Did you know that many dogs actually thrive on grains—despite the wave of “grain-free” marketing that’s dominated pet food aisles? For years, grains have been painted as fillers or even harmful, yet veterinary nutritionists warn that cutting them out without reason may do more harm than good. This matters because your choice of food isn’t just about calories—it’s about supporting heart health, digestion, and long-term vitality. In this guide, we’ll cut through the confusion, reveal why grains still deserve a place in your dog’s bowl, and highlight the best dog foods with grains—backed by research, expert input, and real owner feedback—so you can feed with confidence.
Grain Benefits for Dogs
Here are the key benefits of feeding grains to dogs:
Benefit
Why it helps
Best grain examples
Steady energy
Complex carbs release energy gradually to support daily activity and endurance.
Oats, brown rice, barley
Essential nutrients
Whole grains provide B vitamins, minerals (e.g., magnesium, iron), and antioxidants.
Brown rice, oats, sorghum, millet
Digestive health
Natural fiber supports regular stools and a healthy gut microbiome.
Barley, oats, brown rice
Weight management
Fiber increases fullness, helping curb overeating while maintaining satiety.
Barley, oats, millet
Heart support
Grains contribute B vitamins and minerals that support overall cardiovascular function.
Oats, brown rice
Skin & coat
Nutrients like vitamin E and zinc aid skin barrier health and coat shine.
Oats, wheat germ, barley
Allergy alternative
True grain allergies are uncommon; grains may be easier than some exotic carb sources.
Rice, oats, sorghum
Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet. If you want personalized guidance, you can connect with a registered veterinary nutritionist online (e.g., through Vetster) to confirm which grains (oats, barley, brown rice, sorghum) fit your dog’s age, activity level, and health history. A quick chat with an online vet can also help you fine‑tune portion sizes and assess whether added fiber or taurine support makes sense. For extra clarity, an at‑home dog gut health test can spotlight microbiome imbalances that benefit from specific grain fibers, while an at‑home allergy test may flag ingredients your dog should avoid. With those insights in hand, you’ll be able to choose a grain‑inclusive diet that supports steady energy, healthy digestion, and overall nutrition.
Best Dog Foods With Grains
Here are the best dog foods with grains of this year.
Best Dry Dog Food With Grains
4.9
★★★★★
The Honest Kitchen
Who It’s For: Dog owners who want to feed the highest quality dry dog food made with whole grains and other human-grade ingredients.
Why we recommended it:The Honest Kitchen is the pioneer brand of human-grade dog food. It uses 100% human-grade ingredients, ensuring safety and higher nutritional value. This makes them a superior choice compared to conventional kibble. The Honest Kitchen’s whole food cluster recipes are roasted and dehydrated to preserve nutrients and flavor, maximizing nutritional integrity. The Honest Kitchen is a superfood-powered kibble featuring functional ingredients that support and boost gut, skin, and coat health, immunity, heart health, weight management, and more.
What sets it apart from competitors: Their preparation methods and facilities meet safety standards 7x those of feed-grade. Their food is made in a facility that produces human food. The primary grains included oats and barley. These grains are selected for their digestibility and nutritional benefits, and the formulas do not contain corn, wheat, or soy.
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Best Fresh Dog Food With Grains
4.8
★★★★★
Spot & Tango Turkey & Quinoa
Who It’s For: Dog owners who want to provide their dogs with the most optimal nutrition, highest quality ingredients, great taste, and the health benefits of a fresh diet.
Why we recommended it:Spot & Tango’s Turkey + Quinoa brings together lean turkey and a gluten-free whole grain in quinoa for balanced protein and carbohydrates. It’s formulated by veterinary nutritionists to meet AAFCO nutritional standards for all life stages—including large-breed development. Plus, it’s made with human-grade USDA meats and ingredients, contains no artificial preservatives, and is free of GMOs and hormones—raising the bar compared to many traditional kibbles. Feeding your dog Spot & Tango comes with numerous scientifically supported health benefits of fresh dog food, including longer lifespans, better digestibility, higher energy levels, and more.
What sets it apart from competitors: Spot & Tango offers an extensive dog profile and diet customization to meet your dog’s specific dietary needs, including calorie intake, age, size, preferences, health issues and more. Fresh recipes are also ideal for dogs with food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or other dietary concerns because they avoid cheap fillers, additives, and harmful chemicals.
Who It’s For: For growth-minded puppies who benefit from grain-inclusive nutrition or for owners who prefer grain-based nutrition for active digestion.
