Is Grain-Free Pet Food Better? What Vets Say
- Dr. Lila Brooks
- Jun 8
- 3 min read

Over the past decade, grain-free pet food has surged in popularity. From glossy packaging in pet store aisles to passionate online reviews, many pet owners are drawn to grain-free formulas for their dogs and cats. The idea often sounds healthier—less filler, more protein, and closer to what animals “naturally” eat.
But is grain-free really better?
As a veterinarian, I often hear this question from concerned pet parents. And while the marketing may be compelling, the reality is more nuanced. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what “grain-free” really means, where the trend came from, what current research says, and how to decide what’s best for your pet.
What Does “Grain-Free” Actually Mean?
Grain-free pet food simply means that the recipe excludes common cereal grains such as:
Wheat
Corn
Rice
Barley
Oats
Instead, these diets often use alternative carbohydrate sources like potatoes, lentils, peas, or chickpeas.
It’s important to understand that grain-free does not mean carbohydrate-free. Many grain-free formulas are still high in carbs—just from different ingredients.
Why Did Grain-Free Diets Become Popular?
Grain-free diets first gained traction in the early 2000s, partly due to a growing demand for “natural” and “ancestral” pet food. Inspired by raw and “Paleo-style” feeding trends in human nutrition, some brands promoted the idea that dogs and cats should eat like their wild ancestors.
There was also a rise in concerns about food allergies and intolerances, with grains sometimes seen as a culprit.
However, while food allergies do occur in pets, true grain allergies are extremely rare. Most documented food sensitivities in dogs and cats are linked to animal proteins, such as beef, chicken, or dairy—not grains.
What the Science Says
In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began investigating a possible link between grain-free diets and a heart condition called canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). DCM affects the heart’s ability to pump blood and can be life-threatening.
The concern centered on diets that were:
Labelled grain-free
Contained high levels of legumes (peas, lentils)
Marketed as boutique or exotic
While research is ongoing, preliminary findings have suggested a possible association between certain grain-free diets and an increase in DCM cases, particularly in breeds not typically prone to the disease.
It’s important to note that a direct cause-and-effect has not been proven, but the veterinary community continues to monitor the issue closely.
Are Grains Bad for Pets?
In short, no. For most healthy pets, grains are a perfectly fine source of carbohydrates, fiber, and even some essential nutrients like B vitamins and linoleic acid.
Whole grains like brown rice, barley, and oats are generally well-tolerated and can actually support digestion and overall health.
Of course, if your pet has a diagnosed grain allergy (which is rare but possible), your vet will guide you toward appropriate alternatives. But for the average dog or cat, there’s no evidence that avoiding grains offers any health advantage.
Should You Avoid Grain-Free Food?
Not necessarily—but it’s important to choose grain-free diets thoughtfully, and always in consultation with your veterinarian.
Here are a few key considerations:
Talk to your vet first. Especially if your pet is a breed with known DCM risk, or if they’re already on a boutique or exotic-protein diet.
Look for AAFCO-compliant formulas. This ensures the food meets basic nutritional standards.
Choose well-researched brands. Stick with companies that have veterinary nutritionists on staff and are transparent about their ingredient sourcing and feeding trials.
Avoid fads. What works for one dog may not work for another. Don’t switch food based on trends alone.
When Grain-Free Might Make Sense
There are a few situations where grain-free diets can be appropriate:
Diagnosed food allergies or intolerances (with vet confirmation)
Pets with specific gastrointestinal disorders where grain-free has helped reduce symptoms
Preference and palatability — some pets simply do better on certain formulas
But it’s worth noting that these are exceptions—not the rule.
Final Thoughts
Grain-free pet food is not inherently better or worse than grain-inclusive diets. The best choice depends on your individual pet’s health, history, and nutritional needs—not marketing trends or what’s popular on social media.
If your dog or cat is healthy, maintaining a stable weight, and thriving on their current diet—grain-free or not—there may be no need to change. But if you're unsure, have concerns, or are considering a new diet, it’s always best to speak with your veterinarian.
Your pet’s health isn’t about following trends—it’s about finding what keeps them happy, balanced, and well.
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Dr. Lila Brooks
Veterinarian, nutrition advocate, and firm believer that what's best for your pet is never one-size-fits
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