Dog Food Ingridients

In our analysis of 4258 dog food brands available on Chewy as of October 2022, only 1729 contain peas or chickpeas. Peas-inclusive diets represent about 41% of all brands which leaves about 49% as diets without peas. Before going into details on the recipes that rely on peas and those that don’t I want to provide some background to explain the benefits, uses, and drawbacks of peas in dog diets.

What are peas/or chickpeas?

Peas and chickpeas are the same thing, just called different names depending on their color. They’re both part of the legume family, which also includes beans and lentils. Peas are a good source of vitamins A, C and K, folate, manganese and fiber. Chickpeas contain slightly more calories and fat than peas but have more protein, calcium and iron.

In the past two years, pet food products containing yellow peas (Pisum sativum) have increased by 21%, says Debbie Phillips Donaldson of Pet Food Industry.

The increase in reliance on pulses like peas may be in response to the rise in popularity of grain-free diets. Peas are a good source of protein and fiber and can help give structure and texture to grain-free foods, Donaldson says. We also have a guide on legume-free dog food.

Are peas and pulses replacing grain-free diets?

No, not entirely. Pulses are often used as a partial replacement for grains in pet foods but they are not generally considered a grain-free ingredient.

While peas have become more popular in recent years, they are still only used in about 41% of all dog food recipes. This means that there are plenty of other options for those looking for grain-free diets.

Types of peas you’ll find in dog food diets:

• Yellow peas: These are the most common type of pea used in pet food.
• Green peas: These have a higher protein content than yellow peas and are more commonly used in human foods.
• Chickpeas: These are also known as garbanzo beans and have a slightly different nutritional profile to other types of peas.
• Pea concentrate/protein: This is a more concentrated form of pea that is

What are the benefits of peas in dog food?

Low glycemic index:

Peas have a low glycemic index, which means they are slowly digested and absorbed into the bloodstream. This is beneficial for dogs because it helps keep blood sugar levels stable.

High in fiber:

Peas are high in fiber, which is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Fiber helps add bulk to the stool and aids in the passage of food through the intestines.

A good source of protein:

Peas are a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle development, repair and maintenance.

Blood sugar regulation and weight management:

In obese dogs, pulses may aid in blood sugar management. In obese dogs, a diet including yellow field peas resulted in a reduced insulin response following a glucose challenge, suggesting improved metabolic health.

Contain antioxidants:

Pulses, such as peas, are high in antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds, as well as anti-inflammatory chemicals that promote blood vessel health.

Drawbacks of feeding peas to dogs:

Allergies:

While peas are not one of the most common allergens in dogs, they can still cause problems for some animals. If your dog is allergic to peas, they may experience itching, swelling, hives and difficulty breathing.

Digestive issues:

Some dogs may experience digestive upset when first introduced to peas, including diarrhea and vomiting. It’s important to introduce peas slowly to your dog’s diet to give their digestive system time to adjust.

Not all dogs need peas:

Pulses like peas can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet but they are not essential. If your dog is not overweight and has no issues with allergies or digestion, they may do just fine on a diet that does not include peas.

Which dog food brands use peas?

ACANA:

Most of Acana’s premium and limited-ingredient diets use peas. 15 brands from the total of 1789 belong to Acana. Some brands such as ACANA Rescue Care For Adopted Dogs Red Meat Sensitive Digestion Dry Dog Food and ACANA Free-Run Poultry Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food rely on peas. Acana uses green peas in their diets.

American Journey

46 brands of American Journey’s high-protein, as well as limited-ingredient diets, use pea protein – mostly concentrate to make up for the protein content.

Blue Buffalo:

Out of the 160 brands, Blue Buffalo uses peas in almost 60 formulas including grain-free and limited-ingredient foods. For example, BLUE Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food, BLUE Freedom Grain Free Chicken Recipe for Small Breeds Adult Dogs.

29 Top-rated Dog Food Brands without Peas (4.8/5+)

As of this analysis in Oct 2022, 2530 brands of dog food do not use peas and to narrow down the list to only those that are rated highly, below is a table with links and rating for each pea-free diets;

George Romell

Hello! My name is George Romell and recently joined Our Pets HQ to oversee quality and provide oversight in content being published. I am originally from the North West but currently reside in Upstate New York and work as a freelance journalist with a focus on dogs and cats. Here at Ourpetshq, I will be responsible for editing and improving older content that may have missed editorial checks. You can reach me at george@ourpetshq.com

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1519 out of 4257 dog food brands currently retailing on Chewy as of October 2022 use flaxseed as one of the ingredients. As a percentage, this means that 35.6% of all dog food brands contain flaxseed and similarly, about 64.4% of all brands do not use flaxseed. In this guide, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of flaxseed as well as provide a list of dog food brands that do not use this ingredient.

