10 Best Grain-Free Dog Foods

№	Name	Rating	Nomination
1	Primordial for puppies chicken and fish	4.83	The best dry diet for puppies. Reasonable price
2	GO! Carnivore grain-free, chicken, turkey, duck, salmon	4.81	The most popular grain-free food. Maximum percentage of meat
3	Nutram T26 lamb	4.79	The most hypoallergenic
4	Farmina N&D, grain-free, for sensitive digestion, lamb, with quinoa	4.77	The most gentle formula
5	NOW FRESH for senior dogs with turkey, duck, salmon and vegetables	4.76	Popular diet for older dogs. Weight control
6	Bosch Soft, buffalo with sweet potato	4.76	Unique semi-moist formula. Best for the picky and sensitive
7	Wellness CORE Ocean, salmon, tuna	4.68	Balanced fish diet. Price quality
8	Monge BWILD Feed the Instinct, duck and potatoes	4.66	The optimal choice for small breeds. Bright new product
9	ORGANIX grain-free, duck, turkey, chicken	4.52	The largest packaging. Large granules
10	Pro Plan Optidigest, for sensitive digestion, turkey	4.51	Best price. Easy to find in store

The most popular brands of grain-free dog food

Grain-free diet brands primarily focus on quality rather than advertising. But among them there are those that many experienced dog owners have heard of:

GO!

The most famous Canadian grain-free food introduced on the Russian market in 2022. It features a high meat content and the absence of corn in all lines. The brand offers both grain-free and low-grain solutions with a moderate percentage of rice.

Farmina.

A large Italian manufacturer that creates food of all classes from cereal economy diets to high-quality low-grain and grain-free lines, known as N&D, including effective diets for sensitive digestion and weight control.

Pro Plan.

Recently, the American concern for low-cost solutions also joined the list of producers of dry grain-free food. However, there is only one diet without grains in its implementation and is noticeably inferior to a number of analogues in the number of meat ingredients.

What to Look for When Choosing Grain-Free Dog Food

No matter how trivial it may sound, the first thing is to make sure that the food is truly grain-free. Often, companies and stores, for the sake of profit, include diets with rice or low grain content in this category, forgetting that even 5% can harm especially sensitive pets. Next, you should check the percentage of meat and fish. Ideally, they should be at least 50%. The bigger, the better.

Don't forget about your dog's personality. For allergy sufferers, grain-free food without chicken, chicken fat, citrus fruits and other potential allergens is suitable. It is important to take into account the state of the pet’s gastrointestinal tract. If you have sensitive digestion, it is recommended to pay attention to special lines, usually containing easily digestible components, supplemented with starch and other additives that normalize digestion. But if you are overweight or have metabolic disorders, it is better to choose a food with a low content of starchy potatoes and tapioca or without them.

Top 10. Pro Plan Optidigest, for sensitive digestion, turkey

Rating (2021): 4.51

707 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, OZON, 4lapy, Wildberries, Review-review

Best price Despite the wide popularity of the brand, Pro Plan Optidigest food is much cheaper than most of its closest grain-free competitors.

Easy to find in store Pro Plan is available in almost any pet store. This makes the purchase much easier. However, it is important not to confuse Optidigest with other non-grain-free lines.

Characteristics
Average price: 581 rub. for 700 g
Country: USA (made in Italy)
Age and size: adult small breed dogs
Flavor: turkey
Packing options, kg: 0.7; 2.5 and 7
Proteins: 30%
Fat: 17%
Ash: 8%

The most inexpensive, but in many ways quite successful option. As befits a grain-free diet, this diet contains higher-quality sources of fiber than grains, such as peas and beet pulp. This makes it suitable for dogs with grain allergies. In addition, the food helps normalize digestion and contains natural prebiotics. At the same time, the diet is not as empty as many other budget dry foods. The composition includes fish oil, valued as an important source of Omega-3 fatty acids, and egg powder, which allows you to increase the proportion of healthy protein.

The food is also praised for its good palatability. Many dogs eat it with appetite, easily chewing small, moderately hard granules that are perfect for small breeds. However, Pro Plan is far from ideal due to the low percentage of meat, which the manufacturer tries to replace with plant proteins and soy flour, as well as the high starch content, which contributes to weight gain.

Advantages and disadvantages

Low price
Small, easily chewable granules
Improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract
Nutritional supplements

Low percentage of meat
Plant proteins and soy flour

Royal Canin

High-quality food that meets all dietary requirements. Easy to digest, pets eat it with pleasure. There are no harmful preservatives or components that cause allergies.

