The best grain-free dog foods usually pack more protein than grain-based formulas. But here’s the catch – many use grain replacements that can reduce the food’s nutritional balance. That’s because most brands swap out corn, rice, and other grains for:
- Potatoes
- Legumes (peas, chickpeas, lentils, soybeans, etc.)
Legumes aren’t bad they’re high in protein, which helps. But there’s a problem: plant-based protein doesn’t consistently deliver the same essential amino acids as meat.
That’s precisely why we recommend the 5 grain-free foods below – everyone keeps real meat as the #1 protein source. No compromises.
Best grain-free dog food 2025
Top picks from Dogfoodsy for the Best grain free dog food brands 2025
Tally’s Ranch Freeze-Dried Chicken Dog Food
Tally’s Ranch Freeze-Dried Chicken Dog Food is a single-ingredient, grain-free recipe crafted for dogs thriving on pure, minimalistic nutrition. Made solely with 100% premium chicken breast, this freeze-dried formula delivers high-protein, low-fat fuel—perfect for sensitive pups or as a supplemental topper.
With no grains, fillers, or additives, it’s ideal for dogs with allergies or owners seeking clean, transparent ingredients. The gentle freeze-drying process preserves natural flavor and nutrients, offering a digestible, protein-packed snack or meal enhancer.
While not a complete diet on its own, its simplicity earns trust for picky eaters, training rewards, or dogs needing grain-free simplicity. For a no-compromise, single-protein option, Tally’s Ranch stands out in the freeze-dried category.
Read our review of the full Tally’s Ranch Freeze-Dried Dog Food (Freeze-Dried)
Why We Like It:
- Pure Ingredients – Only chicken breast (no hidden additives).
- Grain-Free & Limited-Ingredient – Safe for allergies.
- Versatile Use – Treat, topper, or supplement.
- Nutrient-Rich – High protein, low processing.
- Gently freeze-dried to maintain essential nutrients
- Vet-developed
- USDA meats
| Main Ingredients | Chicken, chicken liver, steamed barley, flaxseed, sweet potatoes |
| Type | Grain-Free |
| Protein Percentage | 34.2% |
| AAFCO Standards | All Life Stages |
| Best For | All Dogs |
Best Dry Grain-Free Dog Food: Redbarn Grain-Free Dry
Redbarn Grain-Free Sky recipe is an excellent option for dogs with grain sensitivities. It utilizes pea starch and sweet potatoes as digestible carbohydrate sources to provide sustained energy.
With turkey as its primary ingredient, along with chicken meal and duck meal – all rich in essential amino acids – Redbarn Grain-Free Dry supports your dog’s muscle health.
This dog food goes beyond mere nutrition; it includes functional ingredients like pumpkin and prebiotics to promote gut health, as well as flaxseed and sunflower oil for heart health and joint support. This gives you confidence in your dog’s overall well-being.
According to our dry matter label analysis, this food contains 31% protein, 17% fat, and 44% carbohydrates, yielding a fat to protein ratio of about 55%.
Go here to read our review of the of Redbarn Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry) for your pet.
Why We Like It:
- High protein content
- No wheat, corn, or soy
- Rich in healthy fats
| Main Ingredients | Turkey, Chicken, Chicken meal, Duck meal, Turkey meal, Sweet potato |
| Texture | Dry |
| Type | Grain-Free |
| Protein Percentage | 32% |
| AAFCO Standards | All Life Stages |
Best For: All dogs and puppies Read our review of the full Redbarn Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here and consider trying it for your pet.
Wellness Core Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
To support their size and preserve joint health, large-breed dogs require a diet rich in nutrients, healthy fats, and protein. To meet these needs, Wellness Core provides a particular Large Breed recipe.
Our review of the Wellness Core product line includes 12 dry recipes, including the Ocean formula. All of the foods are free of gluten, corn, wheat, and soy and are high in protein. The line promotes overall health without the use of artificial preservatives or meat byproducts.
The majority of the meat protein in this recipe comes from fish and fish meal. The recipe has 38% protein, 17% fat, and 38% estimated carbohydrates, according to our dry matter label analysis. resulting in a roughly 44% fat-to-protein ratio.
A great choice that is high in protein.
Go here to read our review of the of Wellness CORE Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry).
Why We Like It:
- high amount of protein
- Devoid of artificial preservatives and meat byproducts
- includes good fats.
| Main Ingredients | Peas, menhaden fish meal, salmon meal, herring meal, and whitefish |
| Texture | Dry |
| Type | Grain-free |
| Protein Percentage | 38% |
| AAFCO Standards | Maintenance |
| Ideal for | adult dogs, (including big breeds) |
Best Grain-Free Dog Food For Small Dogs Tender and True Salmon and Sweet Potato
A Great Option for Small Breed Dogs Made with just the right amount of ingredients to keep small breeds warm and full and tailored kibble to fit smaller or smaller mouths. This recipe is 1 of 8 recipes for dog formulas in the brand and especially useful for dogs that are in need of immune system support and joint pain relief.
Full of omega-3 fatty acids, this recipe supports the immune system and relieves joint pain. The protein in this recipe primarily comes from salmon and whiting meal, a pair of high-quality sources of animal protein. Also, sweet potato is nutritious, packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals like iron and calcium.
Let us take a closer look at the dry matter analysis to see what is in this recipe; it consists of 33% protein, 18% fat and around 41% estimated carbohydrates. This has a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%, which means it’s a balanced option for small, active dogs.
For a complete review of the Tender and True Dog Food (Dry) , Click Here.
Why We Like It:
- High in omega-3 for immune and joint health
- Rich in animal protein with salmon and whiting meal
- No grain, white potato, corn, soy, recipes with 35%+ carbs are not allowed for this food.
- For all life stages, even for small breeds
| Main Ingredients | Salmon, whiting meal, dried sweet potato, tapioca starch, dried potato |
| Texture | Dry |
| Protein Content | 33% |
| AAFCO Standards | All life stages applicable |
| Best For | All adult and puppy dogs including small and medium breeds. |
Best Cheap Grain-Free Dog Food: Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Skin and Coat
Diamond Naturals Skin And Coat is an inexpensive, grain-free dog food for all life stages. Made with salmon as the first ingredient, this recipe is packed with omega fatty acids which help to support a healthy immune system, give their coat a healthy shine, and benefit their skin. Push It Over the Top: Also filled with a mix of vegetables and superfoods such as lentils, which are full of vitamins and minerals.
As part of our review of the Diamond Naturals dry food line, this recipe gets its meat-based protein primarily from salmon and fish meals. If we were to inspect the dry matter numbers, we could see that this product would include roughly 28 % protein, 16 % fat, and 49 % carbohydrates – with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56 %.
Diamond Naturals is a great option for those looking for a high-value grain free dog food at a reasonable price point, starting at around $31.99.
To see a full review of the Diamond Naturals Dog Food (Dry), visit this website.
Why We Like It:
- Contain omega fatty acids that promote skin and coat health
- Stuffed with superfoods, such as lentils and peas, for extra nutrition
- Great for price but not for quality
- For dogs of all life stages, puppies and adults
| Main Ingredients | Salmon, fish meal, potatoes, lentils, peas |
| Texture | Dry |
| Type | Grain-free |
| Protein Content | 28% |
| AAFCO Approved | For all life stages |
| Good For | Adult at dogs & puppies |
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