12 Best Legume Free Dog Food (Without Legumes, Peas, & Potatoes) in 2021

Edited by: Mike Powell

Reviewed by: Abby Texas

Last Update:

Legumes are tasty, healthy sources of essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, & K. They’re generally high in protein, fiber, and carbohydrates, which easily makes them an excellent ingredient to add in dog food. However, recent studies have linked legumes to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs.

While further studies are yet to be conducted, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and avoid these ingredients in the food you’re giving your pups – especially if they have a history of heart issues.

20

Sources researched

18,900

Customer reviews

18

Hours spent testing

10

Products tested

Product Name

Best Legume Free Dog Food

Holistic Select Dry Dog Food

Best Immune System Booster

Health Extension Original Dog Food

Best Value For Money

Diamond Naturals Adult Dry Dog Food

Rank

Ranked #1

Ranked #2

Ranked #3

Thumbail

Rating

Our Rating: 91 / 100

Our Rating: 91 / 100

Our Rating: 90 / 100

Pro 1

No legumes or potatoes and contains healthy, wholesome fruits and vegetables

Contains superfood ingredients loaded with antioxidants

Avoids all legumes & potatoes and makes use of great, healthy fruits and vegetables

Pro 2

Optimum protein and fat levels ideal for most dog breeds

Moderate protein level and higher fat level to suit most dogs

Incredibly affordable and premium quality for its price

Buy Now

Check Price on Amazon

Check Price on Amazon

Check Price on Amazon

Custom Button

Check Price on Chewy

Check Price on Chewy

Check Price on Chewy

Best Legume Free Dog Food

Product Name

Holistic Select Dry Dog Food

Rank

Ranked #1

Thumbail

Rating

Our Rating: 91 / 100

Pro 1

No legumes or potatoes and contains healthy, wholesome fruits and vegetables

Pro 2

Optimum protein and fat levels ideal for most dog breeds

Buy Now

Check Price on Amazon

Custom Button

Check Price on Chewy

Best Immune System Booster

Product Name

Health Extension Original Dog Food

Rank

Ranked #2

Thumbail

Rating

Our Rating: 91 / 100

Pro 1

Contains superfood ingredients loaded with antioxidants

Pro 2

Moderate protein level and higher fat level to suit most dogs

Buy Now

Check Price on Amazon

Custom Button

Check Price on Chewy

Best Value For Money

Product Name

Diamond Naturals Adult Dry Dog Food

Rank

Ranked #3

Thumbail

Rating

Our Rating: 90 / 100

Pro 1

Avoids all legumes & potatoes and makes use of great, healthy fruits and vegetables

Pro 2

Incredibly affordable and premium quality for its price

Buy Now

Check Price on Amazon

Custom Button

Check Price on Chewy

Best Dog Foods Without Peas, Lentils, Legumes and Potatoes

Here are our top picks for the best dog foods without peas, lentils, legumes, and potatoes:

1. Best Legume Free Dog Food: Holistic Select Dry Dog Food
2. Best Immune System Booster: Health Extension Original Dog Food
3. Best Value For Money: Diamond Naturals Adult Dry Dog Food
4. Best Legume Free For Seniors: Diamond Naturals Senior Formula
5. Best Legume Free For Puppies: Diamond Naturals Puppy Food
6. Best Raw Option: Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties
7. Best Limited Ingredient: Purina Simply 9 Limited Ingredient Diet
8. Best Without Chicken: Holistic Select Adult Recipe
9. Best For Active Dogs: Dr Tim’s Highly Athletic Momentum Formula
10. Best Wet/Canned Food: Merrick Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
11. Best Non-GMO Option: Nutro Ultra Adult Formula
12. Best for Dogs with Digestive Problems: Farmina N&D Ancestral Grains

9. Dr Tim’s Highly Athletic Momentum Formula

Best For Active Dogs: Meat meal recipe with a high fat count for active dogs

Check Price on Chewy

Overall Rating84%

Carb Source Quality85%

Quality Protein85%

Helpful Supplements85%

Omega Fatty Acids90%

Affordability80%

PROS

• High protein and fat levels for active dogs 
• Very high Omegas, great for keeping skin & coats healthy 
• Contain DHA and EPA, which offer various benefits 
• High in calories for dogs who have high daily calorie needs 

CONS

• No real meat, only meat meal (which contributes to the high protein count) 
• Doesn’t contain glucosamine, which active dogs may need 

Highly active dogs need higher-than-average protein and fat levels. Dr Tim’s Highly Athletic Momentum Formula has 35% protein and 25% fat to fuel your energetic pooch. Aside from the main nutrients that your dog can get from this food, it also contains supplements like DHA and EPA, which promote proper eye and brain development.

click to see more

High-Quality Dog Food 

Its protein content comes from high quality meat meal and it’s loaded with probiotics, prebiotics and natural antioxidants that offer proper nourishment, immune system boost, and easy digestion.

