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pup eating grain-free dog food
FatCamera/iStock

The 13 Best Grain-Free Dog Foods for Dogs Who Need Them

Updated March 25, 2024 | Dog > Diet
By Kate Barrington
Original article by Karen Anderson.

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  • This review contains affiliate links. Read more here.
  • Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

A healthy diet is the foundation of lifelong wellness for your dog, but choosing the right food for your pup is often easier said than done. It gets particularly tricky when your dog is affected by food allergies or other conditions that require nutritional management. The good news is that plenty of options are available if your veterinarian says grain-free food is the best choice for your dog.

From crunchy kibble to high-moisture wet food and freeze-dried options, we’ve gathered a list of our top grain-free dog food recommendations. But ultimately, your selection may come down to factors such as price, storage and serving convenience, and (of course) your dog’s preferences. Just don’t forget to consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes.

Instinct raw boost grain-free dry dog food

Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Pieces

This energy-dense dry dog food is infused with freeze-dried chicken pieces to boost the flavor and add some extra protein for your pup.

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Table of Contents

  1. Dry
  2. Wet
  3. Freeze-Dried
  4. Small Breeds
  5. Large Breeds
  6. Senior Dogs
  7. Small-Breed Puppies
  8. Large-Breed Puppies
  9. Budget
  10. Dehydrated
  11. Subscription
  12. Sensitive Stomachs
  13. Picky Eaters

Our picks

Best Dry

Top Pick
Instinct raw boost grain-free dry dog food
Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free RecipeRead our review

Best Wet

weruva steak frites canned dog food
Weruva Steak Frites DinnerRead our review

Best Freeze-Dried

freeze-dried chicken flavor dog food
Stella & Chewy’s Chewy’s Chicken Dinner PattiesRead our review

Best for Small Breeds

Merrick small breed grain-free dry dog food
Merrick Lil' Plates Real Chicken & Sweet Potato RecipeRead our review

Best for Large Breeds

wellness core large breed dog food
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Chicken & Turkey RecipeRead our review

Best for Senior Dogs

orijen grain-free senior dry food
Orijen Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Read our review

Best for Small-Breed Puppies

Merrick small-breed puppy wet food
Merrick Lil' Plates Pint-Sized Puppy Plate Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodRead our review

Best for Large-Breed Puppies

nulo large-breed puppy dry food
Nulo Freestyle Salmon & Turkey Recipe Large Breed Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodRead our review

Best Budget

american journey beef recipe canned dog food
American Journey Beef Recipe Grain-Free Canned Dog FoodRead our review

Best Dehydrated

the honest kitchen dehydrated dog food
The Honest Kitchen Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dehydrated Dog FoodRead our review

Best Subscription

Top Pick
ollie fresh beef recipe dog food
Ollie Fresh Dog Food (Verified Review)Read our review

Best for Sensitive Stomachs

taste of the wild prey dry dog food
Taste of the Wild PREY Angus Beef RecipeRead our review

Best for Picky Eaters

Rachael Ray Nutrish variety pack grain-free wet dog food
Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK Grain-Free AdventureRead our review

Best Dry: Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Pieces 

Instinct raw boost grain-free dry dog food

Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Pieces

This energy-dense dry dog food is infused with freeze-dried chicken pieces to boost the flavor and add some extra protein for your pup.

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Many dog guardians prefer dry dog food because of its crunchy texture and shelf-stable convenience. Made with chicken and chicken meal as the top two ingredients, this Instinct recipe offers a protein-rich choice. It also contains protein from fish and freeze-dried chicken pieces to enhance the product’s flavor and texture. 

Dry dog food contains more starch than canned food because it’s required to shape the kibble pieces during processing. However, this formula balances the carbohydrate content against a healthy amount of protein and fat. When you account for the moisture content, the food contains over 40% protein and about 22.5% fat measured as dry matter. 

This dry food formula meets the AAFCO minimum nutrient requirements for dogs in all life stages except large-breed puppies. At over 500 calories per cup, it’s an energy-dense product. So, you’ll want to follow the feeding guidelines and your vet’s recommendations to avoid unintentional weight gain.

Key Nutrients: 

  • 4469 kcal/kg
  • Protein: 40.7%
  • Fat: 22.5%
  • Crude Fiber: 4.4%
  • Moisture: 9%

Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Tapioca, Herring Meal, Freeze Dried Chicken, Menhaden Fish Meal, Natural Flavor, Freeze Dried Chicken Liver, Dried Tomato Pomace, Pumpkin Seeds, Freeze Dried Chicken Heart, Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin), Carrots, Apples, Cranberries, Montmorillonite Clay, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide), Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Dried Kelp, Salmon Oil, Blueberries, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract.

