You walk down the dog food aisle and suddenly you’re a part-time pet nutritionist trying to decode packaging terms like “ancestral diet” and “gluten-free.” Meanwhile, your dog is just trying to eat the free sample someone dropped near the bulk bins.
It’s a lot. And if you’ve found yourself Googling things like “are grains bad for dogs” at 11 p.m., you’re definitely not alone.
At The Pets Table, we’re here to make food decisions feel less overwhelming. That’s why we put together this article to help you cut through misinformation, dodge the fear-based labels, and figure out what actually matters when it comes to your dog’s food.
Why Does Dog Food Even Matter That Much?
Look, your pup would probably be thrilled to eat hot dogs and cardboard for the rest of their life. That doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.
What you feed your dog has a direct impact on pretty much everything: energy, digestion, skin, coat, poop quality (hello, very important), weight, long-term health, and even their mood. Dogs can’t tell you when something’s not working for them, so food becomes a big part of how you support your dog without needing them to spell it out.
And let’s be real: not all dog food is built the same. Some are made with high-quality, real ingredients. Others include ultra-processed filler that looks vaguely like meat and smells like regret. You don’t need a PhD to feed your dog well, but knowing what goes in their bowl makes a difference.
Why? Because good food helps your pup feel better, live longer, and do their business without turning your backyard into a crime scene. It’s one of the easiest ways to care for your pooch in a way they’ll actually notice, even if they still try to eat a sock 10 minutes later.
So, What’s the Deal With Grain-Free Dog Food Anyway?
Grain-free dog food is exactly what it sounds like: food without grains like wheat, corn, rice, or barley. Instead, it’s usually made with protein-rich ingredients like beef, chicken, or fish, plus carbs like sweet potatoes, peas, or chickpeas. Think of it as the canine version of going paleo, but without the CrossFit addiction.
The idea is to feed your dog more like their wild ancestors, who definitely weren’t out there munching on corn flakes. Instead, they were chasing down prey and foraging for the good stuff. So, the logic goes, more protein and fewer grains may be better for your dog’s health.
It’s also a popular choice for dogs with allergies, sensitive stomachs, or itchy skin, since grains can be a common culprit for food sensitivities. And some dog parents just prefer the idea of feeding their pups something closer to a “natural” diet, even if their pup’s biggest hunt these days is for the squeaky toy under the couch.
Do Dogs Even Need Grains?
Short answer? Not need in a dramatic, “my dog will perish without brown rice” kind of way, but grains can totally be part of a healthy diet.
Despite what the internet might’ve told you, dogs aren’t strict carnivores. They’re opportunistic omnivores, which is a fancy way of saying they’ll eat pretty much anything you drop on the kitchen floor (meat, veggies, bread crusts, entire paper towels, you name it).
That means dogs can digest and benefit from grains. Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and barley actually offer fiber, vitamins, and steady energy. Plus, they’re often easier to digest than people give them credit for. The whole “grain = filler” idea is kind of outdated.
Of course, not all grains are made the same. There’s a difference between feeding your dog a meal with a bit of quinoa vs. one loaded up with low-quality byproducts and empty starches. But in general, grains aren’t the enemy.
So, unless your dog has a grain sensitivity, there’s no need to panic over a little rice in their dinner. Chances are, your pup’s more offended that you didn’t share your sandwich.
Wondering If Your Dog’s Got Beef With Grains?
Grain sensitivity is a thing, but it’s not as common as the packaging might have you believe. Most food allergies in dogs are actually triggered by proteins like poultry, beef, and dairy. That said, it can happen. And if your dog’s digestive system seems to spiral every time grains hit the bowl, it’s worth paying attention.
Here are a few signs that might point to a possible grain issue:
- Itchy skin or constant scratching
- Red or inflamed ears
- Frequent ear infections
- Excessive paw licking or chewing
- Gassiness (the silent but deadly kind or the loud, blame-the-dog-at-the-party kind)
- Soft or inconsistent bowel movements (you knew we’d go there)
Now, these symptoms could be caused by lots of things: environmental allergies, a different food sensitivity, or just your dog being a little high-maintenance. But if the issues seem to flare up when they’re eating grain-inclusive food and calm down when they’re not, that’s a clue.
Can Grain-Free Diets Be Harmful?