Chicken fat and Menhaden fish oil provide a fantastic fat count for your pooch and provide him the energy he needs for the day. The carbs consist of just one grain – brown rice, which is easy to digest, wholesome, and healthy.

What Makes Legumes Bad for Our Dogs? 

First of all, don’t get a fright and assume that any dog kibble with legumes in it is terrible for your dog’s health. Some of them are quite okay for your dog to eat. But some aren’t, like broad beans (fava beans), coffee beans, and any flavored beans. 

Let’s delve into some more info about when feeding your dog legumes is bad. 

When They Outweigh Animal Protein 

If the dog food has legumes as the first ingredient on the list, it’s a no-no! Although legumes are packed with protein, they should never be the primary protein source in your dog’s food. 

Animal protein should always make up most of the protein count. There’s nothing wrong with having some beans in there to supplement it, but they should really only be extras. 

When They’re Raw 

Most raw beans contain a substance called phytohaemagglutinin, which is considered to be a toxin to dogs. When cooked, those levels reduce drastically, although a small amount remains. It goes without saying, then, that it’s best to avoid any dog foods containing raw beans. 

In some cases, it’s hard to tell if the legumes in a dog food have been cooked. They don’t exactly mention it on the dog food formula label, although they’re not likely to be raw. If you’re worried, rather avoid them entirely! 

When They’re Processed 

Canned beans, peas, lentils, legumes and potatoes that have been refried, or otherwise processed should be avoided. These contain preservatives that can cause harm to your dog’s body. 

The Best Alternatives to Peas in Dog Food 

There’s a variety of food ingredients you may find in dog foods without peas. The bonus of having so many alternatives is that there’s sure to be something your dog’s stomach can handle! 

1) Chickpeas 

Beans and pea ingredients are the biggest culprits when it comes to legumes getting a bad name. But lentils and chickpeas are also legumes, and they’re slightly healthier than peas and beans. 

They’re both high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Peas, lentils legumes can be a useful source of added protein to a dog food, as well as being good for dogs who need some extra fiber in their diet. 

If you’re making your dog fresh food every day, you can definitely add some lentils or chickpeas to their bowl, as long as they’re cooked. Don’t add spices when cooking them, though, not even salt or pepper 

Also, avoid feeding them legumes that come out of a can. These are usually preserved with chemical ingredients that aren’t too healthy for your pooch. 

2) Starches

Starches are a good, healthy alternative to legumes in dog food. You may need to test before you buy/make, though. Potatoes are one of the more common allergens in dog foods, so you’ll need to be sure your dog can digest them comfortably. 

Sweet potatoes are a great choice. They don’t induce allergies the same way white or russet potatoes do, and they provide long-lasting, slow-release energy throughout the day. They also tend to add a good bit of flavor to the dog, more so than traditional potatoes or tapioca. 

Tapioca is a starch that comes from the cassava root. It’s free from gluten, lectin, and it’s non-toxic. There’s some controversy over it, due to the poisonous nature of cassava root, but properly processed tapioca flour isn’t dangerous at all. 

It isn’t as vitamin-rich as the others, but it does supply a good lot of iron and calcium. It’s a good alternative to peas, legumes, and potatoes if your dog struggles with many ingredient allergies. 

3) Grains

As grains go, brown rice is a fantastic legume substitute. Others that are perfectly acceptable include oatmeal, millet, sorghum, and quinoa. The reason these grains are acceptable and corn, wheat, and soy aren’t, is because these don’t contain gluten. 

Gluten can cause digestive upset. Some dogs can deal with it quite well, but others can’t digest it well at all. It’s also not very nutrition-dense, so it’s basically a place-holder in your dog’s food. Some pet food manufacturers add it to bulk up the dog food, as it’s an affordable option for them. 

