A legume-free diet, when done well, can positively impact Fido’s general health. It can help to prevent digestive upset and may protect your pooch from heart disease. However, a legume-free diet that relies on grains and other ingredients could be problematic if your dog suffers from allergies or food sensitivities.
I used my 12 years of veterinary experience to research over 30 dog food products to find the best legume-free dog food.
After evaluating over 30 legume-free recipes, I found that “Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food” has the best overall combination of nutrients and quality ingredients.
But I know that no two dogs are identical, and your doggie may be in a different life stage or have different needs such as food allergies or being in his senior years. That’s why I included a shortlist of the best legume-free foods that addresses some common conditions.
Before you pick the best legume-free dog food for your furbaby, it’s wise to consider whether it’s the right thing to do. That’s why I explained why this type of diet is healthier for some dogs and whether your dog should be on it.
After you decide that a legume-free based diet is right for your special pal, you can check out the shortlist of 11 legume-free-based formulas that I shortlisted for you.
If the products on my shortlist don’t cover your doggie’s specific needs, I also shared a checklist to help you find the best legume-free-based food for her. I made sure the checklist is in plain language and easy to follow.
Finally, I answered popular questions patients have asked me regarding legume free diets.
Always remember that the recommendations in this review are not intended to replace the doctor-patient relationship. You should always consult with your veterinarian before making any major adjustments to your pal’s diet.
Let’s get started.
The Risks & Benefits Of Legumes In Dogs’ Food
Legumes such as peas or lentils are a common ingredient in grain-free dog foods. These garden vegetables can provide antioxidants, fiber, and essential nutrients that your pooch needs.
But you’ve probably heard that grain-free dog foods with legumes aren’t always a healthy option. In 2014, the FDA began tracking reports of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a heart disease, in dogs. Based on their findings, they suggested a potential link between feeding certain dog foods that contain high concentrations of potatoes or legumes and the development of DCM.
At the beginning of 2021, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) shared a report detailing some updated information: In over 90% of reported cases, dogs that developed DCM were eating a grain-free diet that was high in legumes. A change of diet and treatment with taurine and pimobendan resulted in full recovery for all affected dogs.
The good news is that not all dogs are affected. From 2014 to the date of the AVMA’s report, FDA only had 1,100 accounts of DCM. In 2019, the American Pet Products Association estimated there were approximately 90 million dogs living in the United States. So while eating legumes can put some dogs at risk, it may be beneficial for others.
Producers of grain-free or hypoallergenic dog foods may use legumes to replace grains in their formulas. Other companies add peas, lentils, beans, or other legumes to boost the protein content. Because these plants are a source of resistant starch, they can also help reduce the diet’s glycemic index for diabetic dogs.
Some legumes commonly found in dog foods include:
- Peas
- Lentils
- Green and string beans
- Chickpeas
- soybeans
The Benefits
Although many people believe these materials are empty fillers, they are not. Legumes tend to be high in carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. Many pulses, including peas and lentils, also contain antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. So, some legumes are safe and healthy for many dogs to eat in small quantities. Not only are these plants nutrient-dense and a good source of resistant starch, but they can also help to lower blood pressure.
The Risks
Despite their potential benefits, there are risks associated with including legumes in the diet.
The top risk from legumes is that feeding large quantities of pulses in a grain-free diet may trigger DCM. Therefore, if you choose a grain-free diet, check the product label to see if peas or other legumes appear in the top ingredients.
Some pulses such as fava beans and broad beans are too hard to digest or contain harmful substances. Peas, in particular, contain phytoestrogens, lectins, oxalates, and phytates. Phytoestrogens can affect fertility, while the other compounds can interfere with digestion and the absorption of essential minerals.
Another risk associated with including too many lentils, beans, or other legumes in the diet is that it diminishes the proportion of quality animal protein. And, of course, large quantities of high fiber materials can cause gas buildup and discomfort in your pooch’s digestive tract.
Our Recommendation
While legumes can be safe and healthy for your pooch, you may decide the risks outweigh the potential benefits. For dogs already at risk for heart disease, grain-free diets that contain legumes are less than ideal. Some pups also have food intolerances, allergies, or sensitivities to peas or other pulses.