Best Wet: Weruva Steak Frites Dinner Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

weruva steak frites canned dog food

Weruva Steak Frites Dinner with Beef, Pumpkin & Sweet Potatoes in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

Packed with beef muscle meat and beef organs, this moisture-rich canned food is an easily digestible choice for dogs. With its thick gravy-like texture, it’s also an appealing option for picky eaters.

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For dogs who prefer a softer texture, this canned food from Weruva features shreds of meat mixed with chunks of vegetables in a smooth gravy. In addition to beef muscle meat, it contains nutrient-rich beef organs like lungs and kidneys. It’s a single-protein recipe, so it may also work well for dogs allergic to other proteins like chicken or fish. 

Measured on a dry-matter basis, this food contains about 46% protein and 15% fat. It’s slightly higher in fat and calories than some of Weruva’s chicken-based foods but still includes a short list of easily digestible ingredients. Added starch thickens the gravy, but it’s free from peas and legumes.

Key Nutrients: 

  • 580 kcal/kg
  • Protein: 46.2%
  • Fat: 15.4%
  • Crude Fiber: 7.7%
  • Moisture: 87%

Ingredients: Water Sufficient for Processing, Beef, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Carrot, Beef Lung, Beef Kidney, Potato Starch, Xanthan Gum, Sunflower Seed Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement

Best Freeze-Dried: Stella & Chewy’s Chewy’s Chicken Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

freeze-dried chicken flavor dog food

Stella & Chewy's Chicken Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

Give your dog the nutritional benefit of a raw diet without sacrificing the convenience of shelf-stable food. This freeze-dried formula offers a single-protein source of grain-free nutrition.

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This freeze-dried raw recipe is a protein-packed choice featuring cage-free chicken, organs, and bones. Organic fruits and vegetables and added supplements provide essential nutrients that are balanced according to the AAFCO dog food nutrient requirements.

Because it’s made with a single source of animal protein, this recipe might be a good option for dogs sensitive to other proteins. It’s energy-dense, too, containing over 50% protein. Though pricier than some options at around $2.40 an ounce, this food’s caloric density may reduce the required portion size. If your dog is allergic to chicken, other flavors include rabbit, venison, pork, beef, duck, and lamb.

Freeze-dried dog food is frozen at extremely low temperatures and then dried to eliminate pathogenic bacteria and render the product shelf stable. However, the product is still technically raw, so always carefully follow safe food handling practices. 

Key Nutrients: 

  • 4420 kcal/kg
  • Protein: 50.5%
  • Fat: 29.5%
  • Crude Fiber: 5.3%
  • Moisture: 5%

Ingredients: Chicken with Ground Bone, Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard, Pumpkin Seed, Organic Cranberries, Organic Spinach, Organic Broccoli, Organic Beets, Organic Carrots, Organic Squash, Organic Blueberries, Fenugreek Seed, Potassium Chloride, Dried Kelp, Sodium Phosphate, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Choline Chloride, Dried Pediococcus Acidilactici Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Longum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid

Best for Small Breeds: Merrick Lil’ Plates Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food 

Merrick small breed grain-free dry dog food

Merrick Lil' Plates Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Small Breed Dry Dog Food

Formulated with 60% animal ingredients, this chicken and sweet potato dry food is designed with the needs of small breeds in mind. It’s also enriched with probiotics for digestive support.

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Small breeds tend to burn calories more quickly than large breeds. Many veterinarians recommend an energy-dense formula with plenty of protein to support lean mass. This dry food from Merrick is formulated with small dogs’ unique nutritional requirements in mind.

With three animal ingredients at the top of the ingredient list, this recipe provides 33.7% protein measured as dry matter, giving it more protein than Merrick’s grain-inclusive chicken recipe for adult dogs. It’s slightly lower in fat but offers similar energy density at about 387 calories per cup.

This recipe contains added probiotics to support digestive health, which is particularly important for small-breed dogs prone to constipation. The food also contains added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support.

Key Nutrients: 

  • 3556 kcal/kg
  • Protein: 33.7%
  • Fat: 13.5%
  • Crude Fiber: 3.9%
  • Moisture: 11%

Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavor, Whitefish Meal, Flaxseed, Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Apples, Blueberries, Salmon Oil, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Calcium Iodate), DL-Methionine, Taurine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Folic Acid, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Mixed Tocopherols (for freshness), Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product. 

