As pet owners become increasingly aware of the ingredients in their dog’s food, grain-free dog foods have gained significant popularity. Grain-free formulas often boast higher protein content, fewer fillers, and are sometimes touted as a more natural option for pets.
However, with so many brands offering grain-free dog foods, it can be difficult to know which one is the best choice for your dog. To help guide your decision-making, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 grain-free dog foods of 2025 based on nutritional quality, ingredient integrity, and overall brand reputation.
1. Orijen Original Dry Dog Food
Overview: Orijen is known for its commitment to biologically appropriate foods that mimic a dog’s ancestral diet. Orijen’s Original Dry Dog Food is packed with fresh, free-run chicken, turkey, and wild-caught fish. This high-protein, grain-free food also includes vegetables, legumes, and fruits that provide a balance of nutrients.
Key Features:
85% animal ingredients (chicken, turkey, fish)
High in protein (38%)
Free from grains, potatoes, and peas
Contains omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health
Includes fruits and vegetables for added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Pros:
Biologically appropriate ingredients
Rich in animal-based protein
Suitable for all life stages
Cons:
Premium price point
Some dogs may have difficulty digesting the high protein levels
2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High-Protein, Natural Dog Food
Overview: Blue Buffalo is a well-known brand that produces high-quality, grain-free food with real meat as the first ingredient. Their Wilderness High-Protein formula is designed to provide dogs with the energy and nourishment they need, using a combination of chicken, fish, and sweet potatoes.
Key Features:
Real chicken as the first ingredient
No grains, gluten, or fillers
Contains antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables
Includes LifeSource Bits for added nutrients
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support healthy skin and coat
Pros:
Rich in protein for active dogs
Supports overall health with antioxidants and fatty acids
No artificial preservatives or colors
Cons:
Some dogs may experience digestive upset when transitioning
Can be on the pricier side
3. Merrick Grain-Free Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe
Overview: Merrick’s Grain-Free Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe is an excellent option for pet owners looking for a high-quality, protein-packed formula. Made with real deboned beef, this food includes a mix of nutritious vegetables and fruits, like sweet potatoes and blueberries, to support overall health.
Key Features:
High in protein (38%) from deboned beef and turkey
No grains, gluten, or artificial additives
Includes fiber-rich sweet potatoes for digestive health
Rich in omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
Pros:
High-quality beef as the first ingredient
Supports digestive and immune health
Ideal for active dogs
Cons:
Strong beef flavor might not appeal to all dogs
Higher fat content could be unsuitable for dogs with weight management concerns
4. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Recipe with Roasted Bison & Roasted Roam
Overview: Taste of the Wild is a brand dedicated to providing nutrient-rich, grain-free dog foods with unique protein sources. The High Prairie Canine Recipe features roasted bison and roasted venison as the primary protein sources, offering a novel taste that many dogs love.
Key Features:
Roasted bison and roasted venison as primary proteins
Free from grains, corn, wheat, and soy
Contains peas and sweet potatoes for digestible carbohydrates
Added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin health
Pros:
High-quality protein sources not commonly used in dog food
Packed with antioxidants from fruits and vegetables
Suitable for dogs with sensitivities to traditional proteins
Cons:
Some dogs may not enjoy the gamey flavor of bison and venison
May not be suitable for dogs with sensitivities to peas
READ ALSO: Can Dogs Eat Grapes? What You Need to Know
5. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe
Overview: Hill’s Science Diet is widely trusted for its scientifically formulated foods that cater to specific health concerns. The Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe is formulated to help dogs with sensitive digestion and skin issues. It contains high-quality chicken and easily digestible ingredients to promote gut health.
Key Features:
Easily digestible chicken as the first ingredient
Free from grains, soy, and gluten
Prebiotic fibers for digestive health
Added omega fatty acids for skin and coat care
Pros:
Specifically designed for dogs with sensitive digestion or skin
Supports gastrointestinal health
No artificial flavors or preservatives
Cons:
Limited protein options (chicken-based)
Some dogs may need a longer transition period to adjust
6. Wellness CORE RawRev High-Protein, Grain-Free, Raw-Crafted Dog Food
Overview: Wellness CORE RawRev is a high-protein, grain-free dog food with raw, freeze-dried pieces of meat mixed into the kibble. It’s designed to provide the nutritional benefits of a raw food diet in a more convenient and easily digestible form.
