Purina Grain-free Dog Food Reviews

Last Updated on February 25, 2021

Purina began when William H. Danforth established the animal feed company Purina Mills in 1894.

Danforth formed a partnership with George Robinson and William Andrews and entered the business of feeding farm animals, founding Robinson-Danforth Commission Company.

Their brand created animal feed to what was and is still famously known as “chow.” Hence, “Purina Dog Chow”, “Purina Horse Chow”, “Purina Pig Chow” and many more were created.

Not long after, the company began producing cereal. Webster Edgerly promoted these Ralston’s breakfast cereals and became successful.

In fact, it was so successful that the company changed its name to Ralston-Purina Company.

However, amidst its success, Ralston sold Purina Mills in 1986, its U.S. animal feed business, to focus more on dog and cat food.

The Ralston breakfast cereals were turned into a new company called Ralcorp Holdings.

The animal feed business was turned into Agribrands which is now owned by Cargill. Cargill and Purina Mills continue to produce the Purina and Chow brands today.

On the 12th of December in 2001, Nestlé acquired Ralston Purina. The international presence of Nestlé allowed Purina products to reach pets and pet owners all over the world.

Today, Purina has 22 state-of-the-art facilities in North America. Purina is proud to say that 99% of their products are made and sourced in the U.S.A.

Best Purina Grain-free Dog Food Reviews

1. Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Adult Canned Wet Dog Food

Treat your dog to a meaty, nutrient-dense, grain-free dog food formula with this classic Purina SmartBlend True Instinct.

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It has the authentic taste of real poultry, fish, and beef meats because it has no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors added.

You can also give it as a meal because it’s considered to be a 100% complete and balanced meal. It can also be a topper to his favorite (dry) dog food for extra taste and texture.

This high-protein dog food is also rich in antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals. It’s made without corn, wheat, or soy.

The only downside, however, is this formula contains carrageenan.

Key Features

  • Wet dog food
  • Comes in 4 grain-free flavors (Beef & Wild-Caught Salmon, Chicken & Duck, Game Bird, Turkey & Venison)
  • Made with real beef, fish, and poultry meats
  • With antioxidants and vitamins and minerals to support his immune system
  • No poultry by-products, artificial flavor, colors, or preservatives
  • Contains no fillers.

2. Purina Beneful Adult Dry Dog Food

Grain-free has never been this good. Purina Beneful offers a dog food formula guaranteed to make even the pickiest dogs lick their bowl clean.

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This formula features chicken as the #1 ingredient with blueberries, pumpkin, and spinach – all naturally rich in essential vitamins.

You can be sure he gets the nutrients he needs because this formula is 100% complete and balanced. It boasts to be gluten-free, wheat-free, and corn-free.

It doesn’t make use of fillers, animal by-product meals, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Key Features

  • Features real chicken as the #1 ingredient with blueberries, pumpkin, and spinach
  • Enhanced with vitamins and minerals
  • Contains no artificial flavor, colors, or preservatives
  • Made without corn, wheat, soy, or fillers
  • Free from any animal by-product meals

3. Purina Beyond Grain-Free, Natural, Adult Ground Entrée Wet Dog Food

Show your love and make him look forward to mealtimes by incorporating Purina Beyond Grain-free into his diet.

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This straightforward recipe only makes use of ingredients you know and love, so you recognize exactly what your dog is eating.

This certified grain-free formula highlights the use of real fish, poultry, and beef meats as the #1 source of protein.

Plus, it includes naturally-rich fiber vegetables and legumes such as carrots, peas, sweet potato, green beans, and spinach.

You can even mix it up now and then because this recipe is available in 10 different grain-free flavors – all equally delicious and nutritious.

For a high-protein bowl, you can mix Purina Beyond Grain-free wet dog food and one of Purina’s dry dog food recipes.

This recipe doesn’t contain any corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-product meals, artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors.

The minerals in this recipe, however, do not appear to be chelated. This makes it difficult for dogs to absorb. This recipe also makes use of carrageenan.

Key Features 

  • Wet dog food
  • Available in 10 different flavors
  • Features real poultry, fish, and beef meat
  • Mixed with wholesome vegetables and legumes like carrots, peas, spinach, sweet potato, and green beans rich in fiber.
  • Enhanced with vitamins and minerals
  • No corn, wheat, or soy
  • No poultry by-product meals
  • No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives added.

Also related: Best Wet Dog Food

4. Purina Pro Plan Grain-Free Adult Canned Wet Dog Food

Give your dog a tail-wagging experience during mealtimes with Purina Pro Plan Grain-free wet dog food.

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This grain-free dog food offers that natural meaty flavor he will adore without worrying about toxic preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors.