Additionally, feeding pulses won’t necessarily provide the highest quality nutrition. As carnivores, dogs fare best on animal proteins rather than plant-based sources. Because their digestive systems are not designed to readily break down vegetation, dogs may not access all of the nutrients in legumes.
In most cases, you should consider legume-free dog food.
Healthy Alternatives to Legumes in Dog Foods
If you choose to go with legume-free food for your pup, you need a nutritious alternative that supplies the nutrients he needs. Some healthy alternative ingredients include:
- Pumpkin – Another food that’s high in fiber, pumpkin is also gentle on the digestive system. It’s not quite as carbohydrate-rich as potatoes, but this orange vegetable is filling and rich in vitamins A and C.
- Squash – Squash such as butternut or acorn squash is high in both fiber and carbohydrates. Like pumpkins, they’re also rich sources of antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and minerals.
- Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes are another food that is high in fiber and other essential nutrients. They contain antioxidants, Vitamins A, B, and C, and the minerals potassium and calcium.
- Whole Grains – Unless you’re also looking for a grain-free diet, whole grains are an excellent alternative. Brown, rice, millet, whole oats, and other grains provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, antioxidants, and minerals.
- Tapioca – While not a common food source in the United States, tapioca has complex carbohydrates and other essential nutrients. It’s also a useful binding agent.
Provide All the Nutrients With Legume-Free Dog Diet
Legume-free diets are available in various recipes and formulations to suit different life stages and special health conditions. So, how do you know which food is right for your dog?
For your convenience, we’ve created a rule of thumb checklist to make it easier for you to choose the right formulation that fits best for your dog’s needs.
- Starts With Protein – Dogs are carnivores. They need high levels of quality protein like chicken, beef, or salmon. Check the label to make sure the first ingredient is protein.
- Suits Your Dog’s Life-Stage – Dogs have different nutritional needs at different points of their life. A puppy requires more protein and calories to help their bodies build muscle and to fuel their energy needs. Seniors require a lower-calorie diet that accommodates their waning activity levels. Additionally, older dogs can benefit from supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin for the joints and probiotics to support digestion.
- Fits Your Dog’s Individual Dietary Needs – Lifestage isn’t the only consideration when selecting a diet that suits your pal’s needs. If you have a pup with a chronic condition such as kidney disease or Cushing’s, you’ll need to look for food that’s lower in sodium and meets other nutritional needs. Overweight dogs should have a diet that’s higher in fiber and lower in fat and calories to help them take off unwanted pounds.
- Contains Highly Digestible Carbohydrates – The carbohydrate source in your dog’s food should be easy to digest. Look for ingredients like whole grains, non-legume vegetables, and alternatives like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and squash.
- Offers Complete and Balanced Nutrition – The food you choose should have all the nutrients your dog requires. Look for a statement on the bag that indicates the food meets AAFCO guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition.
- Includes Nutrients and Supplements Your Dog Needs – Look for products that include helpful nutrients like
- Omega fatty acids to support skin and hair
- Antioxidants for cellular health and immunity
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support
- Taurine for heart health
- Includes No Unidentified Meat Meals or Byproducts – Never purchase a product that has generic meat meals or animal byproducts in the ingredient list. If you don’t know the source of the protein, you could risk feeding an allergen or triggering a food sensitivity.
- Contains no Artificial Additives – Avoid products with artificial flavors, colors, and chemical preservatives. Some of these materials can trigger food sensitivities, and others are suspected carcinogens. Stay away from foods that include BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin, and other artificial substances.
Our 2024 Review for 11 Best Legume-Free Based Diets for Dogs
We reviewed over 30 products by following the process mentioned above and classified the best options for your furbaby’s everyday essential nutrient needs.
We carefully considered each selection’s life stage to ensure it has the best nutrient sources.
Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran
- Key feature: Superfood blend
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 25%; Crude Fat 14%; Crude Fiber 4%; Moisture 10%
- Caloric Content: 341 kcal/cup
- Type of product: Dry Dog Food
- Life stage: Adult
- Best for: Best overall
- AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for Maintenance
As a holistic blend of ingredients, this food from Nutro provides all-around support for adult dogs.
