Best Dog Food with Grain: Top Picks for a Balanced Diet

When it comes to feeding our furry friends, choosing the right dog food can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine what food will provide our pups with the nutrition they need. One common debate in the dog food world is whether to feed our dogs food with or without grains. While grain-free diets have gained popularity in recent years, many experts believe that grains can be a healthy addition to a dog’s diet.

Grains, such as rice and oats, can provide dogs with essential nutrients like fiber, protein, and vitamins. They are also a great source of energy and can help keep dogs feeling full and satisfied. However, not all dog foods with grains are created equal. It’s crucial to pay attention to the quality of the grains used in dog food and to avoid fillers like corn and wheat.

When looking for the best dog food with grains, it’s important to consider your dog’s specific needs. Factors like age, breed, and activity level can all impact what type of food is best for your pup. Additionally, it’s essential to look for dog food that is free from artificial preservatives and additives.

We spent hours researching and testing various dog foods with grains to identify the ones that provide dogs with the nutrition they need while also being tasty and satisfying. In this article, we’ll share our top picks for the best dog food with grains, along with tips for choosing the right food for your furry friend.

Best Dog Foods with Grain

We understand that some pet owners prefer to feed their furry friends dog food that contains grains. While grain-free dog foods have become increasingly popular, there are still many high-quality options available that include grains. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best dog foods with grain based on ingredients, nutritional value, and customer reviews. Whether you’re looking for a dry kibble or wet food, we’ve got you covered. Our team has researched and tested numerous products to bring you the most reliable and comprehensive list of the best dog foods with grain on the market.

1. ORIJEN AMAZING GRAINS Original Dry Dog Food

Best dog food with grain: top picks for a balanced diet

We highly recommend ORIJEN AMAZING GRAINS Original Dry Dog Food for dog owners looking for a high-quality dog food with grains. This dog food is packed with protein and other essential nutrients that help support your dog’s health.

Pros

  • The high protein content supports digestive health, immune support, and healthy skin & coat.
  • The first five ingredients are fresh or raw poultry and fish, providing a strong source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
  • The grains in this dog food are sourced from non-GMO crops, ensuring the highest quality ingredients.

Cons

  • Some dogs may not like the freeze-dried dog food coating.
  • The price point may be higher than other dog foods with grains.
  • The bag size may not be suitable for all dog owners.

ORIJEN AMAZING GRAINS Original Dry Dog Food is a great option for dog owners who prioritize their dog’s health and well-being. This dog food is made with 90% animal ingredients, including ORIJEN WholePrey ingredients like poultry and organs, providing your dog with the most succulent and nutrient-rich parts of the prey.

The high protein content in this dog food helps support three key benefits: digestive health, immune support, and healthy skin & coat. The first five ingredients are fresh or raw poultry and fish, providing your dog with a strong source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The grains in this dog food are sourced from non-GMO crops, ensuring the highest quality ingredients.

While some dogs may not like the freeze-dried dog food coating, most dogs will love the burst of raw flavor it provides. The price point may be higher than other dog foods with grains, but the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost. The bag size may not be suitable for all dog owners, but it is perfect for owners with medium to large dogs.

Overall, ORIJEN AMAZING GRAINS Original Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice for dog owners looking for a high-quality dog food with grains. With its high protein content and quality ingredients, this dog food will help support your dog’s health and well-being.

2. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food Real Beef + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains – 25 lb. Bag

Best dog food with grain: top picks for a balanced diet

If you’re looking for a natural dog food with grain that supports healthy digestion and joints, then you should definitely consider Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food Real Beef + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains.

Pros

  • Real deboned beef is always the first ingredient
  • Leading levels of glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs to support healthy hips and joints
  • Natural dog food with grain, including quinoa, supports healthy digestion

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Some dogs may not like the taste
  • May cause allergic reactions in some dogs

We recently tried this dog food on our furry friend and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The real deboned beef is always the first ingredient, which provides a good source of protein for your dog. The natural dog food with grain, including quinoa, supports healthy digestion, which is essential for a healthy dog.

The leading levels of glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs to support healthy hips and joints are also a big plus. This is especially important for older dogs or dogs with joint problems.

However, this dog food can be quite expensive compared to other dog food brands. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste, so it’s important to introduce it gradually and see how your dog reacts. Finally, this dog food may cause allergic reactions in some dogs, so it’s important to monitor your dog for any signs of discomfort or allergic reactions.

Overall, we would recommend Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food Real Beef + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains to any dog owner who is looking for a high-quality dog food with grain that supports healthy digestion and joints.

3. Taste of the Wild with Ancient Grains, Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe with Roasted Bison and Venison Dry Dog Food

Best dog food with grain: top picks for a balanced diet

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food with grains, we highly recommend Taste of the Wild with Ancient Grains, Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe with Roasted Bison and Venison Dry Dog Food.

Pros

  • Real meat is the #1 ingredient
  • High-protein (32%) to help support bones, joints and lean, strong muscles
  • Nutrient-rich and provides the energy to thrive

Cons

  • Some dogs may not like the taste
  • More expensive than other dog foods
  • Some dogs may experience digestive issues when switching to this food

We recently switched our dog to this food and have been very impressed with the results. The high protein content has helped our dog maintain a healthy weight and build strong muscles. We also love that real meat is the #1 ingredient, ensuring that our dog is getting the best possible nutrition.

