Best Grain Free Dog Food | Guide For Finding The Best Dog Food
Dogs have adapted over time to the accommodation of grains (such as oats, corn, wheat. etc.) in their diets. As a result, consuming wheat doesn’t damage the average dog’s digestive system. “Although dogs can handle some carbohydrates in their nutrition, they shouldn’t be the major constituent of their diet,” according to Dr. Gary Richter, medical director of Montclair Veterinary Hospital and author of the Ultimate Pet Health Guide.
Grains are most times used as filler elements in low-quality dog food to make the product larger. Aside from the possibility of your dog reacting to grains and starches, they offer little or no nutritional value to your dog. Protein should be a major constituent of your dog’s diet because it helps in building and repairing muscles and other body tissues. Dogs also need some essential amino acids to keep the immune system strong. Some of these amino acids are produced naturally by a dog’s body while others have to be supplemented through diet.
See Also: Best Large Breed Dog Food
Completely omitting carbohydrates from your dog’s diet is not necessarily the best for your dog as carbohydrates provide much needed energy for a dog. Carbohydrates are also needed in certain proportions to achieve a balanced diet.
However, not all grain-free foods are good or healthy for your dog. This is why you have to carefully consider the constituents of a dog food before selecting the best grain-free food for your dog. This article reviews several different grain-free dog foods on the market; what sets them apart, and how they are alike.
The first step in selecting the best grain-free food for your dog is to identify the ingredients needed by your dog and those that are not needed.
How to Select the Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Your Dog
Irrespective of the type of grain-free food you choose (wet or dry), there are a few points you need to note when selecting a grain-free dog food. You need to evaluate the ingredients contained in a grain-free dog food to know if it’s ideal for your dog. The first five ingredients on the label say a lot about the quality of a dog food. Things to look for include:
Counting Down 8 of the Best Grain Free Dog Foods
Below are some of our favorite best grain-free dog foods available on the market.
1. CRAVE GRAIN-FREE ADULT DRY DOG FOOD WITH PROTEIN FROM SALMON AND OCEAN FISH
CRAVE grain-free Adult Dry dog food is a great option on the market. It is made from different animal-based proteins and healthy fats.
Nutritional Constituents
As published by CRAVE, this grain-free dog food contains:
- Protein (Min): 34.0%
- Fat: (min): 17.0%
- Carbs: (estimated): 35.5%
- Fiber (max): 3.5%
- Moisture (max): 10%
- Ash (estimated): 0.0%
- Calories (estimated): 388/100g
As compared with other dog foods, Crave with Protein from Salmon and Ocean Fish has an average amount of protein, carbohydrates and fat.
Ingredients
CRAVE Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food with Protein from Salmon and Ocean fish contains:
Salmon, Chicken Meal, Chickpeas, Split Peas, Menhaden Fish Meal, Dried Potatoes, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Lamb Meal, Pea Protein, Sunflower Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Natural Flavor, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, DL-Methionine, Salt, Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid (preservatives), Zinc Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Selenium Yeast, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Quality Ingredients
Salmon is a quality protein source, other additional quality protein sources that can be found in this grain-free dog food include chicken meal, menhaden fish meal, and lamb meal.
The carbohydrate content in this grain-free dog food is provided by chickpeas, split peas, and dried potatoes and other grains. Additional calories are supplemented by the use of sunflower oil.
Potential Allergens
Salmon, lamb meal and menhaden fish meal are potential allergens that might cause reactions in dogs that react to lamb or seafoods.
Questionable Ingredients
The questionable ingredients contained in CRAVE Salmon and Oceanfish dog food are ingredients like dried plain beet pulp, alfalfa meal, and pea protein. These ingredients are not harmful to a dog’s health but they don’t add much nutritional value to the dog food.
Although alfalfa meal is rich in plant protein (18%) and fiber (25%), it is normally associated with horse feeds. Beet Pulp is another questionable ingredient used in this dog food although some mention its excellent blood sugar benefits.
