Grain-free dog food

At Purina, grain-free dog food is made with quality ingredients to give your pet the nutrients they need for a complete and balanced meal, even when they’re on a special diet. Whether your pet goes mad for dry food or can’t resist a bowl of wet dog food, you can find both dry and wet grain-free formulas in our range. Select the dog food that is most suitable for your pet's needs from the Purina brands you know and trust.

What is grain-free dog food? 

Grain-free dog food is made using recipes that exclude grains. So, wheat, barley, oats, corn or rice are completely removed and replaced with other ingredients that ensure the meal doesn’t lose any of the taste and texture dogs love, while still offering them plenty of nutrients. Good grain-free dog food should still provide the right amount of carbohydrates the pet needs.

Is grain-free dog food better than regular dog food? 

There is no single best choice for every dog. Both grain-free and regular dog foods, when complete and balanced, can provide your dog with a crucial source of energy. While there is a belief that grains are "fillers" or may be a source of food allergies, they are in fact a rich source of nutrients, including protein, fibre, essential fatty acids, B vitamins and minerals. Rather than picking either regular or grain-free, a solution is to choose both. In diversifying the sources of carbohydrates and proteins in your dog's diet, your dog can get all the carbohydrates they need to be healthy. If you are considering a change, speak to your vet.

Do vets recommend grain-free dog food? 

Grain-free dog food may be recommended in specific cases such as a suspected food allergy or sensitivity, although dogs are rarely allergic to all grains. Coeliac disease has not been diagnosed in dogs or cats, and gluten sensitivity has only been observed in a very small number of dogs. Your vet can help you choose the most suitable diet or an elimination diet if needed.

Can grain-free dog food be harmful?

Grain-free dog food is not inherently harmful, but removing a category of ingredients can be detrimental if the replacement ingredients and overall formulation are not chosen correctly. Most dogs can eat and digest grains, and grains can provide nutrients such as carbohydrates and vitamins. If you are considering grain-free, choose a high-quality complete and balanced diet and ask your vet if it is appropriate for your dog.

Can grain-free dog food create issues like constipation?

Although grain-free dog food is a highly nutritious way of feeding your dog, protein is more difficult to digest, which could result in your dog experiencing diarrhoea or constipation. To read more about the pros and cons of dogs eating grains, and how to choose the best diet for your pet, take a look at our feeding your dog guide. If you notice ongoing digestive changes, speak to your vet and consider an elimination approach to identify what your dog is reacting to.

How do I transition my dog to grain-free food?

Before switching, speak to your veterinarian to confirm whether a grain-free dog food is appropriate, since grain-free diets are not generally recommended for healthy dogs and are typically used when an allergy or sensitivity is suspected. If you do switch, monitor your dog closely for changes in itching, scratching, stools, and overall wellbeing, and document any changes so you can review the results with your vet.