Another great feature of this dog food is that it is nutrient-rich and provides the energy our dog needs to thrive. The vitamins and minerals from superfoods and ancient grains help support our dog’s overall health and wellness.

While this dog food is more expensive than other brands, we believe that the quality of the ingredients and the benefits to our dog’s health are worth the extra cost. However, some dogs may not like the taste of this food, so it may not be the best choice for picky eaters.

Overall, we highly recommend Taste of the Wild with Ancient Grains, Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe with Roasted Bison and Venison Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality dog food with grains.

4. Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream Canine Recipe With Smoke-Flavored Salmon And Ancient Grains

Best dog food with grain: top picks for a balanced diet

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food with grains, Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream Canine Recipe with Smoke-Flavored Salmon and Ancient Grains is a great choice.

Pros

  • Real fish is the #1 ingredient
  • High protein (30%) to help support bones, joints, and lean, strong muscles
  • Nutrient-rich and provides the energy to thrive

Cons

  • Some dogs may not like the taste
  • A bit pricey compared to other dog foods
  • May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions

We recently tried this dog food with our furry friends and were impressed with the results. The real fish as the #1 ingredient provides a great source of protein, and the high protein content helps support strong muscles and healthy bones and joints.

The nutrient-rich formula also includes superfoods and ancient grains, providing energy to help our dogs thrive. We noticed a significant improvement in their skin and coat health after switching to this food, likely due to the omega fatty acids included in the formula.

While our dogs enjoyed the taste, we’ve heard that some dogs may not be as fond of the smoke-flavored salmon taste. Additionally, the price point may be a bit high for some pet owners, and the food may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.

Overall, we highly recommend Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream Canine Recipe with Smoke-Flavored Salmon and Ancient Grains for pet owners looking for a high-quality dog food with grains.

5. Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Dry Dog Food, Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe, 23 Pounds

Best dog food with grain: top picks for a balanced diet

If you want a natural dog food with added vitamins and minerals, then you should try Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Dry Dog Food. It has real salmon as the number one ingredient, and it’s safely USA cooked with the world’s best ingredients.

Pros

  • The real salmon as the number one ingredient provides a good source of protein for your dog’s muscles.
  • The added vitamins and minerals help support your dog’s overall health and well-being.
  • The absence of artificial preservatives, colors, or artificial flavors makes it a healthier option for your dog.

Cons

  • Some dogs may not like the taste of salmon and sweet potato.
  • This dog food may not be suitable for dogs with grain allergies.
  • It’s more expensive than some other dog food brands.

Our dogs loved this dog food. They seemed to enjoy the taste of the salmon and sweet potato recipe, and we noticed an improvement in their coat and overall health after switching to this brand. The added vitamins and minerals also gave us peace of mind that our dogs were getting all the necessary nutrients they needed.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality dog food with natural ingredients, then Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Dry Dog Food is worth considering.

6. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural Adult Dry Dog Food plus Wholesome Grains, Salmon 13 lb bag Salmon plus Wholesome Grains 13 Pound (Pack of 1)

Best dog food with grain: top picks for a balanced diet

If you’re looking for a nutritious dog food that includes wholesome grains, Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural Adult Dry Dog Food plus Wholesome Grains, Salmon is a great option.

Pros

  • Made with real, high-quality deboned salmon to satisfy your dog’s cravings
  • Includes wholesome grains like oatmeal, barley, and brown rice for a truly balanced diet
  • Contains antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits to support immune system health and life stage needs

Cons

  • May not be suitable for dogs with grain allergies
  • Some dogs may not like the taste of salmon
  • A bit more expensive than some other dog food options

We recently tried Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural Adult Dry Dog Food plus Wholesome Grains, Salmon for our dog and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The real salmon and wholesome grains made us feel good about what we were feeding our furry friend.

Our dog seemed to enjoy the taste and had no issues with digestion or any other negative side effects. We also appreciated that the dog food contains no chicken or poultry by-product meals, no corn, wheat, or soy, and no artificial flavors or preservatives.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality dog food with wholesome grains and real salmon, Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural Adult Dry Dog Food plus Wholesome Grains, Salmon is definitely worth considering.

7. ACANA Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food, Red Meat and Grains, Gluten Free, Beef, Pork, and Lamb Recipe, 22.5lb Red Meat 22.5 Pound (Pack of 1)

Best dog food with grain: top picks for a balanced diet

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food with grains, ACANA Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food is a great choice.

Pros

  • The high protein kibble recipe features farm-raised beef, Yorkshire pork, and raw lamb, providing a balanced 60% high-quality animal ingredients and 40% wholesome grains, fruit, vegetables, and nutrients.
  • A fiber-rich grain blend, featuring oats, sorghum, and millet, plus pre- and probiotics, helps provide dog digestive support, and naturally occurring Omega-3 & Omega-6 fatty acids help support healthy skin and a shiny coat.
  • Antioxidant-rich ingredients help support a healthy immune system.

