[Beachgal]

I’m looking for a grain-free diet for my pup but have heard that legumes (peas, lentils, etc.) aren’t healthy for dogs. There are a lot of brands with legumes. Is this true? And if so, what grain-free kibble would you recommend that’s safe?

[Emma Braby]

Great question, this topic has definitely stirred up a lot of confusion lately! So, here’s the deal: a few years back, the FDA started investigating a possible link between grain-free diets and a heart condition in dogs called canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The concern was that some of these diets might be interfering with how dogs process taurine, an amino acid that’s important for heart health. We have a whole article on this issue for more information.

That said, the science is still not settled. No direct cause has been proven, and many dogs have thrived on legume-containing diets for years. Still, if you want to play it safe, it’s smart to look for grain-free kibble that’s lower in legumes and formulated by vets or pet nutritionists, with transparency about their ingredients and testing.

Our team has reviewed the best legume-free and low-legume dog food where you’ll find a selection of our favorite options. We have also reviewed a few grain-free options in our grain-free dog food article.

Of course, if your pup doesn’t have a grain allergy or sensitivity, including healthy grains (like brown rice, oats, or barley) can actually be a good thing! Grain-free isn’t automatically better. It really depends on your dog’s individual needs. Always a good idea to check with your vet, especially if your pup has any health issues.

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