17 Best Grain-Free Dog Foods in 2025: Vet-Approved Brands

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Sandra Tashkovska, DVM.

If your pup constantly scratches, suffers from an upset stomach, or lacks energy, their food could be the culprit. Many commercial dog foods are packed with grains that some dogs struggle to digest, leading to chronic allergies, bloating, skin irritation, and other health problems. That’s why grain-free diets have gained traction among pet owners looking for a healthier alternative. While some grain-free food recipes offer high-quality, nutrient-dense ingredients, others replace grains with fillers that do more harm than good. So, how do you separate the best from the rest? Our expert team has analyzed ingredients, sourcing, nutritional balance, and real-world results to give you a definitive list of the best grain-free dog foods that deliver on their promises.

Always work with your vet before changing your dog’s diet. You can get personalized nutritional advice from an online registered vet nutritionist through Vetster anytime, anywhere. You can also chat with an online vet and ask them questions about your dog’s nutritional needs. If you’re unsure whether a grain-free diet is right for your dog, an at-home dog gut health test can analyze their microbiome, providing insights into their digestive health and nutrient needs. Additionally, an at-home dog allergy testing kit can help identify potential food sensitivities, ensuring that you choose a diet free from ingredients that may cause adverse reactions. With this information, you can select the best grain-free diet to support your dog’s optimal digestion and overall well-being.

Best Grain-Free Dog Food

Here are our picks for the best grain-free dog food brands of this year.

Best Overall Grain-Free Dog Food

Recipes: Beef, chicken, turkey & pork

Protein: 24%

Fat: 8 – 12%

Fiber: 2%

Diet: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: All The Farmer’s Dog recipes are grain-free. Their fresh dog food is made with human-grade meat, vegetables, and added nutrients but does not include grains like rice, wheat, or corn. Instead, they focus on whole-food ingredients like sweet potatoes, lentils, and chickpeas for carbohydrates. The Farmer’s Dog creates meals tailored to your dog’s specific needs, considering dietary requirements, calorie intake, age, size, preferences, health issues such as grain sensitivities, and more. When you order The Farmer’s Dog, you can select the most common symptoms caused by grain sensitivities that your dog may be experiencing, and they’ll tailor their recipes to match your dog’s specific health needs. (See below.)

What sets it apart from competitors: Unlike many competitors, The Farmer’s Dog exclusively uses wholesome, USDA-approved ingredients fit for human consumption. Meals are pre-portioned and delivered directly to your door, making it a hassle-free option for busy pet parents.

Best Dry Grain-Free Dog Food

Recipes: Chicken, beef. turkey

Protein: 26%

Fat: 14.5%

Fiber: 5%

Diet: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: The Honest Kitchen whole food clusters grain-free bridge the gap between fresh, whole-food nutrition and the convenience of dry kibble. Unlike traditional kibble, which is often heavily processed at high temperatures, Whole Food Clusters are gently dehydrated and slow-roasted to retain more natural nutrients. This process makes it easier for dogs to digest while offering a crunchy texture and shelf-stability. Additionally, the inclusion of superfoods like flaxseed, pumpkin, kale, and chia seeds adds nutritional diversity that is absent in many grain-free kibbles.

What sets it apart from competitors: The Honest Kitchen stands out by using 100% human-grade ingredients (FDA approved) and being made in facilities that produce human food, meaning it meets the same quality and safety standards as human food. Their preparation methods and facilities meet safety standards seven times those of feed grade.

Best Grain-Free Wet Dog Food

Recipes: Lamb, beef, chicken & venison

Protein: 8% to 11%

Fat: 4% to 6%

Fiber: 1%

Diet: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: Ziwi Peak Canned Wet Dog Food is an excellent choice for pet owners who want a high-protein, grain-free wet food made from 100% ethically sourced, free-range meats from New Zealand, including novel proteins like venison and lamb, which are great for dogs with common protein allergies. Given its high meat content and organ-rich formula, it’s also ideal for picky eaters and active dogs needing high protein for muscle maintenance. Unlike many wet dog foods that use thickeners like carrageenan or gums, Ziwi Peak uses no artificial binders, relying on natural meat broth instead.

What sets it apart from competitors: It contains superfoods such as New Zealand green mussels (rich in joint-supporting glucosamine) and cold-washed green tripe (a probiotic powerhouse).

