Does your dog deserve the best, most natural nutrition? Many dog owners seek out venison because it’s a lean, exciting protein. But when you start shopping, a new puzzle appears: which venison food includes beneficial grains? Finding the perfect balance between novel protein and healthy carbohydrates can feel like a guessing game. You worry about allergies, digestion, and ensuring your furry friend gets sustained energy throughout the day.
You want a food that supports a shiny coat and strong muscles without causing tummy troubles. Navigating labels filled with confusing ingredients leaves many pet parents feeling frustrated and unsure if they are truly feeding their dog well. This article cuts through the noise.
We will explore exactly why venison paired with wholesome grains creates a powerful meal. Keep reading to discover the top benefits, how to spot the best formulas, and what specific grains truly help your dog thrive. Get ready to upgrade your dog’s bowl with confidence!
Top Venison Dog Food With Grain Recommendations
- Wholesome & Highly Digestible Ingredients - This high protein dog food blends ancient grains like oats and quinoa with real meat to make this recipe rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- A Healthy, Grain-Inclusive, Complete & Balanced Diet - This natural dog food features humanely-raised turkey, non-GMO fruits and veggies, and superfoods like pumpkin, quinoa, and coconut oil.
- Recommended For Sensitive Stomachs - Unrefined ancient grains are often recommended for less active dogs or seniors, sensitive stomachs or those with legume and potato sensitivities.
- Made with Non-GMO Fruits & Veggies - Free of peas, potatoes, and legumes, this 100% traceable recipe has no artificial flavors, preservatives, or additives for optimal nutrition & peace of mind.
- Traceable and Transparent Ingredients - We use 3rd party certified ingredients, vetted and tested, and you can trace every single ingredient to its geographic origin
- Taste of the Wild with Ancient Grains Ancient Prairie with ROASTED BISON and ROASTED VENISON dry dog food; REAL MEAT is the #1 ingredient; high-protein (32%) to help support bones, joints and LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES
- Nutrient-rich and provides the energy to thrive; vitamins and minerals from SUPERFOODS and ANCIENT GRAINS; omega fatty acids for healthy SKIN and COAT
- Each serving includes high levels of species-specific, K9 Strain PROPRIETARY PROBIOTICS — plus antioxidants and prebiotics — to help support healthy digestion, immune system and overall health and wellness
- FAMILY-OWNED and MADE in the USA using quality ingredients from trusted domestic and global sources
- VENISON IS THE SINGLE ANIMAL PROTEIN SOURCE providing essential protein and amino acids to help maintain strong muscles; Sweet Potatoes are included as a grain-free source of fiber to help support digestive health; Contains (1) 22-Pound Bag
- WITH SENSITIVE PETS IN MIND we’ve carefully chosen a simplified list of premium ingredients to help support a healthy coat, skin & digestive system; made with a single animal protein source, and no added grain, soy, gluten, or artificial colors or flavors
- NUTRIENTS FROM OUR VENISON RECIPE is crafted with nutritious ingredients such as pea protein, fish oil and sweet potatoes; Complete and balanced with essential nutrients to help maintain your dog's healthy immune system
- NUTRITION FOR EVERY TYPE OF DOG Any dog can enjoy our delicious recipes, not just dogs with sensitive stomachs, irritable skin or allergies; Our purposefully crafted formulas reduce the number of ingredients without sacrificing taste or nutrition
- SAFETY & TRANSPARENCY Natural Balance's 'Feed with Confidence' program tests every batch of food from start to finish, ensuring safety with every bite; Validate bag on our site or call our Customer Care Team of Registered Veterinary Technicians
- Wholesome & Highly Digestible Ingredients - This high protein dog food blends ancient grains like oats and quinoa with real meat to make this recipe rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- A Healthy, Grain-Inclusive, Complete & Balanced Diet - This pasture-raised grass-fed venison dog food recipe features non-GMO fruits and veggies, and superfoods like pumpkin, quinoa, and coconut oil.
- Recommended For Sensitive Stomachs - Unrefined ancient grains are often recommended for less active dogs or seniors, sensitive stomachs or those with legume and potato sensitivities.
