Walk down any pet food aisle, and you'll notice something: grain-free options are everywhere. But what does grain-free actually mean? Is it better for your dog? And with all the headlines over the years, how do you know what's right for your four-legged friend?
At Harringtons, we've been making honest, natural pet food since 1923. We believe in giving you the facts, so you can make the best choice for your dog without the guesswork. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about grain-free dog food, from what it contains to whether it might suit your pup.
What Is Grain-Free Dog Food
Grain-free dog food is exactly what it sounds like – food made without grains. That means you won’t find ingredients like wheat, corn, rice, oats, barley or soy in the recipe.
Instead, grain-free recipes use other carbohydrate sources to provide energy and help hold the food together. You’ll often see ingredients such as potato, sweet potato, peas, lentils, chickpeas and tapioca. These still provide the carbohydrates dogs need, just from different sources.
It’s also worth knowing that grain-free and gluten-free aren’t the same thing. Gluten-free dog food avoids grains that contain gluten, like wheat, barley and rye, but may still include grains such as rice or corn. Grain-free recipes remove grains altogether.
Grain-free diets originally became popular after people noticed that dogs’ wild ancestors ate diets that were naturally higher in meat and lower in grain. While modern dogs are well adapted to digest carbohydrates, some owners prefer a grain-free option. For others, it’s simply about finding a recipe that suits their dog and helps them feel their best.
Why Some Dogs Are Fed Grain-Free Diets
Dogs end up on grain-free diets for all sorts of reasons, and it isn’t always down to allergies.
Some dogs don’t tolerate grains particularly well. While true grain allergies are quite rare (with research suggesting fewer than 1% of food-allergic dogs react specifically to grains), a small number of dogs may experience sensitivities. This can sometimes show up as digestive upset, loose stools or skin irritation when eating grain-based recipes.
In certain cases, a vet may suggest trying a grain-free diet for dogs with confirmed food sensitivities. This often follows an elimination diet, where specific ingredients are ruled out one by one. If your dog is scratching more than usual, dealing with recurring ear problems, or experiencing ongoing digestive issues, your vet might recommend trialling a grain-free option as part of understanding what suits them best.
Other owners choose grain-free simply because their dog seems to do better on it. You might notice a shinier coat, steadier energy levels or a happier digestion. Every dog is different, and what works well for one may not be the right fit for another.
It’s also worth remembering that many dogs do perfectly well on good-quality, grain-inclusive diets. Whole grains like brown rice, oats and barley can provide valuable nutrients, including fibre, B vitamins and minerals. Grain-free isn’t automatically better - it’s just one of several options, and the right choice is the one that works best for your dog.
Pros and Cons of Grain-Free Dog Food
Like most feeding choices, grain-free dog food has both benefits and things to think about. Here’s a straightforward look at both sides.
On the plus side, grain-free recipes can be a good option for dogs with genuine grain sensitivities. Removing ingredients that don’t suit them may help support more comfortable digestion and calmer skin. Many grain-free recipes also use alternative carbohydrates, such as sweet potato, which provide energy and fibre to support digestive health.
Because grains aren’t part of the recipe, grain-free foods often contain a higher proportion of meat. That can mean more protein and flavours that many dogs find especially appealing - something owners of fussy eaters often notice at mealtimes.
You may also have heard some discussion around grain-free diets in recent years. In 2018, the FDA began looking into reports of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a heart condition, in dogs eating certain diets. Some of these diets were grain-free and contained high levels of legumes, such as peas and lentils.
It helps to look at the bigger picture. The FDA has not found a clear link between grain-free diets and DCM, and in December 2022, stated there wasn’t enough evidence to establish a direct connection. Ongoing research suggests the concern may relate more to certain formulations that are particularly high in pulses, rather than the absence of grains themselves. Well-made grain-free recipes from trusted brands continue to be fed safely to many dogs.
If you’re considering grain-free for your dog, the most important thing is choosing a quality recipe made with care and balanced nutrition. Looking for clear ingredients and a brand you trust can help you feel confident you’re feeding your dog well.
Grain-Free vs Regular Dog Food
Comparing grain-free and regular (grain-inclusive) dog food often comes down to individual dog needs rather than one being universally superior.
Nutritionally, both can provide complete and balanced diets when properly formulated. Grain-inclusive foods use whole grains as carbohydrate sources, while grain-free alternatives use ingredients like potato or legumes. Both approaches can deliver the energy, fibre, and nutrients dogs need.
Digestibility can vary from dog to dog. Some dogs process grains easily and thrive on traditional recipes. Others seem to digest grain-free alternatives more comfortably, with signs like firmer stools or less bloating. There’s no one-size-fits-all rule.
Cost can also be a factor. Grain-free options can often sit at a slightly higher price point due to the alternative ingredients used. Whether that’s worthwhile really depends on whether your dog benefits from a grain-free approach.
The protein content in grain-free foods is sometimes higher, as manufacturers replace grain-based carbohydrates with additional meat. That isn’t always the case, though, so it’s worth checking individual product labels if protein levels are important to you.
For most healthy dogs without specific sensitivities, a quality grain-inclusive diet works perfectly well. Grain-free becomes a genuinely valuable option when your dog has a diagnosed sensitivity, shows signs of not tolerating grains, or simply does better on an alternative recipe.
