10 Best Potato Free Dog Food (For All Dogs) – Top Picks in 2022

Mike PowellEdited by: Mike Powell
Abby TexasReviewed by: Abby Texas

Last Update:

The Rundown

Best Overall: Acana Singles Grain Free Dog Food
“Never settle for less when it comes to your dog’s nutrition. Give him only high-quality, well-balanced diet without filler foods like potatoes. This recipe from Acana is a limited ingredient meal packed with premium animal protein and is 100% potato-free.”

Best for Active Dogs: Orijen Original Grain Free Dry Dog Food
“This nutrient-densed dog food is packed with wholesome ingredients, premium quality animal protein, and healthy fat. With this Orijen recipe, your pup will have a well-rounded food to support his growth and active lifestyle – all while avoidig problem ingredients like potato.”

Best For Small Breeds: Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
“Tiny breeds are more sensitive to problem ingredients and would benefit more from a dog food without ingredients like potato. This food is specially formulated to provide the needs of small breed dogs while keeping their sensitive tummies safe.”

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Potato is a very common ingredient in dog foods. And while it’s rich in fiber and antioxidants, it also contains substances like solanine which can be harmful to your dogs. Some extra sensitive breeds even develop an allergic reaction to potatoes. As a precaution, a lot of dog owners prefer food without potato for their pups.

If you’re one of them, you’ll find this list of highly-recommended potato free dog food products extremely helpful.

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22,387
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Product Name
Best for Small Breeds
Rank
Ranked #1
Ranked #2
Ranked #3
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ACANA Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food, Duck & Pear, Biologically Appropriate & Grain Free
Orijen Dry Dog Food for All ages, Original, Grain Free, High Protein, Fresh & Raw Animal Ingredients, 25lb, Blue, 25 Pound (Pack of 1), 400 Ounce
Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Real Meat Recipe Appalachian Valley Premium Dry Dog Food, 28 lb.
Rating
Our Rating 94 / 100
Our Rating 91 / 100
Our Rating 90 / 100
Pro 1
Packed with real meat, fruits, and vegetables so your dog gets varied food with all the right calories
Nutrient-dense and packed with wholesome ingredients
Grain-free as well as potato-free
Pro 2
Biologically appropriate for most dog breeds
85% meat so your dog will get the right amount of proteins to grow
Great levels of Omega fatty acids, perfect for puppies
Best Overall
Rank
Ranked #1
Thumbnail
ACANA Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food, Duck & Pear, Biologically Appropriate & Grain Free
Rating
Our Rating 94 / 100
Pro 1
Packed with real meat, fruits, and vegetables so your dog gets varied food with all the right calories
Pro 2
Biologically appropriate for most dog breeds
Custom Button
Best for Active Dogs
Rank
Ranked #2
Thumbnail
Orijen Dry Dog Food for All ages, Original, Grain Free, High Protein, Fresh & Raw Animal Ingredients, 25lb, Blue, 25 Pound (Pack of 1), 400 Ounce
Rating
Our Rating 91 / 100
Pro 1
Nutrient-dense and packed with wholesome ingredients
Pro 2
85% meat so your dog will get the right amount of proteins to grow
Custom Button
Best for Small Breeds
Rank
Ranked #3
Thumbnail
Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Real Meat Recipe Appalachian Valley Premium Dry Dog Food, 28 lb.
Rating
Our Rating 90 / 100
Pro 1
Grain-free as well as potato-free
Pro 2
Great levels of Omega fatty acids, perfect for puppies
Custom Button

10 Best Dog Food Without Potatoes

Here are our highly recommended potato free dog food products on the market:

1. Acana Singles Grain Free Dog Food

Best Overall: Biologically appropriate grain free formula, loaded with high quality ingredients

PROS

  • No potato or sweet potato added
  • Biologically appropriate, formulated to follow dogs’ diet in the wild
  • Suitable for all life stages and breeds
  • Affordable for its superior quality

CONS

  • High calorie, so be careful how much you feed your pup

Acana Singles Grain Free Dog Food is formulated to have the same flavor and nutritional profile as the typical diet of dogs in the wild. It’s a limited ingredient formulation that uses a single source of protein combined with another high quality ingredient to create exciting, tasty flavors that your pooch will surely love.

Ideal for Dogs with Sensitive Tummies

The beauty of limited ingredient foods like this grain free formula is that they’re concentrated with high quality ingredients and avoid adding filler foods that have less or no nutritional value. This makes them safer for dogs who tend to react badly with dog foods that include low quality ingredients.