Best Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Recipes: Lamb, beef, chicken, turkey, surf&turf

Protein: 37% to 41%

Fat: 28% to 32%

Fiber: 2% to 5%

Diet: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw Morsels prioritize whole-animal nutrition—95% meat, organs, and bone—mirroring a dog’s ancestral diet while avoiding synthetic additives. This food is ideal for dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies, as it skips grains, focusing instead on whole-food proteins and organic vegetables. Ethically conscious pet owners will appreciate its humane sourcing—all meats are certified by Global Animal Partnership (GAP) standards, ensuring animals are pasture-raised or free-roaming.

What sets it apart from competitors: The freeze-drying process preserves enzymes and vitamins better than high-heat methods, retaining up to 98% of nutrients. The 30-day satisfaction guarantee is a standout feature, allowing risk-free trials for picky eaters or sensitive pups.

Most Affordable Grain-Free Dog Food

Recipes: Salmon, beef, chicken, lamb & bison

Protein: 30%

Fat: 15%

Fiber: 4.5%

Diet: AAFCO | Grain-free

Why we recommended it: Merrick’s grain-free formula uses real deboned meat, ensuring that dogs get high-quality protein. The blend also includes omega fatty acids for skin and coat health and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, making it a well-rounded option for adult dogs. Owners frequently note improved coat shine and digestion, likely due to omega-3-rich content from salmon oil, sunflower oil, and natural probiotics.

What sets it apart from competitors: Boosted with whole-food inclusions like blueberries, flaxseed, and sweet potatoes, which add antioxidants and fiber. Unlike brands relying on vague “natural flavors,” Merrick discloses most ingredient sources, with 89% U.S.-sourced and traceable lot numbers.

Best Grain-Free Dehydrated Dog Food

Recipes: 10 flavors

Protein: 29%

Fat: 18%

Fiber: 9.6%

Diet: AAFCO | Grain-free

Why we recommended it: The Honest Kitchen’s grain-free line is gently dehydrated to preserve nutrients like vitamins and enzymes often lost in traditional kibble production while making it easy to store and serve. The Honest Kitchen focuses on whole-food nutrition—like free-range meats like turkey, organic flaxseed, and chia seeds—avoiding fillers, grains, or excessive starchy ingredients. Their ethically sourced proteins, including Marine Stewardship Council-certified fish and pasture-raised beef, align with sustainability goals absent in mass-market brands. Plus, it rehydrates quickly, making mealtime both convenient and more enjoyable for dogs.

What sets it apart from competitors: This brand is human-grade-certified, meaning it’s made in a facility that meets FDA standards for human food production. Unlike many dehydrated brands, they emphasize transparency, with 89% of ingredients sourced from North America and traceable lot numbers.

Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach

Recipes: Chicken

Protein: 20.5%

Fat: 13%

Fiber: 4%

Diet: AAFCO | Grain-free

Why we recommended it: Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Grain-Free Adult is made with highly digestible ingredients, such as chicken and potatoes, to be easy on the stomach while providing balanced nutrition. It’s scientifically backed and developed with input from veterinarians and nutritionists and tested through AAFCO feeding trials to ensure nutritional adequacy. Additionally, it’s enriched with antioxidant-rich apples and cranberries, which are packed with vitamins E and C to promote healthy immune function. At the same time, flaxseed provides omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and a radiant coat.

What sets it apart from competitors: The recipe includes prebiotic fibers like dried beet pulp and cellulose, which promote gut health by fueling beneficial bacteria and firming stools, effectively reducing digestive discomfort.

Best Grain-Free Dog Food For Puppies

Recipes: Chicken, pork & salmon

Protein: 43%

Fat: 35%

Fiber: 3%

Diet: AAFCO, fresh, grain-free

Why we recommended it: The Fresh Cooked Open Farm puppy recipe is the best grain-free dog food for puppies. This puppy-specific formula provides the necessary nutrients for puppies’ optimal growth and development, including prebiotic fibers like pumpkin and chicory root. It also supports healthy digestion and calcium iodate as a source of energy production and promotes muscular and cognitive development in puppies. This grain-free food for puppies is more costly than your average puppy food. The Honest Kitchen puppy recipe and Open Farm dry puppy dog food are excellent alternatives if you want something more affordable.

What sets it apart from competitors: This formula is designed specifically for puppies and has a purposeful blend of three proteins to help prevent allergies. It also has added collagen for healthy joint development. It’s also boosted with chia seeds, kale, flaxseed, and other wholesome ingredients.

My Video Review

Best Grain-Free Senior Dog Food

Recipes: Trout & sweet potato

Protein: 30%

Fat: 12%

Fiber: 5%

Diet: AAFCO | Grain-free

Why we recommended it: Nulo Freestyle All Breed Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is high in animal-based protein, helping senior dogs maintain muscle mass as they age. It includes glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, as well as L-carnitine to promote a healthy metabolism. The addition of BC30 probiotics (80 million CFU/lb) outperforms generic probiotics in boosting gut immunity and digestive health, which is crucial for older dogs that may have more sensitive stomachs. Additionally, Nulo’s sustainable sourcing (Ocean Wise®-certified fish) and lack of recall history since 2009 add to the company’s trustworthiness.

