Choosing grain-free dog food: a practical guide to kibble, ingredients and life stage

Grain-free dog food is popular, but seeing “grain free” in large letters on a bag doesn’t tell you everything. Some dogs do well on food without grains, while others have no reason to avoid them. The right choice depends above all on your dog’s life stage, size, activity level, ingredients and nutritional value.

Focusing only on a marketing claim could mean paying too much for a product that isn’t right for your dog. So watch out for these three common pitfalls:

• Assuming “grain-free” automatically means better. Grains may have been replaced with ingredients such as peas, potato, sweet potato or quinoa. Always check the full ingredients list.
• Taking a prominent percentage of animal ingredients at face value. Check whether the percentage refers to protein, raw ingredients or the complete recipe.
• Choosing the wrong kibble size or life-stage formula, leading to waste. Puppies, adult dogs and senior dogs have different nutritional needs. Small dogs can also benefit from appropriately sized kibble.

What should you look for in grain-free dog kibble?

1. Check that it’s a complete dry food

For everyday feeding, choose a product labelled as complete food for the appropriate life stage. This means that, according to the product information, it’s intended as a main food and provides nutrients such as protein, fat, vitamins and minerals.

Also check:

• the recommended age: puppy, adult or senior;
• whether it’s suitable for small, medium or large dogs;
• the protein and fat content;
• the daily amount for your dog’s body weight;
• whether clear feeding guidelines are provided.

A high protein percentage isn’t automatically right for every dog. An active dog may need food with a different energy density from a dog that gets little exercise.

2. Look beyond the front of the bag

When choosing dog food with fish, lamb, duck or game, the ingredients list matters more than the picture on the packaging. Ingredients are generally listed in descending order by weight. Check the animal protein source, as well as the plant-based ingredients and fats.

For example:

• Dog food with fish: may contain fish, dehydrated fish protein and fish oil. Check which types of fish have been used.
• Dog food with lamb: see whether lamb is listed as a fresh ingredient, a dried ingredient or both.
• Dog food with duck or game: check whether the recipe also contains chicken, pork ingredients or other animal ingredients.
• Dog food for sensitive digestion: prebiotics, fibre and ingredients such as inulin may, according to the product information, be included in recipes for this group. This is no guarantee that a particular dog will benefit.

Take care when interpreting a term such as hypoallergenic dog food. Grain-free doesn’t mean that a food is free from all potential allergens. If you suspect a food reaction, it’s sensible to speak to a vet.

3. Choose food to suit your dog and household

Puppies need a recipe designed for growth. According to its product description, Eukanuba Grain Free puppy small/medium ocean fish is formulated for small and medium-sized puppies aged 1 to 12 months. Farmina N&D Pumpkin Lamb Puppy Medi/Maxi is, according to the product information, intended for puppies of medium and large breeds.

There are more options for adult dogs. Small dogs may benefit from smaller kibble, while medium and large dogs often have different feeding guidelines and portion sizes. Senior dogs may need food with an adjusted energy content. According to its product description, Eukanuba Grain Free senior small/medium ocean fish is intended for small and medium-sized dogs aged 7 and over.

For dogs on a weight-management plan, the product name isn’t the only thing that matters. Check the fat and fibre content, and weigh out each portion. According to the product information, Farmina N&D Quinoa Weight Management Adult Medi/Maxi contains 8% fat and 8.2% crude fibre. Always adjust the amount to your dog’s weight, activity level and body condition.

Our product picks for different needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers

BENEFIL Grain-Free Rich in Chicken with Vegetables Dog Food 1.2 kg

Why it suits this profile: The 1.2 kg bag is a practical choice if you want to see how your dog gets on with new grain-free kibble before buying more. According to the product information, it’s a complete food for adult dogs, made with chicken and vegetables.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The smaller bag reduces the risk of buying a large supply straight away, before checking whether your dog likes it and confirming the right portion size.

Key benefits and highlights

25.5% crude protein, 13.5% fat and feeding guidelines provided for different weight groups.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality

Orijen Puppy Formula High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 11.4 kg

Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, this dry food is for puppies of all breeds and contains 85% animal ingredients and at least 38% crude protein. The large bag suits households with a large puppy or several dogs.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The product information specifies the main animal ingredients and protein content, so you can look beyond the grain-free label.

Key benefits and highlights

Puppy formula for all breeds, 11.4 kg bag and a listed recipe containing chicken, turkey, egg and fish.

Suitable for: Specific needs and frequent use

Farmina N&D Quinoa Weight Management Adult Medi/Maxi 7 kg

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this food is intended for adult medium and large dogs where weight management is a consideration. The recipe lists 8% crude fat and 8.2% crude fibre.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The analytical values make it easier to compare this food with other recipes. You’ll still need to adjust the portion to your dog’s activity and body condition.

Key benefits and highlights

28% crude protein, a lower listed fat content, and quinoa, pea fibre, broccoli and asparagus in the recipe.

Suitable for: Small dogs and senior dogs

Eukanuba Grain Free dog senior small/medium ocean fish 3 kg

Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, this dry food is for small and medium-sized senior dogs aged 7 and over. It contains ocean fish and alternative carbohydrate sources such as peas and gluten-free sweet potato.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The age and breed-size guidance helps you avoid choosing adult or puppy food for an older small dog.

Key benefits and highlights

3 kg bag, ocean fish as the listed animal source, and a recipe with prebiotics FOS and MOS and beet pulp, according to the product description.

Frequently asked questions about grain-free dog food

Is grain-free dog food suitable for every dog?

Not necessarily. Grain-free dog food may suit some dogs’ preferences or dietary needs, but “grain-free” doesn’t automatically mean that a recipe is better or easier to digest. Check the full ingredients list and speak to a vet if you suspect a food sensitivity.

How do you switch to grain-free dog kibble?

Gradually mix the new dry food with your dog’s current food, usually over 7 to 10 days. Start with a small amount and increase it step by step. Keep an eye on your dog’s stools, appetite and body condition. Always provide fresh drinking water.

Is grain-free dog food cheaper in large bags?

That depends on the price per kilogram, the daily portion and how long the food keeps once opened. A 12 kg bag may be practical for a large or active dog, but a smaller pack is a better choice if you first want to check that your dog takes to the food. Store kibble in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed container, and follow the date on the packaging.