Should dogs avoid legumes?
Legumes are a good source of essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, and K.
They’re high in protein, fiber, and carbohydrates, making them an excellent addition to dog food.
However, legumes have been linked to canine dilated cardiomyopathy [1] (DCM Cornell University) in recent research.
VIDEO: Low Carb Grain Free Diet for Dogs Explained
Table of Contents
What legumes are used in dog food?
The FDA has launched an inquiry into a possible link between canine dilated cardiomyopathy (a disease of a dog’s heart muscle that produces an enlarged heart) and dogs eating pet foods containing legumes, such as peas or lentils, other legume seeds (leguminous seeds), or potatoes as main components.
- Peas.
- Chickpeas.
- Kidney beans.
- Soybeans.
- Fava beans.
- Lentils.
What is legume free?
Legume-free pet foods are made without peas, beans, lentils and other similar plant ingredients
Canine dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs
The FDA is investigating reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods.
In the early 2000s, there were reports of increased rates of dilated cardiomyopathy in certain breeds.
In 2007, researchers found that these foods have been linked to long-term weight gain and increased risk for diabetes.
Later studies revealed that this may be due to a high glycemic index [2] and there is some evidence that legumes and pulses themselves can increase the risk of obesity and diabetes.
Most dog foods will contain at least one of the following: peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas, soybeans or peanuts (and peanut butter ) in varying proportions.
These ingredients add cheap bulk to pet food and help extend the product. Legumes are often used in large quantities to increase protein percentages without the accompanying expense of meat.
Some vets recommend that owners who feed their dogs legume-based dog food avoid foods that list any type of legume as the primary ingredient . Others suggest avoiding foods in which peas, lentils, chickpeas, or beans make up at least 25% of the total ingredients.
What is the best legume free dog food?
I’m a veterinarian technician that frequently encourages clients to get their dogs off legume-based diets at higher risk of disease. As a result, I looked into the best legume-free dog foods for your dog.
Whether you go dry or wet food, one of the easiest ways for you to determine good dog food is by reading the label and looking out for the AAFCO Statement. [3] Always consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet.
All of the dog foods on this list are in accordance with the AAFCO nutrient profile [4] recommendations for dogs.
Best Overall Legume Free Dog Food
Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran
- Key Feature: Grain-inclusive dog food suitable for most dogs
- Guaranteed Analysis: 25% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 341 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Pea-Free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Overall
This grain-inclusive dog food formula is ideal for dogs who do not need to replace grains with legumes due to gluten sensitivities. The moderate 25% crude protein content is acceptable for most dogs of any breed or age.
Chicken is the first ingredient and primary source of protein. This lean meat provides the amino acids all dogs need without extra calories from fat.
The moderate 14% fat content comes from healthy fat sources like sunflower oil. This oil has high concentrations of linoleic acid, which helps promote healthy skin and coat. [5] And omega-3 fatty acids from salmon meals support brain and heart health.
Added taurine also supports a healthy heart in dogs who can’t eat legumes due to cardiovascular risks. These ingredients help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. [6]
Most recipes that use legumes are grain-free. This legume-free dog food contains grain-based ingredients like brown rice. This whole grain is an excellent source of energy. Whole grains also have high levels of vitamins and minerals.
Reviews share noticeable improvements in the overall health of dogs on this diet. While the moderate protein and fat contents are enough for most dogs, more active pups may need a higher-calorie formula
Best dog food without peas and legumes
ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food – Mackeral & Lamb All Natural, High Protein, Grain Free and Limited Ingredient with Superfoods
- First 5 Ingredients: Mackeral, Lamb, Lamb Heart, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Liver
- Key Feature: GRAIN-FREE, LOW CARB: Only 2 protein sources premium dog food without added carbohydrates, ideal for food sensitive dogs.
- Guaranteed Analysis: 43% Crude Protein, 25% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber, 14% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 273 kcal/Level Scoop
- Type of Product: . NO cheap fillers such as grain, potato or peas, which are linked to obesity, food allergies, and other health concerns.
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Overall
Blue Mackerel is a sustainably caught fish from the pristine blue waters of New Zealand, rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
Ziwi Lamb is sourced only from local New Zealand farms, ensuring the animals are free-ranging, grass-fed, and finished.