Key Features:
Freeze-dried raw pieces of meat for added protein
No grains, gluten, or artificial additives
Includes probiotics for digestive health
Supports lean body mass with 40% protein content
Pros:
Raw pieces provide a natural protein source
High-quality ingredients with a focus on meat-based protein
Supports digestive and immune health
Cons:
Freeze-dried pieces may be hard for some dogs to chew
Can be more expensive than other options
7. Nutro Ultra Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Overview: Nutro Ultra Grain-Free Dry Dog Food offers a premium blend of high-quality proteins, including chicken, lamb, and salmon. The formula also includes a mix of superfoods like chia seeds, kale, and blueberries for added nutritional benefits.
Key Features:
Chicken, lamb, and salmon as high-quality protein sources
No grains, soy, or gluten
Includes a blend of 15 superfoods for added nutrients
Rich in omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
Pros:
Three animal-based proteins for variety
Includes nutrient-dense superfoods for overall health
Suitable for all life stages
Cons:
Some dogs may find the formula too rich
Higher fat content may not be ideal for weight management
8. Acana Singles + Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient Diet
Overview: Acana’s Singles + Wholesome Grains formula focuses on limited ingredients to minimize the risk of food sensitivities. It features a single source of animal protein and includes wholesome grains like oats for easy digestion, making it a good choice for dogs with mild sensitivities or food allergies.
Key Features:
Single-source animal protein (e.g., lamb or turkey)
Free from grains, gluten, and artificial additives
Includes healthy fruits and vegetables for antioxidants and fiber
Limited ingredient formula to reduce food sensitivities
Pros:
Simple, single-protein formula
Great for dogs with food sensitivities
High-quality, nutrient-dense ingredients
Cons:
May not provide enough variety for picky eaters
Expensive compared to regular kibble
9. Nature’s Logic Canine Chicken Meal & Rice Dinner
Overview: Nature’s Logic offers natural and whole-food ingredients in its grain-free formulas, and the Canine Chicken Meal & Rice Dinner is no exception. It’s made with chicken meal as the first ingredient, providing a solid protein base, and it contains a mix of fruits, vegetables, and natural probiotics to support digestive health.
Key Features:
Chicken meal as the first ingredient
Free from grains, gluten, and artificial additives
High in fiber from fruits and vegetables
Added probiotics for digestive health
Pros:
Whole food ingredients with no synthetic additives
Ideal for dogs with mild sensitivities
Supports digestive and immune health
Cons:
Not as high in protein as some other options
Rice may not be suitable for all dogs with grain sensitivities
10. Canidae PURE Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Premium Dry Dog Food
Overview: Canidae PURE offers a limited ingredient formula designed for dogs with food sensitivities. The food is made with 8 key ingredients and includes high-quality protein from turkey and chicken.
Key Features:
8 key ingredients, including turkey and chicken
Free from grains, gluten, and artificial additives
Includes probiotics for digestive health
Rich in omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
Pros:
Simple formula with limited ingredients
Suitable for dogs with allergies or sensitivities
High-quality protein sources
Cons:
Limited variety of protein sources
Some dogs may require additional fiber if they have digestion issues
FAQs
Is grain-free food better for all dogs?
Not all dogs need grain-free food. Grain-free diets are typically beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies to grains. However, if your dog does not have these sensitivities, a regular food with grains may provide all the necessary nutrients at a more affordable price.
What are the signs that my dog needs a grain-free diet?
Common signs of food sensitivities in dogs include itching, ear infections, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive gas, and lethargy. If you notice these symptoms, consult with your vet to determine if a grain-free diet could help.
What is the best way to transition my dog to a grain-free food?
Gradually transition your dog to the new food over 7-10 days. Start by mixing 25% of the new food with 75% of the old food, then slowly increase the percentage of the new food each day. This helps to avoid digestive upset.
Are grain-free dog foods safer than regular foods?
Grain-free dog foods can be beneficial for dogs with sensitivities or allergies to grains. However, some research has raised concerns about a potential link between grain-free diets and heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), especially in certain dog breeds. Always consult your veterinarian before switching to a grain-free diet.
Why are legumes used in grain-free dog food?
Legumes like peas, lentils, and chickpeas are commonly used in grain-free formulas as an alternative source of carbohydrates and protein. They help provide energy and fiber but may not be ideal for all dogs, especially those with digestive sensitivities.
