Contrary to the grain-free trend that dominated the pet food industry for years, recent studies and veterinary advice have highlighted the benefits of incorporating wholesome grains into the best dog food with grain. Grains such as rice, barley, and oats are not only excellent sources of essential carbohydrates but also provide dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support digestive health, energy levels, and overall well-being.
Choosing the best dog food with grain involves considering the quality of ingredients, the specific needs of your dog based on age, activity level, and dog health conditions, and the advice of veterinary professionals. This balanced approach ensures that dogs receive a diet that supports their health and vitality, making grain-inclusive dog foods an excellent choice for many pet owners.
Grains, when included as part of a well-rounded diet, can provide valuable nutrients such as carbohydrates for energy, fiber for digestive health, and essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health. Opting for dog food that includes wholesome grains like brown rice, barley, and oats can contribute to sustained energy levels, healthy skin and coat, and proper digestive function.
Key Ingredients and Optimal Health with Best Dog Food with Grain
Best Dog Food with Grain should be at the forefront, with options like brown rice, quinoa, barley, and oats being preferable due to their high fiber content and essential nutrients. Proteins should come from real, identifiable sources such as chicken, beef, fish, or lamb, ensuring that your dog receives the amino acids necessary for muscle development and repair.
Look for foods enriched with fruits and vegetables, which provide natural sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support immune health. Healthy fats like those from flaxseed or fish oil are important for a shiny coat and overall wellness.
Also You Can Check Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food
When to Choose Grain-Free Dog Food
There are specific scenarios when pet owners should consider avoiding grain-inclusive dog food and opt for grain-free alternatives instead. Primarily, this applies to dogs with diagnosed grain allergies or intolerances, where consumption of grains can lead to adverse reactions such as skin irritations, gastrointestinal upset, and other allergy-related symptoms.
Dogs with sensitive digestive systems may also fare better on a grain-free diet, as grains can sometimes be harder to digest for certain individuals, leading to discomfort or digestive issues. Some dogs with specific health conditions, advised by a veterinarian, might require a specialized diet that excludes grains to manage or mitigate symptoms.
Check FDA Investigation into Potential Link between Certain Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Our Top Picks
| Best Dog Food with Grain – Overall |
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| Eukanuba Adult Lamb & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food |
| Best for Ingredents Quality |
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| Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food |
| Best for Budget |
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| Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Medium Adult Dry Dog Food |
Best Dog Food with Grain
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
Crude Protein (min) 21%, Crude Fat (min) 12%, Crude Fiber (max) 4%, Moisture (max) 10%
Lifestage: Adult
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food is expertly formulated to support the digestive health and skin nourishment of adult dogs who may have sensitive stomachs or skin issues. With a minimum crude protein content of 21% and crude fat at 12%, this diet ensures your dog’s muscles are supported while maintaining a healthy skin and coat.
The inclusion of high-quality, easily digestible ingredients such as chicken and prebiotic fiber aids in optimal nutrient absorption and digestive health.
This recipe is free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, making it a wholesome choice for your pet. It’s important to note that dogs with specific protein sensitivities might need an alternative protein source.
Pros:
Formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin, promoting digestive health and skin nourishment.
Made with high-quality, easily digestible ingredients such as chicken and prebiotic fiber.
No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Cons:
Some dogs may prefer a different protein source than chicken.
Premium price point compared to some other brands.
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Crude Protein (min) 26%, Crude Fat (min) 16%, Crude Fiber (max) 4%, Moisture (max) 12%
Lifestage: Adult
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food stands out with its high-quality protein source, salmon, which occupies the first ingredient slot.
This choice ensures that your dog receives a minimum of 26% crude protein, crucial for muscle maintenance, along with 16% crude fat for energy and a healthy coat.
The formula’s inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids from salmon enhances skin and coat health, making it an excellent choice for dogs with sensitive skin.
The formula’s easily digestible rice and oatmeal cater to dogs with sensitive stomachs, while prebiotic fiber supports a balanced gut microbiome. The specific use of salmon also means that dogs with a preference for poultry or meat-based proteins might be less enthusiastic about this formula, despite its nutritional benefits and focus on digestive health and skin nourishment.
Pros:
Salmon as the first ingredient provides high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Easily digestible rice and oatmeal for gentle digestion.
Contains prebiotic fiber to support a healthy gut microbiome.
Cons:
Fish-based formula may not be suitable for all dogs, especially those with fish allergies.
Some dogs may prefer the taste of poultry or meat-based proteins.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat LF Dry Dog Food
Crude Protein (min) 20%, Crude Fat (min) 8.5%, Crude Fiber (max) 3.6%, Moisture (max) 10%
Lifestage: Adult
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Dog Food is meticulously crafted to cater to adult dogs needing a specialized diet that supports their gastrointestinal health while managing fat intake. With a guaranteed analysis showing a minimum of 20% crude protein and 8.5% crude fat, this formula ensures adequate protein for muscle maintenance while keeping fat at a lower level to aid digestion and support dogs with fat-sensitive conditions.