PROS: CRAVE Grain-Free High-Protein Salmon and Oceanfish contains high-quality protein from rich sources such as meat, vegetables, and vegetable meals. Dogs also seem to like the way it tastes.
This dog food does not contain artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
CRAVE is an affordable dog food when compared with other dog foods with high-protein which makes it a good value for the money.
CONS: CRAVE doesn’t contain some extra ingredients that some dog foods have, such as probiotics and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.
Conclusion
In general, CRAVE Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food with Protein from Salmon and Ocean
Fish is a nutritious and delicious (at least my dog thinks so) food that provides your dog with the needed nutritional value and has the taste that dogs love.
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2. BLUE BUFFALO WILDERNESS ROCKY MOUNTAIN RECIPE HIGH PROTEIN GRAIN FREE, NATURAL ADULT DRY DOG FOOD, RED MEAT
Nutritional Constituents
- Protein (min): 30.0%
- Fat (min): 15.0%
- Carbs (estimated): 32.7%
- Fiber (max): 6.0%
- Moisture (max): 10.0%
- Ash (estimated): 2.3%
- Calories (estimated): 361/100g
Ingredients
As published by BLUE, this grain-free dog food contains ingredients such as:
Deboned Beef, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine), Peas, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch, Pea Starch, Menhaden Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Deboned Lamb, Deboned Venison, Dicalcium Phosphate, DL-Methionine, Potatoes, Dried Chicory Root, Choline Chloride, Salt, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), L-Carnitine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Copper Sulfate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Taurine, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary
Quality Ingredients
The deboned beef used in the recipe is a quality product, however, about 73% of raw beef is made up of water. As a result of this, most of the water content is lost after cooking, reducing the weight to just a fraction.
Chicken meal is also a very good source of protein as it contains about three times more protein than fresh chicken.
Peas, another major ingredient used in this best grain free dog food, is a very good source of carbohydrate. Plus, peas are rich in natural fiber. Nevertheless, they don’t contain much protein which is a major factor that determines the meat content of a dog food.
This dog food contains no colors, additives or artificial flavors and it’s equipped with five probiotic bacteria that help to regulate your dog’s digestive system.
ALLERGENS
Some ingredients which may cause allergic reactions in dogs who suffer from seafood or egg food allergies include: deboned salmon, menhaden fish meal and fried egg.
Questionable Ingredients
Pea protein, which is what is the remnant after removing the starchy portion of pea, is a questionable ingredient used in this dog food. It contains about 80% protein but has a lower biological value than meat.
Tapioca starch also used in this dog food is not necessarily needed in a dog’s diet, it serves mainly as a bulk-adding filler and also to maintain the kibble shape of the dog’s dry food.
PROS: There are many things to like about this dog food. It contains protein from very good sources such as red meat and chicken meal.
CONS: It is a low-calorie dog food option and it comes at a higher price when compared to other grain-free dog food of this quality.
Conclusion
This grain-free dog food provides your dog with the nutrients needed for growth and maintenance of good health. Although it is costly, it is one of the best grain free dog foods on the market thanks to its premium ingredients and recipes.
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3. TASTE OF THE WILD GRAIN FREE HIGH PROTEIN DRY DOG FOOD HIGH PRAIRIE ADULT - VENISON & BISON
Nutrient Constituents
Protein (min): 32.0%
Fat (min): 18.0%
Carbs (estimated): 36.0%
Fiber (max): 4.0%
Moisture (max): 10.0%
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
2.8% min
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
0.3% min
Ash (estimated): 0.0%
Relative to other dog foods, the Taste of The Wild Grain Free High Protein Dry Dog Food has an average amount of protein, carbohydrates and fat, and also a less than average amount of fiber.
Ingredients
Ingredients as published by Taste of the Wild include:
Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Potatoes, Canola Oil, Egg Product, Roasted Bison, Roasted Venison, Beef, Natural Flavor, Tomato Pomace, Potato Protein, Pea Protein, Ocean Fish Meal, Salt, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D Supplement, Folic Acid.