The #1 ingredient in this recipe is real beef and poultry meats making this delicious treat rich in protein and good for maintaining lean muscle mass.

Tip: Combining Purina Pro Plan Grain-free wet dog food with Purina’s premium adult dry kibbles will result in an out of this world bowl of goodness.

This product contains carrageenan and meat by-products. Meat by-product is an anonymous ingredient that can come from any animal. Hence, if your dog is allergic to specific meat, this may not be for him.

You can read more of meat by-products in the Ingredients Analysis below.

Key Features

  • Wet dog food
  • Available in 9 different grain-free flavors
  • The #1 ingredient is real beef and poultry meats.
  • No corn, wheat, or soy
  • No artificial colors, preservatives, or flavoring added.

Also related: Purina Pro Plan Dog Food Reviews

5. Purina Beyond Grain-Free, Natural, Chicken & Egg Adult Dry Dog Food

Need a +1 for one of Purina’s line of wet dog food? Then Purina Beyond Grain-free dry dog food is what you’re looking for.

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This recipe boasts to be grain-free and gluten-free and made with only a limited number of ingredients. It’s safe to say that all the ingredients are wholesome and well-thought of.

This high-protein dry dog food highlights the use of real white meat chicken raised without steroids. It has no preservatives, artificial flavor, or coloring added.

It also features natural probiotics to help support your dog’s digestive system. Plus, it has taurine – an essential amino acid and a nutrient most dogs have a deficiency in. Adding this amino acid, especially in a grain-free recipe is admirable.

Furthermore, you can improve his meal to have more protein, more variety, and more taste by mixing Purina Beyond Grain-free dry dog food with Purina Beyond Natural wet dog food.

Key Features

  • Dry dog food
  • Limited ingredient
  • Gluten-free
  • Made with real white chicken meat without steroids.
  • With natural probiotics to support digestive health
  • Added with taurine and other vitamins and minerals for heart function and support a long, healthy life
  • No corn, wheat, or soy
  • No poultry by-product meal
  • No artificial colors, flavor, or preservatives added.

6. Purina Beyond Wild Grain Free, Natural, High Protein Adult Dog Food

Give him a formula that will surely power him through playtime by giving Purina Beyond Wild.

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This high-protein dog food formula is made only with U.S. farm-raised poultry and livestock without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives added.

It comes in a nutrient-dense crunchy kibble with real freeze-dried meat bites for a certified bowl of goodness.

More than anyone, Purina knows how important nutrition is for our dogs. This is why they only utilized ingredients we recognize, so you know exactly what you’re giving your dog.

This high-quality formula is also free from corn, wheat, and soy, marking it certified safe for dogs with sensitivities.

Key Features

  • Available in wet and dry formula (Turkey & Lentil, Beef, Liver & Lamb, Turkey, Liver & Duck)
  • Made with U.S. farm-raised turkey
  • Contains 31% of protein to help maintain lean muscles
  • Comes in a tasty combination of crunchy kibble and real freeze-dried bites of chicken
  • No corn, wheat, or soy
  • No poultry by-product meal
  • No artificial colors, preservatives, or flavoring added.

7. Purina Beyond Simply, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

Ever since the FDA has warned pet owners about DCM (Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy) in dogs when feeding grain-free dog foods, many fur-parents have switched to formulas like Purina Beyond Simply.

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This recipe is not 100% grain-free, but it’s guaranteed free from corn, wheat, or soy. Instead, it uses whole oatmeal and barley as sources of carbohydrates.

This recipe is the perfect formula if you’re looking for something in the middle of grain-free and grain-inclusive.

This all-natural dog food uses real lamb meat as its first ingredient and added healthy ingredients like sunflower oil for omega-6 fatty acids.

Now with a new look and improved formula, it’s also added with natural probiotics for digestive health.

It has no poultry by-product meal, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives added.

Key Features

  • Dry dog food
  • Grain-inclusive but without wheat, corn, or soy.
  • Made with real lamb meat to help maintain lean muscles
  • Has omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
  • With other essential vitamins and minerals
  • Added with natural probiotics to support a healthy digestive system
  • No poultry by-product meals
  • No artificial flavor, coloring, or preservatives

Also related: Best Dog Food

8. Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct High Protein, Natural, Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food

Active dogs, paws up! Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Grain-free dog food is specially formulated for you.

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This veterinarian recommended formula can keep up with your dog’s high energy needs without using corn, wheat, or soy.

There’s no need to add vitamins, minerals, or other supplements to his diet (unless specified by his veterinarian) because Purina True Instinct is 100% complete and balanced.

The guaranteed presence of 30% protein, plus calcium, phosphorus, and glucosamine, make sure his muscles are strong and his joints are in top condition.

