Although grain-free dog food shouldn’t be misconstrued as an innately healthier option for all pups, it may be recommended for dogs with certain conditions or sensitivities. “A grain-free diet may be appropriate in select cases, such as when a veterinarian has identified an adverse reaction to a grain ingredient,” says veterinarian Dr. Audrey Ruple, adding that she would be “cautious about choosing grain-free simply because it sounds healthier or more natural.” If you and your vet have determined that your pup would benefit from a grain-free diet, we’ve outlined some of the best vet-backed options. Our top pick for the best grain-free dog food, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food is vet-formulated, meets WSAVA nutrition guidelines and is easy for sensitive pups to digest.
Why We Named It Best Grain-Free Dog Food Overall
When selecting a grain-free food for your dog, veterinarian Dr. Dana Varble says it’s crucial that it meets World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) nutrition guidelines. Currently, only a handful of brands fulfill those criteria, and Varble calls out Hill’s Science Diet as one that does.
Developed by nutritionists and veterinarians, this food is designed to support all aspects of your pet’s health—from the inclusion of prebiotic fiber for easy digestion to omega fatty acids for healthy joints and coats.
Not For Pups With Poultry Allergies
Keep in mind that this recipe is made with chicken as the main protein source, so it may not be the best option for dogs who are better suited to novel protein sources, like fish, lamb or venison.
Why We Named It Best Wet Grain-Free Dog Food
Our top pick in our editors’ guide to the best wet dog foods, this Open Farm canned food is made with ethically sourced ingredients that are nutrient-rich, including grass-fed beef and wild-caught whitefish, plus it includes sweet potatoes and spinach for overall wellness. The recipe is also free from corn, soy, wheat and legumes to accommodate dogs with allergies and sensitivities to those particular ingredients.
Crowd-Pleasing Taste And Texture
This pâté has a smooth texture that many dog owners say their picky eaters enjoy, and it’s conveniently shelf-stable for easy storage. The Surf & Turf variety is ideal for pups who can tolerate multiple protein sources and reap the nutritional benefits from both beef and fish, but there are other options as well, like turkey, chicken and chicken and salmon.
Why We Named It Best Dry Grain-Free Dog Food
Ranked in our list of the best dry dog foods, this formula from Merrick features salmon as the single protein source and also the recipe’s first ingredient. It’s ideal for pets with common allergies, as it’s considered a novel protein. Plus, salmon is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids for healthy joints and skin.
Limited, Recognizable Ingredients
This formula is also free from soy, corn, wheat, dairy and eggs, as well as any artificial flavors or preservatives. And with sweet potatoes, peas and flaxseed, this recipe prioritizes high-quality ingredients that help support digestion, healthy joints and more.
Why We Named It Best Fresh Grain-Free Dog Food
Our top pick for the best fresh dog food overall, The Farmer’s Dog offers a few grain-free options for pups who struggle to digest grains. Several Forbes Vetted editors have fed their dogs personalized formulas from The Farmer’s Dog, praising the service for its tasty meals, customization options and helpful customer service. The food has also been recommended by several veterinarians we’ve spoken to, as its meals adhere to both AAFCO and WSAVA guidelines.
Fresh, Crowd-Pleasing Meals
Fresh food is often recommended for picky eaters, since it offers a more enticing texture and flavor compared to dry kibble. These meal plans are also tailored to your specific dog, as they’re formulated according to an initial questionnaire that records details about your pet’s size, age, energy levels and more.
Forbes Vetted’s managing editor, Emmy Favilla, has fed The Farmer’s Dog to several of her dogs and been impressed by the human-grade ingredients that are actually recognizable in each serving. Note that these meals arrive frozen—and need to be thawed before use—which requires some forethought and dedicated freezer space.
Why We Named It Best For Sensitive Stomachs
Many veterinarians recommend novel proteins for pups with sensitive stomachs, since they are typically easier to digest than common proteins like chicken or beef. This recipe features pasture-raised venison as the primary protein source, alongside whitefish meal for extra nutritional benefits.
This formula is also free from common allergens like corn and soy, and it’s made with fiber-rich ingredients like sweet potato and flaxseed for smooth digestion.
Not A Single-Source Protein Food
Keep in mind that in addition to pasture-raised venison—which is the first ingredient—this recipe is made with whitefish meal as well. The brand claims that this is added for a more robust nutritional profile, including boosted protein from a concentrated source of amino acids. But this also means it may not be ideal for those looking for a recipe with a single protein source. Also, some consumers have reported this food having a slight fishy odor.
Why We Named It Best Grain-Free Food For Puppies
Formulated specifically with puppies in mind, this recipe features key ingredients to support healthy development in growing dogs. Deboned salmon as the first ingredient provides a natural source of DHA fatty acids to support brain health, while the addition of fiber-rich ingredients and live probiotics help support digestion in developing tummies.
Multiple Protein Sources
This Salmon & Peas recipe comes recommended by vets for its source of nutritionally dense fatty acids, but salmon is not the only protein source in this recipe; it also features deboned turkey and turkey meal. The other puppy-focused recipe available from this brand is Turkey & Sweet Potato, which is also grain-free, so if your pup has poultry allergies this food won’t be suited for them.
