Do you feel like no mainstream dog foods are compatible with your dog? We’ve got the solution. Limited-ingredient dog foods are ideal for dogs with allergies, sensitive stomachs, and health-conscious owners who want to know exactly what they’re giving their pooch – without any rubbish. They’re also good for fussy eaters, as the more wholesome the formula, the tastier it is!
Let’s get into our top ten picks, and if you’re looking for something more specific, check out our list of the ten best hypoallergenic grain-free foods for dogs.
Quick disclaimer: We use affiliate links in this post. If you decide to purchase one of these products, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!
Top Picks
Best Raw Dog Food: Raw Paws Duck Recipe
Raw Paws Duck Recipe comes in 3 lb rolls and contains one ingredient – duck. It’s made by a family-owned business that supports animal-related charities, so you can feel extra good buying from them.
Key Features:
- 3 lb rolls
- 100% duck
- 80% muscle, 10% bone, 10% organs
- Frozen raw
- Family business
- Made in USA
What we like:
The Raw Paws Duck formula contains the brand’s signature blend of 80% duck muscle, 10% duck organs, and 10% duck bones, raised with no hormones, steroids, or antibiotics. The rolls are freshly made each week and comes frozen, to be stored in the fridge, and easily cuts into portions for mealtimes.
I also love that there are zero artificial ingredients, additives, or fillers, and the ducks are ethically raised.
What to consider:
This product is meant to be given to dogs as part of a meal, not the whole thing, so you’ll still need to buy a kibble or food containing whole nutrition for your dog.
Also, I highly recommend buying directly from Raw Paws if you’re trying it for the first time. While they do sell on Amazon, you have to buy 6 rolls at once. If your dog doesn’t like it, your kind of out of luck (not to mention money).
How to Save Money on RawPaws:
Use code: RawTake10 to save 10% OFF or save 15% off your first auto ship with the code AUTO.
Best Raw Dog Food
Raw Paws Signature Blend Pet Food – Duck Recipe
- Consists of a natural blend of 80% muscle, 10% organ, and 10% bone, reflecting a diet similar to wild ancestors, with no artificial ingredients, additives, or fillers.
- Available in 3 lb rolls, this raw dog food is easy to portion out.
- Each batch is freshly prepared weekly using locally sourced ingredients from the Midwest.
- Ethically raised ducks, no antibiotics, steroids, or added hormones.
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Best Entree: PetPlate Pork
PetPlate Pork is made with premium meat and real fruits and veggies to support skin and coat health. It’s high in fiber and grain-inclusive, 100% human-grade, and comes with a flexible, affordable subscription plan.
Key features:
- 16 oz tubs
- Made with premium meats, fruits & veggies
- Human-grade
- Made in small batches
- Whole-body support
- Contains superfoods like salmon oil & flaxseeds
- Flexible subscription plan
What we like:
It’s made in small batches in USDA-approved kitchens for extra quality control and features naturally supportive nutrients from salmon oil and flaxseeds.
The ingredients include pork, pork liver, barley, green beans, red peppers, and salmon oil, plus added vitamins and minerals for superior nutrition.
What to consider:
The food is part of a subscription plan, which may not be suitable for everyone. You can’t just buy it on its own, you have to go through the process of setting up a plan. However, if your dog doesn’t like it, you can cancel at any time.
How to Save money on PetPlate:
If you’re willing to give their subscription a try, you can get 61% off your first box and a FREE bag of treats or supplements!
Best Entree
PetPlate Power Packed Pork
- Premium meat and real veggies and fruit.
- Designed with your dog’s skin and coat in mind, featuring naturally supportive nutrients from salmon oil and flaxseeds.
- Crafted in small batches in USDA-approved kitchens.
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Best Tasting Dog Food: Sundays For Dogs All-Natural Turkey
Sundays For Dogs All-Natural Turkey Dog Food is designed by vets for whole and complete nutrition and comes picky-eater-approved. Made with 100% natural, human-grade ingredients, it’s air-dried to lock in freshness and flavor without compromising on nutritional value.
The turkey option contains nothing but turkey and delicious fruits and veggies like pumpkin and blueberries, and no refrigeration or preparation is necessary.
