Grains-fee vs Grains-inclusive

Dog owners today often find themselves asking whether grain-free dog food or traditional grain-inclusive kibble is the better choice for a healthy pup or a growing adult.

Both types of dry dog food can meet a dog’s nutritional needs, and pet food labels advertising “grain-free” products have surged in popularity in recent years. In this article, we’ll compare no-grains and grain-inclusive dry dog foods side by side. We’ll break down the nutritional science, discuss pros and cons, and look at what’s best for different dogs – from puppies to seniors, and from high-energy breeds to couch potatoes. Our goal is to provide an evidence-based, down-to-earth comparison so you can make an informed decision on the best dry dog food for your canine companion.

What Does Grain-Free vs Grain-Inclusive Mean?

Grain-free dog food is formulated without common cereal grains. This means ingredients like wheat, corn, rice, oats, barley, and rye are left out and replaced with other carbohydrate sources (often potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, lentils, or chickpeas). By contrast, grain-inclusive dog food (sometimes just called “regular” dog food) does include one or more grains in the recipe – for example, rice, corn, wheat, oats, barley, etc. These grains provide carbohydrates for energy, along with fiber, plant protein, and various vitamins and minerals.

Grains are not just “fillers” – in fact, grains are an excellent nutrient source in dog diets. Grains supply dogs with:

Carbohydrates for energy and fiber for healthy digestion.
Plant-based protein and essential fatty acids (like linoleic acid) that contribute to strong muscles, skin, and coat.
Vitamins and minerals (such as B vitamins, selenium, magnesium, etc.) that support overall health.

By removing grains, formulas must use other carbs to fulfill a dog’s energy needs. Dogs still need carbohydrates for energy, so GF kibbles use alternatives like potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, lentils, or tapioca. It’s important to note that grain-free doesn’t mean carb-free or even gluten-free (since non-grain carbs can still contain starch, and many grains like rice don’t contain gluten).

Essentially, grain-free diets swap one set of carbohydrate ingredients (grains) for another set (legumes or tubers).

Why did grain-free diets become popular? Starting in the 2000s, grain-free pet foods were marketed as a healthier, more “natural” option for dogs – partly mirroring gluten-free diet trends in people. Many owners chose this type of kibble believing it could help with food allergies or sensitivities, or seeing grains as unnecessary fillers. In truth, however, there is no solid evidence that grain-free diets are inherently healthier for the average dog. Veterinarians and nutrition researchers note that most dogs digest grains with ease, and whole grains provide valuable nutrients rather than empty calories. In fact, studies have shown that true grain allergies in dogs are very rare – less than 1% of dogs are sensitive to grains – whereas allergies to animal proteins (like beef, chicken, or dairy) are far more common.

Grain-Free Dog Food’s Rise in Popularity

Grain-free dog food saw explosive growth in popularity over the past decade. In 2011, grain-free diets accounted for only about $0.9 billion in U.S. pet food sales. By 2019, that figure had skyrocketed to over $5.4 billion, representing roughly 43% of all dry dog food sold in the U.S. In other words, grainless kibble went from niche status (only a few percent of dog owners in 2011) to nearly half of the dog food market by 2017–2019. This surge was driven by pet owner perceptions that no-grains diets might be healthier or more “premium.” (check our article about what does “premium” mean)

However, alongside this grain-free boom, veterinarians and researchers began noticing potential health concerns. In 2018, the U.S. FDA announced an investigation into a possible link between certain zero-grain diets and a heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Many of the DCM cases reported involved dogs eating boutique or grainless kibble, especially diets high in legumes like peas or lentils instead of grains. While the science is still ongoing and a direct cause hasn’t been definitively proven, the news prompted some owners and brands to return to grain-friendly recipes. By late 2019, GF food sales had leveled off and even started to decline slightly in the wake of the FDA warnings. The key takeaway is that grain-free diets rose rapidly due to consumer demand, but they are not necessarily better for most dogs – and they may carry unintended risks if not formulated properly.