Why We Named It Best Grain-Free Food For Senior Dogs
Our top pick for the best dog food for senior dogs overall happens to be a fully grain-free formula from Open Farm. It’s made from high-quality, traceable ingredients that make it easier to digest, plus it provides essential omega-3s for aging joints and brain health. The recipe includes several different protein sources for a wide range of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals.
Only One Formula Offered
Keep in mind that Open Farm offers just one recipe catered to seniors, and it’s made with three protein types: chicken, turkey and fish. While this is ideal for easily incorporating a variety of vitamins and minerals into their diet, it also means it may not be the best choice for sensitive stomachs or dogs with specific protein allergies.
How We Chose The Best Grain-Free Dog Foods
We spoke with veterinarians and conducted in-depth research to come up with a trusted list of grain-free dog foods that are designed to support overall wellness.
- We referenced our large catalog of dog food recommendations, all informed by experts, veterinarians and firsthand testing.
- We interviewed two veterinarians for specific guidance on grain-free dog food, including its benefits and potential disadvantages.
- We prioritized picks from trusted, veterinarian-approved brands, as well as options that Forbes Vetted staff have trusted enough to feed to their own pups.
- We made sure to include a variety of dog food options in dry, wet and fresh varieties, as well as different formulas to support dog health at all stages of life.
What To Consider With Grain-Free Dog Foods
Veterinarians caution against feeding your dog a grain-free diet without specific guidance from your vet. It’s always important to consult a professional before making any changes to your pet’s diet.
How To Determine If Your Dog Needs A Grain-Free Diet
Unfortunately, there’s no test to conclusively diagnose your dog’s specific allergies. If you suspect your dog may have an allergy—after noticing signs like digestive upset or skin irritation—you’ll have to conduct a food elimination test, which will involve some trial and error.
“Most of the time, we have to eliminate all other causes for skin or GI problems by testing fecal samples, skin scrapes and medications to eliminate parasites like mites and fleas, as well as any bacterial or yeast infections,” Varble says. “An elimination diet that doesn’t contain the most likely allergens…has to be used exclusively for up to eight weeks or more to determine if food allergies are the culprit.”
Varble emphasizes that grain allergies in dogs are actually extremely rare; it’s more likely that your dog would have an allergy to a protein than grain. Because of this, it’s best to consult your vet before making any drastic changes to your dog’s diet.
WSAVA And AAFCO Certifications
Since dogs require a very specific balance of nutrients to maintain their overall health, it’s important to look for labels that confirm the brand or recipe follows established guidelines for overall wellbeing.
“An AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement helps determine whether the food is intended to be complete and balanced for a particular life stage, such as adult maintenance or growth,” says Ruple. “It is a baseline piece of information I would want owners to check before feeding any diet long-term.”
Varble also recommends checking that the brand follows WSAVA nutrition guidelines—particularly when it comes to grain-free recipes—as this can ensure the recipe is expert-backed, helping to break through potentially misleading marketing language. But when in doubt, it’s always a good idea to talk to your vet.
“Never be afraid to ask your veterinarian for more information or their advice when choosing a food,” Varble says. “They likely have had experience with patients on a variety of products and can help you sort through the subtle differences between foods, to choose one that meets your pet’s individual needs.”
High-Quality Animal Proteins
Veterinarians consistently emphasize the importance of high-quality protein sources featured at the top of ingredient lists—ideally, first on the list—to ensure peak nutrition without unnecessary fillers. Although grain-free dog foods won’t feature fillers like rice or barley, they could still rely on less nutritious “meat meals” or legumes.
Be sure to look closely at ingredient lists for unambiguous protein sources. And consider novel protein options—like salmon, duck or venison—if you’re looking to ease your dog’s digestion or stay away from poultry (a common allergen).
A Note On Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
There’s a lot of conflicting information online about the safety of grain-free diets as it relates to a potentially heightened risk of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a heart condition, in dogs. We inquired about this connection with both Varble and Ruple to gain veterinary insights on the matter.
While Varble flagged the importance of this connection, citing research that outlines a potential correlation, she also added that this tie could be more nuanced than once understood. “It seems to be primarily related to the use of peas, lentils and chickpeas,” she says. “But there are so many potential factors, including breed and genetics, to consider.”
Ruple cautions against tying grain-free diets to this heart condition, given how much research still needs to be conducted. “The evidence around grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy is still mixed and, in my view, not strong enough to support sweeping statements that all grain-free diets are dangerous or that all are safe,” she says. “I would encourage owners to make diet decisions with their veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.”
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The home team at Forbes Vetted is dedicated to helping pet owners navigate the tools, foods and toys that keep their furry friends happy and healthy.
- Monica Petrucci is the author of this article and the home and kitchen editor at Forbes Vetted. She has covered several pet food–focused roundups over the years, relying on veterinary guidance and in-depth research, including the best dog food for seniors and the best cat food delivery services.
- Overseeing this article, managing editor Emmy Favilla is Forbes Vetted’s resident pet expert. She has tested several products on this list with her own pups, and she’s covered a myriad of pet nutrition topics, including the best dog food for allergies and the best fresh dog foods.
- We perform regular updates on all of our content to ensure our recommendations are still relevant and up to our standards. This article was last updated in July 2026.
Our Experts
- Audrey Ruple, DVM, chair of the Fetch Pet Veterinary Advisory Board
- Dana Varble, DVM, chief veterinary officer of the North American Veterinarian Community
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)