Based on the weight of the animal, not much is required. Of all the reviews about dietary dog food, Royal Canin deserves the highest rating.

The only negative, according to experienced dog breeders, is its high cost, due to wide demand among caring owners.

Top 9. ORGANIX grain-free, duck, turkey, chicken

Rating (2021): 4.52

The largest packaging Unlike most food, Organix is presented not only in small bags, but also in 18 kilogram packages, which is convenient when there is a large breed dog or several pets in the house.

Large granules You don’t have to worry that your pet will swallow the portion without chewing. The granules of this food are among the largest and are easy to chew. The diet is optimal for large breeds.

Characteristics
Average price: RUB 5,897. for 18 kg
Country: Russia (produced in the Netherlands)
Age and size: adult dogs of all breeds
Flavor: turkey, chicken, duck
Packing options, kg: 2.5; 12; 18
Proteins: 25.5%
Fat: 16%
Ash: 7.5%

Unlike cheaper analogues, domestic Organix pleases with a good balance of price and composition. Although affordable, the food contains 20% dehydrated chicken meat, and not naked proteins or flour, like most budget solutions. Moreover, this component occupies the first position in the composition, which means it predominates. The food is also supplemented with 4% turkey meat, 4% duck meat, dried eggs and FOS prebiotics, which promotes good digestion.

Thanks to salmon oil, glucosamine and chondroitin, Organix takes care of joints, strengthening them and preventing a number of problems, which is especially important for large breeds prone to dysplasia and other diseases of the spine and joints. All this allows us to call Organix one of the best inexpensive dry food. Dogs eat this food well. Reviews praise it for its good smell and normal digestibility. However, the percentage of meat in general is small here and does not exceed 28%, as in most inexpensive diets.

Advantages and disadvantages

Decent composition
Reasonable price
Comprehensive care for digestion and joints
Dogs eat well

Not too much meat

Top 8. Monge BWILD Feed the Instinct, duck and potatoes

Rating (2021): 4.66

20 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, OZON, Wadoo, Yavitrina

The best choice for small breeds One of the best diets designed specifically for small breeds. It is distinguished by small granules with a diameter of 1 cm, care for digestion and the absence of chicken in the composition.

A bright new product Although this taste appeared relatively recently, it has already managed to win the sympathy of Monge food lovers with its balanced formula and the absence of major allergens.

Characteristics
Average price: RUB 2,015. for 2.5 kg
Country: Italy
Age and size: adult small breed dogs
Flavor: duck
Packing options, kg: 2.5
Proteins: 30%
Fat: 20%
Ash: 7.5%

The Monge BWILD line has long enjoyed a reputation as a worthy and beloved food for many dogs. This grain-free diet continues the tradition, delighting pets and their owners with a thoughtful composition that includes at least 65% animal-derived ingredients. The most attractive feature of this dry food is the absence of allergens such as chicken, grains and citrus fruits, which makes it suitable for the most sensitive and allergy-prone dogs. The main source of protein here is duck meat, which is considered a hypoallergenic product.

At the same time, the food is perfectly digestible thanks to a wide range of prebiotics, including sources of FOS, MOS and brewer's yeast, which are also rich in protein, essential amino acids and have a beneficial effect on both the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and the condition of the skin and coat. Monge also contains chondroitin, glucosamine and salmon oil that are beneficial for joints. However, it is worth considering that the fat content of this food is slightly above average.

Advantages and disadvantages

Wide range of prebiotics
Dogs like it
No chicken or citrus
Caring for joints and fur

Fairly high fat content
No choice of packaging

Top 7. Wellness CORE Ocean, salmon, tuna

Rating (2021): 4.68

44 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, OZON, Magizoo, IRecommend, OtzyvKorm

Balanced fish diet The best dry food based on fish, including fresh salmon. It has high nutritional value with the complete absence of chicken and other animal proteins.

Price – quality Despite the reasonable price, Wellness Core boasts a high-quality composition, including fish, fish oil, vitamin-rich vegetables, berries, fruits and prebiotics.

