10 Best Dog Foods Without Peas, Lentils, Legumes, And Potatoes [Latest Update From FDA in 2020]

There are thousands of dog foods available in today’s pet food market. It can be challenging to know which one is the healthiest choice for your dog. In addition to the abundance of dog food options available, there are also new concerns over ingredients that come up every day. For a while it was thought the best dog foods were grain-free, some now believe chicken free diets are best, and yet others believe dog foods free from peas, lentils, legumes, and potatoes are best.

In this article, you will find:

• Facts from the FDA and veterinary community
• The problem with dog foods that contain peas, lentils, legumes, and potatoes
• Factors to consider when choosing your dog’s food
• How to pick the best dog foods without peas, lentils, legumes, potatoes.
• Grain-free dog foods and their role in DCM

Reports from the Veterinary Community and FDA

The problem with feeding your dog a diet that contains peas, lentils, legumes, and potatoes is that these foods are connected with an increase in cases of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. In December of 2018, an article was published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The article discussed the rise of cases of DCM caused by diets containing peas, lentils, legumes, and potatoes.

These diets referred to as BEG diets, which stands for boutique, exotic-ingredient, and grain-free.

The FDA released the findings from their investigation, that started in 2014.

One aspect of the study was the link between DCM and BEG diets. Another part of the report showed the break down of the breeds most impacted by DCM, showing Golden Retrievers to have the highest reported cases.

The FDA’s research did uncover a link between dry dog foods containing peas, lentils, legumes, or potatoes as the main ingredients in the diets consumed by dogs involved in the study.

On June 29th, 2019, the FDA released a list of sixteen dog food brands commonly associated with diet-related DCM. The sixteen companies listed are:

• Acana
• Zignature
• Taste of the Wild
• 4Health
• Earthborn Holistic
• Blue Buffalo
• Nature’s Domain
• Fromm
• Merrick
• California Natural
• Natural Balance
• Orijen
• Nature’s Variety
• NutriSource
• Nutro
• Rachael Ray Nutrish

The list is in the order of highest to lowest reported incidents.

What makes Peas, Lentils, Legumes, and Potatoes Bad for Our Dogs

No one knows for sure that peas, lentils, legumes, and potatoes are the cause of the increase in DCM. It is important to point out that the FDA clearly states that the investigation into diet DCM is still ongoing.

That being said, the FDA also reported that one of the more noticeable trends in the foods was the high percentage of foods that contained high amounts of pea and/or lentils. It is not yet known if it is a grain-free problem or if it is an ingredient replacement problem. At this time, too little is known for sure what the culprit is.

The update from the FDA on 6/27/19 states:

“Based on the data collected and analyzed thus far, the agency believes that the potential association between diet and DCM in dogs is a complex scientific issue that may involve multiple factors.”

What this means to us is that there still is not a definitive answer as to what is causing the diet-induced DCM. However, because peas, lentils, legumes, and potatoes are currently under scrutiny for their role in DCM, it is best to find a food that does not contain these ingredients until more information is understood about the situation.

It is crucial to note at this time that though DCM is extremely serious and can be fatal, the percentage of animals assumed to be affected by diet-induced DCM is still quite low. Between 2014-2019 there were a total of 515 canine reports, the majority of which were filed in 2018 & 2019. The reason diet DCM has gained in popularity in the media is that the number of reports jumped from single digits to triple digits in only twelve months.

Factors to consider when choosing your dog’s food

For those of us looking to switch over to a new lentil, pea, legume, and potato free food, there are a lot of high-quality options available. When choosing the right dog food for your dog, it is essential to consider all of the different factors; this will help narrow down your search.

• Your dog’s specific dietary needs
• Allergies
• Diseases like Irritable Bowel Disease, Kidney Disease, Cushing’s, or Chronic Pancreatitis
• Age
• Weight
• Breed/Size of your dog
• Cost
• Availability
• Protein Levels
• Protein Types

How to Choose a Pea, Lentil, Legume, and Potato Free Food

When looking for a food that doesn’t contain peas, lentils, legumes, and potatoes, keep in mind that the veterinary community is warning against foods that contain large amounts of these ingredients.

For example, when you look at the label of the food if any of the first ten ingredients are the traditional grain replacements, you will want to find a different diet. If pea flour is the twentieth ingredient, it is likely a safe food for your dog.

The FDA states explicitly that foods under investigation for diet-induced DCM are foods reflecting these ingredients high on the ingredient list, meaning that they are considered main components.

So, when deciding on a food, you must take the time to read the ingredient list.

In addition to ensuring peas, lentils, legumes, and potatoes are not the main ingredients in your dog’s food, and you will also want to look at:

• Protein Levels – The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control) recommends a minimum of 18% crude protein for adult dogs and 22.5% for growing puppies
• Fat Levels – The AAFCO recommends a minimum of 5.5% crude fat for adult dogs and 8.5% for growing puppies
• Probiotics – Foods enhanced with probiotics help promote good gut health
• Chondroitin and Glucosamine – Foods containing chondroitin and glucosamine are excellent for dogs requiring supplements to aid in maintaining healthy joints
• Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids

Finally, foods will not list “legume” in their ingredient list. Legumes are the pod or seed of a fruit plant. Examples of legumes are soy, chickpeas (aka garbanzo), beans and peas.

