Food sensitivities can make shopping for dog food difficult, especially if your dog is allergic to common ingredients like legumes. While there are benefits to adding legumes to your dog’s diet, there are several reasons that you might prefer to steer clear. Allergies and the risk of heart disease — which is still being investigated1 — are the biggest factors to consider when searching for legume-free dog food.
You might assume that avoiding legumes is as simple as not getting grain-free formulas, but legumes are common ingredients in grain-inclusive recipes too. To help make your search easier and point you in the right direction for legume-free dog food, here are 11 of the best choices. We hope that these reviews can help you determine which brand is the right for your dog.
A Quick Comparison of the Winners (2023 Update)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains Dry Food
Single meat-protein source
Good for dogs with food sensitivities
Butternut squash and pumpkin provide fiber
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Best Value
Rachael Ray Nutrish Dry Dog Food
Real lamb is the first ingredient
Vitamins and minerals to ensure overall health
Made in the U.S.A.
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Premium Choice
Zignature Select Cuts Dry Dog Food
Wild-caught salmon and trout
Natural fiber to promote healthy digestion
Non-GMO ingredients
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Best for Puppies
ORIJEN Amazing Grains Puppy Large Dry Food
Animal protein makes up the first five ingredients
Formulated for large breed puppies
Natural DHA and EPA
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Vet’s Choice
Nom Nom Tasty Turkey Fare Recipe
Formulated by veterinary nutritionists
Pre-portioned meals
Customizable based on your dog’s individual needs
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The 11 Best Legume-Free Dog Foods
Our best overall legume-free dog food is the ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food. As a limited-ingredient recipe, it contains a single animal protein source — either duck or lamb — to avoid common food allergies, making it a good choice if your dog is sensitive to certain ingredients. It’s also packaged in a resealable bag to maintain freshness for longer.
Main ingredients: Deboned duck, duck meal, oat groats, whole sorghum
Protein content: 27.00%
Fat content: 17.00%
Calories: 3,370 kcal/kg
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The recipe relies on real, nutritional ingredients without any artificial additives to make it a healthier, high-quality option for your dog. Along with the protein content, ACANA includes fiber from butternut squash and pumpkin to promote healthy digestion.
While this formula comes in 4- or 22.5-pound bags, both options are on the expensive side due to the focus on natural ingredients and healthy nutrition.
Pros
Single meat-protein source
Good for dogs with food sensitivities
Butternut squash and pumpkin provide fiber
No artificial additives
Resealable bag
Cons
Expensive
Finding healthy, budget-friendly, high-quality dog food can be an exercise in futility, especially if you want a natural formula and to avoid undesirable ingredients. The Rachael Ray Nutrish Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food is crafted with six ingredients, along with a careful blend of vitamins and minerals to boost your dog’s health.
Single meat-protein source
Good for dogs with food sensitivities
Butternut squash and pumpkin provide fiber
No artificial additives
Resealable bag
- Single meat-protein source
- Good for dogs with food sensitivities
- Butternut squash and pumpkin provide fiber
- No artificial additives
- Resealable bag
Expensive
- Expensive
Main ingredients: Lamb meal, brown rice, brewers rice, dried beet pulp
Protein content: 20.00%
Fat content: 13.00%
Calories: 3,430 kcal/kg
It uses real lamb as the first ingredient, avoiding common meat protein allergies, and is crafted in the U.S.A. to ensure that you receive a quality product. With three bag sizes available, it’s suitable for multi-dog houses and is the best legume-free dog food for the money.
A few dog owners have found this dog food to have a strong, unpleasant smell.
Pros
Real lamb is the first ingredient
Vitamins and minerals to ensure overall health
Made in the U.S.A.
No artificial additives
Cons
Some pet owners dislike the smell
Dog food formulas using fish-based protein are one way of avoiding common food sensitivities and the Zignature Select Cuts Dry Dog Food uses wild-caught salmon and trout in the recipe. Although it’s one of the more expensive dog foods on this list, the formula focuses on natural, locally sourced, GMO-free ingredients. Each recipe is made in the U.S.A. to make sure the cooking process passes regulated health and safety standards.
Real lamb is the first ingredient
Vitamins and minerals to ensure overall health
Made in the U.S.A.