Quality Ingredients
The major meat source in this dog food is buffalo. Buffalo is a quality source of protein and has similar vitamins to beef including zinc and Iron. Similar to beef, Buffalo also has a high concentration of water which is evaporated during cooking, leaving a fraction of the original meat.
See Also: Best Senior Dog Food
Lamb meal is the secondary meat source used in this dog food. It is a high-quality protein source and does not contain much water because the moisture has already been removed before including it in the recipe. Lamb meal also contains some other vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B12 and Omega 3 fatty acids.
Roasted Bison and Venison are also high-quality sources of meat used in the dog food.
Questionable Ingredients
Although Pea Protein is not harmful to dogs, it is a cheap means of increasing the protein level of a dog food rather than meat or fish sources.
Ocean fish meal is a concentrated form of fish when the moisture has been removed. Ocean fish is an average quality source of fish but could contain a high level of protein and fish oils such as Omega 3 and Omega 6.
While Canola oil has a high proportion of Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty acids, it is a questionable ingredient because it is genetically modified.
Potential Allergens
Beef, Ocean fish meal, Lamb meal, and egg products may cause allergic reactions in dogs who suffer from lamb, beef, eggs or seafood allergies
Pros
It contains very rich protein from good sources such as buffalo and roasted bison and venison.
It features natural ingredients with added vitamins and antioxidants, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids giving your dog a healthy skin
Cons
Too high level of protein can cause harm to dogs with kidney or liver problems.
There are many complaints about the presence of canola oil in the recipe.
Conclusion
In general, Taste of the Wild grain-free dog food is a decent product that’s very rich in protein content and can help your dog to live a healthy life.
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4. WHOLE EARTH FARMS GRAIN FREE RECIPE DRY DOG FOOD PORK, BEEF & LAMB
Nutrition Constituents
Protein (min): 26.0%
Fat (min): 13.0%
Fiber (max): 3.5%
Moisture (max): 11.0%
Ingredients
Ingredients, as published by Whole Earth Farms include:
Pork meal, pork fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), natural pork flavor, pork, dried potatoes, peas, sweet potatoes, beef, lamb, salt, salmon oil, yeast culture, organic alfalfa meal, vitamins (vitamin e supplement, vitamin a acetate, vitamin b12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, thiamin mononitrate), minerals (zinc sulfate, iron amino acid complex, zinc amino acid complex, manganese amino acid complex, , vitamin d3 supplement, niacin, riboflavin supplement, copper amino acid complex, potassium iodide, d-calcium pantothenatebiotin, cobalt amino acid complex, sodium selenite), dried blueberries, cinnamon, choline chloride, rosemary, sage, thyme, yucca schidigera extract, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried enterococcus faecium fermentation product.
Quality Ingredients
Pork meal is the major meat source in this dog food. It contains about three times more protein than fresh pork but has a very high percentage of ash which is about 25-30%. This high ash content is finally adjusted in the recipe.
Another quality ingredient used in this dog food is dried potato which contains about 10% dry matter protein.
Peas account majorly for the carbohydrate content of this dog food. They also contain about 25% protein and are rich in natural fiber. Sweet potatoes are used as an additional source of carbohydrates, they are rich in beta-carotene and are a gluten-free source of carbohydrates.
Questionable Ingredients
Alfalfa has a high percentage of protein content but is more associated with horse feeds. Also, there is no mention of probiotics applied to the dog food to aid digestion.
Potential Allergies
If your dog is suffering from allergies related to beef or lamb meal, then this dog food is not for you.
Pros
It contains multiple sources of protein such as pork meal, beef and lamb meal, sage, rosemary, and thyme.
Cons
There have been complaints of a strong odor when you open the bag of dog food.
Conclusion
In general, Whole Earth Farms Grain-free dog food is a good choice for your pal because it features top-quality ingredients and dogs love the taste.