2. Orijen Original Grain Free Dry Dog Food

Best For Active Dogs: High Fat content to support your active dog’s high energy

PROS

  • Nutrient-dense and packed with wholesome ingredients
  • Biologically appropriate grain free formula
  • Available in a few flavors, none containing potatoes
  • Carb sources comprise of legumes and squashes, no potato or sweet potato

CONS

  • This is more pricey than some others

Orijen Original Grain Free Dry Dog Food is perfect for active dogs who need a high fat and high calorie diet to keep up with their activities throughout the day. It has multiple animal protein sources and a stack of healthy fruits and vegetables without any hint of potato in any form.

Concentrated Protein and Carbohydrates

The protein in this grain free food comes from a variety of sources including chicken, turkey, and mackerel. The fat content is consistent across the flavor range at 18% which fuels your pup’s highly energetic nature. And because it doesn’t have potatoes, its fiber and carbohydrates come from other premium quality sources like lentils (red and green), peas, chickpeas, a variety of beans, pumpkin, butternut squash, and various other fruits & vegetables.

3. Taste Of The Wild Grain Free Dry Dog Food

Best For Small Breeds: Specially formulated for small breed dogs with stomach sensitivities

PROS

  • Specially formulated for small breed dogs
  • Healthy grain free formula for dogs with extra sensitivities
  • Great levels of Omega fatty acids
  • Good carb sources from legumes

CONS

  • “Ocean fish meal” is a vague description that is often found on lesser quality foods

This high-protein, high-fat, recipe is intended for small breed dogs who require extra care when it comes to the food they eat. Its protein content is at 32% which comes from one premium quality, real meat source. The fat content is at 18% which should be enough to fuel your little fur ball’s day to day activities. It also has additional supplements that take care of their skin and coat, as well as their hip and joint.

Added Probiotics for Easy Digestion

This grain free dog food avoids potato in any form and only sources high quality carbohydrate from garbanzo beans, peas, and lentils, as well as tomatoes, blueberries, and raspberries. These highly nutritional ingredients paired with the k9 probiotics help your little pup’s digestion while booting immune system health.

4. American Journey Grain Free Puppy Dry Dog Food

Best Food For Puppies: All your growing puppy needs in a grain free diet without potatoes

PROS

  • High-quality animal protein sources
  • Great carb sources, potato and grain free dog food
  • Contains DHA for developing puppies
  • Quite affordable for its high quality

CONS

  • Non-chicken flavors may still contain chicken meal, so be aware for pups who are sensitive to poultry

American Journey Grain Free Puppy Dry Dog Food is a highly nutritious, affordable diet that’s loaded with important vitamins, minerals, and supplements. All of these support the growth and development of your little pup while steering clear from problem ingredients like potato.

Specific Grain Free Formula For Growing Puppies

Puppies need a good amino acid profile to help build strong and lean muscles. They also need antioxidants and phytonutrients that help boost their immune system ad they go about their daily activities. Omega fatty acids are also needed to help maintain healthy skin and shiny coat. All of these are available in this grain free recipe from American Journey and the absence of potato makes it safe for puppies with sensitive stomachs.

5. Victor Classic Hi-Pro Plus Dry Dog Food

Best Value For Money: Premium formula with no potato ingredients that’s well within your budget

PROS

  • High protein and fat formula
  • Contains DHA and L-carnitine, both quality additions
  • Added probiotics, prebiotics, and vitamins and minerals

CONS

  • No real meat, although meat meal is still great quality
  • Contains chicken meal, so not suitable for dogs sensitive to it

Victor Classic Hi-Pro Plus Dry Dog Food is made of superior quality animal protein and gluten-free grains that make up its highly nutritious formulation. It has a high caloric content at 406 kcal per cup which should be more than enough for highly active dogs. There’s a mix of tocopherols and antioxidants that boosts your dog’s immune system. All of these make it a well-rounded diet for dogs of all life stages.

Great Quality Ingredients For Less Money 

This dog food proves that you can give your beloved pooch a balanced diet without going over your budget. With all its amazing goodness inside, you won’t believe it only costs a dollar per pound.

6. Diamond Naturals Grain Free Dry Dog Food

Best Low-Protein Food: Ideal for dogs with kidney issues

PROS

  • Ideal for dogs who need to be on a low-protein site
  • Contains L-carnitine, which assists in metabolism
  • Great for all life stages
  • Affordable and available in large quantities

CONS

  • Not ideal for dogs who are sensitive to poultry (even non-chicken flavors contain chicken meal)

If your dog has a history of kidney problems, a low-protein diet like this dog food is highly recommended. With 23% protein content, it’s definitely in the lower end of the protein spectrum compared to other dog foods on the market.