Healthy adults need animal protein sources to help them maintain their lean muscle mass and stay active. Chicken, lamb, and salmon in the formula provide the amino acids your pooch needs to stay fit and active.
As alternatives to legumes, whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal are excellent sources of digestible carbohydrates. These ingredients provide your dog with concentrated energy. Also a source of dietary fiber, the grains help your pal stay regular.
Fruits and vegetables in this formula supply antioxidants to undergird cellular health and help support your pal’s immune response.
If Fido has any allergies, the formula includes natural sources of omega fatty acids that support the skin and hair. These nutrients are also helpful to reduce the production and effect of inflammatory products.
With the blend of ingredients and nutrients in this product, it’s the best overall formula for your pooch. This formula is available in large and small breed options.
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal
- Key feature: Pea, Lentil, and Potato-Free
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 28%; Crude Fat 16%; Crude Fiber 3.5%; Moisture 11%
- Caloric Content: 406 kcal/cup
- Type of product: Dry Dog Food
- Life stage: Puppy
- Best for: Puppies
- AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth including the growth of large size dogs
Juvenile pups are constantly building muscle mass and strong bones. They require a blend of protein, energy, and the right balance of calcium and phosphorus for proper growth.
Puppies need a protein-dense diet to provide the building blocks for strong muscles. Starting with chicken and chicken meal, this food provides rich sources of animal-based protein that supply your young pup with essential amino acids for growth.
Chicken fat, flaxseed, and fish oil fats provide essential and omega fatty acids for energy. The fat content is an ideal level to fuel your puppy’s activity and growth, so it shouldn’t cause excess weight gain.
With healthy whole grains, fruits, and vegetables your special pal has digestible carbohydrates and fiber to boost digestion to keep your little guy regular. For these juvenile canines, grains are a better energy source than legumes becuase they don’t contain phytoestrogens which can interfere with reproductive development.
These ingredients also offer rich sources of antioxidants to support cellular health and immunity. The balance of minerals and vitamins is formulated to enhance proper bone growth for a strong frame.
Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic Senior Reduced Calorie Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Sorghum, Dried Beet Pulp
- Key feature: Reduced fat
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 21%; Crude Fat 7%; Crude Fiber 4%; Moisture 10%
- Caloric Content: 371 kcal/cup
- Type of product: Dry Dog Food
- Life stage: Senior
- Best for: Seniors
- AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance
As dogs mature, their bodies slow down, and they’re prone to develop more diseases. Most older canines need fewer calories and a proper balance of protein, fat, sodium, and phosphorus.
Designed for less active dogs, this food starts with chicken meal, which is an excellent source of amino acids. The 21% protein level in this formula is the proper level to help prevent muscle loss.
Chicken fat, flaxseed, and Menhaden fish oil combine to offer your pooch omega and essential fatty acids. Omega fatty acids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents that can help combat inflammation associated with arthritis and other diseases of aging. The fat content is reduced to help prevent unwanted weight gain.
With rich natural sources of essential and omega fatty acids, this formula supplies dogs with the materials to support immunity, and the skin, coat, and brain. The fat levels are reduced to prevent unwanted weight gain in your senior’s less active years.
The chicken meal is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin which offer support for joint health and mobility to keep your older dog comfortable and active.
Supplementation with taurine works to help your senior’s heart stay healthy. The formula also includes readily digestible whole grains and prebiotic fiber to support digestion and keep your pal’s gut moving. Grains are a desirable alternative to legumes in older dogs because they help to prevent the risk of diet-induced DCM.
Victor Classic Professional Formula Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Beef Meal, Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Millet, Chicken Fat, Blood Meal Conventionally Dried
- Key feature: Gluten-free
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 26%; Crude Fat 18%; Crude Fiber 3.8%; Moisture 9%
- Caloric Content: 400 kcal/cup
- Type of product: Dry Dog Food
- Life stage: Adult
- Best for: Best for Budget
- AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages
Beef, chicken, and pork meals are nutrient-dense ingredients that provide your pooch with protein for muscle maintenance and repair. These ingredients are also an excellent natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin which helps to maintain joint mobility so your pooch can stay active.
