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Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Choosing the Best Dog Food without Peas, Legumes Or Potatoes

Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Choosing the Best Dog Food without Peas, Legumes or Potatoes

You probably arrived here because you are like me… you love your dog and are searching for the best dog food. But you may also be here because you heard about dogs eating either standard or grain free dog foods developing a heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy, and now you are looking for the best dog food without peas, legumes or potatoes.

In July 2018 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration began an investigation of dilated cardiomyopathy cases in dogs whose breed is not genetically predisposed for DCM and were fed a diet containing peas, legumes or potatoes. This is also called taurine-deficient nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy.

The agency released initial results of that investigation in June 2019, stating it had received 524 reports involving 560 dogs and 14 cats diagnosed with DCM. Some reports included multiple pets in the same household. That may not seem like very many considering the millions of dogs and cats in U.S. homes. The FDA stated it also received many reports of non-DCM heart disease and cardiac symptoms in pets during that time, but it only included those with a confirmed DCM diagnosis in its report. The agency cautioned that cases of DCM may be underreported because animals are typically treated symptomatically for heart disease. Consultation with a veterinary cardiologist, diagnostic testing such as echocardiogram, and treatment can be both complex and costly to owners. The real number of pets afflicted with DCM may be much, much higher.

You can read a more in depth article about brands and Pet Foods Potentially Linked to Heart Disease in Dogs and Cats if you want to learn more.

In a nutshell, the FDA report said brands of dog food varied widely and included both grain-free and grain-containing diets in all forms (dry kibble, canned, raw, home-cooked). Dry food was the most prevalent. The important take away here is that according to the FDA, the common thread appears to be foods with legumes, pulses (seeds of legumes), and/or potatoes as main ingredients in the food. NOT the brand.

Our family lost a dog to heart failure after being fed dog foods on the FDA list with those ingredients for most of its life. We’ll never know if the dog foods contributed to the heart disease, as it was prior to the FDA investigation. All we can do is move forward and try to choose the best dog food for the dogs we have now.

Why do so many dog foods contain peas, legumes or potatoes?

The grain-free pet food trend really began during the Great Melamine Pet Food Recall of 2007, in which more than 100 different brands of pet food were recalled after a grain ingredient imported from China was found contaminated with melamine.

Pet owners feared grains and turned to limited ingredient diets (LID) and grain-free pet foods. Realizing that market broadened beyond pet owners trying to mitigate grain allergies, the pet food industry responded by producing more grain-free varieties and utilized potatoes and legumes such as peas, chickpeas, alfalfa, and lentils. As they are a good source of plant protein, it allowed manufacturers to cut back on meat in their formulation while keeping an optimum protein level. Quality meat protein is more expensive than plant protein.

Fast forward to 2019, nearly every quality dry dog food (both grain-free and grain-containing) has some sort of peas, legumes or potatoes in the ingredient list.

Finding the best dry dog food without peas, legumes or potatoes

Finding a dry dog food without peas, legumes or potatoes is difficult if you also want one without corn, wheat or soy. It also means you must accept another carbohydrate source, or grain such as rice, oats, barley, millet, spelt or sorghum. Each has its own pros and cons. Unless your dog has been diagnosed with a food allergy or intolerance to grains, don’t be afraid to feed a dog food with grain. The fact is that the percentage of dogs with a food allergy is low. The most common food allergens in dogs are chicken, beef, dairy, egg and fish. Not grains.

I’m focused on dry dog food because it is just the best option for our busy family to economically feed two big Labrador Retrievers. My eyes are crossed from reading ingredient lists looking for the best dog food without peas, legumes or potatoes. Yours probably are too and that is how you ended up here.