Best for Large Breeds: Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Chicken & Turkey Recipe

wellness core large breed dog food

Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Chicken & Turkey Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food 

Deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal give this dry dog food a protein-rich foundation while also supplying natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support.

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Though small breeds may burn energy at a higher rate, large breeds require more calories overall. Protein remains essential to help dogs maintain lean mass, while supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin provide joint support. This Wellness CORE large-breed formula checks these boxes and more. 

With chicken muscle meat as the main ingredient, this dry food delivers nearly 38% protein. Not only do chicken meal and turkey meal provide supplemental protein, but because these ingredients include ground bone, they also provide natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin. 

While small breeds tend to have constipation, loose stools are more common in large-breed dogs. Resistant starches like the peas in this formula can help promote healthy digestion. The food also contains probiotics for digestive support. 

Key Nutrients: 

  • 3492 kcal/kg
  • Protein: 37.8%
  • Fat: 13.3%
  • Crude Fiber: 6.7%
  • Moisture: 10%

Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine), Turkey Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Lentils, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed, Pea Fiber, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Chicken Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Choline Chloride, L-Carnitine, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), 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

Best for Senior Dogs: Orijen Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

orijen grain-free senior dry food

Orijen Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Designed to support lean muscle mass maintenance in older dogs, this grain-free dry food formula is made with 85% animal-derived ingredients for optimal digestibility.

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Every senior dog is different, but many can benefit from a moderate-calorie diet with plenty of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. This Orijen dry food formula is primarily meat-based—made with 85% animal ingredients—and delivers a protein content of over 43%.

Salmon, whole herring, and pollock oil all offer biologically valuable sources of omega-3 fatty acids. However, the fat content remains moderate at just under 15%. Orijen provides feeding instructions for both weight maintenance and weight loss, so it’s easy to scale your dog’s daily portion if they’ve slowed down in their old age. 

Key Nutrients: 

  • 3710 kcal/kg
  • Protein: 43.2%
  • Fat: 34.2%
  • Crude Fiber: 6.8%
  • Moisture: 12%

Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Salmon, Whole Herring, Chicken Liver, Dehydrated Chicken, Dehydrated Sardine, Dehydrated Chicken Liver, Dehydrated Egg, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, Whole Navy Beans, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Chickpeas, Whole Peas, Dried Apple Pomace, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard), Eggs, Dehydrated Turkey, Natural Chicken Flavor, Dehydrated Pumpkin, Pollock Oil, Chicken Fat, Lentil Fiber, Chicken Heart, Vitamin E Supplement, Whole Pumpkin, Whole Butternut Squash, Collard Greens, Whole Apples, Whole Pears, Whole Cranberries, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Chicory Root, Turmeric, Sarsaparilla Root, Althea Root, Rosehips, Juniper Berries, Citric Acid (Preservative), Rosemary Extract

Best for Small-Breed Puppies: Merrick Lil’ Plates Pint-Sized Puppy Plate

Merrick small-breed puppy wet food

Merrick Lil' Plates Pint-Sized Puppy Plate Grain-Free Wet Dog Food

Meet the high energy needs of your growing small-breed puppy with this protein-packed wet food formula from Merrick.

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Puppies grow quickly, but small-breed puppies achieve their adult size sooner than large-breeds. A protein- and calorie-dense diet like Merrick Lil’ Plates provides the nutrition your puppy needs to grow at the appropriate rate. Measured as dry matter, it contains about 47% protein and nearly 19.5% fat. Additionally, it contains salmon oil to provide the DHA and EPA required for puppy brain and eye development. 

This small-breed puppy food is protein-rich and easy to chew. It consists of bite-sized morsels mixed with a moist gravy. Because it comes in small 3.5-ounce tubs, ensuring your puppy’s food is fresh at every meal is easy.

Key Nutrients: 

  • 968 kcal/kg
  • Protein: 47.2%
  • Fat: 19.5%
  • Crude Fiber: 7.8%
  • Moisture: 82%

Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth, Chicken Liver, Deboned Turkey, Dried Egg Whites, Potato Starch, Potatoes, Peas, Apples, Red Peppers, Guar Gum, Sunflower Oil, Salmon Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Tricalcium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate, Potassium Iodide), Ground Flaxseed, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Xanthan Gum, Rosemary Extract

Best for Large-Breed Puppies: Nulo Freestyle Salmon & Turkey Recipe Large Breed Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

nulo large-breed puppy dry food

Nulo Freestyle Salmon & Turkey Recipe Large Breed Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

To support lean muscle development without putting your large-breed puppy at risk for excessive growth, this turkey recipe from Nulo contains an ideal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio with plenty of animal protein.

