Is grain free dog food good for dogs? An honest guide
Updated: 3 days ago
Walk down the dog food aisle or scroll any pet shop website and you'll see "grain free" everywhere. Some owners swear by it; others have read a worrying headline and aren't sure. As a grain free brand we're hardly neutral, so we'll be upfront: grain free isn't magic, and it isn't automatically better for every dog. What matters is a complete, balanced recipe built on good-quality ingredients. Here's what you need to know.
What does "grain free" actually mean?
A grain free food contains no cereal grains: no wheat, maize (corn), barley, oats or rice. Instead, the carbohydrate and fibre come from other sources. In every Dog's Life recipe that's sweet potato, alongside ingredients such as peas, potato and beet pulp, depending on the recipe.
Grain free is not the same as "low carb" or "meat only". Dogs still benefit from carbohydrate for energy and fibre for digestion; it simply comes from somewhere other than cereals.
It's also worth knowing that grain free is not quite the same as gluten free. All grain free foods are gluten free, but a food can be gluten free and still contain grains like rice or maize.
Who is grain free dog food good for?
Dogs with a grain intolerance or sensitivity. A small number of dogs don't get on with particular cereals. For them, removing grains can be a sensible step, ideally as part of a plan agreed with your vet. Our recipes are designed to be suitable for dogs with grain intolerance or sensitivity.
Owners who want a recipe led by animal protein. Without cereals filling the bag, there's more room for meat and fish. Our Grain Free Lamb, for example, is 50% lamb, including 30% freshly prepared lamb gently cooked at 82°C; our Chicken recipe is 55% chicken.
Dogs who simply do well on it. Plenty of dogs eat grain free because it suits them: they enjoy it, their stools are good and their coat looks great. That's a perfectly good reason.
Is grain free bad for dogs? The heart health question
You may have seen reports linking grain free diets with a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In 2018 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began investigating reports of DCM in dogs eating certain diets, many of them labelled grain free and high in peas, lentils or potatoes.
So far, the research has not proven that grain free food causes DCM, and the FDA has said it does not have enough evidence to ask for any diets to be withdrawn. Investigations are ongoing, and some breeds are genetically more prone to DCM regardless of diet.
Our honest advice:
Choose a complete food from a manufacturer that publishes full analytical constituents and composition, so you can see exactly what's inside.
Look for named animal protein as the main ingredient, rather than a recipe propped up by pulses.
If your dog is a breed prone to heart problems, or you have any concerns, talk to your vet. They know your dog.
You'll find the full composition and analysis for every Dog's Life recipe on its product page.
What to look for in a good grain free food
Named meat or fish first. "Lamb 50% (including Freshly Prepared Lamb 30%…)" tells you far more than "meat and animal derivatives".
Complete nutrition. The label should say it's a complete food, with vitamins and trace elements listed.
Omega 3. EPA and DHA support skin, coat and much more. Every Dog's Life recipe includes omega 3.
Gentle on the gut. Prebiotics such as MOS and FOS may help promote healthy gut bacteria.
No added artificial colours or preservatives. Ours are naturally preserved with rosemary extract.
The right recipe for life stage and size. Puppy, small breed, large breed, light and senior dogs all have different needs.
Why sweet potato?
Sweet potato is the backbone of every Dog's Life recipe. It's a complex carbohydrate, high in B vitamins and fibre, and a good source of beta-carotene, which dogs can convert into vitamin A. It gives a steady source of energy without the need for cereals.
Making the switch
If you decide to try grain free, change over gradually. Our feeding guides recommend introducing a new food over around two weeks. Our article How to switch your puppy onto a new food has a simple mixing table that works for adult dogs too.
Frequently asked questions
Do vets recommend grain free dog food? Vets' views vary. Most agree that what matters is a complete, balanced diet that suits your individual dog. If your dog has a medical condition, your vet is the best person to advise.
Is grain free better for dogs with allergies? Only if grains are the trigger. In dogs, food allergies are more often linked to a protein such as beef, chicken or dairy. Grain free can help some dogs, but it's not a cure-all.
Is grain free dog food more expensive? It often costs a little more, because more of the recipe is made up of meat and fish. Feeding amounts also matter: a nutrient-dense food is often fed in smaller portions.
Can puppies eat grain free food? Yes, as long as it's a complete food formulated for puppies. We make Puppy, Small Breed Puppy and Large Breed Puppy/Junior recipes.
Is grain free the same as gluten free? Grain free foods are gluten free, but gluten free foods aren't always grain free.
This article is for general information. If your dog is unwell or has a medical condition, please speak to your vet.
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