Is Grain-Free Dog Food Right for Your Dog
Deciding whether to go grain-free requires an honest assessment. Taking a moment to look at their health, behaviour and everyday needs can help you decide what’s right for them.
You might want to ask yourself a few simple questions.
Does your dog show signs of food sensitivity? Ongoing itching, sore patches of skin, recurring ear problems, loose stools, excess wind or vomiting can sometimes point to a sensitivity. These signs can have many causes - environmental allergies are actually more common than food-related sensitivities - but they’re still worth paying attention to. If symptoms persist or you’re unsure, your vet is always the best person to help you understand what might be going on.
Has your vet recommended an elimination diet? If so, they may suggest trying grain-free as part of identifying the culprit. Working with your vet ensures you're approaching the change systematically rather than guessing.
Has a grain sensitivity been confirmed? If elimination testing has confirmed grains as the problem, grain-free becomes the clear choice.
Is your dog thriving on their current food? If your dog has a shiny coat, healthy digestion, good energy, and maintains a healthy weight on their existing diet, there may be no reason to change. Not every dog needs grain-free, and switching unnecessarily can sometimes create problems where none existed.
For puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with specific health conditions, always consult your vet before making dietary changes. Nutritional needs vary at different life stages, and getting professional guidance ensures you're supporting your dog's health appropriately.
How to Choose a High Quality Grain-Free Dog Food
Not all grain-free foods are created equal. Here's what to look for when selecting a quality product.
Check for named protein sources. The ingredient list should specify exactly what meat is used, such as "chicken" or "salmon," rather than vague terms like "meat derivatives" or "animal by-products." Named ingredients mean you know exactly what you're feeding.
Look for complete and balanced nutrition. Quality grain-free foods should meet FEDIAF (the European pet food industry body) or AAFCO nutritional guidelines. This ensures the recipe provides all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your dog needs.
Consider the carbohydrate sources. While many grain-free recipes use legumes like peas and lentils, a well-balanced product won't rely too heavily on any single ingredient. Look for recipes that include a variety of vegetables and alternative carbs rather than packing the formula with pulses.
Choose a reputable brand. Manufacturers that have been in the business for years, conduct feeding trials, and employ qualified nutritionists produce more reliable products. Family-run companies with strong track records often prioritise quality over cutting corners.
Avoid artificial additives. The best grain-free foods skip artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. If you're feeding grain-free for health reasons, you'll want to avoid unnecessary chemicals, too.
Check for transparency. Good brands are open about where their ingredients come from and how their food is made. If you can't find clear information about a product, that's a warning sign.
Transitioning Your Dog to Grain-Free Food
Switching your dog's diet suddenly can upset their digestive system, even when the new food is perfectly suited to them. A gradual transition gives their gut time to adjust.
Over 7 to 10 days, slowly increase the proportion of new food while decreasing the old. Start with about 25% new food mixed with 75% of their current diet for the first two or three days. Then move to a 50/50 split for another few days, followed by 75% new food and 25% old. Finally, complete the switch to 100% of the new diet.
Some dogs transition smoothly within a week. Others, particularly those with sensitive stomachs, may need a more gradual approach over two weeks. Watch your dog's stools during the changeover; consistency will tell you whether you're moving at the right pace.
Keep fresh water available at all times. Dietary changes can affect thirst, and good hydration supports healthy digestion.
If your dog experiences significant digestive upset, prolonged loose stools, or refuses to eat during the transition, slow down or consult your vet. Not every food suits every dog, and that's perfectly normal.
Monitoring Your Dog's Health on a Grain-Free Diet
Once your dog has transitioned, keep an eye on how they're doing. Positive changes may take a few weeks to become noticeable.
Signs that the new diet is working well include firm, well-formed stools, consistent energy throughout the day, a shiny coat, healthy skin without excessive itching, and enthusiasm at mealtimes. Many owners also notice their dog maintains a healthy weight more easily on the right food.
It’s also important to notice anything that doesn’t seem quite right. If your dog becomes unusually lethargic, goes off their food, develops ongoing digestive upset or shows new skin issues, it’s worth taking note. Some mild changes can be part of the adjustment, but persistent problems may suggest the food isn’t the best fit.
Keeping up with regular vet check-ups can really help here. Your vet can keep an eye on your dog’s overall health and nutrition over time, and if you have any concerns about your dog's diet, they're the best source of personalised advice.
Harrington's Grain-Free Dog Food Explained
At Harringtons, we've developed grain-free recipes for dogs who need them, without compromising on quality or value.
Our grain-free wet food range uses freshly prepared meat as the main ingredient, combined with vegetables like potato, carrots, and peas. Every recipe is hypoallergenic and made without wheat, wheat gluten, dairy, or soya. We steam cook our wet food to lock in natural goodness and make it easy to digest.
For dogs who prefer dry food, our Superfoods Grain-Free range offers complete nutrition with named meat proteins and added superfoods like seaweed and green-lipped mussel. These recipes are hypoallergenic and suitable for dogs with sensitive digestion.
Dogs with particularly delicate systems may benefit from our Just 6 range. As the name suggests, each recipe contains just six carefully selected ingredients, making it easier to identify and avoid anything that doesn't agree with your dog. Available in both dry and wet varieties, Just 6 combines limited ingredients with high meat content for superior nutrition.
All Harringtons recipes are made right here in the UK, and we're proud to be the nation's first carbon-negative pet food company. Quality natural ingredients, honest pricing, no compromise.
