7 Best Dog Foods Without Potatoes

Most dog owners can’t imagine their lives without mashed potatoes, french fries, tater tots, hash browns, and don’t forget roast potatoes. Potatoes contain valuable nutrients for humans, but they might not be as healthy for dogs. In fact, potatoes can cause a potentially deadly disease in dogs with allergies to potatoes. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, potatoes can cause Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). Hence, the demand for the best dog foods without potatoes.

DCM is a heart muscle disease that leads to reduced heart pumping function and increased heart size. The heart function and structure alterations can have severe consequences, such as congestive heart failure or sudden cardiac death. The most common cause of DCM is genetic. However, on rare occasions, other factors can also result in the condition, particularly in breeds that are not frequently affected.

This does not mean giving your dog the occasional french fry or tater tot will cause his death. Properly cooked potatoes, in small portions, will only cause problems if your precious pooch reacts to allergens in potatoes. Although potatoes contain vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, and many other nutrients that dogs need, they also contain solanine.

What Makes Potatoes Toxic to Dogs?

White potatoes belong to the nightshade family of vegetables, which includes tomatoes. Like tomatoes, raw potatoes contain solanine, a compound that is toxic to some dogs. However, cooking a potato reduces the levels of solanine. Therefore, you should never feed your dog a raw potato. Solanine levels are significantly higher in potatoes with green skins.

Properly boiled or baked potatoes, not fried in oil, and without additives like butter and seasonings might be safe. However, potatoes are rich in carbs, which can cause health issues like obesity if your canine companion gets too many potato treats. Most importantly, diabetic dogs could experience dangerous blood sugar spikes.

If you suspect your dog ingested raw potato, watch out for symptoms of solanine intoxication. The symptoms include lethargy, diarrhea, and vomiting, and urgent veterinary care would be crucial.

Are Potatoes in Dog Food a Health Risk?

Raw potatoes are toxic to dogs. Kibble and canned dog food go through extremely high temperatures during manufacturing. Therefore, the potato contents in commercial dog foods are no longer raw, nor toxic. However, their high carbohydrate levels could have adverse effects on dog health.

A dog’s body should get most of its nutrients from animal protein. Therefore, many dog owners prefer dog foods with sufficient meat-based proteins instead of relying on the carbs in potatoes to provide energy. Although potatoes contain multiple valuable nutrients, they are not essential, and dogs can do well without starchy potatoes.

It is always best to discuss your dog’s dietary needs with your vet if you suspect your furry friend needs a diet change. If you have questions about the best dog foods without potatoes, Dog Food Care attempt to answer them in this list of 10 potato-free dog foods.

The Best Dog Foods Must Be Complete and Balanced

Choosing the best food for your furry family member is a challenge and not a job to do without doing your research. Can you trust the manufacturer’s claim that the dog food is “Complete and Balanced?” Clever marketing tricks can convince dog owners to buy low-quality dog foods. What is good for your friend’s Jack Russel might not be the best choice for your German Shepherd.

For any dog food to be marketed as Complete and Balanced, it must meet the nutritional standards established by AAFCO. It is an acronym for the Association of American Feed Control Officials, a non-profit organization that sets standards for pet foods in the United States. The AAFCO defines nutritional adequacy standards by two nutrient profiles based on a dog’s stage of life. However, no law makes testing, analysis, or inclusion on dog food labels compulsory in the U.S.

Complete and balanced dog foods will display the AAFCO approval and one of the following symbols. Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Dog Food Care’s Top Picks of Dog Food Without Potatoes

• Best Overall – ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
• Best for Budget – Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Natural Dry Dog Food
• Best For Puppies – American Journey Puppy Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
• Best for Senior Dogs – Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food
• Best Canned Food for Seniors – Blue Buffalo Freedom Senior Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
• Best for Multi-dog Households: CANIDAE Multi-Protein Formula Dry Dog Food
• Best for Dogs with Food Sensitivities: Earthborn Holistic Venture Alaska Pollock Meal & Pumpkin Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
  

1. ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Flounder, Whole Mackerel, Chicken Liver
• Guaranteed Analysis: 38% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
• Dry Matter Basis: Protein 43%, Fat 20%, Fiber 4.5%, Carbs 31%
• Caloric Content: 473 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: 85% premium animal ingredients including poultry and fish, for a strong source of essential protein, vitamins, and minerals.
• Type of Product: Potato-Free, Grain-Free food
• Life Stage: Adult All Breeds
• Average Price: $99.99 per 25-lb bag = $3.99-lb
• Best for: Overall Best

This dry food features fresh or raw free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught or sustainably farmed fish and cage-free chickens. Crafted with the most nutrient-dense and succulent parts of the prey. This recipe also includes WholePrey animal ingredients, including organs and bone, delivering 85% quality animal ingredients.

2. Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Natural Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat (preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)
• Guaranteed Analysis: 20% Crude Protein, 13% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Dry Matter Basis: Protein 22%, Fat 14%, Fiber 5%, Carbs 58%
• Caloric Content: 325kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Only 6 ingredients, with lamb at number one.
• Type of Product: Potato-Free, Limited Ingredient, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Gluten Free, Pea-Free, With Grain.
• Life Stage: Adult All Breeds
• Average Price: $99.99 per 25-lb bag = $3.99-lb
• Best for: Budget

Rachael Ray Nutrish Limited Ingredient Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is a nutritious and delicious option for adult dogs. It is a good option for picky dogs. This dog food has just six ingredients, plus added vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. They include taurine, which protects against heart disease. The limited ingredient recipe features lamb meal as the first ingredient. You can have peace of mind knowing that this canine kibble is completely free from corn, wheat, soy, and gluten. Furthermore, there are zero artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It is a healthy, potato-free option at an affordable price.

3. American Journey Puppy Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Chicken Meal (a source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Turkey Meal, Peas, Chickpeas
• Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Dry Matter Basis: Protein 24%, Fat 13%, Fiber 5.5%, Carbs 47%
• Caloric Content: 380 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: First three ingredients are meat sources
• Type of Product: Potato-Free, Grain-free dog food for puppies that’s also free of corn, wheat, and soy to help food-sensitive puppies avoid fillers that might upset their stomach
• Life Stage: Puppies
• Average Price: $52.99 per 24-lb bag = $2.21-lb
• Best for: Puppies

High-protein dog food with real, deboned lamb, full of amino acids that help maintain lean muscle mass already in puppyhood. Furthermore, Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate helps ensure the development of strong joints. Nutritious fruits and vegetables like blueberries, carrots and dried kelp provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for the immune system support. Phytonutrients also offer high antioxidant activity, and they are anti-inflammatory and have at least some anti-cancer action. Salmon oil and flaxseed provide both 3 and 6 omega fatty acids. It includes long-chain DHA, which supports your dog’s brain and eye development. It also helps maintain healthy skin and coat.

4. Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin), Whole Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Oats, Whole Grain Brown Rice
• Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 13% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Dry Matter Basis: Protein 28%, Fat 14%, Fiber 4.5%, Carbs 47%
• Caloric Content: 309 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: A formulated recipe for senior dogs, using only high-quality, real ingredients to provide complete and balanced nutrition.
• Type of Product: No artificial preservatives, flavors, colors, and chicken by-product meal. It is also potato, corn, wheat, and soy protein-free.
• Life Stage: Senior dogs
• Average Price: $59.98 per 30-lb bag = $1.99-lb
• Best for: Senior Dogs

Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food will make mealtime nutritious and delicious. Specially formulated for senior dogs, this dry recipe starts with real chicken as the main ingredient. Add lamb, salmon meal, and 15 superfoods, and you have a mouthwatering, healthy meal. This kibble provides a balanced, nutrient-rich diet that helps keep your precious pooch fit, and its coat and skin healthy. The glucosamine and chondroitin will assist in keeping joints well-oiled to promote your furry friend’s mobility throughout its golden years.