It also has omega-6 fatty acids and taurine to support healthy skin and coat condition and healthy heart function.

The natural antioxidants present helps your dog to have a healthy oxidative balance.

Furthermore, the delicious blend of crunchy kibble and tender meaty morsels will make even the pickiest dogs lick their bowl clean.

Try this recipe and see for yourself why it’s one of the best-selling grain-free formulas from Purina.

Key Features 

  • Dry dog food
  • Available in 2 still grain-free flavors (Beef, Chicken)
  • 100% complete and balanced formula
  • Made with real beef and chicken meat
  • Has 30% protein perfect for active dogs
  • Guaranteed levels of calcium, phosphorus, and glucosamine for strong muscles and healthy joints
  • Enhanced with omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
  • With antioxidants for a strong immune system
  • Fortified with taurine for a healthy heart function and essential vitamins and minerals
  • No artificial flavors, preservatives, or poultry by-product meal

9. Purina Pro Plan Sport, Energy & Vitality Support, High Protein Dry Dog Food

Plant the first seeds of success by starting him right with Purina Pro Plan, Energy & Vitality Support.

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This all-life stages formula features a unique blend of 30% protein and 20% fat to help fuel metabolic needs and maintain lean muscles.

The protein in this formula is sourced from real chicken meat without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Additionally, because it’s grain-free, Purina sourced their carbohydrates from alternative sources without corn, wheat, or soy.

Purina Pro Plan Sport understands that to reach his full potential, his body must be able to keep up with the long hours of training.

That is why Purina Pro Plan designed this formula to include essential amino acids and vitamins and minerals such as EPA, glucosamine, calcium, and phosphorus.

These will help him nourish his muscles, build strong bones, recover from rigorous exercises, and build his endurance.

Don’t let grain sensitivities stop him from achieving greatness. Try Purina Pro Plan Sport now.

Key Features

  • Dry dog food
  • All-life stages formula
  • Specially made to meet the needs of active, competitive dogs.
  • Formulated to have 30% protein and 20% fat for good metabolism and maintaining lean muscles
  • With EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid that supports joint health and mobility
  • With antioxidants for a healthy immune system and protection against free radicals
  • Has calcium, phosphorus, and other vitamins and minerals for overall health
  • No corn, wheat, or soy
  • No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives added.
  • No poultry by-product meal

Also related: Best Grain-free Dog Food

Purina Grain-free Ingredients Analysis 

Chicken refers to the clean combination of flesh and skin that’s derived from parts or whole carcasses of chicken. It’s naturally rich in the 10 essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life.

Beef is a quality item that has a high moisture content. After raw beef is cooked, most of the moisture is lost. Hence, the meat content will be reduced and will most likely account for just a small part of the total content.

Liver is considered to be a quality ingredient. But in Purina’s case where they don’t identify the source, it can be difficult to judge. Nonetheless, liver is a nutritious ingredient.

Chicken meal is a meat concentrate containing 300% more protein than fresh chicken.

Beef fat or tallow is a quality ingredient acquired from rendering meat.

Chicken broth adds flavor and moisture to canned dog foods. But they are only of modest nutritional value to dogs.

Guar gum is a gelling or thickening agent found mostly in wet dog foods and adds a notable amount of dietary fiber.

Potassium chloride is a nutritional supplement sometimes used as a replacement for the sodium found in salt.

Dried egg product is a dehydrated form of shell-free eggs. However, depending on the source, quality can differ significantly. Low-quality egg products can be eggs that have failed to hatch from commercial hatcheries.

In dry dog food, pea starch is a common ingredient. It’s a paste-like, gluten-free carbohydrate extract used as a binder in making kibble.

Other than its energy content (calories), pea starch is only of modest nutritional value to dogs.

Canola meal is a by-product of canola oil production. It’s considered to be a controversial ingredient because it can be derived from genetically modified rapeseed.

Nonetheless, canola meal can boost the total protein reported on the label. It’s a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of the product.

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, minerals, and dietary fiber.

Dried peas are a good source of carbohydrates and are naturally rich in dietary fiber.

Cassava root flour is a gluten-free carbohydrate extract acquired from the root of the cassava plant.

Sunflower oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids but is considered to be less nutritious than canola or flaxseed oils.

Taurine deficiency is commonly observed in dogs who are on a grain-free diet. That said, the addition of taurine in a grain-free formula is commendable. Taurine is an amino acid that is associated with a healthy heart function.

Dried fermentation products are added probiotics that aid in your dog’s digestion.

Glycerin is a natural sweetener and humectant used in the food industry. In the case of dog foods, glycerin helps preserve the moisture content of the product.