Nutritional Comparison: Grain-Free vs Grain-Inclusive

From a pure nutrition standpoint, a well-formulated dog food can be complete and balanced with or without grains. Dogs are omnivores and can get their energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The presence or absence of grain doesn’t automatically determine the quality of a dog food – what matters is the overall nutrient profile and ingredient quality. Here are some scientific comparisons and considerations:

Macronutrients: No-grain kibble is often marketed as higher in protein and fat and lower in carbohydrates, but this isn’t universally true. Many grain-free recipes do have a slightly higher protein percentage (partly because legumes contain more protein than grains). For example, one study comparing a high-protein grainless diet to a more grain-rich diet found the grain-free food had about 10% higher protein digestibility and helped active dogs maintain weight with less food. That can benefit very active or working dogs with high calorie needs. However, grain-inclusive diets can also be high-protein and nutrient-dense if formulated that way. It’s possible to have grain-inclusive “performance” dog foods that include meat and grains to achieve a high protein content. In short, grain-free diets tend to rely more on meat and legumes and thus may have more protein and fat, but always check the label – there are grain-inclusive foods with comparable protein levels.
Carbohydrates and Energy: Both grain-containing and grain-free kibbles provide carbs for energy. Grains like rice and corn are highly digestible carb sources that can fuel exercise and play. Grainless foods use alternative carbs such as peas, lentil flour, potato, or tapioca. It’s a myth that grain-free means low-carb – many grainless dog foods have just as many carbs (from potatoes or pea starch) as regular food. In fact, some zero-grains diets formulas may even be higher in carbohydrates than grain-inclusive diets, depending on their ingredients. Excess carbs can lead to weight gain if a dog is overfed. Thus, a less active dog won’t automatically lose weight on a grainless diet, especially if that kibble is loaded with starchy ingredients like potatoes. Total calories and portion size are far more important for weight control than whether those calories come from grain or non-grain sources.
Fiber and Digestion: Grains contribute dietary fiber that promotes healthy digestion and gut bacteria. For example, corn and oats contain fiber that feeds beneficial intestinal microbes and produces fatty acids that keep the colon healthy. Grainless diets often include fiber from peas, beans, or added fiber supplements to achieve the same goal. Both types can support good digestion if formulated correctly. Some dogs with very sensitive stomachs might do better on one vs the other, but there isn’t a universal rule – it depends on the individual dog and which ingredients agree with them.
Vitamins and Minerals: Whole grains are a source of vitamins (like B vitamins and vitamin E) and minerals (such as selenium, magnesium, and potassium). A grain-inclusive kibble can take advantage of these natural nutrients. Grainless diets must ensure those micronutrients are supplied by other ingredients or added supplements. For instance, legumes are rich in some nutrients but may lack others that grains have. Notably, completely excluding grains could risk deficiencies in certain B-vitamins or minerals if the diet isn’t properly fortified. Quality commercial dog foods (grainless or not) are supplemented to meet AAFCO nutrient requirements, but it underscores that grain-free is not inherently more “nutritious” – it’s just different ingredients providing the nutrients.

In summary, a healthy dog can thrive on either a grainless or grain-inclusive diet as long as the diet is complete and balanced for their life stage. Grains themselves are not harmful to dogs – in most dogs benefit from grains in their diet and do well with them Grain-free formulas may be necessary for the rare individual dog with a true grain allergy or a specific medical condition, but for the vast majority of dogs, there is nothing inherently “bad” about grains. On the other hand, grain-free diets are not automatically bad either – many dogs eat this type of kibble with no issues. The critical thing is the quality of the food and the dog’s specific needs, rather than the presence or absence of grain.

you can easily find products that are healthy and rank them based on their quality using our comparison tool*

Pros and Cons of Grain-Free vs Grain-Inclusive Dog Food

To better understand the trade-offs, let’s look at the potential advantages and disadvantages of each type of diet:

Aspect	Grain-Free Dry Dog Food	Grain-Inclusive Dry Dog Food
Ingredients & Carbs	No cereal grains; uses alternative carbs like potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, lentils, or tapioca instead. These substitutes fulfill carbohydrate needs but can be equally high in starch if some ingredients are used instead of the others.	Contains grains such as rice, corn, wheat, oats, barley, etc., which provide carbohydrates, fiber, and nutrients. Opt for the “whole” grains like brown rice and less for corn or wheat filled products.
Protein Content	Often formulated with higher meat content and legumes, which can boost protein levels. Some grain-free kibbles are high-protein and high-fat to appeal to “ancestral diet” trends.	Often moderate protein, though many grain-inclusive foods also include more than enough meat. Grains themselves contribute some protein (e.g. corn gluten, wheat gluten), but overall protein % can be just as high as grain-free if the formula is meat-rich.
Nutritional Value	Complete & balanced if properly formulated - usually higher amount of proteins overall benefiets the diet up to a point.	Complete & balanced if properly formulated - diets with a long track record. Whole grains provide beneficial nutrients (B vitamins, fiber, etc.) and help make diets nutritionally well-rounded.
Note: See in the ingredients list if meat proteins are the first ingredient to see if the high protein is derived from vegetables or meat.
Allergies/Sensitivities	Food allergies can be caused by a variety of substances, but are mainly caused by glycoproteins found in products such as poultry, beef, soy, maize, cereals, cow milk, fish, eggs, rice and potatoes, narrowing it to grain-free vs grain-inclusive is unattendable and in terms of allergies you should look for the specific cause with the guidance of your vet.
Digestibility	Well-formulated grain-free diets can be highly digestible, specially those rich in animal protein and fat. For instance, a high-protein grainless diet showed improved protein and fat digestibility in working dogs.	Highly digestible when using grains like rice, corn, or oats that have been cooked/extruded properly. Diets with balanced grains and fibers promote regular digestion. In general, neither type has an outright digestibility advantage – it depends on formula specifics and the individual dog’s gut.
Use Cases	Dog owners that have active dogs, working dogs or just want the higher protein content would go for grain-free diets as it is more likely to have higher amounts of proteins.	Dog owners that would like to go for the safe and known, but that would like to invest a bit of time to browse between the many options and find a real high quality product as this market is filled with cheap products.
Price	Medium-High meats and legumes are pricier due to their protein content and use in other fields.	Low-Medium Usually grains are cheaper and in general there might be lower ratio of meat to grain in the formula.

As the table shows, there’s no clear “winner” – both types have pros and cons. The key points to remember are:

For most dogs, whether you buy a grain-free or grain-inclusive product does not matter. What really matters is the quality of the process the ingredients went through, the amount of nutrients in the total feeded meal and if your dog’s complex biological system “enjoys” it.
Simply said, the only change between the two is whatever the food manufacturers want it to be, as they only play with the nutrient values to achieve their goal of a profitable, nutrient sufficient food. With this, we can state that in statistical terms you are more likely to find a high quality / high protein amount in a grainsless kibble mainly for the fact that these brands are more niche and choose to use a carbohydrate with high amounts of proteins, on the other hand the grains-inclusive market is old and filled with many types of foods and you need to be careful in what you buy as it affects your dog’s health in the short and long term.
Consult your veterinarian if you’re considering a diet change. They can help weigh the pros and cons for your specific dog and suggest diets that meet your dog’s individual needs. Many vets are cautious about grain-free diets now, not because grains are magical, but because the trend led some smaller pet food companies to use unconventional ingredients without fully understanding long-term impacts. A vet can guide you to reputable formulations that are less likely to have nutritional imbalances.

Next, let’s look at how grain-free vs grain-inclusive considerations might differ for various dog life stages and activity levels.

When Should I Choose Grain-free and When Grain-inclusive?

A dog’s nutritional requirements change over their lifetime. Puppies, adults, and seniors have different needs for calories, protein, and other nutrients. Both grain-free and grain-inclusive dog foods exist for all life stages – what’s important is choosing a diet that is formulated for your dog’s stage of life. Here’s how the grain debate relates to puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs:

Puppies

Puppies experience rapid growth and have higher energy and nutrient requirements than adult dogs. Whether you feed a puppy grain-inclusive or grain-free kibble, it must be a formula specifically designed for growth (puppy or “all life stages” AAFCO approved). Most puppies thrive on either type of diet as long as it’s complete and balanced for puppies.