If you have to choose, go for white or brown rice. They’re high in fiber, which will help your dog’s digestive system along the way. They also contain vitamins and minerals. 

Don’t be afraid of grains in dog food. You don’t need to go “grain-free” for the kibble to be healthy! As long as they avoid corn, wheat, and soy, your dog’s stomach should be okay with it! 

4) Pumpkins 

Pumpkin and squash are similar to potato and sweet potato in that they’re slow-releasing vegetables that provide energy for your dog throughout the day. 

Like most vegetables, they’re packed with vitamins and minerals. They also add a good bit of texture to the dog food, as well as natural taste. 

These two vegetables are particularly good to feed dogs who have sensitive stomachs. They’re both loaded with fiber, so if your dog is suffering from diarrhea, feeding him or her some pumpkin or other squash can ease it up. 

Other squashes include acorn squash, spaghetti squash, and butternut squash. Take note that feeding your dog raw squash won’t have the same effects. Cooking releases vitamins, and of course it softens it up a little so it’s easier for your dog to digest. 

Also, if you’re going to be cooking it for your dog, remove the seeds and the skin. These can be an obstruction, but they also have little nutritional value. 

FDA Warnings 

The worry over legumes and grain-free dog foods isn’t without basis. The FDA has been investigating the link between grain-free dog foods—or more specifically, dog food containing legumes—and a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). 

There’s significant data to show that their investigation may have some merit to it. But that doesn’t mean you need to avoid legumes entirely, or choose a dog food with grains! There’s more that goes into it. 

Here’s the details and FDA warnings about grain-free food, or dog food containing legumes. 

DCM in Dogs  

Dilated cardiomyopathy refers to a condition in which the muscle in the heart degenerates and becomes thinner. When the muscular wall of the heart thins, the pressure of the blood inside it can cause it to “swell”, resulting in a larger-than-usual heart. 

The constant added pressure on the walls of the heart can lead to congestive heart failure. It can be hard to diagnose early, as it only displays signs and symptoms later. These include an increased breathing rate while asleep, finding it harder to breathe, a dry cough, weakness, decreased appetite, restlessness at night, and a swollen or distended abdomen. 

Dog breeds that are prone to the condition include Boxers, Great Danes, German Shepherds, Irish Wolfhounds, Saint Bernards, and Doberman Pinschers. On occasion, Spaniels and Portuguese Water Dogs also develop it. 

How Legumes Play a Role 

In 2018, the FDA alerted the dog world that they were investigating the link between DCM and dog foods containing peas, lentils, other legumes, and potatoes. 

This came about after a spate of DCM cases in dogs that were not predisposed to it. After initial research found that 90% of the ailing dogs had been eating a grain-free diet that contained peas or lentils, in some cases, both, the FDA put out a cursory warning to pet parents feeding their dogs grain-free diets with legumes. 

As of yet, there’s been no specific conclusion to this research. The FDA has stated that they believe the link is there, but it’s not clear as to whether the  DCM is caused by legumes and potatoes, or if it’s caused by other “exotic” ingredients in many grain-free diets, like unusual protein sources, or exotic vegetables and fruits. 

There’s no reason to worry yet. We suggest you choose common proteins over exotic ones, and make sure the ingredients are all-natural and healthy.

Questions & Answers

What exactly are legumes? 

Not many of us actually know what legumes are. We’ll try to keep it short and sweet – we aren’t botanists, after all. 

Legumes (also known as pulses) are plants (or the fruit or seeds of said plants) of a specific family that has a long Latin name. It can be complicated when you start looking into what legumes really are, but simply put, they are plants whose fruit grows in pods. 

It’s easier to go into what plants and fruits fall under the legume umbrella (especially those that are commonly found in dog food). They include alfalfa, beans, peas, chickpeas, lentils, and soybeans, which are often seen on dry dog food ingredient lists. 

Why choose a legume free food for your dog?

Although legumes are not bad for your dog, they have gained a bit of a negative reputation due to the FDA’s investigation into grain-free dog foods. It was thought that they contributed to the development of a disease called Dilated Cardiomyopathy, which is a heart condition in dogs, and their reputation hasn’t recovered despite the studies coming to no definitive conclusion. 