What to look for if you want to avoid peas, legumes or potatoes in the dog food ingredients:

  • Peas of any kind, including Green Peas, Pea Protein, Pea Fiber, Pea Flour, Pea Starch and any other form of the word Pea!
  • Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)
  • Beans of any kind, including Soybeans or Soy
  • Lentils
  • Alfalfa (yes, alfalfa is a legume)
  • Peanuts
  • Potatoes
  • Sweet Potatoes

Here is a long, comprehensive list of legumes.

Note that while the FDA did not address beet pulp in its DCM investigation, dog diets containing beet pulp have been associated with lowering taurine concentrations and may contribute to taurine-deficiency-induced dilated cardiomyopathy. However, the use of beet pulp is so common in pet foods that it is difficult to avoid.

Pet food labeling is federally regulated by the FDA and also by certain states that have their own labeling regulations. Many states have adopted regulations established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Learn about what is required on the label.

I prefer a dog food without corn, wheat or meat by-products. I also prefer a dog food with animal protein rather than plant protein, and for it to come from specific animal meal, such as poultry meal, lamb meal, beef meal or fish meal. Here are definitions of common ingredients in pet foods from AAFCO.

That said, the ingredient list is actually not the best way to evaluate a pet food’s nutritional value or quality. Other factors include the manufacturing process itself, quality control, ingredient sourcing, consultation with animal nutritionists, and use of scientific data and feeding trials in formulation.

Brand or cost is no guarantee of quality. Many pet food manufacturers, especially the boutique brands (BEG), contract with another manufacturer to make, or co-pack, their product. For instance, Diamond Pet Foods manufactures its own products, and also manufacture products for numerous other brands under co-packing contract with their facilities. Brands may offer many different varieties of dog food to meet consumer price points.

It is good to remember that while most pet food manufacturers strive to provide a quality product, they are all for-profit companies. U.S. consumers spent $33 billion on pet food and treats in 2018. The major pet food manufacturers wield great power within the industry, as well as in funding veterinary organizations, colleges and research.

Certain pet food manufacturers exceed state and federal regulatory requirements to become a Safe Feed/Safe Food – Pet Food Certified Facility.

I know. It is a lot to research when choosing the best dog food. Many consumers like me are overwhelmed and just want to feed a safe dog food until the FDA and researchers figure this whole DCM thing out!

If you have questions about whether a particular food is appropriate for you pet, ask you veterinarian for advice. Dr. Justin Shmalberg, DVM has written a great article entitled Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Grain-Free Diets: Thoughts on the FDA Update.

My list of dry dog food without peas, legumes or potatoes, corn, wheat, or meat by-products

I’m going to share what I found and hope it saves you some time. This dog food list does not include every dry dog food without peas, legumes or potatoes. Dog foods are listed in no particular order. I’m not endorsing any product. Inclusion on this list is based purely upon ingredient labeling that shows no peas, legumes or potatoes, meat by-products, corn or wheat. If you find another, send me a link and I will add it to the list.

I’ll include only the first 10 ingredients of the specific dog food variety so you can see the primary sources of protein and carbohydrates. See the complete ingredient list and guaranteed analysis on the bag or retailers website and make your own informed choice.

Schell & Kampeter Inc. / Diamond Pet Foods

  • Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dog Food – Chicken Meal, Chicken, Ground White Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Cracked Pearled Barley, Egg Product, Powdered Cellulose, Flaxseed, Dried Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor

Big Hearts Brands / Natural Balance Pet Foods Inc.

  • Natural Balance Synergy Formula Dog Food – Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols And Lactic Acid), Dried Beet Pulp, Barley, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dried Egg, Oat Groats, Carrots
  • Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog Food – Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols And Lactic Acid), Lamb, Dried Tomato Pomace, Brewers Dried Yeast, Natural Flavor, Salt

Health Extension Pet Care (formerly Vets Choice)