What is flaxseed?

Flaxseed is a type of seed that comes from the flax plant. This plant is native to the region stretching from the eastern Mediterranean to India. The flax plant has been cultivated for centuries for its fiber, which is used to make linen fabric. In recent years, flaxseed has become popular as a health food due to its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are beneficial for human health, but they are also necessary for the health of dogs.

The omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed can help to improve a dog’s coat and skin health, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. Flaxseed is also a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion.

What are the benefits of flaxseed for dogs?

The omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed are beneficial for dogs for the same reasons they are beneficial for humans. These fatty acids can help to improve a dog’s coat and skin health, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. Flaxseed is also a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion.

Read more about flaxseed safety for dogs, benefits and criticism here.

What are the drawbacks of feeding my dog recipe with flaxseeds and/or flaxseed oil?

There are a few potential drawbacks to feeding your dog a recipe with flaxseed or flaxseed oil.

• The first is that these ingredients can go rancid quickly. For this reason, it’s important to buy fresh flaxseed and store it in a cool, dark place. Flaxseed oil should be stored in the fridge.
• Another potential drawback is that flaxseed can interfere with the absorption of other nutrients, such as vitamins A, D, and E. For this reason, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before adding flaxseed to your dog’s diet.

Which brands use flaxseed in their dog food brands?

American Journey:

American Journey has 58 brands that use flaxseed ingredients, representing a tiny portion of all the 1519 brands that use flaxseed. As a percentage, this means that American Journey brands make up 3.8% of all brands that contain flaxseed and 96.2% of brands do not use this ingredient.

One of their leading brand, the American Journey Active Life Formula Lamb is touted by American Journey as having flaxseed and fish oil which provides omega fatty acids including DHA, which play a key role in overall health.

Blue Buffalo:

Both wet and dry dog food brand by Buffalo that includes both regular and veterinary diets use flaxseed as American Journey above. A review of all brands with flaxseed by Blue Buffalo revealed that it currently retails 151 flaxseed-inclusive diets which represents 9.9% of all brands that use flaxseed.

The Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Puppy Large Breed Chicken Recipe dry food contains flaxseed oil which provides the essential fatty acids that are necessary for puppies during their first year when they are growing at an accelerated rate.

• Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Alligator Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
• Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI Gastrointestinal Support Low Fat Dry Dog Food
• Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KS Kidney Support Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
• Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet W+U Weight Management + Urinary Care Chicken Wet Dog Food

Hill’s Prescription Diet:

39 brands by Hills use flaxseed as an ingredient which equates to 2.6% of all brands that use flaxseed. The Hills Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care with Chicken is a wet food diet made to help reduce urinary problems in adult dogs while also providing the nutrition they need to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.

What do other brands use instead of flaxseed?

There are a variety of other ingredients used in lieu of flaxseed by different brands.

Oils:

Vegetable oil, canola oil, coconut oil, and sunflower oil are all common oils used in dog food recipes. These oils provide essential fatty acids and calories. We also have a guide on dog foods without canola here

Fruits and vegetables:

Many brands use fruits and vegetables as sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Common fruits and vegetables used in dog food recipes include carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, blueberries, and spinach.

Protein sources:

Protein sources such as chicken, beef, lamb, fish, and eggs are common in dog food recipes. These ingredients provide the amino acids that are necessary for muscle growth and maintenance.

31 top-rated dog food brands without flaxseed (4.8/5+)

The table below shows a list of some of the most highly-rated brands that do not use flaxseed or flaxseed extracts including flaxseed oil;

George Romell

Hello! My name is George Romell and recently joined Our Pets HQ to oversee quality and provide oversight in content being published. I am originally from the North West but currently reside in Upstate New York and work as a freelance journalist with a focus on dogs and cats. Here at Ourpetshq, I will be responsible for editing and improving older content that may have missed editorial checks. You can reach me at george@ourpetshq.com

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857 out of 4,257 dog food brands available on the Chewy marketplace in 2022 listed beet pulp as one of the ingredients in their recipes. This represents 20.2% of all the brands we evaluated. Beet pulp is a by-product of sugar beet processing. It’s used as a source of dietary fiber and as a filler in pet food. While some debate its nutritional value, most experts agree that beet pulp is a safe ingredient for dogs.