This diet includes fresh meat, organs, bones, and green mussels for a natural source of chondroitin and glucosamine to support joint health. It also contains high taurine levels to promote heart health.
Using a gentle twin-stage air-drying process, they naturally preserve all the ingredients, which also eliminates pathogenic bacteria.
There’s no need to rehydrate since the air-dried food contains more moisture than dry kibble—and because there’s also no need for preservatives, sugars, and glycerines, the food is safe, clean, and easy to handle.
Nutritional Profile Includes:
- HIGH PROTEIN, NUTRIENT DENSE: Authentic whole-prey ratios, featuring 96% wild-caught Mackerel and free-range Lamb, Organs, Bone, and New Zealand Green Mussels. Safely air-dried ingredients that deliver peak nutrition and taste for the pickiest dogs.
- GRAIN-FREE, LOW CARB: Only 2 protein sources premium dog food without added carbohydrates, ideal for food sensitive dogs. NO cheap fillers such as grain, potato or peas, which are linked to obesity, food allergies, and other health concerns.
- 10% SUPERFOOD BOOST: Cold-washed Green Tripe, New Zealand Green Mussels, and Organic Kelp; holistic ingredients to support digestion, healthy skin and coat, joint health, reduce inflammation, and promote heart and brain health.
- TOPPER or COMPLETE MEAL for ALL LIFE STAGES: Perfect as a topper for a nutrition and flavor boost, and ideal as a complete meal for peak nutrition and health; optimized from puppy to senior dogs, including small and large dog breeds.
- ETHICAL and SUSTAINABLE: ZIWI sources only 100% free-range, grass-fed, grass-finished meats, and wild-caught seafoods, all from New Zealand farms and pristine oceans. Farmed without added hormones, antibiotics, or growth promotants.
Grain and legume free dog food
Farmina N&D Ocean Codfish & Orange Ancestral Grain Medium & Maxi Adult Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Mackeral, Lamb, Lamb Heart, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Liver
- Key Feature: GRAIN-FREE, LOW CARB: Only 2 protein sources premium dog food without added carbohydrates, ideal for food sensitive dogs.
- Guaranteed Analysis: 43% Crude Protein, 25% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber, 14% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 273 kcal/Level Scoop
- Type of Product: . NO cheap fillers such as grain, potato or peas, which are linked to obesity, food allergies, and other health concerns.
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Overall
Every Farmina food is made with the best ingredients with the correct amounts of protein, fats, limited carbohydrates and advanced long life vitamins and minerals.
The Natural & Delicious high protein, 20% Ancestral Grain formulas are comprised of 60% animal ingredients (pre-cooking weight), 20% organic spelt and organic oats and 20% vegetables, fruits, vitamins and minerals.
Delicious Codfish & Orange flavor contains no peas, legumes, meals or by-products for nutrition you can feel great about.
Key Benefits
- The #1 ingredient in this high protein, limited carbohydrate, and low fiber all life stage dog food is cod.
- It’s a low glycemic [7] formula so it’s a great option for pets that need a food that won’t spike blood sugar.
- Contains no whole peas, legumes, meals or by-products.
- Food vitamins retain their freshness through a coating system that allows them to be included post cooking.
- 96% of protein from animal origin, 0% artificial preservatives, 0% grains.
- Cod is also high in vitamins and minerals, and a source of Omega-3 fatty acid which contribute to the functioning of the cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune systems.
- Pumpkin is a typical vegetable of the Italian food tradition that has unique nutritional and many beneficial properties like Anti-diabetic, Supports immune system, Active against free radicals resulting also in an anti-carcinogenic effect, Promotes cardiovascular system.
Best Legume Free Puppy Dog Food
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy Recipe
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal
- Key Feature: Legume-free puppy food with concentrated nutrition
- Guaranteed Analysis: 28% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 11% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 406 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Pea-Free, High-Protein
- Life Stage: Growth
- Best For: Puppies
Young dogs need specialized nutrition and high protein levels to support growth. The first ingredient in this puppy food is deboned chicken, which provides a 28% crude protein content.
Higher protein diets are vital for ensuring that puppies consume enough amino acids.