No artificial additives
- Real lamb is the first ingredient
- Vitamins and minerals to ensure overall health
- Made in the U.S.A.
- No artificial additives
Some pet owners dislike the smell
- Some pet owners dislike the smell
Main ingredients: Trout, salmon meal, oats, millet
Protein content: 28.00%
Fat content: 15.00%
Calories: 3,672 kcal/kg
Zignature Select Cuts relies primarily on real fish but also includes grains to provide natural fiber to support your dog’s digestive health. The blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals keeps your dog healthy too.
While there aren’t many ingredients in this recipe, some dogs have been known to suffer from digestive upset while eating this product. Some picky eaters might also dislike the fishy taste.
Pros
Wild-caught salmon and trout
Natural fiber to promote healthy digestion
Non-GMO ingredients
Made in the U.S.A.
Cons
Has caused stomach upset in some dogs
Some dogs dislike the fishy taste
Dedicated to supporting the nutritional requirements of large breed puppies, ORIJEN Amazing Grains Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food uses nutrient-rich ingredients to support your new puppy’s health. The recipe contains natural DHA and EPA, along with prebiotics, probiotics, and fiber to support immunity, digestion, eye development, cognitive function, and skin and coat health. Animal protein makes up the first five ingredients to ensure that plenty of high-quality protein is included in the formula.
Wild-caught salmon and trout
Natural fiber to promote healthy digestion
Non-GMO ingredients
Made in the U.S.A.
- Wild-caught salmon and trout
- Natural fiber to promote healthy digestion
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Made in the U.S.A.
Has caused stomach upset in some dogs
Some dogs dislike the fishy taste
- Has caused stomach upset in some dogs
- Some dogs dislike the fishy taste
Main ingredients: Chicken, whole herring, whole mackerel, chicken liver
Protein content: 38.00%
Fat content: 16.00%
Calories: 3,860 kcal/kg
High-quality dog food is always on the expensive side, and this option isn’t the friendliest on the wallet. However, if you don’t have a budget or don’t mind spending more to ensure that your new puppy gets quality nutrition, ORIJEN is a good choice. It does smell strongly of fish due to the ingredients, and some picky dogs might dislike the flavor.
Pros
Animal protein makes up the first five ingredients
Formulated for large breed puppies
Natural DHA and EPA
Prebiotics and probiotics to promote digestive health
Cons
Expensive
Smells strongly of fish
- Nom Nom Tasty Turkey Fare Recipe (Fresh Dog Food Subscription) — Vet’s Choice
Click to Save 50% + Get Free Shipping with Nom Nom!
Main ingredients: Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots
Protein content: 10.00%
Fat content: 5.00%
Calories: 1,479 kcal/kg
Kibble has its benefits, but it also doesn’t always contain the same nutritional benefits as fresh dog food. It’s not always easy to find time to make our own dog food, though, which is where Nom Nom comes in with its Turkey Fare recipe. Formulated by veterinary nutritionists and our vet’s choice option, the pre-portioned meals use real meat and vegetables to ensure a healthy diet for your dog.
Animal protein makes up the first five ingredients
Formulated for large breed puppies
Natural DHA and EPA
Prebiotics and probiotics to promote digestive health
- Animal protein makes up the first five ingredients
- Formulated for large breed puppies
- Natural DHA and EPA
- Prebiotics and probiotics to promote digestive health
Expensive
Smells strongly of fish
- Expensive
- Smells strongly of fish
Click to Save 50% + Get Free Shipping with Nom Nom!
Main ingredients: Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots
Protein content: 10.00%
Fat content: 5.00%
Calories: 1,479 kcal/kg
Nom Nom offers three other recipes alongside the turkey formula so you can ensure that your dog doesn’t get bored. You can also customize the meals that your dog receives according to their age, breed, and health.
While the meal is shipped straight to your door, taking away the stress of grocery shopping, the fresh dog food needs to be kept frozen to retain freshness. Nom Nom also requires a subscription through the website and isn’t available at other retailers.
Pros
Formulated by veterinary nutritionists
Pre-portioned meals
Customizable based on your dog’s individual needs
Real meat and vegetables to ensure a healthy diet
Cons
Must be kept frozen
Requires a subscription
Formulated with nine ingredients, along with vitamins and minerals, the CANIDAE PURE With Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food is a good option for dogs with food sensitivities. It uses fish to avoid allergies to chicken or beef and supplies omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health.
