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The debate surrounding grain in dog food has been a topic of contention among pet owners. However, recent studies have shed light on the benefits of including grains in a dog's diet. Surprisingly, it has been found that approximately 90% of dogs have no issue digesting grains, challenging the common misconception that grains are inherently harmful. Furthermore, research indicates that grains like rice, oats, and barley provide valuable sources of carbohydrates and essential nutrients for our canine companions. In this article, we will explore the best dog food options that include grains, backed by scientific evidence and expert recommendations, to help you make an informed decision for your dog's nutrition and overall well-being.
15 best dog food with grain in 2023
Taste of the Wild with Ancient Grains
ACANA® Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food
Open Farm Grass-Fed Beef & Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural Adult Dry Dog Food Plus Wholesome Grains
ORIJEN® Dry Dog Food, High Protein, Amazing Grains Regional Red
Wag Dry Dog Food, Salmon and Brown Rice
Wellness CORE Digestive Health Dry Dog Food with Wholesome Grains
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food
Wellness CORE RawRev Dry Small Dog Food with Wholesome Grains
Open Farm RawMix Ancient Grains Wild-Ocean Recipe for Dogs
Addiction Zen Vegetarian Dry Dog Food
Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food
Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food with Grains
Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Organic Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food
Pupper Fuel
Pupper Fuel is a brand of dog food that understands the importance of a balanced diet for your furry friend. Their dog food with grains provides a valuable source of fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals. While some pet owners may be hesitant to offer their dogs food with grains, they use high-quality sources such as brown rice, barley, and oats to provide a nutritional boost without any artificial ingredients. Plus, their dog food with grains is formulated to support optimal digestive health and promote healthy skin and coat. Trust Pupper Fuel for dog food that is both tasty and nutritious for your best friend.
Taste of the Wild with Ancient Grains
Many pet owners are searching for ways to incorporate ancient grains into their dog's diet, but with so many options available, it's hard to know what to choose. Taste of the Wild's new recipe with ancient grains provides an excellent solution. This dog food is designed with the health and well-being of your furry friend in mind. The blend of high-quality protein and nutritious ancient grains offers a flavorful and healthy meal for your pet. By choosing Taste of the Wild with ancient grains, you can provide your dog with an all-around balanced diet that will leave them wagging their tail with satisfaction.
ACANA® Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food
As pet owners, we all want the best for our furry friends, and that includes their food. ACANA® Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food is a great option for dogs that thrive on a diet that includes grains. This premium-quality dog food has a blend of whole grains like oats, sorghum, and barley, which provide a great source of fiber for digestive health and energy for active dogs. The wholesome ingredients are also responsibly sourced and prepared in state-of-the-art kitchens, ensuring a delicious and nutritious meal for your furry companion every time. Try ACANA® Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food and give your dog the wholesome, grain-based diet they deserve.
Open Farm Grass-Fed Beef & Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food
Open Farm Grass-Fed Beef & Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food is a high-quality dog food that is gaining popularity for its use of ancient grains like quinoa, millet, and chia seeds. These nutrient-dense grains lend a unique texture and flavor to the food. It is specially designed to provide your dog with the best in nutrition and taste. Open Farm Grass-Fed Beef & Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food contains organic and grass-fed beef that is free from antibiotics and hormones, ensuring that your furry friend gets the highest quality meat. The recipe is also free of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, making it a healthy option for your furry friend. This grain-inclusive dog food is an excellent choice for pet parents looking for a more natural dog food option.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural Adult Dry Dog Food Plus Wholesome Grains
Finding dog food that meets your furry companion's needs isn't always easy. That's where Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural Adult Dry Dog Food Plus Wholesome Grains comes in. This dog food is a great option for pet parents who want high-quality, wholesome ingredients in their dog's diet. With real chicken as the first ingredient, this dry dog food is packed with protein and contains no chicken or poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy. What sets it apart from other dog foods is the addition of wholesome grains like brown rice, barley, and oatmeal, which provide essential nutrients, fiber, and energy for your pup. It's a solid choice for those who prefer dog food with grain, as well as those who want to provide their pets with a delicious and nutritious meal.
ORIJEN® Dry Dog Food, High Protein, Amazing Grains Regional Red
ORIJEN® Dry Dog Food Regional Red is a high-quality dog food that contains whole-grain ingredients. Made with premium ingredients sourced from local farmers and ranchers, this dog food offers an amazing nutritional profile with a high protein content, essential vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's overall health. ORIJEN® Regional Red dog food is crafted with fresh, red meat ingredients that contribute to a savory flavor profile that dogs crave. Additionally, the use of whole grains in this dog food provides a good source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion. Give your dog the best with ORIJEN® Dry Dog Food Regional Red, and watch them thrive!
Wag Dry Dog Food, Salmon and Brown Rice
Wag Dry Dog Food is a popular choice among pet owners who prioritize wholesome ingredients, such as salmon and brown rice. This particular blend is a prime example of dog food with grain, as it incorporates brown rice as a primary source of carbohydrates, which is essential for providing energy and promoting a healthy digestive system. Salmon, on the other hand, is a great protein source that contains omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to a healthy coat and joint support. With the Wag Dry Dog Food, Salmon, and Brown Rice blend, pet parents can feel confident they are providing their pup with high-quality ingredients that promote their overall health and happiness.
Wellness CORE Digestive Health Dry Dog Food with Wholesome Grains
For pet owners who prioritize their furry friend's digestive health, Wellness CORE Digestive Health Dry Dog Food with Wholesome Grains is a smart choice. This formula combines high-quality proteins, prebiotics, and probiotics to promote healthy digestion and nutrient absorption. The addition of wholesome grains, such as barley and oatmeal, adds essential fiber and nutrients to your dog's diet without sacrificing overall quality. Unlike many other commercial dog foods, this formula is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, ensuring that your pup is getting nothing but the best. Give your dog the gift of good health with Wellness CORE Digestive Health Dry Dog Food with Wholesome Grains.
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food is the perfect choice for pet owners who want to provide a nutritious meal to their furry companions without compromising on taste. This high-quality dog food is specifically formulated with wholesome grains like quinoa, brown rice, and barley, ensuring a balanced diet for your canine friend. The nutrient-rich ingredients promote overall health and wellness while enhancing the natural flavors of the food. The carefully selected grains also support healthy digestion and provide sustained energy throughout the day. With Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food, you can rest easy knowing that your beloved pet is getting the best possible nutrition.
Wellness CORE RawRev Dry Small Dog Food with Wholesome Grains
Finding the best food for your furry friend is one of the most important decisions you can make as a pet owner. The Wellness CORE RawRev Dry Small Dog Food with Wholesome Grains could be your answer. This delicious dog food provides a well-rounded meal option for small dogs with a mix of high-quality protein and nutrient-rich grains. Wellness CORE RawRev is made from real chicken, turkey, and lamb, combined with a blend of wholesome grains like oats, barley, brown rice, and quinoa. These premium grains provide a natural source of essential vitamins and minerals to support your dog's overall health and wellness. With Wellness CORE RawRev Dry Small Dog Food with Wholesome Grains, you can give your furry friend a satisfying and nutritious meal they'll love.
Open Farm RawMix Ancient Grains Wild-Ocean Recipe for Dogs
As pet owners, we always want the best for our furry friends, including the type of food we feed them. That's why Open Farm has come up with their RawMix Ancient Grains Wild-Ocean Recipe for Dogs. This dog food with grains is packed with high-quality ingredients sourced from sustainable farms and wild-caught fish from the ocean. Ancient grains like steel-cut oats, quinoa, and millet are included in the recipe to provide wholesome nutrition to your dogs. Additionally, this grain-inclusive dog food is rich in protein and other crucial nutrients to support your dog's health and vitality. With Open Farm's RawMix Ancient Grains Wild-Ocean Recipe, you can rest easy knowing that you're providing your furry friend with the best meal possible.
Addiction Zen Vegetarian Dry Dog Food
As a responsible pet owner, one of the most important decisions you must make is selecting the appropriate diet for your beloved furry friend. If you are looking for a nutritious and wholesome dog food that is formulated to meet the dietary needs of your pooch, then Addiction Zen Vegetarian Dry Dog Food is an ideal choice worth considering. What makes this dog food unique is that it is specifically designed to cater to the needs of vegetarian dogs that require a grain-based diet. The premium-quality ingredients in this formula - brown rice, oats, peas, and soybeans - ensure that your dog gets an all-round nourishing meal. Additionally, the eco-friendly and ethical manufacturing process adheres to stringent standards of purity, so you can rest assured that you are feeding your furry friend the best possible food.
Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food
Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food is a top choice for pet owners looking for a well-rounded diet for their furry friends. This particular brand of dog food is unique in that it includes a variety of healthy grains, such as quinoa, brown rice, and barley, which offer a rich source of fiber and complex carbohydrates. The inclusion of these grains not only helps to keep your dog feeling full and satisfied but can also provide a range of other benefits, such as healthy digestion and sustained energy throughout the day. Overall, Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food is a smart choice for any pet owner seeking a high-quality, nutritious diet for their beloved companion.
Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food with Grains
If you're looking for a high-quality dry dog food option, consider giving Wellness Complete Health a try. This dog food formula includes grains as part of its ingredient list. That means your furry friend can enjoy a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. By providing your dog with a varied and wholesome diet that includes grains, you can help keep their digestive system healthy and support their overall wellness. So, if you're looking for dog food that includes grains, give Wellness Complete Health a chance and see if it makes a difference in your pup's health and energy levels.
Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Organic Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food
Looking for high-quality dog food that uses organic ingredients with grains? Look no further than Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Organic Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food. This top-of-the-line dog food is made from only the best organic chicken and organic grains, giving your furry friend a delicious and nutritious meal every time. Not only does this dog food include organic ingredients, but it is also free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Trust in Castor & Pollux ORGANIX to provide your dog with a meal that is both organic and full of protein-packed grains to keep them healthy and happy for years to come.
Our Criteria for Ranking the Best Dog Food
Choosing the right dog food is essential for your pet's health and well-being. With the plethora of options available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which dog food is best for your furry friend. To simplify this process and help you make an informed decision, we have established a set of criteria for ranking the best dog food products. These criteria are based on scientific research, expert opinions, and the specific nutritional needs of dogs.
Nutritional Balance:
Complete and Balanced: The dog food must meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines for a complete and balanced diet, ensuring it provides all essential nutrients in the right proportions.
Ingredients Quality:
High-Quality Protein: The primary ingredient should be a high-quality animal protein source, such as chicken, beef, or fish, to support your dog's muscle development and overall health.
Whole Grains and Vegetables: Whole grains and vegetables should be included to provide essential carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Absence of Fillers and Artificial Additives:
No Fillers: The best dog food should not contain fillers like corn, soy, or wheat, which offer limited nutritional value and may cause allergies.
No Artificial Additives: It should be free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which can harm your dog's health over time.
Meat Meal vs. Whole Meat:
Preference for Whole Meat: Whole meat sources are preferred over meat meals or by-products, as they are less processed and retain more nutritional value.
Digestibility and Allergen Consideration:
Hypoallergenic Options: For dogs with allergies or sensitivities, hypoallergenic options that avoid common allergens like poultry or grains should be available.
High Digestibility: The dog food should be highly digestible to ensure your pet absorbs the maximum nutrients from each meal.
Life Stage Appropriateness:
Age and Size-Specific Formulations: The best dog food should offer formulations tailored to your dog's life stage (puppy, adult, senior) and size (small, medium, large).
Transparency and Sourcing:
Transparent Labeling: Brands should provide transparent information about ingredient sourcing and processing methods.
Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing: A commitment to sustainable and ethical sourcing of ingredients reflects a brand's responsibility toward animal welfare and the environment.
Health Benefits and Special Considerations:
Support for Special Health Needs: The best dog food may offer formulations to address specific health concerns, such as joint health, dental care, or weight management.
Customer Feedback and Reviews:
Positive User Experiences: Customer feedback and reviews are valuable indicators of a product's performance, safety, and palatability.
Price and Value:
Affordability: The cost of the dog food should be reasonable and commensurate with its quality and ingredients, offering good value for pet owners.
Recall History and Safety:
Safety Record: Brands with a history of recalls or safety issues should be viewed with caution, as the safety of your pet is paramount.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the inclusion of grains in dog food has proven to be beneficial for a significant majority of dogs, contrary to popular belief. With approximately 90% of dogs being able to digest grains without any issues, it challenges the notion that grains are inherently harmful. Moreover, research highlights the nutritional value of grains such as rice, oats, and barley, providing essential carbohydrates and nutrients for our furry friends. By considering the best dog food options that incorporate grains, based on scientific evidence and expert recommendations, you can make a well-informed choice that supports your dog's overall health and dietary needs. Embracing the benefits of grain-inclusive dog food can help ensure a balanced and nutritious diet for your canine companion, leading to a happier and healthier life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Food
What should I consider when choosing dog food for my pet?
When choosing dog food, consider factors such as your dog's age, size, activity level, any allergies or sensitivities, and consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations.
What is the difference between dry and wet dog food?
Dry dog food (kibble) is convenient, has a longer shelf life, and can help with dental health. Wet dog food contains more moisture and can be more palatable for picky eaters. Some owners choose to feed a combination for variety.
Is homemade dog food a good option?
Homemade dog food can be an option but requires careful research and balance to ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients. Consulting with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist is recommended.
How can I tell if a dog food is of high quality?
Look for high-quality protein sources, whole grains and vegetables, minimal fillers and additives, and adherence to AAFCO guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition. Checking customer reviews and consulting experts can also help.
Should I choose a dog food based on my dog's breed?
While some breed-specific formulas exist, it's more important to consider your dog's individual needs, age, and size when selecting dog food.
What should I do if my dog has food allergies or sensitivities?
If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, consult your veterinarian for advice. They may recommend hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient dog foods.
Is grain-free dog food a better choice?
Grain-free dog food isn't necessarily better. While some dogs may benefit from grain-free options, it's essential to ensure the food still provides balanced nutrition, as some grain-free diets have been associated with certain health issues.
How often should I feed my dog, and in what portion sizes?
Feeding frequency and portion sizes depend on your dog's age, size, and activity level. Puppies typically require more frequent meals. Follow the feeding guidelines provided on the dog food packaging and adjust based on your dog's needs.
Can I mix different brands or types of dog food?
Mixing different brands or types of dog food can be done, but it should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on the best way to transition your dog to a new diet.
Should I be concerned about recalls when choosing dog food?
Yes, it's important to stay informed about recalls. Check the FDA and manufacturer websites regularly for recall information. Brands with a history of recalls may be worth avoiding.
What is the role of my veterinarian in selecting dog food?
Your veterinarian can provide valuable guidance on selecting the right dog food based on your pet's specific needs, health conditions, and dietary requirements.
How can I ensure my dog stays hydrated when feeding dry dog food?
Always provide access to clean, fresh water. Wetting the dry food or incorporating wet food into the diet can also increase moisture intake.
Can I give my dog human food as part of their diet?
While some human foods are safe for dogs, it's essential to know which ones are and to avoid potentially toxic foods. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding human food to your dog's diet.
Remember that each dog is unique, and their dietary needs may vary. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian and open communication about your dog's diet are key to ensuring their health and well-being.
