Grain free dog treats: A simple, honest guide to what they are and who they suit

"Grain free" is printed on more and more dog treat packets – but what does it actually mean, and does your dog need it? Some owners swear by grain free dog treats, others have read worrying headlines and aren't sure. This simple, honest guide explains what grain free means, how it differs from gluten free, who grain free treats may suit, what the research headlines were really about, and how to choose good-quality treats whatever you decide.

At a glance:

What it means: Grain free treats contain no cereal grains such as wheat, barley, oats, rice or maize.

Not the same as gluten free: Gluten free treats can still contain grains like rice or maize.

A personal choice: Many dogs eat grains without any problem; grain free suits owners who prefer simple, meat-first treats.

Look at the whole label: A short, clear ingredient list matters more than any single claim on the front.

In this guide:

• What are grain free dog treats?
• Grain free vs gluten free dog treats
• Why do owners choose grain free dog treats?
• Are grain free dog treats bad for dogs?
• Who might grain free treats suit?
• How to choose good grain free dog treats
• Common questions about grain free treats
• Choosing grain free treats for your dog

What are grain free dog treats?

Grain free dog treats are made without cereal grains. That means no:

• Wheat
• Barley
• Oats
• Rye
• Rice
• Maize (corn)

Instead, grain free treats are usually made from meat or fish, sometimes with vegetables, potato, sweet potato or pulses such as peas and lentils.

Grain free doesn't automatically mean healthy or simple. A grain free treat can still have a long ingredient list, lots of fillers or added flavourings. The label tells you more than the badge.

Grain free vs gluten free dog treats

These two are often confused.

• Gluten free means no gluten – a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Gluten free treats can still contain grains such as rice or maize.
• Grain free means no grains at all, so grain free treats are also gluten free.

If you're looking specifically for gluten free options, our gluten free dog treats collection makes it easy to browse.

Why do owners choose grain free dog treats?

Owners choose grain free treats for lots of reasons:

• Simplicity. Many grain free treats are meat-first, with very short ingredient lists.
• Sensitive dogs. Some owners find their dog does better on simpler treats. If your vet has advised avoiding a particular grain, grain free makes that easy.
• Fewer fillers. Owners who'd rather their dog's treats were mostly meat often look for grain free.
• Easier to check. When a treat is just one meat, there's very little to check on the label.

Single ingredient treats are often grain free by nature. Our guide to single ingredient dog treats explains why so many owners choose them.

Are grain free dog treats bad for dogs?

You may have seen headlines about grain free diets and dogs' heart health. Here's what they were actually about.

Between 2018 and 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) looked into reports of a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. Many of the dogs in the reports had been eating complete diets labelled grain free – and many of those diets were high in peas and/or lentils. In 2019 the British Veterinary Association advised caution while the research continued.

Some important points:

• It was about main meals, not treats. The investigation looked at complete diets – the food dogs eat every day – not occasional treats.
• No cause was established. The FDA said the link was a complex scientific issue that may involve multiple factors, and it ended its public updates in December 2022 without establishing that grain free diets cause DCM.
• Pulses were a focus. Much of the attention was on diets with lots of peas and lentils, rather than on grain free foods in general.

Treats should only make up a small part of your dog's food – PDSA recommends no more than 10% of their daily intake. So the bigger question is always what your dog eats for their main meals.

If you have any worries about your dog's diet or heart health, speak to your vet – they know your dog. If your dog has a health condition, is on medication or you're worried about a change in them, please speak to your vet first.

Who might grain free treats suit?

Grain free treats may suit:

• Dogs whose vet has advised avoiding certain grains.
• Dogs with sensitive tummies whose owners prefer very simple treats. Our complete guide to treats for sensitive dogs explains more.
• Owners who like to know exactly what's in their dog's treats.
• Training. Meaty grain free treats are often small, strong-smelling and very motivating.

Plenty of dogs eat grains without any problem, so grain free isn't a must. It's a choice – and a perfectly good one when the treat itself is high quality.

How to choose good grain free dog treats

When you pick up a packet, check:

• The first ingredient. Is it a named meat or fish – "chicken", "salmon" – rather than "meat derivatives"?
• How many ingredients. Shorter lists are easier to understand.
• What replaces the grains. Lots of potato, pea or lentil flour may mean less meat.
• Added extras. Avoid artificial colours, flavours and preservatives.
• How it's made. Gentle methods like air-drying keep treats simple. Our guide to whether air-dried dog treats are good for dogs explains how air-drying works.
• Size. Can you break it into small pieces for training?

When we first started looking closely at treat labels for Mr Barnaby and Miss Dixie, we were surprised how many "meaty" treats listed cereals and flours high up. That's a big part of why we keep ours so simple.

Common questions about grain free treats

Do grain free treats help with itchy skin?

Itchy skin can have lots of different causes, so it's best not to guess. If your dog is itchy, speak to your vet before changing their food or treats.

Are grain free treats better for puppies?

Not necessarily. Puppies need a complete diet suited to their age. Simple, small treats that suit your puppy's age are the most important thing.

Can I mix grain free and normal treats?

Yes – unless your vet has advised avoiding grains. Just introduce new treats one at a time if your dog has a sensitive tummy.

Choosing grain free treats for your dog

If you'd like grain free treats, look for ones that are:

• Meat-first, ideally a single named meat or fish.
• Simple, with a short ingredient list.
• Free from added nasties – no artificial colours, flavours or fillers.
• Easy to portion, so you can stay within your dog's daily allowance.

All our air-dried treats are grain-free, hypoallergenic and made with single proteins – chicken, duck, turkey, beef, lamb, rabbit, venison, wild boar, pheasant and salmon. Our Meaty Bites are small, tasty and ideal for training, and every pack is 100% one meat.

Summary:

Grain free dog treats are made without cereal grains such as wheat, barley, oats, rice and maize, and are also gluten free. Many dogs eat grains without any problem, so grain free is a choice rather than a must – but it suits owners who prefer simple, meat-first treats. The grain free heart health headlines were about complete diets, not treats, and no cause was established. Whatever you choose, look for a short, clear ingredient list.

FAQs:

Q1: Are grain free dog treats bad for dogs?

There's no evidence that grain free treats are bad for dogs. The FDA's research into grain free diets and heart health looked at complete diets, not treats, and didn't establish a cause. If you're worried about your dog's diet, speak to your vet.

Q2: What is the difference between grain free and gluten free dog treats?

Gluten free treats contain no wheat, barley or rye, but may still contain grains like rice or maize. Grain free treats contain no grains at all, so they're also gluten free.

Q3: Are grain free treats good for dogs with sensitive stomachs?

Some owners find simple, single-protein grain free treats suit their sensitive dog well. Introduce any new treat slowly, and speak to your vet if your dog has ongoing tummy troubles.

Q4: Do dogs need grain free treats?

No – many dogs eat grains without any problem. Grain free is a personal choice, or something your vet may suggest for your individual dog.

Q5: What should I look for in grain free dog treats?

A named meat or fish as the first ingredient, a short ingredient list, no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives, and a size that's easy to portion.

Q6: Are single ingredient treats grain free?

Usually, yes. A single ingredient treat made from just one meat or fish contains no grains. Always check the label to be sure.

Ready to keep it simple? Browse our grain free dog treats – natural, meaty and made with single proteins.

This guide is general information to help you care for your dog. It isn't a substitute for advice from your vet, who knows your dog's individual needs.