Formulated by veterinary nutritionists
Pre-portioned meals
Customizable based on your dog’s individual needs
Real meat and vegetables to ensure a healthy diet
- Formulated by veterinary nutritionists
- Pre-portioned meals
- Customizable based on your dog’s individual needs
- Real meat and vegetables to ensure a healthy diet
Must be kept frozen
Requires a subscription
- Must be kept frozen
- Requires a subscription
Main ingredients: Salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, barley
Protein content: 25.00%
Fat content: 14.50%
Calories: 3,642 kcal/kg
The other ingredients also work to promote your dog’s overall welfare. Antioxidants protect the immune system, while probiotics help maintain a healthy gut. The additional glucosamine and chondroitin boost the health of your dog’s joints to keep them active for longer.
Although the 4-pound bags are affordable, their small size won’t last long in multi-dog homes or for larger breeds. This recipe also includes canola oil, which can make some dog owners wary about using the product.
Pros
Omega fatty acids support skin and coat health
No artificial ingredients
Limited ingredients for dogs with food sensitivities
Glucosamine and chondroitin promote joint health
Cons
Contains canola oil
4-pound bag is too small for large breeds
Available in four bag sizes and formulated for all dog breeds, the Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food is suitable for households with several dogs. The recipe contains a blend of omega oils, glucosamine, and chondroitin to support your dog’s joints, skin, and coat health. It’s made with real chicken along with fibrous vegetables and grains to promote healthy digestion.
Omega fatty acids support skin and coat health
No artificial ingredients
Limited ingredients for dogs with food sensitivities
Glucosamine and chondroitin promote joint health
- Omega fatty acids support skin and coat health
- No artificial ingredients
- Limited ingredients for dogs with food sensitivities
- Glucosamine and chondroitin promote joint health
Contains canola oil
4-pound bag is too small for large breeds
- Contains canola oil
- 4-pound bag is too small for large breeds
Main ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley
Protein content: 26.00%
Fat content: 16.00%
Calories: 3,711 kcal/kg
Although Merrick is fortified with vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s overall health, some dogs are allergic to chicken, and their immune system may overreact to the main ingredient. Some owners have found that their dogs suffered from diarrhea after eating this product, while fussier dogs refused to eat it due to the strong smell.
Pros
Natural fiber to aid digestion
Omega oils, glucosamine, and chondroitin support overall health
Suitable for multi-dog households
Made with real chicken
Cons
Some dogs are allergic to chicken
Fussy dogs might dislike the smell
Caused diarrhea in some dogs
Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Blend Kibble Wholesome Grains Red Meat Recipe uses natural ingredients to provide dogs with beneficial nutrition. Using whole prey ingredients, which include muscles, organs, and cartilage, the formula provides a high-protein diet for adult dogs.
Natural fiber to aid digestion
Omega oils, glucosamine, and chondroitin support overall health
Suitable for multi-dog households
Made with real chicken
- Natural fiber to aid digestion
- Omega oils, glucosamine, and chondroitin support overall health
- Suitable for multi-dog households
- Made with real chicken
Some dogs are allergic to chicken
Fussy dogs might dislike the smell
Caused diarrhea in some dogs
- Some dogs are allergic to chicken
- Fussy dogs might dislike the smell
- Caused diarrhea in some dogs
Main ingredients: Beef, pork, pork meal, barely
Protein content: 36.00%
Fat content: 16.00%
Calories: 3,789 kcal/kg
Real vegetables like pumpkin, broccoli, carrots, and spinach are used to boost the number of natural nutrients in the recipe. The added fiber also helps promote gut health.
This formula also contains freeze-dried, raw chunks of meat for extra flavor, but some bags may have more chunks than others. Some pet owners find the smell of this dog food unpleasant, and others noticed that their dogs suffered from diarrhea while on this diet.
Pros
Fibrous vegetables for gut health
Whole prey ingredients
Animal-based protein
No artificial additives
Cons
Some owners dislike the smell
Caused diarrhea in some dogs
Number of freeze-dried chunks varies between bags
Highly active dogs need a meal plan that can keep up with their energy requirements. The VICTOR Classic Hi-Pro Plus Formula Dry Dog Food is formulated for active breeds of all ages to give them the nutrients that they need to keep doing their jobs. It contains protein from real meat and nutrient-rich vegetables to provide a healthy, balanced diet. The specialized VPRO Blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants promotes immune and digestive health.