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5. NUTRO MAX GRAIN FREE NATURAL ADULT DRY DOG FOOD WITH FARM RAISED CHICKEN, MINI CHUNK
Nutrition Constituents
Protein (min): 26.0%
Fat (min): 14.0%
Fiber (max): 3.5%
Moisture (max): 10.0%
Caloric Content: 3,685 kcal/kg.
Ingredients
Ingredients, as published by Nutro include:
Chicken Meal, Dried Potatoes, Chickpeas, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Peas, Lamb Meal, Chicken, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Natural Flavor, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Salt, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin E Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Selenium Yeast, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract, Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
Quality Ingredients
The major meat source used in this dog food is chicken meal. It contains about three times more protein than fresh chicken.
Another quality ingredient used is dried potato, which contains about 10% dry matter protein.
Omega 6 fatty acids is supplemented by the linoleic acid present in chicken fat while the carbohydrates content is supplemented by peas.
Questionable Ingredients
Alfalfa meal is a questionable ingredient because it more associated with horse feeds.
Beet pulp, a by-product of sugar beet processing is commonly recognized as an inexpensive bulk filler although it has some blood sugar benefits.
Potential Allergies
This product is not for you if your dog is suffering from poultry-related allergies.
Pros
This dog food contains high-quality natural ingredients with added vitamins and minerals to ensure that your dog is healthy
Cons
It is expensive when compared with other dog foods available in the market, however, quality comes at a cost.
Conclusion
Overall, the Nutro max grain-free dog food is one of the finest dog foods available on the market. It is a good alternative to grains that might affect your dog negatively and offers your dog all the nutrients needed for healthy living. It clearly deserves a place on our list of the best grain free dog foods.
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6. PURINA ONE SMARTBLEND NATURAL FORMULA ADULT DRY DOG FOOD LAMB & RICE
Nutrition Constituents
Protein (min): 26.0%
Fat (min): 16.0%
Fiber (max): 3.0%
Moisture (max): 12.0%
Linoleic Acid (min): 1.4%
Calcium (min): 1.0%
Phosphorus (min): 0.8% min
Ingredients
Ingredients, as published by Purina include:
Lamb (source of glucosamine), rice flour, whole grain corn, whole grain wheat, chicken by-product meal (source of glucosamine), corn gluten meal, soybean meal, beef fat naturally preserved with mixed-tocopherols, mono and dicalcium phosphate, glycerin, calcium carbonate, liver flavor, salt, caramel color, soybean oil, potassium chloride, dried carrots, dried peas, VITAMINS [Vitamin E supplement, niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), thiamine mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 supplement, riboflavin supplement (Vitamin B-2), pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), folic acid (Vitamin B-9), menadione sodium bisulfite complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin D-3 supplement, biotin (Vitamin B-7)], MINERALS [zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite], choline chloride, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, sulfur.
Quality Ingredients
Lamb is the major meat source in this dog food, it is a very rich protein source and helps in building up body tissues. It is blended with other additional protein sources such as chicken by-product meal and corn gluten meal.
Questionable Ingredients
Corn is an inexpensive filler and adds only little nutritional value to a dog.
Another questionable ingredient is corn gluten meal. Although it is about 60% protein, it is an inferior source of protein as compared to meat sources.
Menadione is also questionable because it has been associated with liver allergies and abnormal break down of red blood cells.
Potential Allergies
Some ingredients such as whole grain corn and whole grain wheat may cause allergic reactions in dogs who suffer from grain-related allergies.
Pros
Its affordable and has its major ingredient as meat, making it better than most dog foods within this price range.
Cons
It has a lower than average protein content when compared to other dog foods. This is due to the use of meat by-products such as soybean, wheat meal and corn rather than meat itself.
Conclusion
Although Purina ONE’s SmartBlend Lamb & Rice Formula dog food comes at a low price, it still features a real lamb as the major ingredient blended with other protein sources. It also features antioxidants such as vitamins A and E supplemented with zinc and selenium to improve the immune system of your dog.