Characteristics
Average price: 5,990 rub. for 10 kg
Country: USA (manufactured in France)
Age and size: adult dogs of medium and large breeds
Flavor: salmon and tuna
Packing options, kg: 1.8 and 10
Proteins: 34%
Fat: 16%
Ash: 7%

Although the most common allergens are chicken and grains, in rare cases dogs cannot tolerate other types of meat. Grain-free fish food can solve the problem, and Wellness Core is considered one of the best. Its formula is hypoallergenic and does not contain animal meat or fat, only salmon, tuna, peas, potatoes, some greens and berries. These products do not cause negative reactions and are considered dietary and contribute to a good figure.

Moreover, the food belongs to the highest quality class, known as holistic, and includes more than 45% fish components, which allows the dog to get everything it needs from the diet. According to reviews, this dry food has a pleasant smell, optimal granule size that is suitable for both medium and large breeds, and convenient packaging with a clip to close the bag. Most dogs like Wellness Core, but pets who don't like fish don't always immediately approve of the diet.

Advantages and disadvantages

Hypoallergenic formula
Holistic class
High percentage of fish
No chicken or other animal proteins

Vegetable protein
Taste for everyone

Daily values are still important

It is a mistake to believe that by choosing a special food for your dog to lose weight, you can immediately solve the problem of excess weight. It is very important to adhere to the daily feeding norms, which are indicated on the packaging of the selected product. Let's take as an example the table compiled for Acana Light & Fit food.

As you can see, there are two feeding options offered here: for maintaining and losing body weight. If the dog’s current weight is 30 kg, and she needs to lose weight to 20 kg, then the feeding rate should be 200 g per day. Once the animal reaches the target weight, it is recommended to increase the dosage to 240 g.

If for some reason you do not want to switch your pet to special food, weight loss is still possible. To do this, the manufacturer's recommended dosage should be reduced by 10-20%, and then progress should be monitored weekly by weighing.

It is important to know
The dosages on the packages are not one-time, but daily. If you feed your dog twice a day, the recommended amount of food should be divided into two equal parts.
Feed should be measured using a measuring cup or an accurate kitchen scale. Cups from other brands cannot be used as dry food pellets can vary significantly in size and density.

Top 6. Bosch Soft, buffalo with sweet potato

Rating (2021): 4.76

51 reviews taken into account from resources: OZON, Otzovik, IRecommend, CMP24, Magizoo

Unique semi-moist formula The humidity of Bosch Soft is 19 percent, which is several times higher than that of analogues. But, although the food is called semi-moist, it does not look like canned food. The granules are dry but soft.

Best for the picky and sensitive Thanks to this special formula, the diet has a rich taste, attractive even to the most picky people. And the soft texture makes it easier to chew and digest.

Characteristics
Average price: RUB 1,712. for 2.5 kg
Country: Germany
Age and size: adult large breed dogs
Flavor: buffalo
Packing options, kg: 1; 2.5 and 12.5
Proteins: 22%
Fat: 12%
Ash: 7.3%

Bosch Soft grain-free food for large breeds has an attractive smell and is liked by almost all dogs, making it a good choice for both regular feeding and training. Reviews show that it helps to better motivate your pet to follow commands. At the same time, soft kibble turns food not only into a gourmet’s dream, but also into an excellent solution for pets with sensitive digestion and oral problems.

The texture is more delicate than that of conventional dry diets, it is better digested, does not crush the gums and does not require strong teeth to chew it. At the same time, the food boasts a completely hypoallergenic monoprotein composition, which is based on 40% fresh buffalo meat. But it is worth keeping in mind that many dogs like Bosch Soft so much that they may overeat and gain weight. This is also facilitated by a high percentage of starch. Therefore, it is important to follow the recommended feeding rates.

Advantages and disadvantages

Ideal for training
Suitable for high sensitivity
Soft, easy to chew croquettes
Monoprotein formula

It is important not to overfeed

Reviews

Vera, Leninsk

“During the holidays, I gave my dog to my grandmother. There the bigel fattened up, got fat, and stopped looking like himself. I had to involve a veterinarian to get the dog back to his normal weight. At the same time, I was constantly tormented by a feeling of guilt, as if I was depriving the dog.”

Maxim, Nizhny Novgorod

“A friend gave me his Pekingese because the child was allergic to wool. I immediately realized that the dog was overfed. So I bought him special food and took him for walks in the park every day. Now the dog feels much better and more energetic.”

Top 5. NOW FRESH for senior dogs with turkey, duck, salmon and vegetables

Rating (2021): 4.76

89 reviews taken into account from resources: Yandex.Market, OZON, Petshop, Review review, Magizoo

Popular diet for older dogs The most popular and well-known grain-free food for older dogs, which has received many times more reviews than its closest analogues.