Fibrous vegetables for gut health
Whole prey ingredients
Animal-based protein
No artificial additives
- Fibrous vegetables for gut health
- Whole prey ingredients
- Animal-based protein
- No artificial additives
Some owners dislike the smell
Caused diarrhea in some dogs
Number of freeze-dried chunks varies between bags
- Some owners dislike the smell
- Caused diarrhea in some dogs
- Number of freeze-dried chunks varies between bags
Main ingredients: Beef meal, grain sorghum, chicken fat, pork meal
Protein content: 30.00%
Fat content: 20.00%
Calories: 3,815 kcal/kg
Several owners have mentioned that the smell of this product is unpleasant and that their dogs refuse to eat it. This formula also has many different meat-protein sources that may set off allergic reactions in dogs that are sensitive to certain ingredients.
Pros
Formulated for highly active breeds
Nutrient-rich ingredients
Suitable for dogs of all ages
VPRO Blend promotes digestive and immune health
Cons
Fussy dogs dislike the flavor
Food has a strong, unpleasant odor
Can cause allergic reactions in some dogs
Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream Dry Dog Food is formulated to be high in protein to support bones, joints, and muscle mass. With salmon as the first ingredient, the recipe contains natural omega-fatty acids that promote skin and coat health, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables boost immune health. The formula also uses K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics to ensure a healthy gut biome and aid digestion.
Formulated for highly active breeds
Nutrient-rich ingredients
Suitable for dogs of all ages
VPRO Blend promotes digestive and immune health
- Formulated for highly active breeds
- Nutrient-rich ingredients
- Suitable for dogs of all ages
- VPRO Blend promotes digestive and immune health
Fussy dogs dislike the flavor
Food has a strong, unpleasant odor
Can cause allergic reactions in some dogs
- Fussy dogs dislike the flavor
- Food has a strong, unpleasant odor
- Can cause allergic reactions in some dogs
Main ingredients: Salmon, salmon meal, ocean fish meal, grain sorghum
Protein content: 30.00%
Fat content: 15.00%
Calories: 3,640 kcal/kg
Although this recipe doesn’t use artificial ingredients, it does include canola oil, which is an ingredient that many dog owners prefer not to feed to their dogs. The high protein content has been known to cause digestive upset in dogs that aren’t used to the diet, and some bags arrive ripped.
Pros
Salmon is the first ingredient
Natural omega oils to promote skin and coat health
Antioxidant-rich vegetables support immunity
K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics
Cons
Contains canola oil
Caused digestive issues in some dogs
Some bags arrive ripped open
Made with natural ingredients, the Wellness CORE Grain-Free Canned Dog Food is produced in the U.S.A. to ensure that it meets high standards for health and safety. It’s designed for adult dogs and puppies and can be used as a lone meal or mixed with kibble.
Salmon is the first ingredient
Natural omega oils to promote skin and coat health
Antioxidant-rich vegetables support immunity
K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics
- Salmon is the first ingredient
- Natural omega oils to promote skin and coat health
- Antioxidant-rich vegetables support immunity
- K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics
Contains canola oil
Caused digestive issues in some dogs
Some bags arrive ripped open
- Contains canola oil
- Caused digestive issues in some dogs
- Some bags arrive ripped open
Main ingredients: Chicken, salmon broth, whitefish, chicken liver
Protein content: 10.00%
Fat content: 6.00%
Calories: 1,261 kcal/kg
Along with the real meat and fish ingredients, Wellness CORE contains fruits and vegetables to promote lean muscle mass, immune health, and skin and coat health.
The label is misleading; while the recipe does contain fish, chicken is listed as the first ingredient, making this option unsuitable for dogs with sensitivities to chicken. Open cans need to be kept in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. This product has also caused diarrhea in some dogs.
Pros
Natural ingredients promote a healthy diet
Made in the U.S.A.
Can be used alone or mixed with kibble
Promotes lean muscle mass
Cons
Chicken content can set off allergies
Has caused diarrhea in some dogs
Leftovers need to be refrigerated
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Legume-Free Dog Food
Why Are Legumes Used in Dog Food?