Although research has suggested that DCM is more likely caused by “boutique” diets that contain exotic ingredients, not just grain-free dog foods, it can be a worry for pet parents whose dogs have to eat grain-free dog foods for health reasons. 

If you have a dog breed that is predisposed to DCM, it may be helpful (even if just for your peace of mind) to feed them a dog food that avoids these ingredients. 

Even apart from DCM, certain breeds are just more predisposed to food allergies, which can leave them feeling uncomfortable and miserable. If you have a Bulldog, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Spaniel, Pug, Yorkie, or Pitbull, you may want to consider putting them on a legume-free dog food from the start.

What is dilated cardiomyopathy and should I be worried about it? 

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart condition that is characterised by an enlarged heart that struggles to pump blood properly. 

The word “dilated” means wider or more open, and that’s exactly what happens to the chambers of the heart when a pup suffers from this disease. When these chambers widen, their blood-pumping action isn’t as effective, meaning your pup’s body doesn’t get supplied with oxygen as effectively as it usually would. It can also cause fluid to accumulate in tissues, which leads to various complications. 

Symptoms of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

Symptoms usually only show up quite late in the progression of the disease and include:

• weakness and lethargy
• laboured breathing or panting for no apparent reason
• unexplained coughing
• and distension of the abdomen

The fact is, any dog can develop any disease at any time. It’s impossible to prevent diseases and disorders through diet, no matter how hard you try to avoid potentially problematic ingredients in their dog food. Diet isn’t the only thing that contributes to health, and sometimes things develop despite our best efforts to keep our pups eating only good stuff. 

If your dog has noticeable, debilitating signs and symptoms of a food allergy or intolerance, it’s natural to find them a dry dog food that doesn’t have the same effects. If they have a pre-diagnosed condition that can be helped by eating a certain diet (such as hypothyroidism), it may be worth it to change their diet. DCM, though, is something that may or may not happen, and it’s still up in the air as to whether diet is a deciding factor in that. 

What should I look for when choosing the best dog food without legumes? 

If you’ve decided to give a legume free food a try, then there are still certain things you should be checking for to make sure you’re getting the great quality stuff. 

You should be looking for a premium quality ingredient list that contains wholesome, real dog food ingredients. A high quality animal protein (or more than one) should be the first ingredient on the list. 

Carbs don’t necessarily need to include grains, unless you (or your pup) prefer it that way. Good grains include rice, oats and oatmeal, barley, millet, buckwheat, sorghum, and quinoa are perfectly healthy and should be easy on your dog’s tummy. 

Whether or not there are grains, the addition of fruits and vegetables is always a good thing. Non-legume veggies (that aren’t potatoes) include sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, and spinach. Fruits are super as well and add a dash of vitamins, so look for apples, blueberries, cranberries, papaya, and oranges. 

There should be a nice level of Omega fatty acids and added supplements such as glucosamine & chondroitin, L-carnitine, and DHA and EPA. The necessity of these will depend on your pooch, but they’re great to see in a dry dog food. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a grain free diet (whether or not it contains legumes)? 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a grain free diet (whether or not it contains legumes)? 

Grain free dog food has become more popular in recent years but is it really a good thing? 

Quality grain-free dog foods are free from grains that are considered to be indigestible to dogs, like wheat, soy, and corn. They also avoid gluten-free grains, such as barley, oats, rice, and so on. Their carbohydrates are usually made up of veggies and fruits, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and of course, legumes (peas, chickpeas, lentils). 

Some dogs just don’t react well to grains, so a grain free diet means their tummies are happier and they get more nutrients in as they aren’t as fussy eaters as they most likely were on a grain-containing dog food. In this case, a grain-free diet can visibly improve the quality of a dog’s life. 

Grain free diets are also widely considered to be more nutrient-dense, promote better digestion, reduce allergies, increase energy levels, and provide longer-lasting, slower-burning energy. 

Disadvantages are the obvious link to DCM that’s been mentioned throughout this article (although nothing has been conclusively proven), the fact that grain-free dog foods are a little more pricey than those containing grains, and the potential for weight gain due to the density of the food. 

Grain free is also not automatically healthier than those with grains. It’s important to look at everything from the protein source and quality, types of carbs, fat content, and added supplements before assuming that a grain-free dog food is better than one with grains. 