  • Health Extension Little Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food – Organic Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Lamb Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Flaxseed, Coconut Oil, Dried Beet Pulp, Brewers Dried Yeast
  • Health Extension Little Bites Lite Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food – Organic Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Ascorbic Acid), Lamb Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Flaxseed, Dried Beet Pulp, Brewers Dried Yeast
  • Health Extension Lite Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food – Organic Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Lamb Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Flaxseed, Coconut Oil, Dried Beet Pulp
  • Health Extension Original Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food – Organic Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Lamb Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Flaxseed, Coconut Oil, Dried Beet Pulp
  • Health Extension Large Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food – Organic Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Lamb Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Flaxseed, Coconut Oil, Dried Beet Pulp

American Natural Premium

  • American Natural Premium Turkey with Pumpkin Recipe – deboned turkey, oatmeal, turkey meal, brown rice, ground grain sorghum, pork meal, pearled barley, dried plain beet pulp, pork fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), pumpkin
  • American Natural Premium Triple Protein Recipe with Ancestral Grains – deboned chicken, chicken meal, ground grain sorghum, oat flour, deboned turkey, pork meal, pearled barley, dried beet pulp, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), buckwheat
  • American Natural Premium Original Recipe – chicken meal, oatmeal, brown rice, white rice, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), chicken liver, beet pulp, pearled barley, pork meal, fish meal
  • American Natural Premium Endurance Plus Recipe – chicken meal, pearled barley, oatmeal, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), whole dried egg, pork meat meal, beet pulp, chicken liver, fish meal, flaxseed
  • American Natural Premium Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Recipe – Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, White Rice, Pearled Barley, Oatmeal, Pork Meat Meal, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Monocalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Salt

Nestlé Purina PetCare Company

  • Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula – Salmon, barley, ground rice, canola meal, oat meal, fish meal (source of glucosamine), animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols, brewers dried yeast, salmon meal (source of glucosamine), natural flavor
  • Purina Beyond Simply 9 White Meat Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food – Chicken, rice, whole barley, canola meal, chicken meal (source of glucosamine), whole oat meal, beef fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols, natural liver flavor, potassium chloride, salt, calcium carbonate

WellPet / Holistic Select

  • Holistic Select Adult Health Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Recipe – Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Rice, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Oats, Pork Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Flaxseed, Pumpkin, Cranberries
  • Eagle Pack Original Adult Lamb Meal & Brown Rice – Lamb Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Brown Rice, Dehulled Barley, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Chicken Meal, Brewers Dried Yeast, Tomato Pomace, Anchovy and Sardine Meal, RiceH

Sport Dog Food Pet Products

  • Sport Dog Food K-9 Series Police K-9 Chicken & Fish Formula – Chicken Meal (30%), Whole Ground Sorghum (29%), Whole Grain Millet (20%), Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols) (12%), Whitefish Meal (3%), Natural Flavors, Salmon Oil, Calcium Propionate, Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate
  • Sport Dog Food K-9 Series Project K-9 Hero – Multi Protein Endurance Formula – Chicken Meal (37%), Whole Ground Sorghum (32%), Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols) (14%), Whole Grain Millet (6%), Pork Meal (5%), Natural Flavors, Salmon Oil, Calcium Propionate, Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate

KLN Family Brands / NutriSource

  • NutriSource Adult Small Bites Formula – Chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), white rice, oatmeal, menhaden fish meal (a source of fish oil), beet pulp-dried, natural turkey and chicken flavor
  • NutriSource Adult Dog Food Formula – Chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), white rice, oatmeal, menhaden fish meal (a source of fish oil), beet pulp-dried, natural turkey and chicken flavor, flax seed
  • NutriSource Beef & Rice Formula – Beef, lamb meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley, beet-pulp dried, flax seed, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), menhaden fish meal, natural turkey and chicken flavor
  • NutriSource Trout & Rice Formula – Trout, menhaden fish meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), flax seed, natural turkey and fish flavor, beet-pulp dried, dried brewers yeast
  • NutriSource Turkey & Rice Formula – Turkey, turkey meal, barley, brown rice, oatmeal, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), menhaden fish meal, beet pulp-dried, natural turkey and chicken flavor, chia seed
  • NutriSource Lamb Meal & Rice Formula – Lamb meal, white rice, brown rice, barley, oatmeal, beet pulp-dried, menhaden fish meal (a source of fish oil), flaxseed, natural turkey and chicken flavors,chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid)
  • NutriSource Performance Dog Food Formula – Chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, menhaden fish meal (a source of fish oil), oatmeal, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), flax seeds, natural turkey and chicken flavor, beet pulp-dried
  • NutriSource Large Breed Adult Formula – Chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, white rice, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), oatmeal, natural turkey and chicken flavor, beet pulp-dried, menhaden fish meal (a source of fish oil)
  • NutriSource Large Breed Trout & Rice Formula – Trout, menhaden fish meal, oatmeal, barley, brown rice, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), beet-pulp dried, natural turkey and fish flavor, dried brewers yeast, salt
  • NutriSource Large Breed Beef & Rice Formula – Beef, barley, brown rice, menhaden fish meal, oatmeal, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), beet-pulp dried, natural turkey and chicken flavor, dried whey protein concentrate, lamb meal
  • NutriSource Small and Medium Breed Puppy – Chicken meal, chicken, brown rice, menhaden fish meal (a source of fish oil), oatmeal, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), white rice, flax seeds, beet pulp-dried, sunflower oil

Mars Petcare US / Nutro

  • Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food – Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran, Whole Grain Oatmeal, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Lamb Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Salmon Meal
  • Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food – Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran, Lamb Meal, Natural Flavor, Salmon Meal, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Sunflowersal Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)
  • Nutro Ultra Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food – Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Lamb Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Rice Bran, Salmon Meal, Whole Grain Oatmeal
  • Nutro Small Breed Adult Weight Management Dry Dog Food – Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Whole Brown Rice, Rice Bran, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Oatmeal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Lamb Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Salmon Meal

PSP Distribution LLC. (Pet Supplies Plus Store Brand) / Redford Naturals

  • Redford Naturals Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Adult Dog Food – Chicken; Chicken Meal; Brown Rice; Rice; Oats; Rice Bran; Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid); Herring Meal; Natural Flavors; Dried Egg Product; Dried Blueberries
  • Redford Naturals Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food – Salmon; Turkey Meal; Brown Rice; Oatmeal; Brewers Rice; Chicken Fat; Rice Bran; Natural Flavor; Herring Meal; Flaxseed
  • Redford Naturals Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food – Chicken; Chicken Meal; Brown Rice; Oatmeal; Rice; Chicken Fat; Herring Meal; Rice Bran; Natural Flavor; Flaxseed
  • Redford Naturals Small Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Adult Dog Food – Chicken; Chicken Meal; Brown Rice; Rice; Oats; Rice Bran; Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid); Herring Meal; Natural Flavors; Dried Egg Product
  • Redford Naturals Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Adult Dog Food – Chicken; Chicken Meal (Source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate*); Brown Rice; Rice; Oats; Rice Bran; Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid); Herring Meal; Natural Flavors; Dried Egg Product
  • Redford Naturals Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food – Chicken; Chicken Meal; Brown Rice; Oats; Rice; Herring Meal; Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid); Rice Bran; Natural Flavors; Dried Egg Product

Midwestern Pet Foods / Earthborn Holistic

  • Alaska Pollock Meal & Pumpkin Recipe – Alaska Pollock Meal, Pumpkin, Tapioca, Sunflower Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed, Natural Flavors, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, L-Lysine