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While protein and calories are essential to support healthy development in large-breed puppies, excessive growth can be dangerous. Specifically, it increases the puppy’s risk for musculoskeletal issues later in life. This Nulo Freestyle dog food tailors its formula to the specific needs of large-breed puppies.

The food contains 35.5% protein on a dry-matter basis to support lean mass, but it’s lower in fat than the brand’s small-breed recipes, which helps moderate the food’s energy density to prevent rapid growth. It also contains an appropriate calcium-to-phosphorus ratio to promote healthy bone development. 

Key Nutrients: 

  • 3423 kcal/kg
  • Protein: 35.6%
  • Fat: 15.6%
  • Crude Fiber: 5.6%
  • Moisture: 10%

Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Turkey Meal, Red Lentils, Chickpeas, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid), Ground Flaxseed, Ground Miscanthus Grass, Deboned Turkey, Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, DL-Methionine, Dried Chicory Root, Salt, Choline Chloride, Dried Apples, Dried Blueberries, Dried Carrots, Taurine, Dried Tomatoes, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Iron Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Manganous Oxide, Biotin, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Rosemary Extract

Best Budget: American Journey Beef Recipe Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

american journey beef recipe canned dog food

American Journey Beef Recipe Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

Flavorful beef makes up the majority of the protein in this budget-friendly grain-free canned food formula from American Journey.

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Priced around $0.20 per ounce, American Journey is a budget-friendly pick that delivers a healthy dose of protein and plenty of hydrating moisture. This canned food features beef, chicken, and whitefish as the main ingredients, with beef broth adding a more flavorful source of moisture than water.

This food provides nearly 41% protein and over 27% fat. It’s fairly low in carbohydrates and—unlike some of American Journey’s grain-free dry food options—is free from peas and legumes. It doesn’t contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and the list of main ingredients is relatively limited to reduce the risk of triggering sensitivities. 

Key Nutrients: 

  • 1076 kcal/kg
  • Protein: 40.9%
  • Fat: 17.2%
  • Crude Fiber: 6.8%
  • Moisture: 78%

Ingredients: Beef, Beef Broth, Chicken, Pork Liver, Potatoes, Whitefish, Natural Flavor, Sunflower Oil, Pumpkin, Ground Flaxseed, Guar Gum, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Blueberries, Cranberries, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Cobalt Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide), Vitamins (Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Choline Chloride, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Magnesium Sulfate

Best Dehydrated: The Honest Kitchen Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dehydrated Dog Food

the honest kitchen dehydrated dog food

The Honest Kitchen Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dehydrated Dog Food

Gently dehydrated to preserve nutritional value, this recipe from The Honest Kitchen quickly soaks up water or broth to create a soft, hydrating alternative to fresh or canned food.

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If you like the idea of preparing your dog’s meals fresh but aren’t sold on making homemade dog food from scratch each day, a dehydrated product might be a good option. The Honest Kitchen’s dehydrated food only requires the addition of water. What you get is a soft, moist food that tastes fresh. 

This particular recipe is free from grains and features chicken as the sole source of animal protein. Measured as dry matter, it provides about 26% protein and 16.4% fat. It’s lower in protein than many products on this list but could be a good choice for dogs with pancreatitis or other conditions treated with restricted protein intake. 

Key Nutrients: 

  • 3930 kcal/kg
  • Protein: 26.2%
  • Fat: 16.4%
  • Crude Fiber: 7.1%
  • Moisture: 8.5%

Ingredients: Dehydrated Chicken, Organic Flaxseed, Dehydrated Potatoes, Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes, Dried Apples, Dehydrated Celery, Dehydrated Honey, Dehydrated Pumpkin, Dehydrated Cabbage, Dried Bananas, Dried Papayas, Dehydrated Green Beans, Dried Basil, Dehydrated Organic Kelp, Dried Garlic, Minerals [Tricalcium Phosphate, 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), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement]

Best Subscription: Ollie Fresh Dog Food (Verified Review)

ollie fresh beef recipe dog food

Ollie Fresh Dog Food (Verified Review)

Get fresh dog food delivered conveniently to your door with Ollie, which features a grain-free beef recipe.

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Home delivery meets fresh food with Ollie. This subscription service offers five fresh and two baked recipes for dogs. All recipes are formulated by veterinary nutritionists to meet AAFCO guidelines for dogs in all life stages. 

When you sign up for Ollie, you’ll receive a meal plan tailored to your dog’s age, weight, activity level, and flavor preferences. Your first order will include a starter kit to see how your dog likes the food—if they don’t, Ollie offers a money-back guarantee.