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7. RACHAEL RAY NUTRISH NATURAL DRY DOG FOOD, REAL CHICKEN & VEGGIES RECIPE
Nutrition Constituents
Protein (min): 26.0%
Fat (min): 14.0% min
Fiber (max): 4.0%
Moisture (max): 10.0%
Linoleic Acid (Omega-6 Fatty Acid) (min): 1.5%
Calcium (min): 1.2%
Phosphorus (min): 1.0%
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (Omega-3 Fatty Acid) (min): 0.1%
Ingredients
Ingredients as published by Rachael Ray include:
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Dried Peas, Soybean Meal, Whole Ground Corn, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Starch, Corn Gluten Meal, Brown Rice, Dicalcium Phosphate, Natural Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Dried Carrots, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Beet Powder (Color), Iron Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Biotin, Niacin, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Selenium Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K), Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Quality Ingredients
The major meat source used in this dog food is chicken, which is a high-quality source of protein.
Beet pulp and brown rice are a natural fiber sources that provide probiotics to support healthy digestion.
Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids are provided by chicken fat, they support healthy skin
Questionable Ingredients
Even though dried peas are high-quality carbohydrates sources, they contain only about 27% protein, which is a major factor to consider when selecting a dog food.
Plant-based protein sources have lower biological value than animal-based ones. Soybean meal contains about 48% protein while corn gluten meal contains about 60% protein but they are not premium sources of protein.
Corn is an inexpensive bulk filler and considered one of the most controversial incidents in dog food. It is not harmful to dogs but adds only little nutritional value to a dog
Potential Allergies
Some ingredients such as whole grain corn and whole grain wheat may cause allergic reactions in dogs who suffer from grain-related allergies.
Pros
The primary ingredient is real chicken rather than chicken meal or poultry by-product meal
Vital vitamin and mineral content are provided by peas and carrots, while poultry fats provide a natural source of omega fatty acids.
Cons
It features a lot of filler ingredients.
Conclusion
Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe features real chicken as its primary meat source, making it stand out among other dog foods.
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8. WELLNESS CORE NATURAL GRAIN FREE DRY DOG FOOD SMALL BREED TURKEY & CHICKEN RECIPE DRY DOG FOOD
Nutrition Constituents
Protein (min): 36.0% min
Fat (min): 16.0% min
Fiber (max): 5.0% max
Moisture (max): 10.0% max
Calcium (max): 2.0% max
Phosphorus (max): 1.3.0% max
Omega-6 Fatty Acids (min): 3.0% min
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (min): 0.5% min
Ingredients
Ingredients as published by the manufacturer include:
Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Natural Chicken Flavor, Ground Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Choline Chloride, Spinach, Vitamin E Supplement, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Sweet Potatoes, Taurine, Spearmint, Mixed Tocopherols Added to Preserve Freshness, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Chicory Root Extract, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
Quality Ingredients
The major ingredient used in this dog food is turkey. Turkey is an excellent source of protein but contains about 60% moisture which on cooking reduces the original meat to a fraction. Turkey meal and chicken meal is used to supplement the protein content of the dog food.
Potato is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that also provides essential minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Questionable Ingredients
Tomato pomace is a by-product from the remains of tomato after making juice or ketchup. Although it is rich in fiber content, it is an inexpensive dog food filler.
Pea fiber is also a questionable ingredient because it provides no other nutritional value to a dog apart from fiber.
Potential Allergies
Some ingredients such as deboned turkey, turkey meal and chicken meal may cause allergic reactions in dogs who suffer from poultry-related allergies.
Pros
It contains multiple protein-rich sources such as chicken and turkey
No artificial sweeteners or preservatives is present in the recipe
Chicory root is a source of inulin and helps to promote digestion.
It comes at an affordable price for this quality of dog food.
Cons
It contains a lot of fillers which add little or no nutritional value to a dog such as tomato pomace pea fiber.
Conclusion
Wellness Core Natural Grain-free Dog Food has a very high protein content which is a good feature to consider when choosing the best grain free dog food. It may be the best option for your dog if you’re looking for food that’s natural, completely grain-free and made from high-quality ingredients.
