Best Grain-Inclusive Dog Kibble in Canada (2026 Data-Driven Review)
Best Grain-Inclusive Dog Kibble in Canada (2026)
Grain-inclusive dog food has gained popularity in recent years, largely due to concerns around diet-related heart disease and pressure from veterinary recommendations. For many pet parents, choosing a kibble “with grains” feels like a safer or more conservative option, even if they’re unsure whether grains are actually necessary for their dog.
As with grain-free diets, the problem is how the food is formulated overall.
To help pet parents make informed decisions, we reviewed 60 dog food brands and more than 100 kibble formulations sold across Canada and the United States. This article focuses exclusively on grain-inclusive dog kibble, evaluating each food based on ingredients, protein quality, carbohydrate load, processing methods, and manufacturer transparency, not marketing claims.
This guide is part of our broader Best Dog Kibble in Canada review, where grain-free, grain-inclusive, and specialty diets are evaluated side by side using the same criteria.
What Defines a High-Quality Grain-Inclusive Dog Kibble?
Including grains does not automatically make a dog food safer, healthier, or more digestible. In many lower-quality kibbles, grains are used as inexpensive bulk ingredients that inflate carbohydrate levels while displacing animal protein.
The highest-ranking grain-inclusive dog foods in our review shared several traits: clearly identified animal proteins, moderate carbohydrate levels, minimal ingredient splitting, and limited reliance on synthetic vitamin premixes. When grains were used, better formulations relied on lower-glycemic options and used them sparingly as binders rather than as the primary calorie source.
Grain-inclusive dog kibble scored poorly when it relied heavily on refined grains or plant proteins to inflate crude protein values on the label.
Why Some Pet Parents Choose Grain-Inclusive Dog Food
For dogs with certain sensitivities to legumes, a carefully formulated grain-inclusive food may be easier to tolerate. Some pet parents also feel more comfortable choosing grain-inclusive diets due to lingering concerns around canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), despite the lack of definitive evidence linking grain-free diets alone to heart disease.
From a nutritional standpoint, dogs do not require grains to meet their dietary needs. However, when grains are included thoughtfully and not used as cheap fillers, they do not automatically disqualify a food from being healthy.
The issue, as always, comes down to formulation quality.
Grain-Inclusive Dog Food and DCM: Context Matters
More recent investigations have also raised concerns about financial ties between some DCM advocates and major grain-inclusive pet food manufacturers.
That said, some dogs do better on grain-inclusive diets, particularly when those diets reduce reliance on legumes and plant-based protein concentrates. In these cases, grain-inclusive kibble can serve as a practical alternative, provided the food remains meat-forward and nutritionally balanced.
If you are on a grain-free and all this leaves you confused, we highlight the best 10 grain-free dog kibble and deep dive in our other dog food rankings if you want to evaluate your brand.
The Best Grain-Inclusive Dog Kibble Brands in Canada
When we isolated grain-inclusive formulas in our rankings, a clear pattern emerged. Smaller and mid-sized manufacturers consistently outperformed large multinational brands that rely on heavy grain loads and synthetic supplementation.
Brands such as Carna4 and Nature’s Logic ranked at the top because they rely on whole-food nutrition rather than vitamin premixes, even while including grains. Acana’s grain-inclusive line and Orijen Amazing Grains performed well due to higher meat inclusion and more controlled carbohydrate levels compared to conventional grain-based kibble.
Several mid-tier brands, including Nutram, Lifetime, and Nulo, ranked higher than expected by maintaining better protein balance and avoiding some of the most problematic grain-based fillers.
Note that from grain-inclusive Rank 4 to 5 on our overall ranking study is about 12 positions meaning that, there were better grain-free kibble.
Best Grain-Inclusive Dog Kibble (2026)
To control for variables, we primarily evaluated chicken-based adult or all-life-stage formulas across each brand. While specific recipes are highlighted, most dogs will do well across the broader product lines when the formulation philosophy is sound.
1. Carna4 Grain-Inclusive Dog Kibble Review
Carna4 continues to set itself apart in the grain-inclusive category by avoiding synthetic vitamin and mineral premixes altogether. Instead, nutrients come from sprouted seeds and whole foods such as liver and eggs, making this one of the most biologically intact dry foods available even with grains included.
The gentle baking process preserves nutrients better than traditional extrusion, and digestibility tends to be excellent. Sprouting improves mineral bioavailability, reduces anti-nutrients, and lowers glycemic impact compared to conventional grain meals. This is one of the few grain-inclusive kibbles we regularly recommend without hesitation.
Note that Carna4 Easy Chew Fish and Carna4 Duck are grain-free, while the other formulations are grain inclusive.
2. & 3. Nature’s Logic Grain-Inclusive Dog Kibble Regular & Distinction formulation Review
Nature’s Logic uses ancient grains in the form of millet while maintaining a whole-food nutrient profile, relying on animal ingredients and natural food sources rather than synthetic additives.
Both formulas rely on millet as the primary grain, an ancient grain with a lower glycemic index than corn, wheat, or rice. Nature’s Logic uses it as a functional carbohydrate to bind its ingredients and balances it with substantial meat content.
A defining feature is the absence of synthetic vitamins and minerals, instead relying on animal organs, porcine plasma and whole foods to meet nutritional requirements. The formulation was also one of the first to include pre and probiotics in dog kibble.
This brand consistently ranks high for transparency and ingredient simplicity. By using millet, the brand has gone with a lower glycemic carbohydrate, which is an option for dog owners with diabetes who want to stay on a dry dog food.