- Made with Non-GMO Fruits & Veggies - Free of peas, potatoes, and legumes, this 100% traceable recipe has no artificial flavors, preservatives, or additives for optimal nutrition & peace of mind.
- Traceable and Transparent Ingredients - We use 3rd party certified ingredients, vetted and tested, and you can trace every single ingredient to its geographic origin
- Taste of the Wild High Prairie with ROASTED BISON and VENISON dry dog food; REAL MEAT is the #1 ingredient; high-protein (32%) to help support bones, joints and LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES
- Nutrient-rich and provides the energy to thrive; vitamins and minerals from FRUITS and SUPERFOODS; omega fatty acids for healthy SKIN and COAT
- Each serving includes species-specific K9 Strain PROPRIETARY PROBIOTICS - plus antioxidants and prebiotics - to help support healthy digestion, IMMUNE system and overall health and wellness
- FAMILY-OWNED and MADE in the USA using quality ingredients from trusted domestic and global sources
- REAL HUMAN-GRADE QUALITY VENISON - Imagine a bowl filled with air dried raw dog food made with real human grade quality venison goodness. This high protein dog food will have your pup's tail thumping with joy. It's not just real meat air dried dog food; it's a meaty party for their taste buds, crafted with care
- NO MORE GRAINS OR PESKY ADDITIVES - Our venison dry dog food small bites are gentle on the tummy making it perfect for pups with allergies and sensitivities. No fillers, colorings, or artificial additives. Just pure, wholesome, all-natural real meat dog food
- GENTLY AIR-DRIED TO PAW-FECTION - Our air-drying process seals in the goodness, making every bite a punch of flavor and nutrition. This premium, shelf-stable, nutritious venison dog food is perfectly bite-sized, making meal time something to look forward to
- COMPLETE & BALANCED FOR EVERY PUP - Whether it's a full meal or just a topper, these grain free dry dog food offer a delicious, holistic feast with vital vitamins and minerals. Perfect for dogs of all life stages and breeds, including puppies, adults, seniors, and small to large dog breeds
- CRAFTED IN THE U.S. OF YAY - Ethically crafted in small, artisanal batches our holistic dog food is as premium, as it is affordable. Made with venison sourced from free-range, grass-fed, hormone-free, and utterly happy deer straight from the USA & New Zealand
- Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley with pasture-raised VENISON small kibble dry dog food for small breed dogs; REAL MEAT is the #1 ingredient; high-protein (32%) to help support bones, joints and LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES in small breed dogs
- Nutrient-rich and provides the energy to thrive; vitamins and minerals from SUPERFOODS; omega fatty acids for healthy SKIN and COAT
- Each serving includes high levels of species-specific, K9 Strain PROPRIETARY PROBIOTICS - plus antioxidants and prebiotics - to help support healthy digestion, immune system and overall health and wellness
- FAMILY-OWNED and MADE in the USA using quality ingredients from trusted domestic and global sources
- Taste of the Wild with Ancient Grains Ancient Prairie with ROASTED BISON and ROASTED VENISON dry dog food; REAL MEAT is the #1 ingredient; high-protein (32%) to help support bones, joints and LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES
- Nutrient-rich and provides the energy to thrive; vitamins and minerals from SUPERFOODS and ANCIENT GRAINS; omega fatty acids for healthy SKIN and COAT
- Each serving includes high levels of species-specific, K9 Strain PROPRIETARY PROBIOTICS - plus antioxidants and prebiotics - to help support healthy digestion, immune system and overall health and wellness
- FAMILY-OWNED and MADE in the USA using quality ingredients from trusted domestic and global sources
Choosing the Best Venison Dog Food With Grain: A Buyer’s Guide
Venison dog food offers a unique, often hypoallergenic, protein source for your furry friend. When you choose a formula that includes grains, you are adding important carbohydrates for energy. This guide helps you pick the best option for your dog.
Key Features to Look For
1. High Percentage of Real Venison
Always check the ingredient list first. The first ingredient should clearly state “Venison,” “Dehydrated Venison,” or “Venison Meal.” This shows the food has plenty of this quality protein. Look for foods where venison makes up 25% or more of the total recipe.