If I’m looking for a potato free dog food, can I still use one with sweet potato? 

We’ve avoided dog foods with potatoes on this list, because of their link to DCM, as well as being a common allergen for dogs. Sweet potatoes, though, are slightly nutritionally different to white potatoes, and are still appropriate for a pup who may have to avoid white potatoes due to allergies. 

White potatoes are a common ingredient in dog food as they’re cheaper than sweet potatoes. They have a higher glycemic index than sweet potatoes, which means they contain more natural sugar, so they could be a problem for pups with diabetes. 

They’re dense carbohydrates but actually offer less nutritional value than sweet potatoes. There have also been worries about certain carcinogens that are produced when white potatoes are cooked, making them a little less stable as an ingredient in dog foods without peas.

Sweet potatoes are more nutrient-dense than their white counterparts and contain less sugar but more vitamins and antioxidants. They are high in starch, so too much of them can contribute to weight gain, but that’s just as true for white potatoes!

All in all, if your pup needs to avoid white potatoes, then you should be able to go with sweet potatoes no problem. They are highly nutritious and don’t produce the same allergies as white potatoes do.

Does legume-free dog food help prevent heart disease? 

According to veterinary experts and federal authorities, there may be a direct link between heart disease in dogs and legume-containing diets. Heart diseases such as dilated cardiomyopathy occur in larger dogs and can be effectively prevented by eliminating ingredients such as legumes. 

This disease, which causes enlarged, weakened hearts, can eventually cause failure if owners don’t take action. Dilated cardiomyopathy typically occurs in the following breeds: 

• Miniature Schnauzers
• Shih Tzus
• Whippets
• Bulldogs
• Labrador Retrievers
• Golden Retrievers

In an FDA-approved trial throughout 2014 and 2018, 90% of the 74 dogs that succumbed to heart disease were on a diet containing peas and lentils. 

Unfortunately, many other legume-based research and studies are primarily funded by dog food manufacturers themselves, which can often be misleading to the unknowing pet parent. Thus, it’s essential to do research of your own or consult with a veterinary professional.  

However, legume-containing dog foods can sometimes be beneficial to your pet. Because peas contain a moderate amount of vitamins and minerals, they can enhance your dog’s immune system. 

The link between legumes and heart disease lies in severe allergies and intense intolerance. Chickpeas and lentils can cause adverse reactions in dogs that already have preexisting conditions. 

In some cases, ingredients such as peas are simply used as filler foods. Cheaper legume-containing dog foods often incorporate a lower-quality variety, which can be harmful to your dog. 

If your dog’s food contains legumes, ensure that you determine whether this inclusion is from only one source. Read lower down on the ingredient list to identify these potential ingredients. 

If your dog suffers from an extreme aversion to legumes, avoid dog foods with the following ingredients: 

• Pea proteins
• Pea flour
• Pea fiber

To further prevent heart disease, consider putting your dog on a diet rich in legume-like alternatives. These ingredients might include pumpkin, which contains high levels of micronutrients that are beneficial to your dog’s overall development and digestive system. 

What are ten dog breeds most prone to DCM? 

The top ten dog breeds most prone to developing dilated cardiomyopathy include the following: 

• American Cocker Spaniel
• Boxer
• Dalmatian
• Doberman Pinscher
• English Bulldog
• Golden Retriever
• Great Dane
• Labrador Retriever
• Newfoundland
• Saint Bernard

While DCM most typically occurs in larger breeds, some smaller breeds might also be genetically predisposed to the disease. DCM is also more present in male dogs than their female counterparts. 

Dogs that suffer from DCM will experience symptoms such as weakened heart muscles and an enlarged heart. When its heart chambers become dilated, the heart has trouble pumping blood throughout the system, causing valves to leak. 

When a dog’s heart valves leak, it can lead to a build-up of fluids in the abdomen and chest. More often than not, the disease develops gradually, which gives pet owners ample time to address it early. 

You might suspect that your dog suffers from DCM if you notice the following symptoms: 

• Rapid breathing or shortness of breath while sleeping
• Decreased appetite
• Coughing and gagging
• Weight loss and distended bellies
• Depressed demeanor or extreme loss of energy

Veterinary treatment and dietary modification are essential to improving heart function. Before putting your dog on a legume-free diet, always consult with a veterinary professional first.