Key Features:
- Created by vets
- Fresh & air-dried
- All-natural wholesome formula
- Human grade ingredients
- Made in the USA
- Free from fillers & additives
- Picky-eater approved
- Noticeably improves health
- Easy to store & serve
- 40% cheaper
- Available in 40, 72, 144 oz bags
What we like:
The brand’s customer survey found that dogs who ate their food regularly saw improved overall health and well-being, with 40% softer coat, 41% more energy, and 30% improved weight.
Customer research even found that dogs were 40% more excited to eat with this food over others, winning a third-party taste test 39-0.
It’s also free from fillers & additives and 40% cheaper than other foods of similar quality.
What to consider:
There is nothing to complain about with this fabulous food, but it’s a subscription service, which again may not suit everyone. However, they do offer tailored and customized plans for a good price.
How to Save Money:
If you’re not sure your dog will like it, try a sample of Sundays for the low cost of shipping. You can also save money on your first order by signing up for their emails. You’ll see a pop-up when you first visit their site.
Best Tasting Dog Food
Sundays for Dogs All-Natural Turkey Dog Food
- Air-dried shelf-stable recipe.
- Sundays is only 1 of 2 foods available in the US that offers complete and balanced nutrition with zero synthetics.
- No fridge, prep, or clean-up required.
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Best Shelf-Stable Fresh Food: Just Food for Dogs Lamb & Brown Rice
The Just Food For Dogs Lamb & Brown Rice food comes in shelf-stable packaging that only needs to be refrigerated after opening, then eaten within 5 days. It’s a subscription service and has weekly delivery options that go up to every 12 weeks, which you can cancel anytime, plus free shipping and discounts on auto-ship orders.
Key features:
- Subscription service
- 6 or 12 packs of 12.5 oz food
- Shelf-stable packaging
- Flexible delivery options
- #1 vet-recommended dog food
- 100% human-grade ingredients
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Wholegrain, gluten-free & grain-free options
- $50.99 – $101.99
What we like:
This is the #1 vet-recommended dog food in the US and comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. It has hundreds of five-star reviews and is made with 100% wholesome and human-grade ingredients, like whole grains, meats, and fresh veggies.
It can be used as a complete meal or a topper with kibble for most breeds (check sizing guidelines), and it’s perfect for sensitive dogs and multi-dog homes as there are wholegrain, gluten-free, and grain-free options.
What to consider:
A subscription service might not work for everyone and it’s a bit on the pricey side, but very high quality and convenient. You can buy one-offs, but if you don’t spend at least $99 they charge a $19.99 fee.
How to Save Money:
First, if you just want to try different foods and see what your dog likes, you can save 40% off Sampler Variety Box.
Just Food for Dogs also runs a lot of “save on your first box” deals. For example, right now, it’s 50% off your first auto-ship. So, keep an eye out for that. The banner is usually below the menu (there’s sometimes another sales banner at the very top of the page with a different offer).
Best Shelf-Stable Fresh Food
Best Grain-Free Food: A Pup Above Porky’s Luau
A Pup Above Porky’s Luau is yummy, healthy, and grain-free. Available in 3 & 7-lb packs, the brand offers a one-time purchase option at $151.96 or subscribe & save for $136.76, with guaranteed tail wags as Dog Food Advisor’s Editor’s Choice.
Key features:
- 3 & 7 lb bags
- One-off purchases & subscription services
- Dog Food Advisor’s Editor’s Choice
- Single source protein
- 100% natural, wholesome, human-grade ingredients
- Hormone-free meat & non-GMO veggies
- Added bone broth & superfoods
What we like:
It’s made with 100% human-grade and natural ingredients, including single-source protein from real, hormone-free pork and non-GMO veggies, as well as superfoods like turmeric and thyme for healthy joints, digestion, and immunity. It also contains a delicious bone broth, rich in nutritious protein, collagen, and amino acids. Reviews say it goes down a treat with picky eaters.
What to consider:
It’s very expensive but ultra-high quality. They do have a risk-free guarantee, though. If your dog doesn’t like it, you can return it for a full refund.
How to Save Money:
Get $50 Off your 1st order with code TRYNOW.
