Why should I avoid grain-free dog food?

Grain-free diets have been linked to Dilated Cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition in dogs. Some grain-free foods lack sufficient taurine, an essential nutrient that helps prevent this disease.

Are grains bad for dogs with allergies?

Most food allergies in dogs are caused by proteins, not grains. True grain allergies are very rare, so swapping the meat source is usually more effective than switching to a grain-free formula.

What dog food brands meet WSAVA guidelines?

The brands that meet WSAVA recommendations are Purina, Hill's Science Diet, Royal Canin, Iams, and Eukanuba. These companies conduct extensive feeding trials and nutritional research.

What should I do if my dog has a sensitive stomach?

Try a grain-inclusive food with a different protein source, such as Purina Pro Plan's salmon and rice formula. For severe or persistent issues, consult your vet about a hydrolyzed protein prescription diet.

Best Grain-Inclusive Dog Food Brands

Veterinarians and users recommend grain-inclusive dog foods that meet WSAVA guidelines, such as Purina Pro Plan, Hill's Science Diet, Royal Canin, Iams, and Eukanuba.

Grain-free diets have been linked to Dilated Cardiomyopathy, a serious heart disease in dogs, often due to insufficient taurine levels. True grain allergies are rare, and most canine food sensitivities are actually tied to the protein source.

For dogs with sensitivities, changing the protein source, like switching from chicken to salmon, is often more effective than removing grains. Severe allergies or gastrointestinal issues may require a hydrolyzed protein prescription diet from a vet.

Best Grain-Inclusive Dog Food Brands — infographic

Many Users recommend feeding dog foods that are not grain-free and meet WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) guidelines, citing brands like Purina Pro Plan, Hill's Science Diet, Royal Canin, Iams, and Eukanuba.

Why Avoid Grain-Free?

Linked to DCM: Grain-free diets have been linked to Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart disease in dogs, with some Users sharing personal experiences of their dogs developing heart issues after being on grain-free food. "Unless your vet has given you instructions to go grain free, don't. Feeding grain free to dogs when not needed often leads to serious heart problems."

Grain Allergies Are Rare: True grain allergies in dogs are uncommon; most food-related issues are due to protein sensitivities. "The other thing they said is that grain allergies are incredibly rare - amazingly it's more likely that a dog is allergic to meat than grains!"

Lack of Taurine: Some grain-free foods may lack sufficient taurine, an essential nutrient, which has been implicated in the development of DCM. "Turned out a lot were linked to heart disease as they don't have enough taurine."

Recommended Brands

WSAVA Compliant Brands: Veterinarians and many Users strongly recommend brands that adhere to WSAVA guidelines, which include Purina, Hill's, Royal Canin, Iams, and Eukanuba. "Any of the grain inclusive foods from brands that meet WSAVA recommendations. Those brands are Purina, Iams, Eukanuba, Science Diet, and Royal Canin."

Purina Pro Plan: This brand is frequently mentioned for its variety, nutritional completeness, and positive results for many dogs, including those with sensitive stomachs. "Purina pro plan has a salmon and rice formula that may work!"

Hill's Science Diet: Praised for its research-backed formulations and often recommended by vets, Hill's Science Diet offers good options for various needs. "Hill's meets WSAVA guidelines, runs its own AAFCO feeding trials, and develops food at a 180-acre Pet Nutrition Center staffed by more than 220 veterinarians, nutritionists, and food scientists, which is why it gets called the number-one US vet-recommended brand."

Considerations for Sensitive Dogs

Protein Source: If your dog has sensitivities or allergies, changing the protein source (e.g., from chicken to salmon or lamb) is often more effective than removing grains. "If a dog seems sensitive to certain proteins or has skin issues, changing the protein source sometimes makes more of a difference than removing grains."

Prescription Diets: For severe allergies or gastrointestinal issues, a hydrolyzed protein prescription diet from your vet may be necessary to accurately diagnose and manage the condition. "You need to try a hydrolyzed diet, that is the only way to correctly diagnose and treat food allergies."

Would you like to explore specific grain-inclusive options for dogs with sensitivities?

Best for: Dog owners looking for veterinarian-recommended, grain-inclusive food to support their pet's overall health and avoid the heart risks associated with grain-free diets.