Grain Free
Wheat, corn and grain-free complete dog food with high meat content
The Barking Heads grain-free range excludes wheat, corn, barley, rye and rice, replacing cereal-based carbohydrates with sweet potato and peas. This makes it suitable for dogs with diagnosed grain sensitivities or for owners who prefer to feed a grain-free diet. The reduced grain content means a higher proportion of meat-based ingredients.
Pros and Cons
What we like
- Free from wheat, corn, soy and all grains
- Sweet potato and peas as digestible carbohydrate sources
- Higher meat content than grain-inclusive recipes
- Suitable for dogs with confirmed grain sensitivities
- No artificial additives or preservatives
Honest downsides
- Not necessary for dogs without grain sensitivity
- Grain-free recipes are often more calorically dense
- Some studies suggest a possible link between grain-free diets and DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) in some dogs, though research is ongoing
Key Ingredients
Deboned chicken or salmon, sweet potato, peas, linseed, alfalfa. No wheat, corn, barley, rye or rice in any recipe in the grain-free range.
Ingredient Breakdown
Grain-free does not mean carbohydrate-free. Sweet potato and peas replace grains as the carbohydrate source. Both are highly digestible and provide a good range of micronutrients. The higher meat content comes from the space freed up by removing grain.
Who Is This Food For?
Good for
Dogs with confirmed grain sensitivities or allergies. Dogs that perform better on grain-free diets. Owners who prefer grain-free feeding.
Not ideal for
Dogs with no grain sensitivity do not need a grain-free diet. If your dog has a heart condition or is a breed predisposed to DCM (Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Dobermanns), consult your vet before switching to grain-free.
How to Transition Your Dog onto This Food
Transition over 7-10 days. Grain-free food can cause loose stools initially as gut bacteria adapt to the lower fibre and different carbohydrate sources. Going slowly reduces this risk.
Feeding Guide
Follow pack guidelines based on your dog's weight. Grain-free recipes are often more calorically dense so measure portions carefully and adjust based on body condition.