Weight control The key difference is the thoughtful dietary composition, which helps maintain optimal weight and even lose weight slightly, which is especially important for older pets.

Characteristics
Average price: RUB 3,341. for 5.45 kg
Country: Canada
Age and size: older dogs (7+) small breeds
Flavor: turkey, salmon, duck
Packing options, kg: 1.59; 2.72; 5.45 and 9.98
Proteins: 25.4%
Fat: 13.4%
Ash: 7.7%

As befits a food designed for small breeds, Now Fresh has small kibble sizes that are optimal for Spitz, Toy Terriers and other miniature dogs. They have the shape of a four-leaf clover, thanks to which the pet does not try to swallow a portion, but chews every piece with pleasure. Therefore, the food is also suitable for slightly larger breeds, such as dachshunds and pugs. The benefits don't end there. Now Fresh pleases with a balanced composition, the main components of which are turkey meat, eggs, potatoes and peas, as well as some salmon and duck meat.

Thanks to a decent amount of meat ingredients, the food contains enough of the best proteins for dogs. It is also supplemented with glucosamine, chondroitin and New Zealand green mussels, which help maintain healthy joints and ligaments. Reviewers often note that after starting feeding Now Fresh, pets become more cheerful, playful, and slimmer.

Advantages and disadvantages

Small, conveniently shaped granules
Good percentage of meat ingredients
Provides strength and supports joints
Wide selection of packaging

Not always suitable for picky people

What not to do

There are a number of actions that are unacceptable while your pet is on a diet:

You cannot limit your dog to water, it is dangerous for his body;
It is necessary to initially collect all the information about treats, some products can be toxic to dogs;
Excessive physical activity is also not always suitable for the animal. It is recommended not to strain your pet too much in the initial stages.

You cannot deprive your dog of food completely; the process of losing weight should be gradual.

Top 4. Farmina N&D, grain-free, for sensitive digestion, lamb, with quinoa

Rating (2021): 4.77

174 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, OZON, OtzyvKorm, IRecommend

The most gentle formula This food is designed specifically for the most sensitive dogs and contains only healthy natural ingredients that are well tolerated by most animals.

Characteristics
Average price: 6,341 rub. for 7 kg
Country: Italy
Age and size: adult dogs of all breeds
Flavor: lamb
Packing options, kg: 0.8; 2.5 and 7
Proteins: 25%
Fat: 12%
Ash: 7.5%

Farmina N&D with lamb is one of the few products that dogs switch to willingly and easily. The components of this grain-free food are selected so that it is perfectly digestible and does not cause discomfort even with not the smoothest change in diet, which in itself makes it the best. At the same time, the diet pleases with the most important features for dogs that are difficult in terms of nutrition.

Lamb meat is used here as the main source of proteins in combination with pea starch, known for its ability to stabilize metabolism and digestion, which allows the body to properly absorb food and the pet to be healthy and cheerful. This is also facilitated by an extensive range of prebiotics, fennel and artichoke. The food is also supplemented with additives to support joints. According to reviews, N&D is well tolerated by pets, even the most picky dogs like it and is suitable for most allergy sufferers. However, the price is quite high, and the packaging does not have a ziplock, which is not always convenient.

Advantages and disadvantages

Easy transition
Improves digestion and appearance
Well tolerated by pets
Suitable for allergy sufferers and capricious pets

Not the most convenient packaging
Quite a high price

How to identify the problem

The owners see their dog every day. If a pet gains weight gradually, it is difficult for them to determine the moment of the initial stage of obesity. But such changes are clearly visible to the veterinarian, groomer, and guests. Therefore, it is worth listening to their opinion on this matter.

A dog whose ribs are hard to feel needs to lose weight. Obesity can also be determined by appearance. When viewed from above, the dog's waistline and indentations above the front paws should be visible. When examining the sides of a healthy dog, a transition from the chest to the stomach is noticeable.

Top 3. Nutram T26 lamb

Rating (2021): 4.79

34 reviews taken into account from resources: OZON, Shop Lot, Unizoo, Zootovary

The most hypoallergenic Among the key advantages of Nutram food is not only its Canadian origin, but also the most natural and safe composition without chicken, its processed products and other allergens.