Chicken meal is the second ingredient. This meat meal contains cartilage that offers a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. These chondroprotective ingredients help reduce the incidence of joint conditions in young dogs.
Fish oil contributes concentrated omega fatty acids and DHA for healthy brain development. [8] Other omega-6 fatty acids from sunflower oil promote a shiny coat.
Whole food ingredients like apples, barley, and carrots have balanced vitamins and minerals critical for growing puppies. Diets that are deficient in essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus can result in chronic skeletal conditions.
In addition to excluding legumes, this grain-inclusive puppy food also excludes potatoes.
Potatoes also have research that suggests a potential link to heart problems in dogs. Instead, the formula uses ancient grains like quinoa for extra fiber to support young digestive systems.
Reviews recommend this dog food as a flavorful recipe for the pickiest pups. But, some puppies may experience diarrhea as they transition to this formula.
Best legume free dog food for seniors
Bil-Jac Senior Select Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken By-Products, Corn Meal, Chicken, Oatmeal, Dried Beet Pulp
- Key Feature: Leguma-free advanced nutritional support for senior joints and digestion
- Guaranteed Analysis: 20% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 368 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Pea-Free
- Life Stage: Senior
- Best For: Seniors
This senior dogs food features a lower protein content suitable for the reduced protein requirements of aging dogs.
Higher protein diets can result in unwanted weight gain in elderly pups, while low protein diets can help manage weight.
Chicken and chicken by-products provide an ideal 20% protein content in this senior dog food.
By-products are generally considered lower quality than whole meat. But the first ingredient of this recipe uses only organ sources for extra arginine, which help protect cognitive health. [9]
The low 12% crude fat content helps limit the amount of calories in this dog food. Excess calories can cause older dogs to pack on the pounds quickly. This extra weight can put additional stress on aging joints.
Nutritional support for arthritic joints comes from the chondroprotective ingredients naturally found in a whole chicken’s bones. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate act as the building blocks for healthy cartilage and help manage common joint conditions.
High-fiber ingredients act as natural prebiotics to nourish the good bacteria living in your dog’s digestive system. Healthy gut bacteria can help regulate the digestive system and prevent gastric upset.
Older dogs can be incredibly picky. But most pet parents who feed this formula find the recipe appealing to even the fussiest seniors.
Best Legume Free Dog Food for Allergies
Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Limited Ingredient Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, Ground Rice, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat
- Key Feature: Affordable dog food with a simple recipe that excludes legumes
- Guaranteed Analysis: 20% Crude Protein, 13% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 321 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Limited Ingredient Diet, Gluten-Free, Pea-Free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Budget Legume Free Dog Food
Dogs who need to avoid legumes sometimes have food sensitivities to other ingredients as well.
This limited ingredient diet eliminates legumes and common canine allergies using high-quality ingredients at an affordable price.
A lower 20% protein content and 321 kcal/cup caloric content may not provide enough energy for active dogs. But these nutrient percentages are adequate for most pets with more sedentary lifestyles.
While most budget formulas use chicken as an inexpensive protein, this recipe relies on lamb as the novel single protein source. Chicken is a common cause of allergies that dogs with legume sensitivities may also have adverse reactions to. [5]
Only six primary ingredients make up the base of this dog food. It does not include any fillers, artificial colors, or preservatives that may disrupt your pup’s sensitive digestive system.
Vitamin and mineral fortification ensures that this simple recipe meets daily nutritional requirements. Although this formula may not appeal to picky eaters, budget-conscious dog owners appreciate the affordable price
Best Legume Free Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach
Nature’s Logic Canine Venison Meal Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Venison Meal, Pork Meal, Lamb Meal, Millet, Chicken Fat
- Key Feature: Carnivore-based premium dog food with multiple animal proteins
- Guaranteed Analysis: 34% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 375 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Pea-Free, Natural
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Premium Legume Free Dog Food
Most premium dog food brands offer only grain-free recipes that depend on legumes as an alternative carbohydrate source. But this legume free formula features gluten-free grains instead.
Multiple animal proteins contribute to the 34% protein content. High protein recipes are ideal for active dogs that need additional support for extra muscle mass maintenance.
Venison meal, pork meal, and lamb meal combine to offer a comprehensive amino acid profile.