Grain-free dog foods and their role in DCM

The FDA has never stated that grain-free foods are bad. What they did say is that a lot of the foods they are looking into are “labeled as “grain-free.” It is unclear as to how or when it started, but at some point, a misconception spread that grains were not suitable for dogs. Thus, a considerable uptick in grain-free foods.

Three Truths About Grain-Free Dog Food…

• Just because a diet is grain-free does not mean that it will cause DCM
• Grains are not bad for all dogs; some dogs have allergies or sensitivities to grains, and those dogs should stay on a grain-free diet
• If your dog does not have a grain sensitivity there is no scientific proof that your dog benefits from grain-free food

Top 10 Best Dog Foods Without Peas, Lentils, Legumes, and Potatoes

The below list has been sorted into different categories. Keep in mind that many of these foods could fit multiple categories, so always check the “variety” section to see if there are other unique recipes available.

1. Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food

Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is a New Zealand based company. Their foods are protein forward food, of which 96% is made up of meat, organs, and New Zealand Green Mussels. All of the meat is from green free range farms.

All of the Ziwi dog foods are free from grains, peas, lentils, legumes, potatoes, sugars, and glycerin. However, because of the lack of carbohydrates, the fiber content is considerably lower than other dry dog foods. However, it has been enhanced with glucosamine and chondroitin, and rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Ziwi’s food is a concentrated food, meaning that you feed smaller portions.

• Based on the Beef Formula
• Crude Protein Min: 36%
• Crude Fat Min: 32%
• Crude Fiber Max: 2%
• Best for dogs who require a high protein diet.
• Varieties available without peas, lentils, legumes, potatoes: Mackerel and Lamb, Venison, Lamb, Beef, Chicken, and Tripe and Lamb

2. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Patties Dog Food

Stella and Chewy’s freeze-dried raw patties are 95% animal protein. This is a high protein food, rich in superfoods like spinach, carrots, and blueberries. Because of the large number of fruits and vegetables, these foods are higher in fiber as well. Stella and Chewy’s diet has been enhanced with probiotics to ensure good GI health.

This freeze-dried raw food has been minimally processed to retain the natural vitamins and nutrients of the ingredients involved in making this food.

• Based on the Chicken Formula
• Crude Protein Min: 48%
• Crude Fat Min: 28%
• Crude Fiber Max: 5%
• Best for dogs who require a high protein diet. Also, because there are several unique protein varieties available this would also be good for dogs with food sensitivities.
• Varieties available without peas, lentils, legumes, potatoes: 12 varieties available, including formulas for puppies.

3. Farmina Ancestral Grain Dog Food

Farmina is an Italian based company. They have four different dog food lines, but only one, the ancient grain formula, is pea, lentil, legume, and potato free. The main ingredients in the ancient grain formula are chicken, spelt, and oats.

Farmina uses foods naturally rich in chondroitin and glucosamine, like chicken and herring. The food is full of antioxidant-rich ingredients such as pomegranates, blueberries, and spinach.

• Based on the Chicken Formula
• Crude Protein Min: 30%
• Crude Fat Min: 18%
• Crude Fiber Max: 2.9%
• Best for: Due to the use of unique grains, this food would be good for dogs with food sensitivities. Also, because of the glucosamine and chondroitin levels it would be good for dogs who have joint issues.
• Varieties available without peas, lentils, legumes, potatoes: There are several varieties in this line, including those for puppies, seniors, weight management, and canned food.

4. Purina Pro Plan SPORT Formula Dry Dog Food

Purina has several food lines that do not contain peas, lentils, legumes, or potatoes. Though they are a company that has been around a long time, they have a solid record for providing balanced nutrition.

The Pro Plan formulas come in a variety of recipes, covering a range of needs. Some of the options are Focus, Sport, Savor, and Bright Mind, within each of these recipes, there are several other options for dogs of different ages, sizes, and health needs.

Animal protein is always the first ingredient, followed by a carbohydrate such as brown rice.

• Based on the Sport Chicken Formula
• Crude Protein Min: 30%
• Crude Fat Min: 20%
• Crude Fiber Max: 3%
• Best for any dog, because of the vast number of options this food comes in, there is a recipe for any dog.
• Varieties available without peas, lentils, legumes, potatoes: There are 26 varieties to choose from including recipes for seniors, puppy (large and small breed), and weight management.

5. Canine Caviar Free Spirit Limited Ingredient Alkaline Holistic Dog Food

Canine caviar chicken’s main ingredients are chicken and pearl millet; it is free from peas, lentils, legumes, potatoes, rice, wheat, soy, dairy, corn, and gluten. This food has been enhanced with probiotics and superfoods like kelp and flaxseed. Canine caviar chicken LID is an all life stage food so that it can be safely fed to puppies, adults, or seniors.