We’ve talked about what grain-free food actually is and went over the signs your dog might be throwing a grain-induced tantrum, but real talk: can feeding grain-free actually be harmful?
This is where things got messy a few years back. The FDA started investigating a possible link between grain-free diets and a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The concern was that some grain-free recipes might be connected to heart issues in certain dogs.
But here’s the thing: the research is still ongoing, and it’s not as simple as “grain-free = bad.” Some dogs in the reports were predisposed to DCM already. Some were eating boutique diets that lacked proper nutrient balance. Others were totally fine. In short, there is no concrete evidence to support the promotion of one diet over another
What is clear? A grain-free label doesn’t automatically mean the food is balanced or complete. Some formulas load up on legumes without properly supporting heart health. Others are totally solid. That’s why it’s less about the grain-free part and more about the overall quality of the recipe.
If you’re feeding a grain-free diet (or thinking about switching), look for brands that actually work with board-certified vet nutritionists, meet AAFCO standards and or WSAVA guidelines, and aren’t built around trendy ingredient lists. Grain-free isn’t harmful, but feeding low-quality food with the wrong balance of nutrients can be a problem, grains or not.
Which Grains Are Actually Good for Dogs?
So, your pup does just fine with grains. But just like not all snacks are created equal (looking at you, three-day-old gas station muffin), not all grains deserve a spot in your dog’s bowl.
Some grains actually do something. They bring fiber, vitamins, and easy-to-digest carbs that help your dog stay energized and regular. Others? They’re more like edible packing peanuts.
If you’re keeping grains in the rotation, here are the ones worth scooping:
- Brown Rice: This one’s a classic. It’s easy on the stomach, gives steady energy, and plays nice with picky pups.
- Oats: Naturally soothing and full of fiber. These are especially great for dogs with sensitive tummies or food that tends to move too fast.
- Barley: A complex carb that helps with fullness and digestion. Not flashy, but totally dependable.
You’ll find these smart grains across our grain-inclusive meal lineup — like in our Lamb & Beef with Brown Rice, Chicken Entree with Brown Rice, and our Pork Stew with Butternut Squash.
Every bite is designed to support gut health, energy, and a lifestyle that includes minimal lawn disasters. What’s not to love?
Are There Any Perks to Grain-Free Food if Your Dog Isn’t Sensitive?
Some dogs just feel better on a grain-free diet. Maybe they have more energy, better digestion, or fewer mystery poops. Maybe they just really vibe with sweet potatoes and chickpeas. That’s valid.
Grain-free recipes can be a great fit for pups who thrive on a higher-protein, lower-carb setup, especially if you’re choosing food that’s thoughtfully made and not just hopping on a trend train. Grain-free meals also tend to be super palatable. The texture, flavor, and ingredients are often more appealing to picky eaters, which means more tail wags and fewer untouched bowls.
At The Pets Table, we make sure our grain-free options aren’t just “grain-free” — they’re complete meals, balanced and built with your dog’s health in mind. Our Beef Stew with Carrots Fresh recipe and Salmon & Whitefish with Pumpkin Air-Dried recipe are just two fan favorites, made with real meat, fiber-rich veggies, and none of the weird stuff.
So, even if your dog doesn’t need to avoid grains, it’s totally fine to go grain-free as long as the food is nutritious, balanced, and, most importantly, actually works for your pup.
The Bottom Line
What matters most is how your dog feels on the food you’re feeding. Are they energized? Is their coat shiny? Is their poop solid and scoopable? Gold stars all around.
Whether your dog’s bowl includes brown rice or sweet potato isn’t as important as the quality of the ingredients and how they’re balanced.
At The Pets Table, we build every meal with real, whole foods and help from board-certified vet nutritionists. From our Chicken Entree with Brown Rice to our Beef & Berries Air-Dried recipe, we’ve got options for sensitive stomachs, picky eaters, and dogs who act like they run a five-star Yelp account.
Want help picking the right one for your pup? Take our quiz and get a personalized plan that fits their tastebuds and their tummy.
Sources:
The Truth Behind 8 Dog Food Myths | AKC
Grain-Free Pet Food: Helpful or Harmful Diet? | ASPCA
Are Dogs Carnivores… or Omnivores? | Dog Food Advisor
Food Allergies in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals
FDA Investigation into Potential Link between Certain Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy | FDA