What sets it apart from competitors: Unlike many senior dog foods that reduce protein content, Nulo keeps it high to prevent muscle loss. The formula is also lower in carbohydrates, avoiding the fillers that can contribute to weight gain in older dogs. Additionally, Nulo includes functional ingredients like BC30 probiotics for digestion and DHA for cognitive health, which are not always found in grain-free senior formulas.

Best Grain-Free Raw Dog Food

Recipes: Beef, chicken, turkey, duck, lamb & venison

Protein: 45% to 55%

Fat: 20% to 30%

Fiber: 0.5% to 1%

Diet: AAFCO, grain-free, raw

Why we recommended it: We Feed Raw is formulated to mimic a dog’s ancestral diet, using muscle meat, organ meat, and ground bone to provide a well-rounded meal. Unlike home-prepared raw diets, We Feed Raw includes an essential vitamin and mineral blend to ensure complete and balanced nutrition. The food arrives pre-frozen in convenient patties, making it easy to store and portion. You can pick between a personalized plan or buying the box. The personalized plan might be the better choice if you want convenience and a long-term solution. Buying the box is a great option if you prefer flexibility and want to try the meals first.

What sets it apart from competitors: There are no grains, fillers, additives, or excessive, unnecessary ingredients; we Feed Raw stays true to a prey-model diet, offering only human-grade raw ingredients and keeping carbohydrates extremely low. The company also uses cold-pressure (HPP) to treat the food, eliminating harmful bacteria while preserving the natural nutrients.

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Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Allergies

Recipes: Lamb, beef, duck & pork

Protein: 31%

Fat: 17%

Fiber: 5%

Diet: AAFCO, grain-free, limited-ingred

Why we recommended it: ACANA’s limited-ingredient formula focuses on single-source animal proteins and easily digestible carbohydrates, reducing the risk of triggering allergies. Unlike many grain-free formulas relying on multiple protein sources, ACANA keeps it simple with one primary animal protein per recipe, making identifying and eliminating potential allergens easier. The addition of omega fatty acids helps support skin health, reducing itching and inflammation. Many dog owners report that their pets experience reduced allergy symptoms, firmer stools, and improved coat condition after switching to this diet.

What sets it apart from competitors: This formula has a high meat content, ensuring dogs get species-appropriate nutrition. The use of whole-prey ingredients—including muscle meat, organs, and bone—mimics a natural diet, providing essential nutrients without synthetic additives. Additionally, ACANA avoids artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, making it a cleaner choice for dogs with food allergies.

Best High-Protein Grain-Free Dog Food

Recipes: Beef & pork

Protein: 36% to 41%

Fat: 20% to 26%

Fiber: 2%

Diet: AAFCO, grain-free, air-dried

Why we recommended it: A Pup Above grain-free bundle uses premium cuts of real meat as the primary ingredient, ensuring dogs get the animal protein they need to build and maintain muscle mass. The bundle includes the Beef Pot Roast and Porky’s Porchetta, all made with 100% human-grade ingredients and non-GMO vegetables. The inclusion of superfoods like turmeric, thyme, and parsley provides additional support for joint, immune, and digestive health. The A Pup Above Cubies Grain-Free Bundle offers a convenient and nutritious meal option for dogs, combining the benefits of fresh food with the ease of dry kibble. You can also buy each formula separately if you’d like. These are the only two grain-free formulas they offer.

What sets it apart from competitors: On average, A Pup Above recipes offer 50% more protein than competitors. It also differentiates itself with sous-vide cooking, a method that locks in nutrients and flavor while keeping the food free from harmful bacteria.

Other Grain-Free Dog Foods

The Bottom Line

Choosing the best grain-free dog food comes down to prioritizing high-quality ingredients, balanced nutrition, and your dog’s specific dietary needs. While grain-free diets can be beneficial for dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies, it’s crucial to ensure the food provides adequate fiber, essential nutrients, and high-quality protein sources. Brands that emphasize whole meats, vegetables, and added probiotics can support overall health, digestion, and energy levels.

Ultimately, the best diet is one that keeps your dog healthy, active, and thriving. Whether you opt for kibble, freeze-dried, or fresh grain-free options, always consult your veterinarian to ensure you’re making the right choice for your pup’s long-term well-being.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.