That said, if a puppy does show signs of food sensitivity (e.g. chronic soft stools or itching) on a grain-inclusive diet, a vet might recommend a limited-ingredient or grain-free trial to see if it helps.

Bottom line for puppies: Focus on a high-quality puppy diet from a reputable manufacturer. Ensure it meets AAFCO puppy nutritional standards and has appropriate levels of protein, fat, calcium, etc. Grain-free vs grain-inclusive is usually a secondary consideration; either can be fine. Always consult your vet before drastically changing a young puppy’s diet. recent years.

Adult Dogs

Healthy adult dogs (roughly 1 year to ~7 years, depending on breed) can handle a wider range of diets. By adulthood, you likely have a sense of your dog’s preferences and tolerance. Most adult dogs maintain excellent health on regular balanced dry kibble, which provides more than enough energy for daily activities and helps keep your dog’s health at the highest.

If your adult dog is thriving on a chicken-and-rice or beef-and-barley kibble, you likely have no need to switch to grain-free. On the other hand, if you prefer to feed grain-free (or need to due to an allergy), an adult dog can also do fine on those diets. Monitor your dog’s body condition, coat quality, and energy. Some owners report shinier coats or fewer stools on certain grain-free high-meat diets – often this is due to higher fat/protein content rather than the absence of grain.

Remember:

Any diet change for an adult dog should be done gradually to avoid stomach upset, and it’s wise to consult with a vet if you’re switching types (You can use our guide to changing your dog’s feed*). Overall, for a healthy adult dog, there isn’t a clear winner between grain-free and grain-inclusive feeds and it really depends on the end point which is the contents of the nutrients and ingredient sources in a product.

Senior Dogs

Senior dogs (generally 7+ years for most breeds, a bit younger for giant breeds) often have changing nutritional needs. Many seniors benefit from slightly lower-calorie diets to prevent weight gain, higher fiber for digestive regularity, and ingredients to support joint health (like omega-3s or glucosamine). When it comes to grains, senior dogs without sensitivities usually do well with them. In fact, the fiber in whole grains can help keep an older dog’s bowel movements regular and support a healthy gut flora. There is no inherent reason that an older dog should avoid grains – age is not a disease, and healthy seniors can digest grains just as efficiently as younger adults.

That said, senior diets - grain-free or not - should be formulated to be easy to digest. Some senior kibbles use rice and oats because they are gentle on the stomach. Grain-free senior foods will use easy-to-digest alternatives like sweet potato. Either can work; the priority is moderate calories, quality protein (to help maintain muscle mass in old age), and appropriate vitamins/minerals.

One thing to watch in senior dogs is underlying health conditions for example, if a senior has chronic gastrointestinal issues or inflammatory bowel disease, a vet might suggest a specific diet that could be grain-free or a novel protein, etc. But for a normal senior dog, grains are not contraindicated. In short: choose a good senior-formula dog food that your dog likes and does well on. Many vets recommend sticking with trusted brands that have proven research. If your senior dog has been on a grain-inclusive diet and is doing well, there’s usually no need to switch to grain-free in their golden years (unless directed by your vet).

Activity Level Considerations

Dogs come in all varieties – some are high-octane athletes who accompany you on long runs or hikes, while others are content with a brief daily walk and a lot of couch time. A dog’s activity level will influence how many calories they need and the best balance of protein, fat, and carbs for their lifestyle. Let’s compare how grain-free and grain-inclusive diets might suit active vs. less active dogs:

Active and Working Dogs

Active dogs (such as sporting, agility, or working breeds) burn a lot of calories and typically need higher levels of protein and fat to sustain their energy. These dogs benefit from nutrient-dense diets. Many performance dog foods are actually grain-inclusive – for example, formulas for sled dogs or hunting dogs often include grains like corn or rice plus high levels of meat and fat. Grains in these diets provide a quick source of glucose for intense bursts of activity, and they complement fat as an energy source for endurance. A common misconception is that active dogs must be on grain-free/high-protein diets. In reality, they need a high-calorie, high-protein diet, But that can be achieved with or without grains.