With digestible, gluten-free grains, your pal has the energy he needs for his daily activities. Chicken fat offers essential and yucca schidigera provides omega fatty acids. These vital nutrients support a healthy coat and skin and can help to combat allergy symptoms if your pooch has any sensitivities.
Millet in the formula is a highly digestible carbohydrate that provides dietary fiber to stimulate and support the gut. Also a rich source of B-vitamins, vitamin C, antioxidants, and several essential minerals, this ingredient enhances the nutritional value of the food for your pooch.
The formula includes L-carnitine and taurine to support heart health. With a blend of probiotic microorganisms, the food is designed to soothe the gut. This formula provides you with a budget-friendly option that includes valuable health benefits for your pooch. There are no artificial ingredients.
Chicken Soup for the Soul Beef & Brown Rice Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Beef, Turkey, Turkey Meal, Beef Meal, Pearled Barley
- Key feature: legume-free
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 26%; Crude Fat 14%; Crude Fiber 4%; Moisture 10%
- Caloric Content: 375.8 kcal/cup
- Type of product: Dry Dog Food
- Life stage: Adult
- Best for: Heart Health
- AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance
When considering a dog food for heart health, you should select a formula that promotes a healthy weight and doesn’t skimp on proteins. This food starts with four animal-protein ingredients to help your pooch maintain lean muscle mass. Without sufficient protein, your pooch’s body will replace muscle tissue with fat, and this puts undue strain on the heart.
The formula has whole grains that offer digestible carbohydrates and fiber to promote proper digestion and absorption of essential nutrients. Grains are an excellent source of antioxidants that combat cellular degeneration and support immunity.
With chicken fat and flaxseed, this product has essential and omega fatty acids. These macronutrients are key to assist in the proper absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin E. Omega-3 fatty acids also help to reduce the amount of harmful inflammatory products, and they may work to stabilize cardiac muscle cells. Supplementation with vitamin E and taurine further supports normal cardiac function.
Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Formula Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Chicken, Ground White Rice, Chicken Fat, Cracked Pearled Barley
- Key feature: High Protein
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 32%; Crude Fat 25%; Crude Fiber 4%; Moisture 10%
- Caloric Content: 470 kcal/cup
- Type of product: Dry Dog Food
- Life stage: Adult
- Best for: Active Dogs
- AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance
Active dogs need high levels of protein to maintain strong muscles and provide the fuel they need for high activity levels. This product from Diamond Naturals is packed with quality proteins starting with chicken meal and chicken. These ingredients provide your pal with essential amino acids for strong muscles.
Chicken fat, chia seed, and flaxseed supply natural sources of essential and omega fatty acids. High levels of fat provide the endurance fuel that an athletic pooch needs to keep moving. The omega fatty acids help to ensure that your pup’s skin and coat will stay healthy to provide protection from the elements.
Supplementation with glucosamine hydrochloride and natural glucosamine and chondroitin from the chicken meal undergird joint mobility. Athletic dogs rely on healthy cartilage and joints to help ensure peak performance.
The blend of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits supply antioxidants for cellular health and essential minerals and vitamins to foster strong bones and proper muscle function.
Supplementation with at least 80 million CFU/lb of probiotic microorganisms soothes the gut. The formula also has prebiotic fiber to stimulate digestion.
Health Extension Original Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Organic Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat
- Key feature: Natural Ingredients, legume-free
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 24%; Crude Fat 18%; Crude Fiber 4%; Moisture 10%
- Caloric Content: 418 kcal/cup
- Type of product: Dry Dog Food
- Life stage: All life stages
- Best for: Sensitive Stomach
- AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages
Made in the USA, this product features digestible proteins and grains that are gentle on the stomach. Chicken, lamb, and fish are listed among the top proteins recommended for dogs with a sensitive digestive system.
Brown rice and oatmeal are easy to digest and provide dietary fiber that helps to ensure firm feces. Beet pulp in the formula is another excellent source of soluble fiber to help keep your pal regular.