The inclusion of highly digestible proteins and prebiotics promotes gut health and facilitates easier digestion, making it an ideal choice for pets with gastrointestinal sensitivities.
It’s lower fat content means it may not meet the energy requirements of highly active dogs, who might benefit from a diet with a higher fat ratio.
Pros:
Low-fat formula ideal for dogs with digestive issues requiring a lower fat diet.
Highly digestible proteins and prebiotics for gut health and easier digestion.
Formulated to support a balanced and healthy gastrointestinal system.
Cons:
Requires veterinary authorization to purchase, which may not be convenient for all pet owners.
The lower fat content might not be suitable for highly active dogs requiring more energy.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Crude Protein (min) 24%, Crude Fat (min) 14%, Crude Fiber (max) 5%, Moisture (max) 10%
Lifestage: Adult
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of adult dogs, featuring real chicken as its first ingredient. This choice ensures a robust crude protein content of at least 24%, crucial for maintaining lean muscle mass.
Accompanied by a 14% crude fat content, it provides the necessary energy for daily activities while supporting a healthy coat and skin. The recipe’s inclusion of wholesome grains, such as brown rice and barley, offers dietary fiber that promotes healthy digestion.
This dog food is enhanced with Blue Buffalo’s exclusive LifeSource Bits—a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals meticulously chosen by veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support the immune system health, life stage requirements, and a healthy oxidative balance.
While the product boasts a comprehensive and balanced diet for adult dogs, potential sensitivities to chicken or grain ingredients should be considered. This food represents a holistic approach to dog nutrition, focusing on high-quality protein sources and essential nutrients to support overall health and wellbeing.
Pros:
Features real chicken as the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein.
Contains wholesome grains like brown rice and barley that offer fiber for healthy digestion.
Enriched with LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune system health.
Cons:
Some dogs may be sensitive to chicken or other ingredients included.
The inclusion of grains may not be suitable for dogs with specific grain sensitivities or allergies.
Iams ProActive Health Adult Minichunks Chicken and Whole Grains Recipe Dry Dog Food
Crude Protein (min) 25%, Crude Fat (min) 14%, Crude Fiber (max) 4%, Moisture (max) 10%
Lifestage: Adult
Iams ProActive Health Adult Minichunks Chicken and Whole Grains Recipe Dry Dog Food offers an excellent nutritional profile for adult dogs, with high-quality chicken leading its ingredient list.
This ensures a minimum crude protein content of 25%, supporting strong muscle development and maintenance. The 14% crude fat content fuels daily activities and contributes to a shiny coat and healthy skin.
This recipe’s tailored blend of fibers and prebiotics is designed to promote healthy digestion, while a comprehensive mix of essential nutrients aids in supporting a healthy heart and robust immune system.
Despite its numerous benefits, the inclusion of whole grains might not make it the best choice for dogs with grain allergies. The minichunk kibble size, although perfect for many dogs, may not satisfy those that prefer larger kibble or have specific preferences for different protein sources.
Pros:
High-quality chicken as the first ingredient supports strong muscles.
Tailored blend of fibers and prebiotics for healthy digestion.
Formulated with essential nutrients to support a healthy heart and strong immune system.
Cons:
May not be suitable for dogs with grain allergies due to the presence of whole grains.
Some dogs might prefer larger kibble sizes or different protein sources.
Eukanuba Adult Lamb & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Crude Protein (min) 25%, Crude Fat (min) 15%, Crude Fiber (max) 4%, Moisture (max) 10%
Lifestage: Adult
Eukanuba Adult Lamb & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food provides a nutritious alternative for adult dogs, particularly those who might be sensitive to more common protein sources like chicken or beef. With lamb as the primary ingredient, this formula ensures a minimum crude protein content of 25%, essential for sustaining muscle strength and overall health.
The 15% crude fat content offers ample energy for daily activities, while the inclusion of a balanced mix of fibers and prebiotics supports digestive health and nutrient absorption. This food is formulated to meet the needs of adult dogs, offering a balanced ratio of proteins, fats, and essential nutrients to promote muscle conditioning, optimal energy levels, and a healthy digestive system.
Despite its many advantages, it’s worth noting that a lamb-based diet may not be the right choice for every dog, especially those with sensitivities to specific proteins. The cost of lamb as a primary ingredient can sometimes result in a higher price point for this dog food compared to others.
Pros:
Lamb is the primary protein source, offering a tasty alternative for dogs sensitive to chicken or beef.
Includes a balanced ratio of proteins and fats to support muscle conditioning and optimal energy levels.
Contains a unique blend of fibers and prebiotics for digestive health and with this prebiotics its Best Dog Food with Grain for our editors.
Cons:
Lamb-based diets may not be suitable for all dogs, especially those with specific protein sensitivities.
The price point might be higher than some other protein sources.