Read our other guide on the nutritional benefits and criticism of beet pulp here.

Which brands use beet pulp?

Royal Canin:

Out of the 857 dog food brands, 127 are all brands of Royal Canin and Royal Canin Veterinary Diets. This makes Royal Canin the top brand using beet pulp, as it makes up 14.8% of all the brands that use beet pulp.

Hill’s Science Diet:

The second most popular brand using beet pulp is Hill’s Science Diet. This brand has 94 different recipes that use beet pulp, which equals out to 11% of all the brands using beet pulp.

Blue Buffalo:

Blue Buffalo has 14 recipes including beet pulp. This equals 1.6% of the brands using beet pulp.

I have created an excel sheet with all the 857 dog food brands that include beet and dried beet pulps in their recipes.

Best Beet pulp-free Dog Food Brands

If you remove the 857 brands that use beet pulp, there are 3,400 brands left. Of the sampled recipes that are available for purchase in 2022, about 80% are free of any beet pulp.

In order to determine which brands are better in terms of nutritional value, we evaluated all of the brands that do not use beet pulp. We looked at their ingredients, guaranteed analysis, and alternative fillers used in place of beet pulp.

Our preferred alternative to beet pulp is flaxseed. This is because flaxseed is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have numerous health benefits for dogs.

Some other brands use rice bran, wheat bran, or oats as an alternative to beet pulp. These ingredients are not as beneficial as flaxseed, but they are still better than beet pulp.

Based on our research, we have found the following brands to be the best dog food brands without beet pulp:

Orijen:

Orijen is a Canadian company that produces biologically appropriate pet food. This means that their recipes are based on the diets of dogs in the wild. All of their recipes are free of beet pulp, and they use flaxseed as a source of omega-3 fatty acids.

• ORIJEN Amazing Grains Six Fish Recipe Dry Dog Food
• ORIJEN Amazing Grains Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food, 22.5-lb bag (top rated)
• ORIJEN Amazing Grains Original Dry Dog Food
• ORIJEN Amazing Grains Regional Red Dry Dog Food
• ORIJEN Amazing Grains Puppy Dry Dog Food

Acana:

Acana is another biologically appropriate pet food company. They are based in Alberta, Canada and they also use flaxseed in their recipes instead of beet pulp.

• ACANA Grasslands Dry Dog Food, 25-lb bag
• ACANA Meadowland Dry Dog Food, 12-lb bag
• ACANA Regionals Wild Atlantic Dry Dog Food, 25-lb bag
• ACANA Heritage Meats Dry Dog Food, 25-lb bag (top rated)
• ACANA Classics Ranchlands Dry Dog Food, 25-lb bag

Taste of the Wild:

Taste of the Wild is a pet food company that produces grain-free recipes. Their recipes are based on the diets of wild dogs and they use real meat as the first ingredient. Instead of using beet pulp, they use peas and potatoes as sources of dietary fiber.

• Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Real Meat Recipe Premium Dry Dog Food
• Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Real Venison & Bison Recipe Dry Dog Food
• Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Real Roasted Lamb & Venison Recipe Dry Dog Food
• Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Real Beef & Roasted Bison Recipe Dry Dog Food (top rated)
• Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Real Salmon & Ocean Fish Recipe Dry Dog Food

27 Top-rated Dog Food without Beet Pulp(4.7/5+)

The table below has all the top-rated dog food brands that use beet pulp or dried beet pulp alternatives;

FAQs

What are the major drawbacks of feeding my dog a diet with beet pulp?

The biggest drawback of feeding your dog a diet with beet pulp is that it is a highly processed ingredient. Beet pulp is a by-product of sugar beet processing, and it is often treated with chemicals and preservatives. This can make it difficult for your dog to digest, and it can also cause gastrointestinal upset. Additionally, beet pulp can be a source of sugar and other simple carbohydrates, which can contribute to weight gain.

What are the benefits of feeding my dog a diet without beet pulp?