Characteristics
Average price: RUB 7,404. for 11.4 kg
Country: Canada
Age and size: adult dogs of medium and large breeds
Flavor: lamb
Packing options, kg: 2 and 11.4
Proteins: 30.2%
Fat: 16.3%
Ash: 6.5%

Grain-free holistic food designed specifically for sensitive and allergy-prone pets. Nutram does not contain any chicken, grains, citrus fruits or other potential allergens, as well as ingredients that increase stomach acidity or otherwise complicate digestion. Instead, the dry food received a high percentage of lamb meat, a reasonable amount of quality fiber in the form of a side dish of legumes, as well as apples, pumpkin, quinoa and natural prebiotics designed to ensure normal gastrointestinal function, naturally remove toxins and reduce the risk of allergies.

At the same time, the diet is supplemented with mussels and other joint support elements, and flax seed has a positive effect on the health of the skin and coat. The food is also praised for its universal granule size, suitable for both medium and large breeds, and for better protection against allergies. The only disadvantages include the lack of medium and really large packaging.

Advantages and disadvantages

Ideal for sensitive pets
Comprehensive health care
Holistic class
Universal granule size

Small selection of packaging

Why is obesity dangerous for your pet?

Excess weight in dogs leads to disruption of the normal functioning of internal organs, ranging from minor failures to serious diseases that require long-term treatment and large financial investments. Among the main problems in this area are:

Diabetes;
Cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, deterioration of blood flow;
Liver and kidney diseases;
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas (gastritis, ulcers, pancreatitis);
Impaired respiratory function, risk of respiratory diseases;
Hormonal, endocrine diseases;
Dermatological problems;
Blindness.

In addition, obesity and the accompanying low mobility have a negative impact on the musculoskeletal system. It becomes difficult for the animal to run, jump, and simply move, the spine sags, and additional stress is created on the joints.

An overweight dog will most likely have the following problems:

Sprains and ligament tears;
Arthritis, arthrosis, other joint diseases;
Spinal dysfunction;
Dysplasia of the hip and shoulder joints.

We can add that in addition to the above difficulties, dogs with extra pounds, as a rule, do not look very neat, have problems with their fur and, most importantly, live much shorter lives.

Top 2. GO! Carnivore grain-free, chicken, turkey, duck, salmon

Rating (2021): 4.81

711 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, OZON, Otzovik, IRecommend, Sbermegamarket, Unizo, OtzyvKorm, Wildberries, Onlinetrade

The most popular grain-free food, GO has been the most talked about grain-free food for many years and the main competitor to the iconic Akana. It is highly valued for the quality of its ingredients and rich composition.

Maximum percentage of meat Unlike most competitors, GO Carnivore food is truly suitable for domesticated carnivores. The share of meat components here reaches as much as 85 percent.

Characteristics
Average price: 4,260 rub. for 9.98 kg
Country: Canada
Age and size: adult dogs of all breeds
Flavor: turkey, chicken, salmon, duck
Packing options, kg: 1.59; 5.45 and 9.98
Proteins: 34%
Fat: 16%
Ash: 8.9%

High-quality grain-free food, the history of which goes back decades and is one of the best representatives of the holistic class. The Go formula is unusually rich in vitamins, minerals, and most importantly, animal proteins, which are perfectly absorbed, ensuring the health and longevity of the dog. This is not surprising considering 85% meat and its derivatives, including dried chicken, turkey, salmon, duck, herring and fillets of these birds and fish. The food also contains a wide range of healthy vegetables, fruits and berries as sources of fiber and minerals, as well as a number of vitamin supplements. At the same time, the price is more favorable than that of analogues.

Reviews indicate that GO also boasts better tolerability than many other diets. It suits most dogs. Thanks to the medium size of the granules, the food is almost universal and convenient for both small and medium and some large breeds. But for VEO, Great Danes and Mastiffs, according to many owners, the granules are too small.

Advantages and disadvantages

Time-tested holistic
Nutritional formula
Reasonable price
Suitable for most dogs

No large packages
Small for the largest breeds

Physical exercise

All dogs love walks and games. If at the initial stage it is difficult for the animal to move quickly, then it is necessary to at least increase the walking time. Active games and jogging are gradually added. Small breed dogs should be handled as little as possible so that they can move independently. You can take animals out into nature; the presence of new sounds and smells will interest the dog, and it will forget about laziness. There is no need to immediately try to force the dog to build muscles, it is important that he enjoys it.

Exercise is good for any animal