It does have a good amount of fat in it which means your pooch will still be able to get a decent amount of expendable energy to fuel his day to day activities. It’s also loaded with health-promoting L-carnitine, Omega fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, not to mention Glucosamine which supports hip and joint health.

Low Protein Diet

A low-protein diet like this grain free dog food formula is usually recommended for dogs with kidney issues or senior dogs who don’t have the natural substances that help process protein and amino acids in their body.

7. Merrick Classic Adult Dry Dog Food

Best With Grains: Recommended for dogs with high blood sugar levels

PROS

  • Contains no potato or potato by-products
  • Contains joint supplements
  • Some of the highest Omega fatty acid levels
  • Poultry-free option for dogs with sensitivities to poultry

CONS

  • This food is quite expensive compared to others
  • Not completely grain free

The Merrick Classic Adult Dry Dog Food is concentrated with healthy, high quality grains like brown rice, barley, oatmeal, and quinoa that offer a lower glycemic option for dogs with high blood sugar levels.

High-Quality Ingredient List 

This dog food uses real meat as its main ingredient which accounts for the 30% high protein content. Grains aren’t the only carbohydrates on the list – carrots, apples, and blueberries add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The fat content is around 15% coming mainly from chicken & pork fat and flaxseed oil.

8. Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food

Best For Seniors: Contains joint-fortifying supplements to support aging dogs

PROS

  • Aimed towards senior dogs specifically
  • Good protein and fat counts for seniors
  • Contains DHA, joints supplements, and great levels of Omega fatty acids

CONS

  • Contains Brewers Rice, which is considered a lower quality filler

Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food accommodates the needs of dogs as they age, become less active, and burn fewer calories during their day.

The ingredient list is pretty good, and makes use of healthy, easily digestible grains like brown rice to provide energy, with some dehydrated vegetables that’s easier for them to digest.

Nutrient Counts Great For Seniors 

This dog food has a protein content of 26% which is ideal for dogs who are slowing down a little and don’t need as much muscle strength. The reduced fat is convenient for dogs with reduced activity levels who will be burning fewer calories and therefore need less fat to convert to energy. DHA is also added to help keep your dog’s brain sharp. Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids assist in keeping your senior’s coat and skin smooth and hydrated as they age, and glucosamine and chondroitin keep their joints as strong as possible as they get older. It’s not entirely grain free but it uses whole grains that provide antioxidants.

9. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Wet Dog Food

Best Potato Free Canned Dog Food: Great moisture content for extra hydration

PROS

  • Wide range of exciting, tasty flavors
  • Real meat is the first ingredient
  • Good moisture content for added hydration
  • Contain sweet potatoes and other vegetables for sustained energy

CONS

  • Contains carrageenan, which is a low-grade thickener

If your pup is a fussy eater who requires their food to be mixed up every once in a while, the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Wet Dog Food is a great choice. It contains great wholesome ingredients, vitamins and minerals, and packs a lot of nutritious ingredients into one can – all while avoiding problem foods like potato.

Great Supplement To A High-Protein Kibble 

Dogs need kibble, not only for the high protein and fat content, but also because it’s good for their dental health. This food contains 421 calories per can, with 8% protein and 6% fat, so it’s really not optimal levels for a full meal. It can be used as a kibble topper, to entice fussy pups to eat their kibble, or as a treat.

10. Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Grain Free Dog Food

Best Limited Ingredient: Fewer chances of food allergies and intolerances

PROS

  • Less than 10 ingredients
  • Grain free and potato free dog food formula
  • Contains chelated minerals, vitamins and minerals
  • Probiotics are added after cooking to preserve nutrients

CONS

  • The senior, puppy, and healthy weight recipes contain potatoes and some contain sneaky chicken meal
  • Slightly pricey in comparison to others

Dogs who suffer from food allergies have sensitive stomachs, and limited ingredient grain free diets are a great way to keep your pup from being exposed to too many possible food allergens. Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Grain Free Dog Food contains no potatoes and uses a good amount of chelated minerals to assist with digestion.

Pay Attention to the Labels 

Even though all of the flavors in this grain free range are limited ingredients, some of them do contain potatoes. This recipe particularly does not contain potato, and neither do the wild boar and the lamb, goat & venison recipes. The rest of the flavor choices contain potato in varying amounts – so be careful not to inadvertently choose one that contains it and be unpleasantly surprised later. 


How to Choose the Best Dog Food Without Potato

When you have a sensitive dog, you want a dog food that doesn’t have any potato in it, as well as anything else that is a sneaky by-product, such as potato protein

Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, are quite different in terms of nutrition and are quite an acceptable substitute for potatoes in a dog food. 