Some dogs depend on grain free formulas due to gluten sensitivities. This dog food uses millet to provide a grain-inclusive but gluten-free recipe. Millet is an ideal legume alternative that is high in fiber without excess sugars. [6]
This dog food also includes probiotics and digestive enzymes. These ingredients help break down your dog’s food to enhance nutrient absorption.
Whole food ingredients like kelp, spinach, and blueberries offer natural sources of vitamins and minerals.
This premium formula helps decrease digestive upset in most dogs. But it does not contain a concentrated source of omega-3 fatty acids like some other pet food
Best Legume Free Wet Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Beef & Chicken Canned Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Potatoes
- Key Feature: Canned dog food with a texture designed for picky pups
- Guaranteed Analysis: 10% Crude Protein, 9% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 523 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: High-Protein, Grain-Free, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Pea-Free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Legume Free Wet Dog Food
Blue Buffalo is a pet food manufacturer that specializes in recipes based on your dog’s ancestral diet.
Although the 78% moisture content creates deceptively low crude macronutrient percentages, this canned dog food is a high protein formula.
Beef, chicken, and chicken liver combine to offer a 10% protein content in this wet food. Organ meats like chicken liver are a rich source of nutrients like vitamin A.
This vitamin helps protect your dog’s eye health and vision.
This grain-free recipe uses potatoes as a source of digestible carbohydrates instead of legumes. The formula may not be suitable for dogs predisposed to heart problems, as the FDA also warns against potatoes for an increased risk of canine dilated cardiomyopathy. [7]
Fruits and vegetables offer natural sources of vitamins and minerals, and this recipe also excludes potential harmful additives, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
Dogs generally prefer the taste and texture of wet foods. If you are struggling to find an appropriate diet that your pup enjoys, this canned dog food might be the right choice for you
Best Legume Free Dog Food for Small Breeds
Purina Beneful Small Breed IncrediBites Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Barley, Whole Grain Wheat
- Key Feature: Small kibble offers concentrated nutrition for tiny dogs
- Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 13.5% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 14% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 368 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: High-Protein, Pea-Free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Legume Free Dog Food for Small Breeds
Some small breeds have difficulty eating generic dog food designed for average-sized pups. And it can be challenging to find a dry dog food that meets the unique nutritional needs of toy dogs without using legumes.
The high protein content of this recipe is ideal for the fast metabolisms of little dogs. Chicken is the first ingredient, contributing to the 26% protein content.
But, the ingredient list also includes common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy. So this formula may not be suitable for sensitive toy dogs with allergies.
The inclusion of whole grains in this recipe is beneficial for toy breeds. Small dogs cannot store enough glycogen in their muscles. So they need a consistent source of digestible carbohydrates from their diet to prevent hypoglycemia. [8]
Uniquely textured small kibble pieces encourage chewing and reduce choking hazards in tiny mouths. Sweet potato and spinach accents add variety and offer an appealing taste for fussy eaters.
The affordable price is appealing to many tiny pet owners. But small pups with coat health concerns may benefit from a formula with a higher concentration of healthy fats
Best Legume Free Dog Food for Large Dogs
Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Health Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Rice, Oatmeal, Oats, Chicken Fat
- Key Feature: Legume free formula designed for the unique needs of giant breeds
- Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 453 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Sensitive Digestion, Pea-Free, Gluten Free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Legume Free Dog Food for Large Breeds
Just like toy breeds, big dogs need dry dog food specifically designed for their unique needs. Large breeds often have greater risks of heart health problems, so many owners of gentle giants consider legume free diets for their furry friends.
Although larger, giant breeds often have slower metabolisms than their tiny relatives.
A moderate 24% protein content helps maintain larger muscle mass without encouraging weight gain.
Chicken meal is the first ingredient. This animal product includes natural sources of glucosamine, which is critical for protecting stressed joints in big pups.
Preventing obesity in giant breeds is also critical for easing discomfort in larger joints.
Added taurine helps promote a healthy heart in this legume free recipe. Oatmeal acts as an alternative carbohydrate source that is also high in dietary fiber.