4. Orijen Amazing Grains Dog Kibble Review– Original
Orijen Amazing Grains represents one of the strongest attempts to include grains without sacrificing meat content. Compared to conventional grain-inclusive foods, it remains high in animal protein and utilizes whole fruits and vegetables.
The formulation like Nature’s Logic above also includes pre and probiotics in their kibble.
For pet parents committed to Orijen’s formulation philosophy but seeking a grain-inclusive option, this is is a solid choice in this category.
5. Lifetime Nutreco Wholesome Blend Naturally Fresh Chicken & Duck Review
Lifetime’s Wholesome Blend performed better than expected. This was primarily driven by the Chicken & Duck recipe utilizing fresh meat such as chicken and duck higher in the ingredient panel. While carbohydrate content is higher than top-tier brands, the grains selected are slower-digesting.
The formulation like Nature’s Logic and Orijen Amazing Grains above also includes pre and probiotics in their kibble.
Ultimately, ingredient quality in the form of using fresh meat was what made this brand stand out in the review.
6. Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Dog Food Review – Chicken & Pomegranate Puppy Medium & Maxi
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Dog Food grain-inclusive formulas ranked well due to higher protein content and low-glycemic grains. The bulk of the recipe is driven by fresh deboned chicken and dehydrated animal proteins, supported by functional ingredients like pomegranate for antioxidant support.
We have to admit that we are not fans of using powdered cellulose in pet food and are not sure how hydrolyzed fish is included in the formulation. They already used a dehydrated herring so it is a bit fishy, if you can pardon our pun.
While this specific formula is designed for puppies, the broader Ancestral Grain line follows the same philosophy: grain inclusion without too much carbohydrate.
7. Acana Healthy Grains Dog Kibble Review – Free Run Poultry
ACANA Healthy Grains marks a noticeable shift from ACANA’s original grain-free identity. Unlike the Acana Classics that scores lower in our review, the Acana has a lower glycemic profile and slightly higher protein.
This recipe includes oats, sorghum, and millet, balanced against an inclusion of fresh free-run poultry and animal meals. While carbohydrate content is higher than Orijen or Farmina, it avoids reliance on a single dominant grain and maintains decent protein levels.
8. Jinx Dog Food Review – Organic Chicken & Sweet Potato
Jinx ranked early mid-pack overall but performed better than expected within the grain-inclusive category. The use of organic ingredients improves sourcing quality, though carbohydrate levels remain higher than ideal.
In addition, it is interesting that the formulation uses sweet potatoes as a binder and also grains such as brown rice, oats and pearled barley. Typically, better foods pick a lane either as grain-free but not both. The possible explanation is to make the food fibre dense to avoid stomach upset.
The addition of blueberry, apple and other fruits and vegetables seems to be purely cosmetic window dressing as the amounts included fall below the salt-divider rule meaning not much to write home about.
This food may appeal to pet parents prioritizing organic labelling over overall solid formulation.
9. Taste of the Wild Dog Kibble – Ancient Grains Recipe Review
Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains did better than we expected due to the protein content and use of lower glycemic grains such as millet and sorgum.
The formulation uses a variety of great proteins including duck, roasted quail and turkey. This results in a lower carbohydrate kibble combined with pre and probiotics. Where this formulation loses points include the questionable practices like the addition of blueberries and raspberries seemingly for cosmetic window dressing as the amounts included fall below the salt-divider rule.
As it stands, this formulation is a good one for anyone looking for better protein content in a grain-inclusive dog kibble.
10. Nulo Frontrunner Dog Kibble Review – Chicken, Oats & Turkey
Nulo’s grain-inclusive Frontrunner line maintains higher protein levels than most grain-based foods and avoids excessive glycemic ingredients. It ranked higher than expected due to better overall formulation balance and how straightforward the formulation is. No cosmetic window dressing of ingredients.
The formulation uses oats, barley and brown rice resulting in a higher carbohydrate kibble. Unlike some of the prior grain including kibbles we’ve discussed, Nulo actually includes blueberries and apples prior to salt. It is unclear what the quantities are but it is not below the salt-divider rule.
As it stands, this formulation is good for anyone looking for a simple grain friendly dog kibble.
Improving a Grain-Inclusive Kibble Diet
Even high-quality grain-inclusive dog kibble benefits from strategic supplementation.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Fish oil or krill oil can promote heart health, brain function, skin and coat condition, and joint mobility.
- Soaked kibble: Adding water or bone broth to dry food helps increase daily hydration, supporting kidney and urinary health.
- Probiotics or fermented foods: Supplements like probiotics or fermented goat milk aid digestion and overall gut health.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables: Incorporate fresh produce in moderation. Blanch vegetables such as kale, zucchini, or celery to improve digestibility without losing nutrients. Fruits like apples, blueberries, cranberries, and strawberries provide antioxidants and vitamins. Avoid mixing fresh foods directly with kibble in the same meal to maintain nutrient balance.
Comprehensive List of Dog Kibble Reviewed: Both Grain-Free and Grain Inclusive
Besides the Best 10 Grain-Inclusive dog kibble we identified above, here is the overall review in case you want to look at other dry dog food brands rankings or formulations.
Is Grain-Inclusive Dog Kibble a Good Choice?
Grain-inclusive dog kibble can be an appropriate option when it is meat-focused, thoughtfully formulated, and not reliant on grains as cheap fillers.
Grains themselves are not inherently beneficial but when included carefully, they do not automatically compromise diet quality. In some cases, they can present a great low glycemic kibble for dogs. As with all kibble, ingredient quality, digestibility, and transparency matter far more than whether grains are present.
For a complete comparison of grain-free, grain-inclusive, and specialty diets, including 60 brands and over 100 formulations, read our full Best Dog Kibble in Canada review.