Nutro Essentials Adult Lamb & Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Crude Protein (min) 22%, Crude Fat (min) 14%, Crude Fiber (max) 3.5%, Moisture (max) 10%
Lifestage: Adult
This choice ensures a solid foundation of 22% minimum crude protein, pivotal for maintaining strong muscles and overall vitality. Alongside, a 14% crude fat content supplies essential energy, while the inclusion of rice and sweet potato offers easily digestible carbohydrates for steady energy release throughout the day.
Notably, this recipe steers clear of chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy protein, aligning with pet owners’ growing preference for more natural and less allergenic ingredients.
It also avoids artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, emphasizing its commitment to wholesome nutrition. The specific use of lamb, while beneficial for many dogs, may not align with the dietary needs or preferences of all pets.
Pros:
Features real lamb as the first ingredient, providing a high-quality source of protein for muscle maintenance.
Contains rice and sweet potato for easily digestible carbohydrates that provide sustained energy.
Free from chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy protein, and artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Cons:
Lamb as the primary ingredient might not suit all dogs, especially those with specific dietary sensitivities or preferences.
May be priced higher than some grain-inclusive diets due to the quality of ingredients.
Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Lamb & Rice Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
Crude Protein (min) 26%, Crude Fat (min) 16%, Crude Fiber (max) 3%, Moisture (max) 12%
Lifestage: Adult
Purina ONE SmartBlend is designed to cater to the nutritional demands of adult dogs through its high-quality lamb first ingredient, ensuring a rich source of protein that supports muscle health with a minimum crude protein content of 26%.
The formula boasts a 16% crude fat level to meet energy needs and sustain a lustrous coat. This product is distinguished by its dual-defense antioxidant blend, which fortifies the immune system, and a SmartBlend of essential nutrients that guarantees a balanced diet at every meal.
Preferences vary, and some dogs might lean towards the taste or texture of fresh or wet foods over dry kibble. Purina ONE’s commitment to combining nature and research offers a scientifically formulated food that supports overall health.
Pros:
Lamb is the first ingredient, providing a premium source of high-quality protein.
Formulated with a dual-defense antioxidant blend for a strong immune system.
SmartBlend of ingredients ensures a balanced diet with every feeding.
Cons:
The inclusion of grains might not be ideal for dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies.
Some dogs might prefer fresh or wet food formats over dry kibble.
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Medium Adult Dry Dog Food
Crude Protein (min) 23%, Crude Fat (min) 12%, Crude Fiber (max) 3.3%, Moisture (max) 10%
Lifestage: Adult
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition is expertly crafted to address the unique dietary needs of medium-sized adult dogs, providing a balanced blend of nutrients tailored to their physiological makeup.
With a guaranteed analysis revealing a minimum of 23% crude protein and 12% crude fat, this formula ensures adequate support for muscle maintenance and energy levels, respectively. The inclusion of an exclusive complex of antioxidants aids in bolstering natural defenses, while a precise combination of high-quality proteins and balanced fibers facilitates optimal digestive health.
The premium price point reflects the specialized care and research invested in developing a diet that meets the precise needs of medium-sized dogs.
Pros:
Tailored to meet the specific nutritional needs of medium-sized dogs.
Supports natural defenses and optimal digestive health with an exclusive blend of antioxidants and fibers.
High-quality proteins and balanced fiber content for muscle maintenance and digestive health.
Cons:
Specifically formulated for medium-sized breeds, which may not suit the nutritional requirements of very small or large breeds.
Premium pricing due to the specialized formulation tailored to medium breed dogs.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
Crude Protein (min) 20%, Crude Fat (min) 12%, Crude Fiber (max) 4%, Moisture (max) 10%
Lifestage: Adult
It is meticulously designed to cater to the distinct nutritional requirements of large breed adult dogs. With a minimum crude protein content of 20% and crude fat at 12%, this food supports the maintenance of lean muscle mass and provides the energy needed for daily activities, ensuring your large breed dog remains in optimal body condition.
The inclusion of natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin is particularly beneficial, promoting joint health and mobility—a crucial consideration for larger dogs prone to joint issues.
High-quality proteins are at the core of this formula, aiding in muscle maintenance without excess weight gain. Maybe the presence of grains like barley, though beneficial for providing fiber and other nutrients, might not suit every dog, especially those with grain sensitivities.
Pros:
Formulated specifically for the nutritional needs of large breed adult dogs.
Contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
Made with high-quality proteins to maintain lean muscle and ideal body condition.
Cons:
The specific focus on large breeds means it may not be suitable for small or medium-sized dogs.
Contains grains, which may not be ideal for dogs with specific grain sensitivities or allergies.
FAQ
Is dog food with grains better?
It depends on the dog’s individual health needs, allergies, and dietary tolerances. For most dogs without grain sensitivities, dog food with grains can be a nutritious option providing essential nutrients.
Do vets recommend grain or grain free?
Vets generally recommend food based on a dog’s specific health needs, but many advocate for grain-inclusive diets unless a dog has a specific grain allergy or intolerance.
Does my dog really need grains?
No, dogs don’t necessarily need grains, but they can benefit from the nutrients grains provide if they don’t have a grain allergy or intolerance.
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