Your dog deserves some good food. Many companies manufacture food for dogs with special considerations such as allergies and the type of breed. However other than that, many dog parents have specific ingredients that they want to be included in their dog’s food. Grain free foods for example have become notoriously common in many homes with dogs. These foods, commonly known as BEG (boutique, exotic-ingredient, and grain-free), require a source for energy and fiber and for this reason, many manufacturers add peas or other legumes to ensure your dog maintains a healthy digestive system.
Foods with high levels of peas, potatoes and legumes have compounds that could limit your dog’s ability to produce taurine resulting in health complications such as Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), mainly characterized by an enlarged heart. Dogs should be able to process their taurine as long as they have a good diet. Grain-free foods may appear to have a proper protein content, but they only have protein from plant sources and fewer amounts of protein from animal sources, which could aid in the assembling of taurine.
Although enlarged hearts are common in certain breeds, we can agree that that, as well as many other health conditions, can be influenced by diet. We shall discuss the different types of food without peas to give you an option of what you can feed your dog to ensure they remain healthy.
Top 10 Dog Food Without Peas
Many food manufacturers will claim to produce dog food without peas. It can however be a challenge to distinguish the real and genuine ones especially if you are a new pet parent. Below are ten of the best foods without peas for dogs. They vary in brands as well as recommended dog breeds, size and age.
#1) Purina Pro Plan Sport, Energy & Vitality Support, High Protein Dry Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Sport will help you give your dog the fine-tuned nutrition that they deserve. This high protein dry dog food is designed for active dogs, making it a favorite to pet parents of sporting dogs and canine athletes. It is made of a combination of healthy ingredients that help maximize oxygen metabolism for more endurance. Purina Pro sport formula consists of a 30% protein and 20% fat blend to help care for your dog’s metabolic needs. It also helps in the maintenance of healthy strong muscles through the good levels of amino acids.
Purina Pro Plan Sport recipe contains chicken as the number 1 ingredient to give your dog the protein and nutrients he needs to support his busy lifestyle. This is an antioxidant-rich recipe that promotes a healthy immune system. It also has EPA and glucosamine for good joint health and ease of movement.
Features
- High Calorie, High Protein Dry Dog Food
- Features real chicken as the #1 ingredient- 30/20 chicken and rice formula
- EPA and glucosamine help support joint health and mobility.
- Amino acids help promote nourishment for muscles, including during the crucial time immediately following exercise.
- Contains 30% protein and 20% fat to help with metabolism and maintain lean muscle
- Age Range Description: Senior.
Bottomline– with animal protein as the first ingredient and additional carbohydrate, this formula offers 100% complete and balanced nutrition to keep your dog healthy and energized.
#2) ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food & Topper Recipe – Natural High Protein, Alternative to Raw, Limited Ingredient
Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Beef Cuisine is a raw equivalent, premium dry dog food. It is made using New Zealand’s highest quality pasture raised, grass-fed beef that helps provide advantages such as higher omegas, less fat and more natural vitamins. This recipe features up to 96% inclusions of meat, organs, bones and seafood to cater to your dog’s biological needs. It also has New Zealand green mussels and cold-washed green tripe.
The ZIWI Peak formula includes no legumes, peas, potatoes, soy, grains, glycerin, sugars, or any other unnecessary carbohydrates. It is nutrient dense as 3 portions of raw ingredients make 1 portion of finished air-dried. This means that you can now feed less and your dog will have reduced stool volume. The food contains no artificial fillers while retaining nutrients and maximizing flavor.
Features
- Made of 100% ethically and sustainably sourced meats and sea foods
- Provides higher Taurine levels than nutritionally required to promote heart health
- Promotes allergy relief, healthy skin and coat, improved digestion, joint health, mobility and weight maintenance.
- Contains no added GMOs, antibiotics, or growth hormones
- No Peas, Legumes or Potatoes included
- 96% fresh meat, organs, bones and green mussels
- Requires no need to thaw, refrigerate, or rehydrate.
- Have Omegas for healthy skin and coat
- Complete and balanced for all breeds and life stages
Bottomline– the ingredients are air dried as a means of natural preservation hence no need for refrigeration. The limited ingredients used are well balanced to provide your dog with 100% healthy nutrition.
#3) Instinct Ultimate Protein Grain Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food by Nature’s Variety
Instinct Ultimate Protein dry dog food consists of kibbles that provide the purest form of nutrition for your small breed dog. Every piece of kibble is coated in freeze dried raw for nutrition and taste. The kibble contains the highest levels of protein from real meat and allows unmatched digestibility for maximum nutrient absorption. Instinct Ultimate Protein dry dog food contains up to 3x more real chicken and 95% of protein from chicken vs vegetables or animal meal.
Features
- Made with pure, real meat and whole food ingredients, protein packed & minimally processed nutrition
- It has probiotics, omegas, calcium and phosphorus for strong teeth and bones
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints
- Made without grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by product meal, artificial colors or preservatives.
- Highly digestible
- Made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world
Bottomline– made with natural raw ingredients with raw a coating, this dog dry food presents a delicious and healthy flavor that small dogs crave.