Why we recommended it:Open Farm Ancient Grains Puppy Dry Food with Whole Grains includes oats, millet, brown rice, quinoa, and chia seeds—so you’re getting fiber, key minerals like iron, and omega-3 fatty acids from real plant sources, not processed fillers. All meats are Certified Humane®, with full traceability. Fish comes from Ocean Wise–approved sustainable fisheries. Ingredients are free from antibiotics, hormones, GMOs, corn, wheat, soy, artificial dyes, flavors, or preservatives
What sets it apart from competitors: Instead of generic grains, Open Farm leans into oats, quinoa, millet, and chia, which bring more nutritional nuance and digestibility over everyday fillers. Plus, they offer the ability to track ingredients from farm to bowl—with certifications validating humane and eco-friendly practices.
Best Dog Food with Grains for Allergies
4.7
★★★★★
ACANA Limited Ingredient
Who It’s For: Dogs that show signs of food sensitivities or mild allergies—especially when their owners want a diet with a minimal ingredient with wholesome grains.
Why we recommended it:ACANA Limited Ingredient Lamb & Pumpkin Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food uses lamb as the sole protein source, minimizing the risk of allergenic triggers from poultry, beef, or fish—common culprits in canine food allergies. The inclusion of whole pumpkin plus a grain blend—oats, sorghum, millet—adds gentle fiber and helps soothe upset stomachs, while prebiotics and probiotics offer added gut support.
What sets it apart from competitors: This formula avoids meat meals, artificial flavors, and plant-protein isolates, ensuring a highly digestible and palatable food for sensitive pups. ACANA’s transparent sourcing and safety standards offer additional peace of mind for owners concerned about ingredient quality.
Best Dehydrated Dog Food with Grains
4.6
★★★★★
The Honest Kitchen Gourmet Grains
Who It’s For: Dogs that prefer gently prepared homemade meals or for pet parents seeking a grain-inclusive diet made from whole-food ingredients.
Why we recommended it:The Honest Kitchen Gourmet Grains Beef & Salmon Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food includes high-quality, ranch-raised beef and wild-caught salmon as primary protein sources, providing balanced amino acids and healthy fats. The food incorporates organic grains like barley, oats, and quinoa, which supply digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and important micronutrients. The process of gentle dehydration helps to retain nutrients and flavor without the higher heat extrusion typical of kibbles. Moreover, its human-lab–standard manufacturing, Certified B Corporation status, and use of recognized whole foods add an extra layer trust. Other flavors include Chicken & Duck and Turkey & White Fish.
What sets it apart from competitors: Every ingredient meets human food standards, and the facility used adheres to those same rules—unlike most traditional pet foods. Instead of being extruded at high temperatures, ingredients are slow-dried, which helps retain flavor, aroma, and nutrients—offering a fresh-food experience without refrigeration.
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Best Wet Dog Food With Grains
4.7
★★★★★
JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh
Who It’s For: An excellent choice for dog owners seeking a high-quality wet food option that combines fresh, human-grade ingredients with convenient shelf-stable packaging.
Why we recommended it:JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Lamb & Brown Rice offers rich protein, zinc, iron, and carnitine—all great for metabolism, skin, and coat health—while long‑grain brown rice brings digestible carbs plus B‑vitamins and magnesium for muscle and nerve support. Veggies like cauliflower, carrots, spinach, and blueberries add fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, rounding out a formula that’s both digestible and wholesome. It’s made entirely with 100% human-grade ingredients and contains no preservatives, ensuring purity and safety.
What sets it apart from competitors: The cooking process, which utilizes Tetra Pak technology, preserves nutrient integrity without needing refrigeration until opened, making it convenient for storage and travel.
Best Dog Food with Grains for Small Breeds
4.9
★★★★★
ORIJEN Amazing Grains
Who It’s For: Small-breed adult dogs— it’s easier for petite mouths to chew and enjoy, and the packed macronutrient profile fits the high metabolism typical of active small breeds.
Why we recommended it:ORIJEN Amazing Grains Dry Dog Food Small Breed puts really premium protein front and center: 90% of the formula derives from fresh or raw meats (turkey, chicken, fish, and organs)—what they call their WholePrey approach—foreshadowing a bowl rich in natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, rather than synthetics. The grain blend, featuring oats, millet, quinoa, and chia, isn’t just filler—it offers balanced fiber, antioxidants, and digestible carbs that support energy and digestion. On top of that, there are built-in prebiotics, probiotics, omegas, and glucosamine, which means this kibble helps support gut health, skin and coat shine, and joint comfort—critical for small athletes.
