Is Grain Free Dog Food Good?

Grain-free diets have surged in popularity among Australian pet parents looking for natural, nutrient-dense food. Trusted Australian-made dog food brands such as LifeWise Pet Food, Black Hawk and Prime100 now offer premium options, including the innovative Steam Rolls, Air-Dried, High Meat and Slow-Cooked ranges. These recipes emphasise real meat, fewer fillers and gentle carbohydrates—providing better digestion, skin and coat support, and steady energy compared with many grain-inclusive alternatives.

At ADS Pet Store in Moorabbin, we make it simple to choose the right diet for your dog—shop online for fast Melbourne delivery or convenient Click & Collect. In this guide, we’ll explain what makes grain-free dry food different, when it’s the best choice, and how to match it to your dog’s age, size and lifestyle.

Benefits of Grain-Free Recipes: Higher-Quality Ingredients & Better Digestion

One of the key benefits of grain free dog food is the use of premium ingredients with higher meat content and fewer fillers. Many Australian-made dog food brands, including LifeWise and Black Hawk, focus on real meat—such as chicken, lamb and turkey—as the first ingredient. This ensures dogs receive essential amino acids for muscle development, repair and long-term vitality.

• Higher protein: Real meat as the first ingredient, supporting muscle health.
• Fewer fillers: Avoids corn, wheat and other low-nutrition grains.
• Better digestion: Uses sweet potato and peas as gentle, low-GI carbs.
• More natural nutrition: Mimics a canine’s ancestral diet for vitality and energy.

In simple terms, grain diets fill the bowl, but grain-free diets fuel the body—delivering protein-rich nutrition that more closely mimics a natural canine diet.

Grain-Free for Dogs with Sensitivities

Many dogs experience food intolerances or ingredient-related allergies, and grains such as wheat or corn are common triggers. Switching to a grain-free formula for allergies can help reduce digestive issues, skin flare-ups, and overall discomfort. Limited-ingredient, single-protein diets are especially useful for sensitive pets, as they make it easier to identify and avoid problem ingredients.

For example, Prime100 Air-Dried Duck & Sweet Potato is an Australian-made dog food designed for dogs with food sensitivities. Similarly, the high-protein Black Hawk High Meat range removes grains and prioritises quality animal proteins, supporting easier digestion and improved nutrient absorption. These options are excellent choices if you’re looking for dog food for sensitive stomachs that still delivers complete and balanced nutrition.

Improved Skin and Coat Health: Omega-3 and Omega-6

One of the most noticeable benefits of choosing the right diet is improved skin and coat condition. Grains such as wheat and corn can sometimes contribute to inflammation, leading to dryness, itchiness or dull fur. In contrast, grain-free recipes are often enriched with essential fatty acids, making them an excellent choice of dog food for skin and coat health.

A great example is Black Hawk Grain Free Salmon, an Australian-made dog food rich in omega-3 and omega-6 from salmon and fish oil. These nutrients help support a glossy coat, reduce inflammation, and maintain healthy skin. By feeding a grain-free diet with balanced fatty acids, you can give your dog a shinier, softer coat while also supporting overall wellbeing.

Weight Management and Sustained Energy

Dogs that are prone to weight gain can benefit from switching to a diet with higher protein and lower-glycaemic carbohydrates. Weight management dog food with grain-free nutrition often helps keep dogs fuller for longer while reducing excess calories from fillers like rice or corn. Premium Australian-made dog food such as LifeWise Grain Free Turkey & Vegetables balances lean protein with fibre-rich vegetables, helping maintain a healthy weight without compromising nutrition.

For active and working breeds, the nutrient density of grain-free diets delivers consistent fuel for daily exercise and play. The Black Hawk High Meat range, with its 70% real meat content, is designed to sustain energy and muscle strength throughout the day. This makes it an excellent choice of dog food for active dogs—providing lasting vitality, better stamina, and all-round wellbeing.

Top Australian Grain-Free Dog Food Brands

Looking for trusted Australian-made grain-free dog food? Here’s a quick comparison of three leading brands available at ADS Pet Store, with links to their official sites and independent reviews.

Grain-Free vs Grain-Inclusive: Which Is Right for Your Dog?

While many pet parents choose grain-free formulas, it’s important to remember that not every dog requires this type of diet. The key difference in grain free vs grain inclusive dog food comes down to ingredients and digestibility. Grain-inclusive diets can still be highly nutritious when they use whole grains like brown rice or oats, while grain-free diets may be more suitable for dogs with sensitivities or higher protein needs.

Choosing between the two depends on your dog’s age, breed size, activity level, and overall health. Some dogs thrive on balanced grain-inclusive diets, while others do better on grain-free options that prioritise animal proteins and low-glycaemic vegetables. For tailored advice, always consult your veterinarian—or speak with the team at ADS Pet Store (Moorabbin) for recommendations that suit your dog’s individual needs.

Veterinary guidance is essential—especially if your dog has pre-existing health issues such as heart disease or digestive disorders. A vet can help determine whether a grain-free or grain-inclusive diet is best for long-term wellbeing.

Conclusion – Choosing the Right Diet for Your Dog

Choosing the proper diet is essential for your dog’s long-term health and wellbeing. Australian-made grain-free diets from trusted brands such as LifeWise, Black Hawk (including Air Dried & High Meat), and Prime100 delivers premium nutrition that supports digestion, skin and coat health, and weight management.

Every dog is different, so always consult your veterinarian for tailored advice. For convenient shopping, explore our full grain free dog food collection online with fast Melbourne delivery or Click & Collect from ADS Pet Store in Moorabbin — your trusted destination for the best grain free dog food in Australia. You can also check independent feedback on ProductReview to see what other pet parents think before making your choice.

References

1. Whole Dog Journal – “Is Grain-Free Good for Dogs?” (2025). An article exploring when grain-free diets are beneficial and risks to consider.
   Read more on Whole Dog Journal
2. American Kennel Club (AKC) – “Is Grain-Free Dog Food Bad?” (Oct 24, 2021). Written by Caroline Coile, PhD. Explores concerns around grain-free diets, including taurine deficiency, legume-rich formulas, and potential risk for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in some dogs.
   Read “Is Grain-Free Dog Food Bad?” on AKC
3. PetMD – “Are Grain-Free Diets Bad for Dogs?” (2024). A veterinarian-backed article addressing common concerns and benefits.
   Read more on PetMD
4. Canine Journal – “Best Grain-Free Dog Food & Is It Bad for Your Pup?” (2024). Covers the science behind grain-free diets and what to look out for in dog food labels.
   Read more on Canine Journal

FAQs

Written by the ADS Pet Store Team, proudly based in Moorabbin VIC and serving Melbourne pet parents since 2017.