• Based on the Sport LID Chicken Formula
• Crude Protein Min: 27%
• Crude Fat Min: 17%
• Crude Fiber Max: 5.7%
• Best for all life stages, including large breed puppies. Also, the food can help dogs with allergies, skin issues, and digestive issues.
• Varieties available without peas, lentils, legumes, potatoes: There are two other dry dog foods that are free of peas, lentils, legumes, and potatoes, Open Meadow – Lamb and Special Needs – Chicken and Rice.

6. Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food

Lamb and brown rice are the main ingredients in this food. The food is specially created for large breed adult dogs. Natural Balance large breed bites L.I.D lamb and brown rice is a single animal protein food. It is excellent for helping maintain a healthy coat. In addition to it being free of peas, lentils, legumes, and potatoes, it is also free from soy, wheat, and corn.

This is a lower protein food but has a high fiber content, which aids in maintaining a healthy weight.

• Based on the Lamb and Brown Rice Formula
• Crude Protein Min: 21%
• Crude Fat Min: 12%
• Crude Fiber Max: 4%
• Best for large breed dogs.
• Varieties available without peas, lentils, legumes, potatoes: Available in puppy, small breed and adult formulas.

7. IAMS ProActive Health Adult Small & Toy Breed Dry Dog Food

IAMS carries several breed and size-specific foods. The main ingredients in IAMS Proactive are chicken, corn, sorghum, and beet pulp. The beet pulp helps to ensure a healthy digestive system. Also, this formula contains L-carnitine, which aids in maintaining a healthy weight and metabolism.

• Based on the Chicken Formula
• Crude Protein Min: 27%
• Crude Fat Min: 17%
• Crude Fiber Max: 4%
• Best for small or toy breed dogs.
• Varieties available without peas, lentils, legumes, potatoes: Available in puppy, small breed and adult formulas.

8. Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Nutro Ultra Large Breed food’s primary ingredients are Chicken, Grains, Lamb, and Salmon. This large breed formula contains Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids and has been enhanced with chondroitin and glucosamine. Also, this food has an abundance of superfoods like chia seed, spinach, and kale all of which will aid in boosting your pup’s immune system.

• Based on the Trio Protein Formula
• Crude Protein Min:23%
• Crude Fat Min:12%
• Crude Fiber Max:4%
• Best for: Large Breed dogs
• Varieties available without peas, lentils, legumes, potatoes: None

9. Fromm Classics Adult Dry Dog Food

Fromm has several food lines that do not contain peas, lentils, legumes, or potatoes. Though they are on the FDA list, Fromm does have a food line that is not involved in the investigation.
The Classic formulas come in a variety of recipes puppy, senior, and adult.
The main ingredients in the Classic Chicken recipe are chicken, oats, barley, and rice. Adult Classic is a good maintenance food. It has adequate protein, fiber, and fats.

• Based on the Adult Gold Formula
• Crude Protein Min: 23%
• Crude Fat Min: 15%
• Crude Fiber Max: 4%
• Best for: Dogs of average activity level, who need to maintain their weight.
• Varieties available without peas, lentils, legumes, potatoes: Classic has three varieties, Adult, Puppy, and Mature Adult.

10. Just Food For Dogs – Grain Free Natural Dog Food

Just Food for Dogs is a fresh food that is made with human grade ingredients. Though there are six recipes to choose from only three are free from peas, lentils, legumes, and potatoes. The main ingredients in the turkey formula is turkey, whole wheat macaroni, and broccoli.

This food also contains zucchini, carrots, cranberries, and fish oil, all of which help to provide a perfectly healthy and balanced meal.

Just Food for Dogs is sealed in Tetra Pak packaging allowing the food to remain fresh without the need for refrigeration. The food is minimally processed to keep all of the essential vitamins and nutrients in the food. Overall, it has a good amount of protein, but it is light in the fiber.

• Based on the Turkey and Whole Wheat Macaroni Formula
• Crude Protein Min: 36%
• Crude Fat Min:  13%
• Crude Fiber Max: 3%
• Best for dogs who are picky and for those who benefit from eating fresh food.
• Varieties available without peas, lentils, legumes, potatoes:  Chicken and White Rice and Lamb and Brown Rice

FAQs

Is there a dog food that is grain-free as well as free from peas, legumes, lentils, and potatoes?

-> Yes! There are a few different dog foods that are free of traditional carbohydrates.

Are legumes and lentils bad for dogs?

-> The FDA is leading an investigation into diet-induced Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), at this time lentils and legumes are both suspected in having a part in this issue.

Final Thoughts

There are no definitive answers on the cause for the increase in diet-induced DCM. However, it might be wise to change your dog to a new food until the FDA can rule out these ingredients negatively impacting our dogs’ health. Also, if your dog’s breed is predisposed to DCM, it is even more critical to consider a dog food free of these ingredients.

With the large variety of high-quality dog food’s free of peas, legumes, lentils, and potatoes, it should be easy to find a dog food that will fit your dog’s needs. Even if your dog has skin or food sensitivities, there are even grain-free diets that are also free of these carbohydrates.