What sets it apart from competitors: ORIJEN doesn’t just use muscle meat—it includes organs, bone, and cartilage in ratios that mirror natural prey, which is rare in high-end small-breed kibbles.
Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food With Grains
4.7
★★★★★
Get Joy Freeze-Dried
Who It’s For: Ideal for pet parents who want the convenience of shelf-stable raw feeding without sacrificing quality or nutritional value.
Why we recommended it:Get Joy Freeze-Dried strikes a thoughtful balance between raw nutrition and daily practicality. The food is gently freeze-dried to retain nutrients and natural flavor, while removing moisture to improve shelf life and convenience. The ingredients are sourced and produced in the U.S., with a clear focus on clean proteins and whole foods—no artificial fillers, preservatives, or additives. The brand also offers wellness consultations and gut health testing, which aligns well with its personalized, health-first approach.
What sets it apart from competitors: Get Joy integrates personalized health services with its food delivery. Most freeze-dried dog food brands stop at the product; Get Joy pairs it with vet-backed nutrition plans and wellness tools, including at-home gut health kits and 1-on-1 consultations. This adds an extra layer of value for owners who want tailored support, particularly when managing chronic health issues such as digestive problems or food sensitivities.
Best Air-Dried Dog Food With Grains
4.6
★★★★★
The Pet’s Table
Who It’s For: Excellent choice for dog parents seeking the most well-rounded, highly nutritious air-dried dog food delivery service.
Why we recommended it:The Pet’s Table Air-Dried Dog Food stands out in its minimal ingredients, whole-food recipes made from real meat as the first ingredient, such as chicken and lamb, along with nutrient-rich vegetables like sweet potatoes and brown rice. These ingredients are selected for their digestibility, flavor, and nutritional value, providing protein for muscle maintenance, fiber for digestion, and vitamins to support immunity and skin health. The air-drying process uses low heat to remove moisture while retaining more natural nutrients compared to traditional kibble. This means your dog gets a more nutrient-dense, flavorful, and fresher alternative without refrigeration or complicated prep.
What sets it apart from competitors: Jerky-like texture is also highly palatable, especially for picky eaters or dogs with dental sensitivity.
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Why we recommended it:Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream Smoke‑Flavored Salmon with Ancient Grains features sustainably sourced salmon as the primary protein, offering high-quality protein and omega fatty acids that promote healthy skin and a glossy coat. The ancient grain blend—containing grain sorghum, millet, quinoa, and chia seeds—provides fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support overall well-being. The food also includes species-specific probiotics added after cooking, which help maintain digestive balance and immunity. Owners often praise this food’s palatability and observe visible improvements in coat condition and energy levels.
What sets it apart from competitors: Incorporation of nutrient-dense ancient grains rather than common fillers. It uses smoked salmon for flavor and nutrition, and the addition of scientifically selected probiotics. It delivers a balanced omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio, which is not always found in similarly priced foods.
Best Senior Dog Food With Grains
4.7
★★★★★
DIAMOND NATURALS
Who It’s For: Crafted for senior dogs—typically those aged seven and above—who need a diet that gently supports joint, digestive, and immune health, without sacrificing energy or pleasure in eating.
Why we recommended it: Diamond Naturals Senior Formula (Chicken, Egg & Oatmeal) strikes a smart balance between senior-specific formula and everyday feeding convenience. The protein and fat levels are thoughtfully tuned to support lean muscle and moderate energy—key for seniors whose metabolism and appetite may be slowing down. Importantly, this formula includes glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint comfort and mobility, as well as proprietary K9-Strain probiotics (80 million CFU per pound) and dietary fiber to ease digestion and bolster immune function. With a lineup of superfoods like kale, chia, pumpkin, blueberries, spinach, and carrots, it also delivers antioxidants, omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that senior dogs need to help maintain overall vitality.
What sets it apart from competitors: Many senior formulas skimp on gut health, but this one delivers significant fiber and probiotics—both of which can help keep sensitive senior systems happy and stool consistent.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the best dog food with grains isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about understanding what truly fuels your dog’s health. While the grain-free craze created a lot of noise, the science and everyday experiences of owners show that grains can provide steady energy, essential nutrients, and digestive support. The real challenge isn’t whether to feed grains, but which grain-inclusive recipe actually delivers on quality. By focusing on foods that balance whole grains with high-quality proteins and thoughtful nutrition, you give your dog more than a meal—you give them the foundation for a longer, healthier life. Now the decision is in your hands: will you keep playing guessing games in the pet food aisle, or choose a grain-inclusive diet you know supports your dog’s well-being?
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Sources
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