Nature’s Logic

  • Nature’s Logic Distinction Beef Recipe – Beef, Beef Meal, Millet, Pork Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Menhaden Fish Meal, Spray Dried Pork Liver, Pumpkin Seeds, Yeast Culture, Montmorillonite Clay, Dried Kale
  • Nature’s Logic Distinction Chicken Recipe – Chicken, Chicken Meal, Millet, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Spray Dried Chicken Liver, Pumpkin Seeds, Yeast Culture, Dried Egg Product, Montmorillonite Clay, Dried Kale
  • Nature’s Logic Distinction Pork Recipe – Pork, Pork Meal, Millet, Pork Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Yeast Culture, Menhaden Fish Meal, Pumpkin Seeds, Spray Dried Pork Liver, Montmorillonite Clay, Dried Kale
  • Nature’s Logic Distinction Sardine Recipe – Sardine, Sardine Meal, Millet, Fish Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Yeast Culture, Pumpkin Seeds, Montmorillonite Clay, Dried Kale, Dried Kelp, Spray Dried Porcine Plasma

Annamaet Petfoods Inc.

  • Annamaet Encore 25% Dry Dog Food – Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Millet, Rolled Oats, Pearled Barley, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E), Menhaden Fish Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Brewers Dried Yeast, Menhaden Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)
  • Annamaet Original Adult Formula Dry Dog Food – Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Millet, Rolled Oats, Pearled Barley, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)), Dried Beet Pulp, Brewers Dried Yeast, Flax Seed Meal, Menhaden Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)
  • Annamaet Extra 26% Dry Dog Food – Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Sorghum, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)), Rolled Oats, Dried Beet Pulp, Menhaden Fish Meal, Menhaden Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)), Brewers Dried Yeast, Flax Seed Meal
  • Annamaet Original Option Formula Dry Dog Food – Salmon Meal, Brown Rice, Millet, Rolled Oats, Lamb Meal, Pearled Barley, Canola Oil, Menhaden Fish Meal, Menhaden Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E), Dried Tomato Pomace
  • Annamaet Original Puppy Dry Dog Food – Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Millet, Pearled Barley, Rolled Oats, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)), Menhaden Fish Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Flax Seed Meal, Menhaden Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)
  • Annamaet Ultra 32% Dry Dog Food – Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)), Whole Dry Eggs, Herring Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Millet, Brewers Dried Yeast, Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E), Flax Seed Meal
  • Annamaet Original Small Breed Formula Dry Dog Food – Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)), Whole Dry Eggs, Herring Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Millet, Brewers Dried Yeast, Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)), Flax Seed Meal

Fromm Family Foods LLC

  • Fromm Classic Dry Puppy Dog Food – Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pearled Barley, Oatmeal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Brown Rice, White Rice, Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat, Dried Whole Egg
  • Fromm Classic Dry Adult Dog Food – Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Pearled Barley, Oatmeal, White Rice, Chicken Fat, Menhaden Fish Meal, Dried Whole Egg, Beet Pulp
  • Fromm Classic Dry Mature Dog Food – Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, White Rice, Oatmeal, Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat, Menhaden Fish Meal, Flaxseed

FirstMate Pet Foods / First Mate / Skoki

  • Skoki Dog Food – Chicken Meal, Pearled barley, Oatmeal, Rice, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Fish Meal, Potassium Chloride, Mehionine, Choline Chloride, Calcium Propionate
  • FirstMate Wild Pacific Caught Fish & Oats Formula – Ocean Fish Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Brewer’s Yeast, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Propionate, Blueberries, Raspberries
  • FirstMate Free Range Lamb & Oats Formula – Lamb Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat, (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Brewer’s Yeast, Threonine, Potassium Chloride, DL-Methionine, Taurine
  • FirstMate Cage Free Chicken Meal & Oats Formula – Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Calcium Propionate, Blueberries, Raspberries

Tractor Supply Store Brand / 4health (packaged by Diamond Pet Foods)