Best Grain-Free Food
Best Vet-Developed: Spot & Tango Lamb & Brown Rice
The Spot & Tango Lamb & Brown Rice food was developed by vets and made with 100% fresh, natural ingredients. It also comes in a bunch of other flavors if your dog gets bored easily, as well as hypoallergenic, gluten-free & grain-free options. The brand allows you to customize your plan to your dog’s needs, and it’s conveniently packaged without the need for a freezer.
Key features:
- 100% fresh & natural
- Vet developed
- Nutritiously whole & balanced
- Air-dried
- Free from fillers & GMOs
- Subscription service
- Customizable plan
- Easy to store & use
- 40% cheaper than other fresh-frozen dog foods
What we like:
The yummy formula is designed for whole and balanced whole-body nutrition. It contains real lamb, whole grains, and nutrient-rich fruits and veggies that are gently dried at a low temperature, without the use of fillers or additives for peak taste.
It’s also 40% less expensive than fresh-frozen dog foods, so it’s excellent value for money.
What to consider:
As with the other brands so far, this one is a subscription-based product. It’s also another one that makes you go through the whole process of telling them about your dog before you can really get into the options.
Don’t worry, this is the last subscription dog food on this list. 🙂
Best Vet-Developed
Best For Skin & Coat: Earthborn Holistic Venture Alaska Pollock Meal & Pumpkin Limited Ingredient
The Earthborn Holistic Venture Alaska Pollock Meal & Pumpkin Limited Ingredient food is rich in Omegas for healthy skin and coat and provides whole and balanced nutrition for dogs of all sizes and life stages.
Key features:
- Comes in 12.5 lb bags
- For all life stages
- Sustainably sourced wild-caught Alaska Pollock
- California pumpkin
- Promotes whole-body health
- Free from grains, GMOs, fillers & more
- Sustainable packaging
- $59.23
What we like:
It’s made with sustainably sourced wild-caught Alaska Pollock from the Bering Sea and pumpkin from Californian fields. It’s also packed with essential vitamins and minerals and it’s rich in protein and fiber for strong muscles, high energy, and healthy digestion.
It’s grain-free and free from gluten, corn or soy, GMOs, fillers, and additives. We also love the exclusively crafted Plant Bag resealable packaging, which contains around 30% plant-based plastics and keeps food fresh.
What to consider:
Some dog owners feel that the fish smell is way too strong with this food. If you’re super sensitive to fishy odors, you may want to try something else.
Also, if you choose to buy it on Amazon, make sure that Earthborn is the seller. Too many 3rd-party sellers (or I guess in this case, that would be 4th party?) sell expired and damaged products or knockoffs masquerading as the real deal.
Best For Skin & Coat
Best Canned Food: Against the Grain Nothing Else Grain Free One Ingredient 100% Duck Canned Dog Food
The Against the Grain Nothing Else Grain Free One Ingredient 100% Duck Canned Dog Food is our favorite wet food pick. It comes in 12 packs of 11 oz cans and it’s suitable for dogs of all sizes and life stages.
Key features:
- Available to buy in 12 packs of 11 oz cans
- 100% duck
- Vacuum packed
- Cooked in the can
- Free from all additives & fillers
- Kosher & made in USA
What we like:
Duck is the sole ingredient, so it’s a brilliant food topper for a punch of delicious, healthy protein. Duck is also nutrient-rich and low in saturated fats. It’s completely free from artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, and grains, and it’s cooked in the can to seal in nutrients and taste.
What to consider:
It literally only contains duck. As with most single-ingredient foods, this product is meant to supplement other foods and enhance daily meals, rather than be a whole meal.
Best Canned Food
Against The Grain Pet Food Nothing Else Duck 12/11 Oz
- Single-ingredient, hypoallergenic and 100% paleo formula contains only pure duck and no extra ingredients.
- Great for dogs of all breeds and ages with food sensitivities, allergies, or on limited ingredient diets.
- Vacuum-packed and cooked in the can to lock in flavor and nutrients, with zero grains, gluten, gums, corn, wheat, soy, additives, fillers or GMO foods.
- Farm to can formula is proudly made in the USA, kosher, and cooked in a BPA-free can.