5. Blue Buffalo Freedom Senior Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Peas
• Guaranteed Analysis: 7% Crude Protein, 5.5% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
• Dry Matter Basis: Protein 31%, Fat 25%, Fiber 9%, Carbs 34%
• Caloric Content: 394 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Tender chunks of chicken, easy for senior dogs to chew
• Type of Product: Potato-Free and grain-free diet
• Life Stage: Senior dogs
• Average Price: $36.00 per 12 × 12.5-oz = $3.00-can
• Best for: Senior Dogs

Give your older doggy dude the nutrition he needs with Blue Buffalo Freedom Senior Wet Dog Food. Formulated for senior dogs, this tasty wet grain-free food contains only the finest naturally grain-free and wheat-free ingredients. It starts with tender chunks of high-quality chicken, packed with fruits and veggies, then enhanced with vitamins and minerals. Formulated with complex carbohydrates to promote an active lifestyle. The wholesome ingredients do not contain any wheat, grain, by-product meals, potatoes, corn, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Although it can be used as a topper on kibble, it is the perfect solution for your older canine with less than a full set of teeth left.

6. CANIDAE Multi-Protein Formula Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Oatmeal
• Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 4.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Dry Matter Basis: Protein 26%, Fat 11%, Fiber 10%, Carbs 57%
• Caloric Content: 506 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Includes HealthPLUS Solutions, a trio of probiotics, antioxidants, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids
• Type of Product: Potato-Free, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, With Grain
• Life Stage: Adults of all small breed and large breed dogs
• Average Price: $74.99 per 44-lb bag = $1.70-lb
• Best for: Multi Dog Households

Make mealtimes easy, tasty and nutritious with the CANIDAE All Life Stages Chicken, Turkey & Lamb Formula Dry Dog Food. This vet-formulated recipe is specifically designed for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages. It features premium ingredients and optimum protein and is completely free of corn, wheat, soy, and potatoes for the wholesome nutrition your dog deserves. This all-in-one approach to feeding makes mealtime for multi-dog households much simpler than dealing with multiple bags of different foods. Single-dog households will also enjoy the benefits—no more guessing or switching based on your dog’s age, breed, or size. One bag is all you need for the great-tasting nutrition your furry friend loves.

7. Earthborn Holistic Venture Alaska Pollock Meal & Pumpkin Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Alaska Pollock Meal, Pumpkin, Tapioca, Sunflower Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed
• Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 13% Crude Fat, 9% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Dry Matter Basis: Protein 28%, Fat 14%, Fiber 11%, Carbs 46%
• Caloric Content: 325 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Packed with nutrients for superb digestion, lustrous skin and coat, and optimal overall health
• Type of Product: Limited Ingredient, Potato-Free, and Grain-Free
• Life Stage: Adults of all breeds
• Average Price: $77.87 per 25-lb bag = $3.11-lb
• Best for: Dogs with food allergies or sensitive stomachs

Address skin or digestive sensitivities with the exceptional nutrition of Earthborn Holistic Venture Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dog Food. It has an irresistible flavor of fresh Alaska Pollock Meal, and contains no grain or gluten, corn or soy, fillers or additives. You’ll love knowing that your furry best friend is eating exceptional food made with superior ingredients. This limited ingredient diet is a rich source of protein and fiber. It also contains other essential nutrients required for superb digestion, lustrous skin and coat, and optimal overall health. In short, it is meticulously formulated to satisfy all of your dog’s nutritional needs.

How to Ensure Your Dog Food Choice is Potato-Free

Most pet owners will scan the ingredient list of their dog foods to ensure that potatoes are not present. Instead, they want to see quality protein from animal sources like poultry, lamb, beef, or even venison. However, potatoes can appear on ingredient lists of some dog food brands under different names. Dog owners should look for potato protein or potato starch. This could lead consumers to believe that isolated nutrients are fine.

However, the amino acids in potato-based proteins have a different profile than meat protein, which is far superior. Potato protein in a dog’s diet is not as easy to digest and absorb. Furthermore, the protein content in potatoes does not contain the complete amino acid profile that your pooch needs to thrive. Potato starch in dog food recipes typically serves as a binding or thickening agent and a carbohydrate source. It contains little or no nutritional value when compared to meat.

Hopefully, we were able to help you find the best dog food without potatoes?

If you are unsure whether your dog really needs to go potato-free, here you can find out more about the value of potatoes in a dog’s diet.

Can Dogs Eat Potatoes?