  • 4health Original Lamb & Rice Formula Adult Dog Food – Lamb, lamb meal, whole grain brown rice, oatmeal, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice, millet, egg product, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), dried beet pulp
  • 4health Original Large Breed Formula Adult Dog Food – Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice, rice bran, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), dried beet pulp, flaxseed, natural flavor
  • 4health Original Chicken & Rice Formula Adult Dog Food – Chicken, chicken meal, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), oatmeal, dried beet pulp, natural chicken flavor, flaxseed, ocean fish meal
  • 4health Original Performance Dog Food – Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, White Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Beet Pulp, Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Salt, Potassium Chloride
  • 4health Original Small Bites Formula Adult Dog Food – Chicken, chicken meal, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice, dried beet pulp, oatmeal, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), natural chicken flavor, flaxseed, ocean fish meal

Dr. Gary’s Best Breed

  • Chicken with Vegetables and Herbs – Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Millet, Pearled Barley, Duck Meal, Canola Oil, Carrots, Celery, Beets, Parsley
  • Salmon with Vegetables and Herbs – Salmon Meal, Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Canola Oil, Oatmeal, Tomato Pomace, Carrots, Celery, Beets, Parsley
  • Senior Dog Reduced Calorie – Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Sorghum, Dried Beet Pulp, Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat [Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)], Brewers Dried Yeast, Natural Flavor, Flax Seed
  • Lamb Meal with Fruits and Vegetables – Lamb Meal, White Fish Meal, Brown Rice, Millet, Pearled Barley, Oatmeal, Canola Oil, Egg Product, Carrots, Celery
  • Large Breed Dog Diet – Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat [Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)], Egg Product, Pearled Barley, Brewers Dried Yeast, Menhaden Fish Meal, Natural Chicken Flavor
  • All Breed Dog Diet – Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Pearled Barley, Dried Beet Pulp, Sorghum, Chicken Fat [Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)], Egg Product, Brewers Dried Yeast, Tomato Pomace, Natural Flavor
  • Puppy Diet – Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat [Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)], Egg Product, Brewers Dried Yeast, Natural Flavor, Menhaden Fish Meal, Lecithin

Dr. Tim’s Pet Food Company

  • Fusion Ultra Athletic Formula – Chicken liver, chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat (preserved with mixed natural tocopherols, a source of vitamin E), menhaden fish meal, dried plain beet pulp (sugar removed), dried egg product, porcine blood meal, wheat germ meal, ground whole flax seed meal
  • Glacier Blend Athletic Formula – Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat (preserved with mixed natural tocopherols, a source of vitamin E), dried plain beet pulp (sugar removed), dried egg product, ocean herring meal, whole oat groats, ground whole flaxseed meal, menhaden fish oil (preserved with mixed natural tocopherols, a source of vitamin E), rice bran
  • Kinesis Premium All Natural Dog Food – Chicken meal, brown rice, pearled barley, whole oat groats, chicken fat (preserved with mixed natural tocopherols, a source of vitamin E), dried plain beet pulp (sugar removed), dried egg product, rice bran, ocean herring meal, catfish meal
  • Momentum Ultra Athlete Formula – Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat (preserved with mixed natural tocopherols, a source of vitamin E), ocean herring meal, dried plain beet pulp (sugar removed), dried egg product, ground whole flaxseed meal, dried chicken liver meal, menhaden fish oil (preserved with mixed natural tocopherols, a source of vitamin E), dried porcine plasma
  • Pursuit Premium All Natural Dog Food – Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat (preserved with mixed natural tocopherols, a source of vitamin E), whole oat groats, dried beet pulp (sugar removed), dried egg product, rice bran, menhaden fish oil (preserved with mixed natural tocopherols, a source of vitamin E), ocean herring meal, ground whole flaxseed meal

Tuscan Naturals

  • Simply Pure Lamb Meal Recipe – Lamb Meal From Humanely Raised, Grass Fed Lambs, Sustainably Farmed Brown Rice, Sustainably Farmed Rice, Canola Oil from Sustainably Farmed Canola Plants (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Olive Oil from Old Growth Trees (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement

Wysong

  • Wysong Epigen 90 – Chicken Meal, Organic Chicken, Meat Protein Isolate, Chicken Fat, Gelatin, Natural Flavor, Coconut Oil, Chia Seeds, Taurine, Calcium Carbonate