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Best For Sensitive Tummies: CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Bison, Lentil & Carrot Recipe Dry Dog Food
CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Bison, Lentil & Carrot Recipe Dry Dog Food comes in 4, 10, 12, 21, and 24-pound bags and eight delicious flavors, including bison, lentil & carrot. It’s designed with sensitivities in mind.
Specifications:
- Less than ten ingredients
- All-natural
- No fillers
- Five bag size options
- HealthPLUS blend of nutrients
- Made in the USA
What we like:
It contains less than ten ingredients for sensitive systems, all of which are natural and recognizable, including real meat and vegetables, and no fillers, grains, or additives.
Their food is also fortified with the brand’s special HealthPLUS blend of essential vitamins, minerals, probiotics, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids for whole-body health and vitality.
What to consider:
If your dog is allergic to beef, you may want to go with another brand. Yes, I know, bison and cows are different animals. In my experience with dogs who had beef allergies, though, bison also aggravated their issues.
Also, one or two reviews mention receiving faulty items on Amazon. Again, making sure you’re buying from a legit source will help avoid that issue.
Best For Sensitive Tummies
Canidae Pure Real Bison, Lentil & Carrot Recipe Adult Dry Dog
- Real food ingredients for the taste your dog will love.
- Crafted with real bison as the first ingredient, paired with whole ingredients like sweet potatoes, peas, lentils and carrots.
- This recipe is made using 10 or fewer key ingredients that are easily recognizable, perfect for sensitive dogs.
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Best For Allergies: Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Oatmeal Formula Dry Dog Food
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Oatmeal Formula Dry Dog Food is designed with allergy-prone and intolerant dogs in mind. It’s an all-natural, simple but tasty formula that is made in the USA, packed with superfoods and probiotics for gut health.
Key features:
- Comes in 26 & 40 lb bags
- Single source protein
- Nutrient-dense
- Superfoods & probiotics
- Free from common allergens & fillers
- Made in the USA
What we like:
Lamb is the sole protein source, with superfoods like flaxseed and oatmeal for easily digestible carbohydrates. It’s packed with natural probiotics, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids, plus glucosamine and taurine, for strong immunity, heart health, gut health, and a healthy coat and skin. It’s also free from GMOs, meat by-products, wheat, corn, dairy, eggs, and artificial additives.
What to consider:
It’s extremely expensive and of course, if your dog cannot handle grains of any kind, it won’t be suitable for them as it does contain oats.
Best For Allergies
FAQs about Limited-Ingredient Dog Food
Now that you have some good ideas in mind, let’s just go over a few FAQs about LI dog food.
What is limited ingredient dog food?
Limited ingredient dog food is specially formulated with fewer components than traditional dog food, typically featuring one protein source and a minimal number of carbohydrate sources. This simplicity helps minimize the risk of allergic reactions and is easier on a dog’s digestive system.
What are common ingredients in limited ingredient dog foods?
Common ingredients include a single source of protein like salmon, lamb, or duck, and simple carbohydrates like sweet potato, peas, or brown rice. These foods are typically free from common allergens such as corn, wheat, soy, dairy, and eggs.
Are limited ingredient diets nutritionally complete?
Yes, despite having fewer ingredients, these diets are formulated to meet all the nutritional needs of dogs. They often include vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids to ensure a balanced diet.
Can limited ingredient dog food help with allergies?
Yes, by limiting the number of ingredients, these diets reduce the potential for allergens that can cause reactions in sensitive dogs. Many pet owners notice improvements in their dogs’ symptoms after switching to a limited ingredient diet.
Is limited ingredient dog food more expensive?
It can be, due to the higher quality of ingredients and specialized formulations. However, the cost can be offset by the potential reduction in vet bills for allergies and other health issues.
Can any dog benefit from limited ingredient dog food?
While it is safe for any dog to eat, it’s specifically beneficial for those with specific health concerns. Dogs without these issues can eat a more varied diet unless otherwise advised by a vet.
That’s our list! Usually, I’d give you a “final recommendation,” but limited ingredient dog foods aren’t really “one size fits all.” Choose the one that meets your pup’s dietary needs AND your budget.
Let us know your thoughts down below. If you’re interested in more doggie food content, check out our articles on homemade treats!
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