Cons

  • Some customers have found this product to be a bit expensive compared to other dog food brands.
  • A few customers have reported that their dogs gained too much weight on this food.
  • Some customers have reported that their dogs didn’t like the taste of this food.

In our experience, ACANA Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food is a great choice for dogs who need a high-quality, grain-inclusive diet. The high protein kibble recipe provides a balanced mix of animal ingredients and wholesome grains, and the fiber-rich grain blend helps support digestive health. We’ve also noticed that our dog’s coat looks shinier and healthier since switching to this food.

Overall, we highly recommend ACANA Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food for dog owners who want a high-quality, grain-inclusive diet for their furry friends.

8. ORIJEN AMAZING GRAINS Puppy Large Dry Dog Food

Best dog food with grain: top picks for a balanced diet

We highly recommend ORIJEN AMAZING GRAINS Puppy Large Dry Dog Food for large breed puppies. This dog food is specially crafted to support your puppy’s rapid growth and development by helping supporting three key benefits: digestive health from grains, immune support from pollock oil, and healthy skin & coat from pollock.

Pros

  • Contains 90 percent* poultry and fish ingredients, including ORIJEN WholePrey ingredients like poultry and organs to mimic what your puppy’s ancestors consumed in the wild
  • Freeze-dried coating offers a burst of raw flavor your dog instinctively craves and features grains sourced from non-GMO crops
  • The first five ingredients are fresh or raw chicken, whole herring, whole mackerel, chicken liver, and salmon with protein, vitamins, and minerals

Cons

  • The price is higher than average
  • Some dogs may not like the taste or texture
  • The kibble size may not be suitable for all large breed puppies

We have used ORIJEN AMAZING GRAINS Puppy Large Dry Dog Food for our own large breed puppy and have seen excellent results. Our puppy has experienced improved digestive health, a shinier coat, and increased energy levels. The high-quality ingredients and freeze-dried coating make this dog food a great option for those looking to provide their puppy with a nutritious and tasty meal.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that supports your puppy’s growth and development, we highly recommend ORIJEN AMAZING GRAINS Puppy Large Dry Dog Food.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best dog food with grain, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features to look at when selecting the right product for your furry friend:

Ingredients

The first thing to consider is the quality of ingredients. Look for a dog food that contains high-quality grains, such as brown rice or oatmeal. Make sure the grains are whole and not processed, as this will provide your dog with more nutrients. Additionally, the food should contain a good source of protein, such as chicken or beef. Avoid products that contain fillers or by-products, as these can be harmful to your dog’s health.

Nutritional Value

The nutritional value of the dog food is also important. Look for a product that contains a balanced amount of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The food should also contain essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E, vitamin B12, and calcium. Check the label to ensure that the food meets the nutritional requirements for your dog’s age and breed.

Brand Reputation

The brand reputation is another important factor to consider. Choose a reputable brand that has a history of producing high-quality dog food. Look for brands that use natural ingredients and have a good track record of safety and quality control.

Price

Price is also a consideration when choosing the best dog food with grain. While you don’t want to skimp on quality, you also don’t want to overspend. Look for a product that fits within your budget while still meeting your dog’s nutritional needs.

In summary, when selecting the best dog food with grain, it is important to consider the quality of ingredients, nutritional value, brand reputation, and price. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you are providing your furry friend with a healthy and nutritious diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the best grain-inclusive dog food brands?

There are many great dog food brands that include grains in their recipes. Some of the best include Blue Buffalo, Purina Pro Plan, and Hill’s Science Diet. These brands use high-quality grains such as brown rice, barley, and oatmeal to provide dogs with the essential nutrients they need.

Are there any grain-inclusive dog food brands that don’t contain chicken?

Yes, there are several grain-inclusive dog food brands that don’t contain chicken. Some of these brands include Wellness, Merrick, and Canidae. These brands use alternative proteins such as lamb, fish, and turkey to provide dogs with a balanced and nutritious diet.

Which dog food brands are recommended by veterinarians?

Many veterinarians recommend Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Purina Pro Plan. These brands have been formulated with the help of veterinarians and are backed by scientific research. They provide dogs with the essential nutrients they need to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

What are some of the benefits of feeding dogs grain-inclusive food?

Grain-inclusive dog food provides dogs with a variety of benefits. Grains are a great source of carbohydrates, which provide dogs with energy. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals that are important for a dog’s overall health and well-being. Additionally, grains can help support a dog’s digestive health and keep them feeling full and satisfied.

How does ORIJEN dog food compare to other grain-inclusive brands?

ORIJEN is a high-quality dog food brand that uses fresh, whole ingredients to provide dogs with a balanced and nutritious diet. While ORIJEN does contain grains, they use a variety of different grains such as steel-cut oats, quinoa, and millet. This makes ORIJEN a great option for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.

What are some of the best grains to feed dogs with allergies?

If your dog has allergies, it’s important to choose a grain that they can tolerate. Some of the best grains for dogs with allergies include brown rice, oats, and barley. These grains are easy to digest and provide dogs with essential nutrients. However, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

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