Blackwood Pet Foods, LLC / BrightPet Nutrition Group, LLC

  • Blackwood Adult Dog Everyday Diet Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Recipe – Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Millet, Oat Groats, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Ground Grain Sorghum, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Menhaden Fish Meal, Rice Bran, Carrot
  • Blackwood 3000 Everyday Diet Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe – Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, Oat Groats, Millet, Chicken Meal, Ground Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Carrot, Celery, Beet
  • Blackwood Lean/Senior Adult Dog Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Recipe – Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Millet, Ground Grain Sorghum, Oat Groats, Pearled Barley, Carrots, Celery, Beets, Parsley
  • Blackwood Large Breed Adult Dog Whitefish Meal & Oatmeal Recipe – Whitefish Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Pearled Barley, Ground Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Millet, Duck Meal, Rice Bran, Dried Plain Beet Pulp
  • Blackwood Puppy Food Growth Diet Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Recipe – Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Millet, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Ground Grain Sorghum, Menhaden Fish Meal, Carrot, Celery, Beet, Parsley
  • Blackwood All Life Stages Special Diet Catfish Meal & Pearled Barley – Catfish Meal, Pearled Barley, Millet, Oat Groats, Ground Grain Sorghum, Canola Oil, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Chicken Meal, Natural Flavor, Whole Ground Flaxseed
  • Blackwood All Life Stages Special Diet Salmon Meal & Brown Rice – Salmon Meal, Brown Rice, Millet, Canola Oil, Oat Groats, Ground Grain Sorghum, Carrot, Celery, Beet, Parsley

Evanger’s Dog and Cat Food Company

  • Evanger’s Chicken with Brown Rice Dry Dog Food – Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat [preserved with Mixed Tocopherols], Oatmeal, Dried Egg, Carrots, Celery, Beets, Parsley, Lettuce

Pet food manufacturers do change recipe formulations. See the complete ingredient list on the bag.

Avoid digestive upset by transitioning your dog to the new food.

Bookmark this page and check back often for updates.

I have no affiliation or financial ties to any pet food manufacturers. I do not even control which ads are shown to you on this website as that is done by external ad networks randomly or based upon your own browsing history.

About Candice Fitzgibbons

I am a Sevier County resident and active in my local community. I've spent more than 20 years as a graphic designer and copywriter, creating marketing materials to help small to medium sized businesses and non-profit organizations achieve their goals. I have a passion for equality, the environment and animal rights.

17 comments

  1. Natures logic has alfalfa nutrient concentrate

    • Candice Fitzgibbons

      Nature’s Logic Original varieties have alfalfa nutrient concentrate. However, the new Nature’s Logic DISTINCTION varieties do not and those have been included on the list.

  2. 4health is on the list…

    • Candice Fitzgibbons

      “The common thread appears to be legumes, pulses (seeds of legumes), and/or potatoes as main ingredients in the food,” the FDA says (click for source).

      There were many brands listed in the FDA report, but as the FDA says it is the INGREDIENTS that are suspected and not any specific brands. Brands usually make many varieties. So 4Health varieties that do not contain legumes, pulses or potatoes are included in this list.

  3. Thanks for posting this list! Finding a feed that is restricted in pulses/legumes is becoming more and more difficult! With allergy dogs sensitive to legumes and a dog that triggers a seizure on rosemary, needless to say the choices in feed are very narrow! One dog experienced a bout with DCM causing her to chew herself bloody, become lethargic and develop a heart murmur. Thankfully once we discovered the cause, she recovered with a simple change in feed. Unfortunately, the dry kibble of choice was recently reformulated to include MORE of the implicated legumes causing us to abandon it. Finding a dry feed that is legume, rosemary, and beet pulp free is proving impossible! Potatoes don’t appear to cause my pups any issues, especially with the addition of Pre/Probiotics to their diet which helps in the breakdown of plant sources.