Ollie’s fresh dog food recipes all offer a single animal protein with nutrient-rich whole foods like blueberries, sweet potatoes, and carrots. The beef recipe is grain-free and uses potatoes, peas, and chickpeas for carbohydrates instead. In our testing, we found it to be a convenient and customizable choice when feeding fresh.

Key Nutrients (for Beef with Sweet Potatoes Recipe): 

  • 1540 kcal/kg
  • Protein: 32.1%
  • Fat: 25%
  • Crude Fiber: 7.1%
  • Moisture: 72%

Ingredients: Beef, Carrots, Beef Kidneys, Potatoes, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Beef Livers, Chickpeas, Spinach, Tricalcium Phosphate, Salmon Oil, Salt, Taurine, Zinc Gluconate, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) Supplement, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Thiamine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B1), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Potassium Iodide

Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Taste of the Wild PREY Angus Beef Recipe Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food

taste of the wild prey dry dog food

Taste of the Wild PREY Angus Beef Recipe Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food

Formulated with easily digestible proteins and grain-free carbohydrates, this dry dog food from Taste of the Wild is a great choice for dogs who experience frequent tummy troubles.

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Some dogs have trouble digesting certain ingredients. If your dog requires a grain-free diet but continues to experience digestive difficulties after making the switch, it may help to simplify their diet. A limited-ingredient diet like this Taste of the Wild recipe has fewer ingredients to upset your dog’s stomach. 

This PREY recipe contains just four main ingredients. To further improve digestibility, it features a single source of animal protein: beef. It also contains added probiotics to support a healthy microbial balance in your dog’s digestive tract. 

This dry dog food relies primarily on animal-sourced fat from chicken and salmon. Salmon oil is particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which offer anti-inflammatory properties and help support healthy skin and coat in dogs.

Key Nutrients: 

  • 3630 kcal/kg
  • Protein: 30%
  • Fat: 16.6%
  • Crude Fiber: 5.6%
  • Moisture: 10%

Ingredients: Beef, Lentils, Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salmon Oil (Source Of Dha), Salt, Dl-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Taurine, L-Carnitine, 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, 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

Best for Picky Eaters: Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK Grain-Free Adventure Variety Pack Wet Dog Food 

Rachael Ray Nutrish variety pack grain-free wet dog food

Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK Grain-Free Adventure Variety Pack Wet Dog Food 

If you’ve got a picky eater on your hands, this variety of pack of flavorful wet dog food recipes might be an ideal option. Each recipe is protein-packed with a shredded texture and a rich gravy.

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If your dog shows declining interest in their current food, mix it up. This variety pack of canned foods from Nutrish includes three grain-free recipes, making it perfect for picky eaters. Each recipe features chicken and eggs paired with flavorful duck, lamb, or beef. 

With three recipes to choose from, you can rotate your dog’s diet to keep things interesting. The food has a shredded texture and comes in a smooth gravy to improve palatability. Plus, it’s packaged in 3.5-ounce portions, so you don’t have to worry about wasting leftovers. 

All three recipes contain about 44% protein and nearly 28% fat. The food is also relatively low in carbohydrates and easily digestible for most dogs. 

Key Nutrients (for Wetlands Recipe): 

  • 883 kcal/kg
  • Protein: 44.4%
  • Fat: 27.7%
  • Crude Fiber: 19.4%
  • Moisture: 82%

Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Chicken, Duck, Dried Egg Product, Egg White, Sunflower Oil, Tapioca, Pea Protein, Dicalcium Phosphate, Guar Gum, Natural Flavor, Fish Oil, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Caramel (Color), Choline Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Celery Powder, Vitamin E Supplement, L-ascorbyl-2- polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin A Acetate, Copper Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K Activity)

How We Chose

The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, comprehensive analysis of customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts. We chose grain-free dog food that meets AAFCO’s minimum nutritional requirements for dogs, prioritizing recipes made with high-quality ingredients. Our choices are also influenced by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.

Further Reading

  • Is Grain-Free Dog Food Good for Dogs? 
  • The Best Grain-Free Treats for Dogs
  • The Best Hypoallergenic Dog Foods for Pups with Food Allergies
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Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is a writer specializing in pet nutrition and human health and fitness. She is the loving owner of three cats, one dog, and a rabbit who share her home in Pittsburgh, PA. Her love for pets started with her first family dog, a golden retriever named Alexandra.


Original article by Karen Anderson.

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By Kate Barrington

Original article by Karen Anderson.

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