Giant breeds can also suffer from digestive conditions like bloat. The probiotics in this formula help reduce the risk of bloat by regulating your pup’s gastrointestinal system. [9]
Owners who feed this recipe often report improvement in the overall health of their large-breed dogs. But the kibble of this dry dog food is on the smaller side for giant breed formulas
Best Legume Free weight Management Dry Dog food
Purina Pro Plan Adult Weight Management Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Whole Grain Corn, Poultry By-Product Meal, Corn Germ Meal
- Key Feature: Controlled calorie formula compatible with a weight control diet
- Guaranteed Analysis: 27% Crude Protein, 9% Crude Fat, 5.5% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 373 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Weight Control, Pea-Free, High-Protein
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Legume Free Dog Food for Weight Control
The best dog foods without peas, legumes, or potatoes are often high-calorie formulas that can cause weight gain in predisposed pups.
This dog food formula from Purina Pro Plan offers an alternative with a controlled calorie and fat content for furry friends on a diet.
Chicken is an ideal first ingredient for dogs who need help controlling their weight. It is high in protein but low in fat and does not have excess calories.
The 27% protein to 9% fat content ratio of this dog food helps maintain lean muscle mass and reduce fat deposits. And high levels of prebiotic fiber keep your pup feeling full after eating a smaller serving. [10]
The unique texture of meaty shreds mixed with hard kibble help make this dry dog food appealing. But, this recipe does contain common allergens like corn and soy.
Most dog owners witness significant weight loss in their dogs when consistently fed this diet.
Best Legume Free Hypoallergenic Dog Food
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet Salmon Formula
- First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Cassava Flour, Sunflower Oil
- Key Feature: Limited ingredient diet for sensitive dogs that excludes legumes
- Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 373 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Limited Ingredient Diet, Sensitive Digestion, No Corn, No Soy, No Wheat, Grain-Free, Pea-Free, Chicken-Free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Legume Free Dog Food for Sensitive Dogs
This limited ingredient formula offers a legume free recipe optimized for pups who suffer from sensitive stomachs.
In addition to heart health concerns, some owners may eliminate legumes from their dogs’ diet due to sensitivities or allergies.
The single protein source, salmon, is ideal for dogs with allergies. It is a healthy alternative to chicken, a common allergen. And salmon is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help regulate inflammatory responses. [11]
Salmon contributes to the moderate 24% crude protein content of this formula. The fat content is still relatively low. But high amounts of DHA and other healthy omega fatty acids help support eye, skin, and coat health.
The ingredient list does contain potatoes. But the recipe eliminates common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy. These ingredients often cause adverse reactions in more sensitive dogs.
Reviews of this dog food without legumes share success stories managing itchy skin conditions that result from food sensitivities.
But, if he is allergic to any other ingredient in this dog food formula he may still experience an adverse reaction.
Legume Free Dog Food Buying Guide
There are several factors to consider when shopping for legume free pet foods.
If your dog has cardiovascular concerns, he needs comprehensive nutritional support beyond simply avoiding legumes.
Legumes in Dog Food
Legumes are a frequent type of grain-free pet food ingredient.
Peas, lentils, and beans are included in this category of components.
Due to their high digestible carbohydrates content, legumes have become quite popular as an alternative to grains.
Many people believe that pet food companies just use legumes as fillers in dog kibble to save money.
However, they are also excellent sources of high-quality plant proteins and fiber.
Legumes are high in antioxidants and minerals including calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
These nutrients are particularly important for bone development and health.
The worries about using legumes in adult dry dog food are based on FDA research linking the high amounts of legumes in grain-free pet foods to heart disease. [12]
Owners of dogs with heart health issues may want to feed them a legume-free diet, according to some veterinarians.
Are Legumes Bad for Dogs?
Legumes are generally safe for dogs to eat. They may provide significant nutritional value to dog foods, but they can not be used in place of animal protein.
Canned and cooked beans, on the other hand, might include poisons or preservatives that are harmful to your dog’s digestive system.
You should also stay away from legume-rich dishes. The FDA has issued a warning about the connection between legume consumption and dilated cardiomyopathy, which it considers to be an emerging disease.
What to Consider When Buying Legume Free Dog Food?
The ideal dog foods without legumes will have a high-quality alternative source of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates in the ingredient list.