2. Quality Grain Inclusion
Grains provide steady energy. Good choices include brown rice, oats, or barley. These whole grains offer fiber and nutrients. Avoid foods listing corn or wheat as the very first or second ingredient, as these are cheaper fillers.
3. Added Essential Nutrients
A complete dog food needs more than just meat and grain. Ensure the food includes vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids (like those from flaxseed or fish oil). These support a shiny coat and healthy joints.
Important Ingredients: What’s Inside Matters
The Protein Source
Venison is a lean red meat. It is often easier for dogs with sensitivities to digest than common proteins like chicken or beef. High-quality venison provides essential amino acids your dog needs to build strong muscles.
The Grain Component
Grains act as a binder and energy source. Whole grains are digested slowly, giving your dog energy throughout the day. If your dog has known grain allergies, this food type may not suit them, but for most dogs, whole grains are beneficial.
Fats and Oils
Healthy fats are crucial for brain function and skin health. Look for named fat sources, such as chicken fat or canola oil, rather than generic “animal fat.”
Factors That Improve or Reduce Food Quality
Quality Boosters (Improving Factors)
- Named Meat Meals: “Venison Meal” is a concentrated source of protein and is usually a sign of quality.
- Natural Preservatives: Foods preserved with Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) are better than those using artificial colors or chemical preservatives like BHA or BHT.
- Prebiotics and Probiotics: These ingredients help keep your dog’s digestive system running smoothly.
Quality Reducers (Negative Factors)
- By-Products: Ingredients listed as “meat by-products” lack specific nutritional information and reduce the overall quality.
- Artificial Additives: Dyes (like Blue 2 or Red 40) serve no nutritional purpose for your dog and should be avoided.
- Excessive Ash Content: A very high ash content (mineral residue left after burning) can sometimes indicate too many bone fragments were used in the meal.
User Experience and Use Cases
Owners often switch to venison formulas when traditional proteins cause itching, hot spots, or digestive upset. Venison is considered a novel protein, meaning it is less likely to trigger allergies.
Ideal Use Cases
- Dogs with Common Protein Allergies: This is a top choice for dogs sensitive to chicken or beef.
- Active Dogs: The combination of lean venison protein and energy-providing grains supports high activity levels.
- Weight Management: Because venison is very lean, it can help maintain a healthy weight when paired with appropriate portion control.
When introducing the food, mix it slowly with the old food over a week. This prevents stomach upset. Most owners report positive changes in coat shine and reduced scratching within a few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Venison Dog Food With Grain
Q: Is venison a complete protein for dogs?
A: Yes, venison is a complete protein. It contains all the necessary amino acids your dog needs for health.
Q: Why add grain to venison food?
A: Grains add easily digestible carbohydrates for long-lasting energy and provide necessary fiber for good gut health.
Q: Is venison food more expensive than beef food?
A: Generally, yes. Venison is a more specialized ingredient, so expect the price point to be higher than standard kibble.
Q: Can puppies eat venison and grain food?
A: Many brands make puppy-specific formulas. Ensure the food is labeled for “All Life Stages” or specifically for puppies, as they have different energy and nutrient needs.
Q: What does “novel protein” mean?
A: A novel protein is one your dog has rarely or never eaten before. This makes it less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Q: How do I know if my dog is allergic to its current food?
A: Signs include chronic itching, ear infections, excessive paw licking, or soft stools. A novel protein like venison can help determine if a food allergy is the cause.
Q: Are grains bad for dogs?
A: For most dogs, whole grains are healthy and provide energy. Grains are only an issue if your specific dog has a diagnosed grain sensitivity.
Q: Should I look for organic venison?
A: Organic labeling is a bonus, but not strictly necessary. Focusing on the ingredient percentage and the absence of artificial additives is more important for daily nutrition.
Q: How should I store this food after opening?
A: Store the opened bag in a cool, dry place, preferably in an airtight container. This keeps the fats from going rancid and preserves the nutrients.
Q: Does the grain content mean this food is low in protein?
A: No. Quality venison foods balance both. Even with grains present, the protein percentage should remain high, often 25% or more.