    Anyway, if you have any suggestions that might help, they would be greatly appreciated!

  4. What about Victor? I saw them posted somewhere as a great option for pea, etc free but I did notice they have alfalfa meal listed on there. Thoughts?

    • Candice Fitzgibbons

      I did not include Victor because all the varieties contain alfalfa, which is a legume.

  5. Check out Nature’s Logic foods

    • Candice Fitzgibbons

      Thanks for submitting the tip! Nature’s Logic Distinction line is brand new and wasn’t even available when I compiled the list. The Nature’s Logic Original line has Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate and Alfalfa is a Legume. I expect we will see a surge of new dog food formulas without peas, legumes or potatoes hit the shelves soon. This is why I am going to maintain the list and suggest users bookmark the page and check back often for updates.

  6. Since the options listed as of 7/16 seem to be all grain friendly options, earthborne holistic Venture Pollock is a grain free option with no peas legumes or potatoes for anyone looking for grain free. This line also has taurine added to all the formulas. Both the turkey and squid have some chickpeas added but it’s 14% of the totally protein in the bag so if fish isn’t an option at least with the turkey you know exactly how much is coming from an animal (70%) versus plant. To my knowledge no other brand goes as far to actually put this percentage on the bag as the venture line does. I work in a pet store myself and have spoken to a number of customers about this topic.

    • Candice Fitzgibbons

      Thanks for submitting, I’ll add Earthborn Holistic Alaska Pollock Meal & Pumpkin Recipe to the list.

  7. This is irresponsible. It’s not just grains..do your research about guaranteed analysis of taurine in dog foods…not just in ingredients list but guaranteed analysis …how it may play a role in fda announcement…yes I am a dog food rep….Will not list site for promoting…just thought you should do more research

    • Candice Fitzgibbons

      “The common thread appears to be legumes, pulses (seeds of legumes), and/or potatoes as main ingredients in the food,” the FDA says (click for source).

      FROM THE FDA REPORT: Nutritional research indicates that taurine is generally not considered an essential amino acid for dogs, because these animals can synthesize taurine from cysteine and methionine. Nearly all the grain-free products had methionine-cystine values above the minimum nutritional requirement of 0.65 percent for adult maintenance food for dogs published in the AAFCO Official Publication (OP). Of the pets diagnosed with DCM and tested for taurine, 58% had normal or high levels of taurine, yet they still had DCM.(click for source)

      The guaranteed analysis on the dog food package is not required to list the taurine level in the food. Feeding a food just because it has taurine listed on the guaranteed analysis will not prevent DCM. Saying so gives consumers a false sense of security that is not supported by the FDA data. Taurine supplementation is also not an appropriate preventative for DCM unless a veterinarian prescribes it based upon testing that shows a deficiency.

      More research needs to be done to determine the dietary deficiencies causing DCM in dogs not genetically predisposed to it. Until then, consumers may want to switch to a dog food that does not contain peas, legumes or potatoes. I am just maintaining a list of dog foods without those ingredients, plus no corn, wheat or byproducts. If your company produces a dog food that meets that list criteria, I’ll be happy to include it.

  8. You forgot Redford. Small family owned company. Never had a recall. Every batch tested in house. Every 3rd batch tested in outside lab. Choice of Bloodhound breeders. I fed Redford Adult Chicken and Brown Rice for years till my 15 yr. Old girl dog died of old age. Great for senior dogs!!

    • Candice Fitzgibbons

      Thanks! Added varieties of Redford Dog Food without peas, legumes or potatoes, corn, wheat, or byproducts to the list.

  9. Internet hysteria at its finest.No definitive scientific evidence of any kind.Anecdotal based on 500 hundred out of millions of dogs being fed grain free.My rottweiler will continue to eat his taste of the wild with some taurine added and let that be good enough for him.The scientists at the FDA should be ashamed of themselves for launching this information ahead of concrete evidence.