The first component should be real animal protein. This ensures that your omnivorous dog gets all of the necessary amino acids from a bioavailable source.
When considering legume-free dog foods for heart health reasons, you should generally avoid grain-free meals that contain a lot of potatoes.
This component has also been linked to CDM development.
If your dog isn’t grain sensitive, choose foods that include whole-grain carbohydrates as a digestible carbohydrate source.
Whole grains are not only high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but they are also lower in calories than refined versions.
Non-legume vegetables and fruits can also boost the content of bioavailable vitamins and minerals to improve overall health.
You should also search for additional beneficial components such as omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and L-carnitine.
These additives may assist your dog’s healthy skin, joints, and muscles.
Did you know that there is an all-natural method to relieve inflammation, pain, and discomfort in dogs that works better than pharmaceuticals? Check out our page on Canine Cush for Dogs.
Veggie Food For Dogs
Alternative Ingredients to Peas, Legumes, and Potatoes
If you’re concerned about the connections between dog foods containing peas, legumes, and potatoes, and heart disease, there are alternatives to consider. These items include:
- Chickpeas – Chickpeas have a higher protein content, and they also contain high levels of dietary fiber, copper, iron, vitamin B9, and Manganese. These are legumes though, so you may want to avoid them if you’re very concerned about your dog’s heart health.
- Squash Like Pumpkin – Pumpkins and other squash are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and minerals. Look for a dog food that contains either pumpkin, Butternut squash, or Acorn squash in place of potatoes.
- Tapioca – It may not be common in the United States, but Tapioca is extremely popular in South America. This is a vegetable root that has a high amount of nutrients and complex carbohydrates. Just make sure that you have Tapioca and not Tapioca by-products.
- Whole Grains – Although many people prefer to feed their dog completely grain-free dog foods, whole grains [14] are healthier than processed grains if you don’t have any other choice. Look for a dog food with whole oats, millet, or brown rice.
Best Probiotic for Dogs
Did you know that a dog’s gut health has a significant influence on its overall health? A recent scientific study reports that 70% to 80% of all illness begins in the gastrointestinal tract! discover why this supplement is vital for your dog’s immune system and overall health-read our guide on: The Best Probiotic for Dogs.
Dog food grain-free legume free - our verdict
Legumes can be part of a healthy dog diet. However, if your dog has heart disease risk factors, you should avoid legumes to reduce his danger of developing heart disease.
These substances have long been used in grain-free dog foods as a substitute for carbohydrates. However, a recent study indicates that high amounts of legumes or potatoes can contribute to the occurrence of canine dilated cardiomyopathy.
The cause of the increase in diet-induced DCM is still unclear. However, it’s probably a good idea to switch your dog to a different food until the FDA can rule out these substances harming canine health. If your dog’s breed is prone to DCM, you should also look for a food that does not contain these compounds.
With so many high-quality dog foods available that are free of peas, legumes, lentils, and potatoes, finding a suitable dog food should not be difficult. Even if your dog has skin or dietary allergies to grains, there are grain-free diets that are also devoid of these carbohydrates.
The best dry dog food without legumes, in my opinion, is Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food.
A healthy heart is essential for a happy pup. Make an appointment with your veterinarian to see if eliminating legumes from your dog’s diet is the right choice for them.
References
- https://www.vet.cornell.edu/hospitals/companion-animal-hospital/cardiology/canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy-dcm
- https://www.allaboutfeed.net/animal-feed/feed-additives/column-a-closer-look-at-low-glycemic-pet-foods/
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/centers/nutrition/dog-food-label-lessons-what-is-an-aafco-statement
- https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/complete-and-balanced-pet-food
- https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2016/08/TVP_2016-0910_NN-FattyAcids.pdf
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0209112
- https://www.allaboutfeed.net/animal-feed/feed-additives/column-a-closer-look-at-low-glycemic-pet-foods/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312017422_Brain_food_for_puppies
- https://academic.oup.com/jn/article-abstract/111/6/1020/4771356
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3775244/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3514349/
- https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/nutrition/3-health-benefits-pumpkin-dogs
- https://www.onegreenplanet.org/animalsandnature/oats-and-brown-rice-healthy-whole-grains-your-dog-can-eat-2/