Some owners of very active dogs choose grain-free foods that are rich in meat and fat to meet these needs. Indeed, a well-formulated grainless kibble with, say, 30% protein and 20% fat can fuel an athletic dog effectively. If the grainless food relies on ingredients like peas and lentils, those also contribute protein. One study of labrador retrievers in training showed that a high-protein, grain-free diet allowed dogs to eat less food while maintaining weight and muscle, compared to a higher-carb grain-based diet. This suggests that for demanding activity, a grain-free formula can be very efficient in nutrient delivery. However, it’s equally possible to have a grain-inclusive performance diet with similar macronutrient levels (for example, a food with chicken, fish, corn, and rice that also provides 30% protein, 20% fat).

The bottom line for active dogs: Focus on the protein, fat, and calorie content more than where the carbs come from. Both grain-free and grain-containing diets are used successfully by owners of agility champions and working K9s. Ensure the food is from a reputable manufacturer with consistent quality – active dogs eat a lot, so you want a diet that is highly digestible and energy-packed. Hydration and overall diet quality are crucial. There is nothing in grains that hinders an active dog’s performance; in fact, carbs are beneficial for replenishing glycogen after bursts of exercise. Many elite canine athletes are fed diets with grain because of the known performance value of certain grain ingredients (like corn, which is actually very digestible and a good energy source for dogs).

Less Active or Overweight Dogs

For low-energy dogs or those prone to weight gain, the priority is a diet that isn’t too calorie-dense and helps them feel satiated. These dogs often do well on foods higher in fiber and with moderate protein and fat. Grain-inclusive diets can be beneficial here, as many light or weight-management formulas include grains (like barley, sorghum, or wheat) that add bulk and fiber without tons of calories. The fiber helps a dog feel full. A grain-inclusive “healthy weight” kibble might be a wise choice for a couch-potato pup because it’s usually lower in fat and contains fiber-rich grains and vegetables.

There’s a notion among some pet owners that switching a lazy dog to grain-free food will help them lose weight – but this can be misleading. As mentioned, grainless doesn’t mean low-carb or low-calorie. Some non-grain foods are very calorie-dense (since they may contain extra fat or highly digestible starch like potato). If you simply swap a grain-based food for a grainless one without portion control, an inactive dog could actually gain weight if the food is higher in calories. For example, a cup of a premium no-grain kibble might contain more calories than a cup of standard kibble with grain. Thus, portion control is essential regardless of diet type.

If a dog is overweight, look for terms like “Healthy Weight” or “Weight Management” formulas – these could be either grain-inclusive or grain-free. What matters is that they have reduced fat and higher fiber. Both types of diets can incorporate ingredients to support weight loss: a grain-inclusive light diet might use fiber from grains and vegetables, while a grainless light diet might use fiber from pea hulls or pumpkin. The key is the nutritional profile: about 9-10% fat or less, higher fiber, and adequate protein to prevent muscle loss. As always, consult your vet for a weight loss plan.

In summary, for less active dogs, there’s no compelling advantage to grain-free. In fact, the bulk from grains can be helpful to keep a dieting dog full. The best approach is often to stick with a regular balanced diet (with grains) and simply feed less of it, or use a specialized weight-control formula. Cutting out grains will not magically slim a dog – controlling calories and increasing exercise will.

Grain-Free vs Grain-Inclusive: Which Diet is Best for Your Dog?

After examining the evidence, you might be wondering: So, is grain-free dog food better? For the average healthy dog, the answer is a not a clear yes or no, it depends on your dog’s activity, breed, age and gut feeling. It is all down to statistics, do you want a higher chance to encounter a high protein, high quality product - then you might consider grains-free. If you want a higher chance of stability in your dog’s gut, the range of products available, higher fiber and high quality carbohydrates, you might consider grains included in your dog’s food.

What matters most, as I have figured out through my years of experience in the field, is the overall quality of product that is directly affected by the quality of process and the quality of the brand’s products.

Using AAFCO regulations as your guide, you should be skeptical for every product your dog might eat, because remember that the stomach is your way of controling their health, they only eat what you give them and you are responsible for investing the time to investigate and compare between the thousands of products available on the market.

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Grain-Free vs. Grain-Inclusive Dry Dog Food: Which Is Best for Your Dog?

An evidence-based guide to help you choose the best diet for your dog's health.