2) Contains Healthy Carbs

Potato is added to dog food as a carbohydrate source, especially for grain free formulas.  

However, grains are actually acceptable and may even be a better source as long as they’re the good kind – oatmeal, barley, millet, and rice. Wheat, corn, and soy are considered low-quality fillers, so we’ve avoided foods containing those. Ideally, you want the dog food you choose to still contain plenty of fruits and vegetables to give your pup sustained energy throughout their day. 

Sweet potatoes are a fantastic carb source, and are slow-burning so they provide energy for prolonged periods of time. Other vegetables, apart from the obvious ones that dogs shouldn’t be eating, also contribute to the healthy carb count.

3) Contains Healthy Fats

Don’t be fooled into thinking that carbs are the main energy source in a dog food. Fat is super easily metabolized and is a very underrated energy source, especially for very active dogs. 

As with any other ingredient, the sources need to be high-quality and all-natural in order for your pup to reap the benefits. Things like identified animal fat, fish oil, canola oil, and flaxseed add really good fats to your dog’s diet. 

4) No Artificial Ingredients

Choosing a dog food free from potatoes is great and all, but if you’re feeding your pet something that is only borderline real food, you aren’t helping their health at all anyway. 

Many foods contain artificial colors, artificial flavors, and artificial preservatives. The addition of these things is quite pointless, as they not only contain nothing of nutritional value. Besides, your dog also doesn’t particularly care what color his food is or if the flavor is better than the last one! 

5) Affordability

A quality dog food doesn’t have to break the bank. Most of the foods featured in this review are quite affordable but our Best Value for Money option is the Victor Classic Hi-Pro Plus Dry Dog Food.


Great Alternatives to Potatoes in Dog Foods

Sweet potatoes are the most common alternative to potatoes, but there are a few other veggies that serve the same purpose. 

Legumes are common additions to dog foods and are quite healthy, nutrition-packed ingredients. They include things like lentils, chickpeas, peas, and various kinds of beans. They’re higher in protein than other vegetables and also have a nice dose of fiber in them. 

Squashes are another one often seen on dog food labels. Pumpkin is the most commonly used, and provides fiber and vitamins and minerals. Less common ones are butternut squash and acorn squash. 

Grains are the other carbohydrate source that is often present in dog food instead of potatoes. While we recommend staying away from wheat, corn, and soy, foods that contain white or brown rice, barley, millet, or oatmeal are considered far healthier and easier to digest. 


Questions & Answers

Q: Are potatoes a nutritious dog food ingredient?

A: Although potatoes are a fantastic source of fiber and provide some vitamins and minerals, they don’t really offer much by way of nutrition. 

Potato by-products, such as potato protein and potato starch, are considered to be lower quality fillers, as they provide even less nutrition than whole potatoes. While not all dogs will react badly to potato, there are some that are intolerant to it and struggle to digest it.

Based on these two facts, that it has little nutritious value and can be hard to digest, we can consider potatoes to be a far less nutritious ingredient than other vegetables. Another reason potatoes are considered to be not the best ingredient for dogs is that they contain something called solanine, which is poisonous and can be reduced by cooking, but still has the potential to cause health problems.

Q: Are potatoes linked to heart disease in dogs?

A: In 2018, the FDA began looking into claims that grain free dog food was contributing to a disease called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. The disease causes an enlarged heart and can lead to a variety of problems, and eventually lead to death. 

The reason this has been flagged as having a possible link to grain free dog foods is that the disease has been showing up in dogs that are not genetically predisposed to it. In trying to figure out why this large range of pets have suddenly begun developing the condition, grain free food has come into the spotlight and the finger has been pointed at potatoes, which was the first ingredient to replace grains in such foods. 

Although there has been an in-depth investigation, which is still ongoing, no significant links have been found yet. Regardless of whether there is a link, though, the fact that potatoes are a common food intolerance in dogs is the main reason we’re looking at the best dog foods without potato that are also grain free today. 

Q: Are sweet potatoes the same?

A: Sweet potatoes are considered to be a better alternative than normal potatoes. They contain higher amounts of fiber and vitamins and minerals than normal potatoes, no solanine, and are a little more easily digested. 

Sweet potatoes are beginning to replace potatoes in many dog foods, and are considered a dense, slow-burning carbohydrate that provides sustained energy for your pup throughout the day between meals.

Mike Powell

Mike is an avid dog lover and writer. He’s based in Los Angeles, CA where he grew up in a household surrounded by pets. He’s been a dog owner all his life and he uses this extensive experience of having dogs as part of his family to share valuable, practical tips to improve other people’s dog parenting experience.