They also provide essential minerals and antioxidants to enhance cellular health and immunity. Lamb and coconut oil contribute omega fatty acids for skin and coat health and to manage inflammation.
A blend of superfoods including coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and turmeric help to fight the effects of inflammatory products. The formula includes supplementation with probiotics and digestive enzymes to soothe the stomach. Together, these substances work to reduce inflammation in the gut and prevent diarrhea and upset stomach.
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Grain-Free
- First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Cassava Flour, Potatoes
- Key feature: Limited ingredient
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 24%; Crude Fat 10%; Crude Fiber 4%; Moisture 10%
- Caloric Content: 373 kcal/cup
- Type of product: Dry Dog Food
- Life stage: Adult
- Best for: Allergies
- AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance
Dogs with allergies need protein sources that are less likely to trigger sensitivities. Salmon and Menhaden fish meal top the ingredient list of this product and are low-allergen materials for most canines. These materials provide essential amino acids for healthy lean muscle mass.
Fish is also an excellent source of omega fatty acids which support skin and coat health and help to neutralize inflammatory byproducts. By moderating the effects of inflammation, these ingredients can help reduce itching, scratching, or digestive upset in your pooch.
Sweet potatoes and potatoes provide digestible carbohydrates that are natural sources of Beta-carotene and antioxidants to support eye health, immunity, and cellular health. The antioxidants help to combat the negative effects of allergies by neutralizing oxidative substrates in the body.
Supplementation with taurine is an added bonus in the formula. This amino acid encourages heart health and may help reduce the risk of diet-induced DCM. There’s a balanced blend of other essential nutrients for whole-body health. This product includes no artificial additives and is gluten-free.
Nulo Freestyle Turkey Recipe With Cranberries Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Necks, Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Cranberries
- Key feature: Grain and legume-free
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 44%; Crude Fat 29%; Crude Fiber 4%; Moisture 5%
- Caloric Content: 208 kcal/cup
- Type of product: Freeze-Dried Dog Food
- Life stage: All life stages
- Best for: Grain-free
- AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages
If you have a pooch with food sensitivities and allergies, you may prefer a grain-free diet. One way to prevent the risk of diet-induced DCM is to find a formula that is also legume-free.
Offering whole-food nutrition, this food features poultry-based protein that’s readily digestible and less likely to trigger an allergic event than some other protein sources. The 44% protein level ensures that your furbaby has all the amino acids his body needs for muscle maintenance and repairs.
With turkey giblets included in the formula, this product has natural sources of taurine and L-carnitine to support heart health. The organ meat and flaxseed also provide the essential and omega fatty acids your pooch needs. Essential fatty acids maximize the absorption and effect of fat-soluble vitamins. Omega fatty acids in the diet help to combat the inflammatory effect and promote healthy skin and hair.
Superfoods including cranberries, kale, and apple cider vinegar offers rich sources of antioxidants to boost cellular health. Sweet potatoes are a healthy alternative to legumes and provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and other essential nutrients.
Supplementation with at least 1 billion probiotic microorganisms and prebiotic fiber support and soothe the gut. This blend of materials helps prevent diarrhea and upset stomach. There are no artificial ingredients in this product.
Health Extension Lite Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Organic Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat
- Key feature: Reduced fat and calorie
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 24%; Crude Fat 9%; Crude Fiber 4%; Moisture 10%
- Caloric Content: 288 kcal/cup
- Type of product: Dry Dog Food
- Life stage: Adult
- Best for: Weight Loss
- AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance of adult dogs
Overweight dogs should have a diet that’s restricted in calories and fat but still has a balanced blend of essential nutrients for overall health.
Health Extension combines the tantalizing taste of chicken with reduced calories to give your pooch a food he should still love to eat. Additional protein sources come from lamb and Menhaden fish meals to provide an excellent protein level to support lean muscle mass.
Chicken fat, flaxseed, and coconut oil provide essential and omega fatty acids at a reduced level that helps prevent unwanted weight gain. The omega fatty acids help to ensure that your pooch’s skin and coat will maintain a healthy luster.