#4) Farmina N&D Chicken & Pomegranate for Med/Maxi Dogs 5.5 Pounds
Farmina is an Italian company that has four different dog food lines. This ancient grain formula is pea, legume and potato free. This nutritional formula is designed for the good health of your four-legged friend. This Farmina dog food contains limited ancestral cereals and also comprises of 60% high-quality animal ingredients, 20% organic spelt and organic oats, and 20% vegetables, fruits, vitamins, and minerals. Chicken, spelt and oats are the formula’s main ingredients.
Features
- Natural and delicious
- Contains chondroitin and glucosamine,
- Uses antioxidant-rich ingredients such as pomegranates, blueberries, and spinach
- 60% high-quality animal ingredients, 20% organic spelt and organic oats, and 20% vegetables, fruits, vitamins, and minerals
- Sourced and Made in Italy
Bottomline– this dog food is made with the use of unique grains making it ideal for dogs with food sensitivities. It contains glucosamine and chondroitin to promote healthy joints.
#5) Canine Caviar Limited Ingredient Alkaline Holistic Dog Food
Canine Caviar Free Spirit Alkaline food is ideal for dogs of all life stages. It is a Limited Ingredient Diet (LID) that offers complete and balanced nutrition for moderately active dogs, growing puppies and nursing dogs. This dog food is perfect for medium and large breed puppies. This Canine caviar formula is free of by-products and chemical preservatives. The dry dog food provides pets with a natural and healthy Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids balance to help maintain a strong immune system, protecting animals from hot spots, allergies and dermatitis.
Canine Caviar LID is made of wholesome protein and provides essential nutrients for a healthy dog coat as well. The Alkaline diet quickly relieves digestive upsets, reduces itching, scratching, shedding and hotspots. It also reduces risks of health problems such as cellular degeneration, kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatitis, heart disease and diabetes. The dog formula is low in sodium and is flash cooked at low temperatures for better absorption of nutrients.
Features
- Completely digestible
- Low glycemic (GI) complex carbohydrates
- Helps to reduce tartar and maintain your pup’s teeth and gums
- High metabolized calories allow you to feed your dog less
- No added preservatives, hormones, ethoxyquin
- Hypoallergenic, no potato, no tapioca
- Provides protein, calcium, phosphorus and many trace minerals
- Suitable for all life stages from puppy to senior dog
- Made in the USA.
Bottomline– Canine Caviar LID dog food has few ingredients which translate to lesser stress on the digestive system thus a healthy immune system. It provides a complete and balanced diet using dehydrated white breast meat and pearl millet and is ideal for all breeds, small, medium and large
#6) Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Large Breed Bites Dry Dog Food with Grains
Natural Balance L.I.D. dog food consists of lamb and brown rice as the main ingredients. The dry dog food is a single animal protein food that is suitable for large breed adult dogs. It is important in promoting healthy skin and coat. The food helps large breed dogs to chew easily and slower and also supports clean teeth and healthy gums.
Natural Balance L.I.D. dry dog food contains no peas, lentils, legumes, potatoes, soy, wheat and corn. The food has lower protein content but has a high fiber content, which helps in maintaining a healthy weight.
Features
- Few ingredients used
- No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
- Easy to chew and digest
- Supports clean teeth and healthy gums in large breed dogs
Bottomline– this lamb and brown rice formula is a good choice for pet owners with large breed dogs. It helps with maintaining of a healthy weight, reducing the number of feeding quantities while at the same time providing high nutrition levels for your dog.
#7) Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
NUTRO ULTRA large breed dry dog food is made using quality ingredients that provide satisfaction and nourishment for your large pet. The food uses chicken as the number 1 ingredient and features a trio of high-quality protein from chicken, lamb and salmon as well as a blend of 15 vibrant superfoods like coconut, chia, kale, and blueberries. It is nutrient rich and full of flavors that your dog will love.
This Nutro Ultra recipe is made using non-GMO ingredients and contains no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat or soy protein. It also lacks artificial flavors, colors and preservatives. It might have some amounts of genetically modified material present due to potential cross-contact during manufacturing.
Features
- Chicken is used as the number one ingredient
- Made with high-quality ingredients for a complete and balanced nutrition
- Contains a blend of 15 vibrant superfoods including coconut, chia, kale, blueberries among others
- No chicken by-product meal, no corn, soy, wheat, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
- Ideal for large breed dogs
Bottomline– Nutro Ultra dry dog food incorporates a recipe that is specifically formulated to meet the large nutritional needs of your large breed four-legged friend, from puppy to senior.
#8) JustFoodForDogs PantryFresh Dog Food – Fresh, Whole Food Ingredients Ready to Serve Adult Dog & Puppy Food
PantryFresh Dog Food is made through a combination of 100% USDA certified chicken with white rice, fresh spinach, carrots, apples, cod liver oil and JFFD’s vet-developed nutrient blend. It is made with whole ingredients with each of the ingredients being fit for human consumption. This ensures the food is of the highest quality, and fresh to keep dogs looking and feeling their best.
