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The best grain-free dog foods typically contain more protein than those made with grain.
But many are made with grain substitutes that can upset the nutrient balance of the finished food. That’s because the 2 most common ingredients used to replace the corn, rice and other cereal grains found in other dog foods include…
- Potatoes
- Legumes (peas, chickpeas, lentils, soybeans, etc.)
Although both are suitable grain substitutes, legumes are also rich in protein which is a good thing.
However, unlike meat-based protein, plant protein can be deficient in certain essential amino acids.
This is why we recommend the 10 grain-free foods below – where meat remains the dominant source of protein in each formula.
Best Grain-Free Dog Foods December 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best grain-free dog food brands for December 2024.
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1. Best Dry Grain-Free Dog Food: Wysong Epigen Grain-Free Dog Food
Extremely dense in protein, Wysong Epigen is a high-quality dry food produced by a family-owned business based in the U.S.
This recipe derives the majority of its protein from organic chicken, chicken and turkey meal. Meat meal contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh meat.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 67% protein, 17% fat and 9% estimated carbs… which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 25%.
Read our review of the full Wysong Epigen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- High protein
- Made in the U.S.
- Significant amount of named meats
Main Ingredients Organic chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, potato protein, meat protein isolate Texture Dry Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 67% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I was excited to find a type of dog food-starch-free, but also grain-free because my dog doesn't tolerate corn. Two days after starting the Wysong food, she had more energy, and started walking further."
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2. Best Wet Grain-Free Dog Food: Ollie Fresh Grain-Free Turkey Recipe
Ollie Fresh Turkey is one of five wet recipes included in our review of the Ollie product line.
This particular formula sources most of its animal protein from fresh turkey and turkey organ meat. Our dry matter analysis shows it contains 35.7% protein, 25% fat, and 31.1% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 70%.
Ollie customizes feeding plans based on your dog’s age, weight and activity level to recommend portion sizes to maintain an ideal weight. The fresh, personalized meals are delivered on a flexible schedule, stored in your freezer, and thawed as needed in your refrigerator.
This scientifically balanced diet offers a near-homemade experience — without the hassle. It’s not the cheapest option, but highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Contains organ meat
- Human-grade ingredients
- Customized meal plans
Main Ingredients Turkey, butternut squash, turkey livers, oats, lentils Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 35.7% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at MyOllie.com"Our 10 year old GSD had skin issues & was refusing to eat his dry food. We made the switch to Ollie & the changes have been amazing. Dexter is no longer scratching all the time and he looks forward to his breakfast & dinner every day. He's also perkier and runs around like a puppy. We are so happy with Ollie!!"
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3. Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Large Breeds: Wellness Core Grain-Free Ocean
Large-breed dogs need a diet that provides enough protein, healthy fats, and nutrients to support their size and maintain joint health. Wellness Core offers a specific Large Breed recipe to support these requirements.
The Ocean formula is one of 12 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Core product line. All the foods are high in protein and free from corn, wheat, soy, and gluten. The range encourages whole-body health without any meat by-products or artificial preservatives.
This particular recipe derives most of its meat protein from fish and fish meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 17% fat and 38% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
An exceptional protein-rich option.
Read our review of the full Wellness Core Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- High protein content
- Free from meat by-products and artificial preservatives
- Contains healthy fats
Main Ingredients Whitefish, herring meal, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 38% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"This is a great grain-free food. We feed 2 large Golden Retrievers and 2 large boxers and they do very well on it. One of the Goldens is a picky eater as far as flavor, and he loves the seafood flavor."
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4. Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Small Dogs: Tender and True Salmon and Sweet Potato
Tender and True Salmon and Sweet Potato is a solid choice for small breeds as the kibble size and texture is crafted specifically to suit smaller mouths.
This particular recipe is one of eight in the range and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids to boost the immune system and ease joint pain. It derives most of its meat protein from salmon and whiting meal. Sweet potato is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as iron and calcium.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 18% fat and 41% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.
Read our review of the full Tender and True Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Contains omega-3 fatty acids
- Wide recipe range
- High meat content
Main Ingredients Salmon, whiting meal, dried sweet potato, tapioca starch, dried potato Texture Dry Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All adults and puppies (including small or medium breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews"Just starting my Dachshund on this. Chose it for the ingredients and good reviews. So far, he is doing good with it. Love the kibble size - not too small and not too big - and a quality kibble."
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5. Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Senior Dogs: Open Farm Harvest Chicken Pate
Open Farm uses human-grade and ethically sourced ingredients to ensure its food is made to the highest quality standards.
The Harvest Chicken recipe is one of five in our review of the Open Farm Pate line and offers a high-protein, low-carb formula perfect for older dogs. It helps to maintain muscle mass, boosts the immune system and promote overall health.
Each recipe features non-GMO veggies such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and spinach, ensuring a nutrient-packed meal.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36.4% protein, 22.7% fat and 32.9% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Pate Dog Food (Canned) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade ingredients
- 100% traceable ingredients
- Non-GMO ingredients
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken broth, potatoes, chicken liver, sweet potatoes Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 36.4% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Dogs and senior dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Open Farm"My sweet older dog doesn't have any teeth and that's okay. He loves eating and his food is great. Sometimes he's eating the whole can in a day can eat it even though he has no teeth."
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6. Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Puppies: The Farmer's Dog Chicken recipe
The Farmer’s Dog uses fresh, human-grade ingredients to create a naturally moist, highly palatable food for dogs.
Puppies need extra protein for growth and benefit from easily digestible food due to their sensitive stomachs. This Chicken recipe is one of four formula in our review of The Farmer’s Dog fresh dog food. It is protein-rich and a favorite among pet parents for dogs and puppies with digestion issues.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 46% protein, 34% fat and 12% estimated carbs… delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 74%.
This exceptional, human-grade food is free of feed-grade ingredients and, though pricier, is highly recommended.
Read our review of the full The Farmer’s Dog range here
Things we like
- Highly palatable
- High protein levels
- Human-grade ingredients
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken liver, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 44% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs (including puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at The Farmer's Dog"Our Havanese puppy 'Chutney' is a very picky eater and The Farmer's Dog is the only thing he eats without fuss."
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7. Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach: American Journey Beef and Sweet Potato Recipe
American Journey, the pet food brand of Chewy, is a protein-rich dog food that offers an affordable, high-quality option for pet parents.
This Beef and Sweet Potato formula is one of 17 dry recipes included in our review of the American Journey product line. It includes salmon oil (rich in omega-3 fatty acids) as well as probiotics and prebiotics which support optimal digestion for those with sensitive stomachs.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 16% fat and 41% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
Read our review of the full American Journey Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Wide range of recipes
- Includes prebiotics and probiotics
- Includes Omega-3 fatty acids
Main Ingredients Deboned beef, chicken meal, turkey meal, peas, chickpeas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog went to training and this is what she was eating so we continued to buy it. She has a sensitive stomach so we ended up having to switch it but she gobbled this down easily!"
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8. Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Picky Eaters: Raised Right Beef Recipe
Extremely high in protein and made from human-grade, fresh ingredients, Raised Right Beef is a high-quality and highly palatable dog food; great for fussy eaters.
This particular formula is one of 11 fresh recipes included in our review of the Raised Right range. All recipes are rated five stars and made from an abundance of named meat sources.
Raised Right Beef gets most of its animal meat from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 61% protein, 24% fat and 8% estimated carbs, leaving a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Wide recipe range
- Highly palatable
- High protein levels
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries Texture Fresh Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 61% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at RaisedRight.com"My dog has always been a finicky eater. She sniffs new foods and walks away if they are not agreeable to her sense of smell. She would go through her food bowl and toss out anything she didn't like. She loves Raised Right and even eats the vegetables in fact, she licks her bowl clean after every meal."
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9. Best Affordable Grain-Free Dog Food: Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Skin and Coat All Life Stages
Formulated for dogs at all life stages, Diamond Naturals Skin and Coat features salmon as the first ingredient, providing omega fatty acids to support the immune system, skin, and coat health. It also includes vitamins and minerals from nutrient-rich vegetables and superfoods like lentils.
This particular recipe is one of 13 in our review of the Diamond Naturals dry food line, with most of its meat protein coming from salmon and fish meal. Our dry matter analysis shows the recipe contains 28% protein, 16% fat, and 49% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Starting at around $31.99, it’s considered a budget-friendly, nutritious option.
Read our review of the full Diamond Naturals Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Contains omega fatty acids
- Contains superfoods
- Budget-friendly
Main Ingredients Salmon, fish meal, potatoes, lentils, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 28% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adult dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
"We started buying Diamond Naturals for our last German Shepherd who was allergic to chicken. We continue to use it for our present GSD and also our other small dog. They both do well on it and the price is more reasonable than a lot of other non-chicken foods."
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10. Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Allergies: Canidae Pure Grain-Free Real Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe
Lamb, a more novel meat, is the main meat source in this Canidae recipe making it a great option for dogs with allergies to more common proteins such as chicken or beef.
Canidae Grain-Free Pure Real Lamb and Sweet Potato is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Canidae Pure product line.
This particular recipe derives the majority of its animal protein from lamb and poultry meal and is free from artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33.3% protein, 16.7% fat and 42% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
Read our review of the full Canidae Pure Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Wide range of recipes
- Novel meat
- Free from artificial colors and flavors
Main Ingredients Lamb, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potato, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 33.3% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dogs LOVE this food! Good for dogs who have food allergies or sensitivities. Kind of expensive, but it’s worth it. My English bulldog Jeff started losing his hair when we had him on the regular Canidae. So we switched to grain free and his fur grew back and he looks great!"
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