Meat by-products are generally a nutritious ingredient. But it’s important to note that it is anonymous. This means that the meat can come from any animal such as pigs, cattle, or sheep – making it impossible to determine food allergies.

Meat by-product comes from slaughterhouse waste. These are the remains of slaughtered animals after the prime cuts have been removed.

Fish oil is naturally rich in EPA and DHA – 2 high-quality types of omega-3 fatty acids. EPA and DHA boast the highest bio-availability to dogs and humans.

Dried yeast is rich in healthy nutrients and contains about 45% protein. But depending on who you listen to, it can be a dangerous ingredient.

Patrons believe yeast repels fleas and supports the immune system. However, others believe that yeast is linked to allergies and causes a life-threatening condition known as bloat.

The latter hasn’t been proved scientifically, and the former is only applicable if your dog is specifically allergic to the yeast itself. If he is otherwise not allergic to it, yeast can be a nutritious addition.

In wet dog foods, carrageenan is almost always present. Carrageenan is a gelatin-like thickening derived from seaweeds.

Although it has been used as an additive for a long time, this ingredient is facing controversy regarding its long-term biological safety.

Menadione sodium bisulfite complex (vitamin K) is a controversial form of vitamin K because it has been linked to liver toxicity, allergies, and abnormal breakdown of red blood cells.

Oatmeal is a whole-grain product made from coarsely ground oats. It’s naturally rich in B-vitamins, dietary fiber and (depending on its purity) can be considered gluten-free.

Barley is a starchy carbohydrate rich in fiber and nutrients. However, compared to other ingredients, barley is only of modest nutritional value to dogs.

Beet pulp is a high fiber by-product of sugar beet processing. Although some approve of its use because of its intestinal health and blood sugar benefits, some see it as an inexpensive filler.

Purina Recall History 

In March 2016, Purina voluntarily recalled some of Pro Plan Savory Meals varieties because of inadequate vitamins and minerals. The following varieties were:

  • Purina Pro Plan Savory Meals Braised Chicken Entrée
  • Purina Pro Plan Savory Meals Braised Pork Entrée
  • Purina Pro Plan Savory Meals Braised Turkey Entrée
  • Purina Pro Plan Savory Meals Grilled Salmon Entrée
  • Purina Pro Plan Savory Meals Braised Beef & Rice Entrée

The recall also included Beneful Prepared Meals and Beneful Chopped Blends wet dog food. They were as follows:

  • Beneful Prepared Meals Beef Stew
  • Beneful Prepared Meals Chicken Stew
  • Beneful Prepared Meals Simmered Beef Entrée
  • Beneful Prepared Meals Simmered Chicken Medley
  • Beneful Prepared Meals Beef & Chicken Medley
  • Beneful Prepared Meals Roasted Chicken Recipe
  • Beneful Prepared Meals Roasted Turkey Medley
  • Beneful Prepared Meals Savory Rice & Lamb Stew
  • Beneful Chopped Blends with Beef, Carrots, Peas & Barley
  • Beneful Chopped Blends with Chicken, Carrots, Peas & Wild Rice
  • Beneful Chopped Blends with Lamb, Brown Rice, Carrots, Tomatoes & Spinach
  • Beneful Chopped Blends with Chicken, Liver, Peas, Brown Rice & Sweet Potatoes
  • Beneful Chopped Blends with Salmon, Sweet Potato, Brown Rice & Spinach
  • Beneful Chopped Blends with Turkey, Sweet Potato, Brown Rice & Spinach

In August 2013, The FDA recalled Purina ONE Beyond Our White Meat Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food because of possible salmonella risk.

May 2012. The FDA recalled Purina Veterinary Diets OM Overweight Management canned cat food because of low levels of thiamine.

July 2011. The FDA recalled Purina ONE Vibrant Maturity 7+ dry cat food because of possible salmonella risk.

In June 2011, Purina voluntarily recalled their Purina Cat Chow Naturals because of possible salmonella risk.

Final Verdict: Is Purina Grain-free Good for Dogs?

Generally speaking, Purina’s grain-free formulas are great. However, some recipes definitely outshine others because of their better nutritional content.

If you don’t know, the FDA has warned pet owners about the risk of dogs developing canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) when eating certain grain-free foods.

And although Purina is not one of the brands mentioned and the FDA is still investigating the link between diet and DCM, one can never be too sure.

It was found that dogs who are strictly on a grain-free diet are most likely deficient in an amino acid known as taurine.

But one thing is for sure: taurine deficiency can cause DCM and is widely associated with the disease.

That said, the addition of this healthy heart nutrient in a grain-free formula is commendable.

I recommend choosing Purina grain-free dog food that has taurine present. Grain-free formulas that have probiotics and antioxidants are also great.

Highly recommended.

Also related: Purina Dog Food Reviews

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