PantryFresh is formulated by a team of veterinarians and canine specialists then cooked with precision to provide maximum nutritional value and promote immune system health for your dog.
Features
- Made with real, whole ingredients
- Contains no preservatives, rendered meats, artificial colorings, growth hormones and no scary acronyms such as BHA, BHT, or LFBT.
- Great packaging ensures a 2-year shelf life
- Veterinary recommended
- It is easy to travel with, store and serve
- Contains low fat hence great for weight management
- Ideal for all dogs, both growing puppies and adults
- High in calcium and phosphorus for growing bones and tissue
- Recommended for dogs with suspected gluten allergies and sensitive stomachs
Bottomline– having one meal suitable for all your dogs is quite convenient and cost-saving. This food for dogs is a favorite for many pet homes with multiple dogs of different ages and breeds.
#9) Fromm Family Foods 727520 Gold Nutritionals Adult 33 Lb Dry Dog Food (1 Pack), One Size
This recipe is one of the many food lines from Fromm Company that do not contain peas, lentils, legumes, or potatoes. This classic chicken dry dog food recipe is made of chicken, oats, barley and rice as the main ingredients. This dog food is ideal as good maintenance food. It offers your dog adequate amounts of protein, fiber, and fats.
Features
- High quality ingredients
- Affordable
- Crude Protein Min: 23%
- Crude Fat Min: 15%
- Crude Fiber Max: 4%
- Available in three varieties: adult, puppy and mature adult.
Bottomline– this dry dog food from Fromm family foods is ideal for dogs of average activity level. It is recommended for dogs that need to maintain a healthy weight.
#10) IAMS Proactive Health Dry Dog Food, Small & Toy Breed, 12.5 lbs.
IAMS Proactive Health Dry Dog Food is made with high levels of proteins to meet the needs of your highly active small-breed dog. It helps improve overall health, energy and activity. The food contains chicken as the number 1 ingredient. The proteins sourced from chicken and eggs support the development of strong and healthy muscles in dogs while L-Carnitine helps them burn extra fat and maintain a healthy metabolism.
This IAMS dry dog food nourishes the heart with seven essential nutrients. It features garnishes of vegetables including real carrots, fruits such as real apples and blueberries, and wholesome grains that provide nutrients and carbohydrates for great energy.
Features
- Made with high quality, real, wholesome ingredients
- Contains no fillers
- Rich blend of vitamins and antioxidants help support a healthy immune system
- 100% complete and balanced nutrition helps with adult dog maintenance
- Veterinarian recommended
Bottomline– IAMS proactive dog food is made with your small and toy breed dogs in mind. These dogs have big nutritional needs and are highly active thus require high levels of proteins for energy. IAMS offers a complete nutrition package in a bite-size kibble that is designed to enrich your small dog’s overall health.
Conclusion
Choosing the right food for your dog may seem like an easy task yet a simple ingredient can cause a whole lot difference in how your dog reacts to the food. Some ingredients will have your dog coming back for more while others will cause a total lack of appetite. Peas are good sources of nutrients however, some dogs will have health issues when fed on pea recipes.
If you are a new dog parent, it is important to consult a vet to understand what it is your dog needs depending on their breed, age and size. It will also help you know the kind of foods to avoid when feeding your furry friend. The best dog food brands will have the ingredients boldly listed on the package to guide you.
Similar Articles
- 10 Best Weight Management Dog food for Large Breeds
- Top 10 Best Dog Food for Golden Retriever Puppy
- Best Food for Boston Terrier Puppy
- Top 10 Best Brooms for Dog Hair
- Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Goldendoodle
- Top 10 Best Nail Clippers for Dogs Reviews
- Top 10 Best Dog Car Seat Covers
- Top 10 Best Diabetic Dog Food Brands
- 10 Best Dog Food for Dachshunds
- Top 10+ Best Senior Dog Food Large Breed Reviews
- 10 Best Dog Foods for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs | Best Dog Food for Digestive Problems
- Top 10 Best Puppy Foods Reviews for 2020
- Top 10 Large Breed Dog Foods
- Top 10 Best Dog Food for Rottweiler
- Top 10 Best Pitbull Toys Includes Tough Indestructible Dog Toys for Pitbull
- Best Dog Food to Gain Weight and Muscle
- Top 10 Best Automatic Dog Paw Washers Reviews
- 10 Best Dog Flea Treatments for Your Dog That Work
- Top 10+ Best Above Ground Pool Dog Ramps in the Market Today
- Best Calming Treats for Dogs
Dr. Candy, a holistic veterinarian and certified raw dog food nutrition specialist, graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2009 with a DVM and has since specialized in companion animal nutrition, advocating for species-specific diets. With a background in wildlife rehabilitation and oil spill response, she combines holistic health and conventional medicine in her unique approach to treating chronic diseases, allergies, and autoimmune conditions in pets. As the owner of a veterinary practice in Colorado and an author, Dr. Candy is dedicated to educating pet parents and improving the health and happiness of animals.