With whole grains as a digestible carbohydrate alternative to legumes, the formula has sufficient energy for your pal’s daily needs. A blend of green tea extract, L-carnitine, and other ingredients boost the metabolism to aid in weight loss.
The product includes superfoods such as milk thistle, cranberries, and blue-green algae to boost immunity and cellular health. There are no artificial ingredients, corn, wheat, or gluten in the formula. It includes Coq10 to support heart health. This product is made in the USA with ingredients sourced from the US, Canada, and New Zealand.
Whole Earth Farms Whole Grains Recipe Adult Canned Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey, Chicken Liver, Whitefish
- Key feature: Legume-free
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 8%; Crude Fat 6%; Crude Fiber 1.4%; Moisture 78%
- Caloric Content: 418 kcal/can
- Type of product: Canned Dog Food
- Life stage: Adult
- Best for: Canned
- AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance of adult dogs
Canned food can serve as your pal’s complete diet or a tasty topper to his dry food. Either way, the formula should have quality protein as the top ingredient.
This product features four sources of protein in the top five ingredients. With tasty chicken, turkey, and whitefish, the formula offers all the building blocks your dog needs to maintain and repair healthy muscles.
Chicken liver and whitefish supply omegas and essential fatty acids to keep the skin and coat. If your pooch has a sensitive stomach, the omega fatty acids can help moderate the effects of inflammation and reduced the risk of diarrhea.
Digestible whole food ingredients including oatmeal, apples, and potatoes offer carbohydrates for your pal’s daily activity. Whole grains and sweet potatoes are a healthy alternatives to legumes. They’re also rich sources of antioxidants that boost cellular health and immunity.
Canned foods help to boost your pal’s hydration, and the ground product is easy on the stomach. This formula provides the right balance of essential nutrients for your dog’s overall health. The product is also available in turkey and beef flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does grain-free food cause heart problems in dogs?
Currently, the FDA is investigating a possible link between grain-free diets and the development of DCM, but this question does not have a clear answer at this time. It appears that certain types of grain-free foods may contribute to heart problems, but further study is needed.
What Is Boutique Dog Food?
A boutique dog is a product made by a small company that may have unconventional ingredients like exotic meats, pumpkins, or chickpeas. They’re often grain-free and include plant-based materials like chickpeas, lentils, or potatoes.
Are peas in dog food bad for dogs?
Peas include chemicals like phytoestrogens and oxalates. These substances can interfere with reproduction or digestion. They’re usually safe in small quantities, but should not be a major portion of the diet.
Can peas upset a dog’s stomach?
Yes, the lectins, oxalates, and phytates can be irritating to the stomach and cause digestive upset in some dogs.
What is dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs?
Dilated cardiomyopathy or DCM in dogs is a heart condition in which the ventricles expand or dilate and the ventricular walls get thinner. The condition causes the heart to pump less efficiently and can lead to congestive heart failure over time.
Do peas protein cause heart problems in dogs?
Pea protein is one of the ingredients that the FDA is investigating as a potential factor in the development of DCM, but there is no direct link. Studies are in progress.
Is Pea Protein Bad for Dogs?
Pea protein may be linked to DCM, and it can cause allergies in dogs. If you have a sensitive pooch, you should avoid pea proteins in food. Otherwise, it should not be in the top 7-10 ingredients.
Should dogs have grain in their diet?
Dogs don’t require grains in their diet, but they are an excellent source of digestible carbohydrates for energy. If your dog has a grain allergy, you should avoid that material. Otherwise, foods with grain are safe for your pooch.
The Final Woof
While legumes can be a common ingredient in some dog foods today, they’re not always the best choice for your pooch. They have a potential link to the development of DCM in some dogs, and large quantities in the diet can interfere with digestion and absorption of essential nutrients.
If you choose a legume-free diet for your pooch, the goal is to find a product that starts with animal-based protein and suits your dog’s lifestyle and individual health needs. Formulas that have a balanced blend of essential nutrients and include important supplements help to support your pal’s total health.
After evaluating over 30 products and comparing them to our criteria and key considerations for the best legume-free dog food, we recommend Nutro Ultra Dry Dog Food.