There are several benefits to feeding your dog a diet without beet pulp. First, it is a more natural diet since it does not contain any processed ingredients. Second, it is easier for your dog to digest, and it is less likely to cause gastrointestinal upset. Third, it does not contain any sugar or other simple carbohydrates, which can help to prevent weight gain. Finally, it includes ingredients such as flaxseed, which are a source of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have numerous health benefits for dogs, including reducing inflammation and promoting healthy skin and coat.

What are some of the best dog food brands without beet pulp?

Some of the best dog food brands without beet pulp include Orijen, Acana, Taste of the Wild, and Wellness. These brands all use natural ingredients and they do not include any processed beet pulp in their recipes.

My dog is currently eating a food that contains beet pulp. Should I switch to a food without beet pulp?

It depends. If your dog is doing well on the food that he is currently eating and he does not have any health problems, then there is no need to switch to a food without beet pulp. However, if your dog is having digestive problems or if he is overweight, then you may want to consider switching to a food without beet pulp.

What are some of the best dog food brands with beet pulp?

Some of the best dog food brands with beet pulp include Blue Buffalo, Natural Balance, and Purina. These brands use beet pulp as a source of dietary fiber and they also include other healthy ingredients in their recipes.

What are the major benefits of feeding my dog a diet with beet pulp?

The biggest benefit of feeding your dog a diet with beet pulp is that it is a source of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber can help to regulate digestion and it can also promote a healthy appetite. Additionally, beet pulp is a source of essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C.

What are the major drawbacks of feeding my dog a diet without beet pulp?

The biggest drawback of feeding your dog a diet without beet pulp is that it may not contain all of the essential nutrients that your dog needs. Additionally, some dogs may have difficulty digesting a diet without beet pulp.

Which dog food does not contain Carrageenan?

There are many dog food brands that do not contain Carrageenan. Some of the best brands without Carrageenan include Wellness CORE, Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition, Blue Buffalo Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet, Orijen, Acana, Taste of the Wild, and Wellness.

Carrageenan is a common ingredient in many types of food, including some pet foods. It is derived from red seaweed and it is used as a thickener or stabilizer. Carrageenan has been linked to gastrointestinal inflammation and other health problems in dogs. For this reason, it is important to choose a dog food that does not contain Carrageenan.

George Romell

Hello! My name is George Romell and recently joined Our Pets HQ to oversee quality and provide oversight in content being published. I am originally from the North West but currently reside in Upstate New York and work as a freelance journalist with a focus on dogs and cats. Here at Ourpetshq, I will be responsible for editing and improving older content that may have missed editorial checks. You can reach me at george@ourpetshq.com

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When doing research on bad ingredients in pet food diets, I found about 756 diets containing of 411 dog food and 345 cat food brand containing carrageenan available on Chewy as of August 2022. I provided key reasons to avoid this ingredient in another post.

What is carrageenan?

Carrageenan is a food additive that is extracted from red seaweed. It is used as a thickener and emulsifier to improve the texture of processed foods. FDA has approved it as G.R.A.S (generally recognized as safe) for human consumption, but the agency has not done any long-term safety studies on carrageenan in animals. FDA has therefore not recommended against its use.

In the 2006 NRC Report on Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats, the committee stated:

“Carrageenann and other gums (added at <5 percent of diet dry matter) are used as gelling agents in canned dog and cat foods (Brown, 1989) and, therefore, are a source of fermentable carbohydrates.”

AAFCO which bases its pet food guidelines on the NRC report, has no mention of carrageenan in either the 2006 or earlier editions.

Why is carrageenan added to dog food?

Carrageenan is used as a thickener and emulsifier to improve the texture of processed foods. It can also be used as a vegetarian or vegan alternative to gelatin. Carrageenan is added to many kinds of processed foods, including pet food.

It is important to clarify that there are two types of carrageenan – naturally occurring and synthetic/industrially made which may be degraded. The synthetic form is a known carcinogen and not allowed in human food and this is the type found in pet food diets. This highly-processed form is one that has been linked to various chronic illnesses.

Is carrageenan in both dry and wet dog food?

No, carrageenan is mostly found in wet food and serves as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer.

Carrageenan is commonly used as a thickener in many commercial pet foods. It can also be found in some semisoft cheeses, yogurt, cottage cheese, ice cream, soy milk, almond milk, and other processed foods.

A small amount of carrageenan is also added to some dry dog foods to improve their texture and binding properties. As a stabilizer, it helps prevent separation of ingredients and clumping of the food.

Benefits of carrageenan

Carrageenan has been used as a food additive for centuries. It is derived from red seaweed and is a thickener and emulsifier that can improve the texture of processed foods. Carrageen

Negative health impacts of carrageenan:

Aside from mentioning that it is a source of fiber added to dog food, it didn’t mention anything about its harmful impacts.

• Studies have associated carrageenan exposure with gastrointestinal inflammation, ulcerations, and cancer in animal models.
• Carrageenan has also been shown to trigger an immune response and cause inflammation when applied directly to human cells in laboratory studies.

Is carrageenan safe for dogs?

No, carrageenan is not safe for dogs. Carrageenan has been shown to cause gastrointestinal inflammation, ulcerations, and cancer in animal models. It has also been shown to trigger an immune response and cause inflammation when applied directly to human cells in laboratory studies.

How we found Dog Food Without Carrageenan:

To find dog food diets without carrageenan, we went to our database of more than 4,000 dog food brands and started sorting by ingredient lists those that did not contain the word ‘carrageenan’ on the ingredients list.

From the initial list of 4258 dog food brands including dry, wet as well as treats, only 411 contained carrageenan.

Below is a sample of dog food without carrageenan formulated for puppies, adults and senior dogs;

Puppy Dog Food without Carrageenan:

While it is important to niche down and search a product containing or missing a particular ingredient, it is also important to review all the ingredients in the food to make sure it is a good fit for your pup.

• Nutro Puppy Tender Beef, Pea & Carrot Recipe Bites In Gravy Grain-Free Dog Food Trays, 3.5-oz, case of 24
• Eukanuba Puppy Mixed Grill Chicken & Beef Dinner in Gravy Canned Dog Food, 12.5-oz, case of 12
• Bil Jac Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food, 6-lb bag
• Royal Canin Small Puppy Wet Dog Food, 3-oz pouch, case of 12
• Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Puppy Recipe + Grains with Chicken & Salmon Freeze-Dried Dry Dog Food
• Purina Pro Plan Puppy Small Breed Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
• Purina Pro Plan High Protein Chicken & Rice Formula Large Breed Dry Puppy Food
• Country Vet Naturals 28/18 Healthy Puppy Dog Food
• Royal Canin Giant Puppy Dry Dog FoodBlue Buffalo Freedom Puppy Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
• Wellness Grain-Free Complete Health Puppy Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal & Salmon Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food
• Horizon Complete Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food, 25-lb bag
• Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entree Canned Dog Food, 13-oz, case of 12
• Diamond Puppy Formula Dry Dog FoodVICTOR Purpose Active Dog & Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
• Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food

Adult Dog Food without Carrageenan:

10 Senior Dog Foods without Carrageenan:

For senior dogs, carrageenan can contribute to gastrointestinal inflammation, ulcerations, and cancer. In addition, carrageenan can trigger an immune response and cause inflammation when applied directly to human cells in laboratory studies.

1. Hill’s Science Diet Variety Pack Senior 7+ Canned Dog Food, 13-oz, case of 12
2. Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small & Mini Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Canned Dog Food, 5.5-oz, case of 24
3. Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Canned Dog Food, 12.5-oz, case of 12
4. Purina Pro Plan Senior Beef & Rice Entree Canned Dog Food, 13-oz, case of 12
5. Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Senior Adult 7+ Beef & Brown Rice Entree Wet Dog Food
6. Merrick Grain-Free Senior Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
7. Blue Buffalo Freedom Senior Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
8. Nulo Freestyle Senior Grain-Free Trout & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
9. Horizon Complete Senior Weight Management Dry Dog Food
10. Wysong Senior with Organic Turkey Canned Dog Food, 12.9-oz, case of 12

Ben W. Domb

Hi there! My name is Ben Domb, an owner of two pets and I am one of the co-founders of OurPets HQ. I have several years of experience as a pet care professional in the New England region having spent time in various roles including a stint at a veterinary hospital in Upstate New York, Syracuse area. I am a certified pet care professional and mostly spend my time researching pet nutrition and sharing my thoughts in various blogs and columns. With quarantine and COVID restrictions, I have been spending a lot of time a lot with my dogs and cat and loving it! I also run a small consulting business providing advice to parents on pet nutrition, and especially safe homemade options to try. You can reach me at ben@ourpetshq.com

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