Many dog foods use legumes in the ingredients to provide fiber and carbohydrates without upping the cost of production or the final product. Some recipes also use pea protein to supplement the animal protein in the formula or use legumes as thickening agents.
Natural ingredients promote a healthy diet
Made in the U.S.A.
Can be used alone or mixed with kibble
Promotes lean muscle mass
- Natural ingredients promote a healthy diet
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Can be used alone or mixed with kibble
- Promotes lean muscle mass
Chicken content can set off allergies
Has caused diarrhea in some dogs
Leftovers need to be refrigerated
- Chicken content can set off allergies
- Has caused diarrhea in some dogs
- Leftovers need to be refrigerated
The multiple benefits are what make legumes a popular part of the ingredient list. Most commonly, you’ll find legumes in grain-free diets that don’t have the fiber and carbohydrates from grains. However, legumes are added to many grain-inclusive formulas too.
Risks of Legumes
Despite the multiple benefits, legumes do have a few risks associated with them that make many dog owners wary about purchasing dog foods that use them. Some dogs can have sensitivities to certain ingredients — like legumes — and eating them frequently can cause skin issues and digestive upset.
The biggest issues, however, come in the form of grain-free diets. During the FDA investigation into the link between grain-free dog food and dilated cardiomyopathy, the American Veterinary Medical Association found that the dogs most affected were eating grain-free food with a high legume content.
However, nobody knows whether it’s the legumes that are at fault or whether dogs are missing out on some other important nutrients in legume-heavy, grain-free diets. Heart disease also hasn’t affected all the dogs that eat grain-free food.
Are Legume-Free Diets the Best for Your Dog?
Knowing whether avoiding legumes is the best choice depends on you and your dog. In moderation and as a supplement to a balanced diet, legumes do have many health benefits for dogs. However, in the case of food sensitivities, it’s best to avoid the ingredient to keep your dog healthy.
Personal preference comes into your decision too. If you’re uncomfortable feeding your dog with legume-inclusive formulas — especially grain-free recipes — there are plenty of alternative ingredients that you can look for that have similar benefits.
Natural nutrients from fruits and vegetables, alongside protein from real meat, are ideal to consider when searching for dog food. Pumpkin, for example, is well-loved for being easy to digest, particularly for sensitive stomachs, and an excellent fiber source.
How to Choose the Right Dog Food
Legume free or not, choosing the right dog food can be an interesting challenge. There are a few ways to make sure your dog gets the nutrition that they need even if you prefer to skip ingredients like legumes or certain animal proteins.
Health Concerns
One of the biggest things to consider when choosing a dog food is whether it supports certain health issues that your dog might suffer from. Prescriptions, weight-watching, or sensitive-digestion formulas are all worth considering if your dog suffers from specific health concerns.
Food sensitivities are important to consider too. Choosing a legume-free dog food is a good choice in theory, but if your dog is sensitive to the chicken in the new formula, they will still have issues with the food. Consider all the ingredients contained in the recipe before settling on your final choice.
Life Stage
Most dog food is generic and designed for all ages and breeds. This is great if you have several dogs at home that are all at different life stages. However, these generic formulas have the downside of not being focused on one specific type of dog. Puppies, for example, benefit significantly from the nutrients in puppy-oriented formulas.
With a formula that’s designed for your dog’s age and breed, they’ll be receiving the right amount of nutrients to stay healthy.
Veterinarian Recommendation
When in doubt, don’t be afraid to discuss options with your veterinarian. They’ll be able to help you diagnose food sensitivities and point you toward the dog food brands that are reliable and safe for your dog. While you should still do your own research, seeking advice from your vet or their personal opinion on a food that you’ve chosen can help ease your mind when it comes to feeding your dog.
Final Thoughts
In these reviews, we looked at the best legume-free dog foods, including ACANA, which uses natural ingredients to provide a balanced diet. The budget-friendly Rachael Ray Nutrish is best for owners who desire value for money, while the premium Zignature Select Cuts is an option if you don’t mind stretching your budget.
For more specialized diets, ORIJEN Amazing Grains is formulated to support the development of large breed puppies. Finally, our vet’s choice for healthy nutrition and a balanced diet is Nom Nom’s Turkey Fare.
Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock
