It is great quality and my dog loves it as well (and he is picky). Good protein and fat levels for dogs that are more active compared to many foods on the market and the ingredients are really awesome too! So glad I made this purchase. Also, if you need to ask a question, Dr. Tim will often answer your personally, which is fantastic!"
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Best Food With Grain For Small Breeds
4. Nutro Ultra Small Breed
Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult is an example of one of the nine dry recipes included in our review of this dry dog food range.
The recipe gets most of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 29% protein, 19% fat and 44% estimated carbs, producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 65%.
A reasonably priced, nutritionally balanced food containing a mix of healthy cereal grains. We love that it’s made with small breeds in mind, designed to meet their unique nutritional needs. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nutro Ultra Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- High-quality grains
- Omega fatty acids
- 14 superfoods for a health boost
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain sorghum, whole grain oats, whole grain brown rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 29% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We have three Maltese mix dogs ranging from 5 years to 7 months. Our 5 year old was starting to gain weight and moving slow like he was stiff and sore on the food we were using (Natures Recipe). After doing some research we came across the Nutro Ultra. We have used the Nutro hard dog treats for years and the dogs love them so we decided to give the food a try. The dogs love it and our oldest has started to slim down and be more active. No fillers and a great mix of meat and veggies. Enough calories and protein for small dogs without loading them down with a bunch of junk."
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Best Limited-Ingredient Dog Food With Grain
5. JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Lamb & Brown Rice
JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Lamb and Brown Rice received the Dog Food Advisor’s rating of 4 stars.
It is one of nine recipes in our review of this range made by JustFoodForDogs, a company founded in 2010 by entrepreneur Shawn Buckley.
This food derives the bulk of its protein from lamb, which is naturally rich in the 10 essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 26% protein, 22% fat and 44% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 83%.
The Pantry Fresh range is vet-recommended, human-grade food. It can be stored safely for up to two years (refrigeration is only required once opened). We are fans of the grain-inclusive high-calorie count, helping dogs on a limited-ingredient diet get a balanced meal.
Read our review of the full JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Dog Food range here
Things we like
- High calories
- Human-grade ingredients
- Lamb protein
Main Ingredients Lamb hearts, brown rice, cauliflower, carrots, spinach Texture Wet Type Fresh Protein Percentage 26% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at JustFoodForDogs"There is really no other dog food on the market that compares to JustFoodForDogs at all. JustFoodForDogs is the best dog food ever. I would not feed my loved one anything else except JustFoodForDogs"
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Best Dog Food With Grain For Seniors
6. Wellness Complete Health Lamb & Barley
Wellness Complete Health Adult Lamb and Barley is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of this dry dog food range.
The formula gets most of its animal protein from lamb and lamb meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 27% protein, 13% fat and 52% estimated carbs, with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
A fully-balanced, grain-inclusive dog food. Highly recommended by our nutritionist for senior dogs due to the inclusion of wholesome grains alongside omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics and taurine to support a healthy immune system and boost coat and skin health.
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Grains provide sustained energy
- Glucosamine
- Omega fatty acids
Main Ingredients Lamb, lamb meal, oatmeal, ground barley, menhaden fish meal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 27% Best For Adult dogs (including senior dogs) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"So far so good, as both of my dogs love their new Wellness Complete Health Lamb & Barley. They have been on Wellness Original Grain Free for many years, but because of the recent scare on grain free food, I decided to change. So glad I did because their stools are firmer and both my rescued 12 yr old German Shepard/Malmute & 8 yr old Schipperke are very happy and energetic."
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Best Food With Grain For Puppies
7. Jinx Salmon, Brown Rice and Sweet Potato
Salmon, Brown Rice and Sweet Potato recipe is one of six dry recipes included in our review of the Jinx product line.
This recipe derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 30% protein, 16% fat and 46% estimated carbs, creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
The recipe includes natural fiber and antioxidants for a healthy gut and heart for growing puppies. We love this food due to the boost of vitamins A, E, and C, plus the inclusion of high-quality protein and probiotics to help your pup develop.
Read our review of the full Jinx Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Natural fiber and antioxidants
- High-quality protein
- Probiotics
Main Ingredients Salmon, pearled barley, ground peas, turkey meal, brown rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All dogs (including puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog loves it!! And her hair coat is more sunny now!! Thanks so much!!"
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Final word
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