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THE BEST DOG FOOD FORMULAS WITHOUT PEAS, LENTILS & FLAXSEED

WHY I MADE THIS PAGE:

Originally I created this page as a Pea, Lentil AND Flaxseed Free dog food list — mostly for my fellow dog breeder’s concerned about Peas and possibly Flaxseed and their effects on Breeding dogs Fertility Health. (scroll to the bottom of the page to learn why).

I very quickly found out that a Pea Free dog food was VERY DIFFICULT to find.. so I thought a list would be nice..

 

THE FDA’S 2018 HEALTH ALERT – DIET RELATED HEART DISEASE (DCM)

Then in June 2018 the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) issued a health warning about a potential connection between dog’s diets high in peas and lentils and grain free dogs food and a RARE heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy or DCM.

READ FULL REPORT:  FDA Investigation into Potential Link between Certain Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy

DCM is one of the most common causes of heart failure in certain large dog breeds, but considered pretty RARE in other breeds.

The cases thst were reported to the FDA were showing “DCM was occurring in breeds that were not usually prone to this disease, including some mixed breeds”.. At an alarming rate!

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HOW MANY REPORTED DCM CASES FROM 2014 TO 2019?

The FDA received 524 reports of DCM (515 in dogs and 9 in cats) between January 2014 and April 2019 with more than 200 of those cases being reported between December 2018 and April 2019, (less then a year).

It also must be taken into account that not all cardioligist report DCM to the FDA and not all affected dogs will be seen by a cardiologist. So, to at least some degree these numbers are properly even higher…

This is an alarming increase to say the least!

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THE 2019 diet-associated DCM UPDATE

In June 2019 the FDA finally came out with an update on its investigation into the reports of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods.

Over 90% of the diet-associated DCM affected dogs diets contained a high proportion of peas, lentils, other legume seeds (pulses), and/or potatoes in various forms (whole, flour, protein, etc.) as main ingredients (listed within the first 10 ingredients, before vitamins and minerals). 

“Based on the data collected and analyzed thus far, the agency believes that the potential association between diet and DCM in dogs is a complex scientific issue that may involve multiple factors.”

So, what do dog owners do in the meantime, while the FDA and Medical community is figuring it out? Stop feeding your dogs grain free dog foods with peas and lentils in them.

READ THE  VETS AT TUFTS UNIVERSITY BLOG FOR MORE ADVICE ON WHAT TO FEED YOUR DOG: It’s Not Just Grain-Free: An Update on Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy

The FDA’S investigation update also contained several interesting and alarming graphs including the 16 dog food brands most frequently named in connection to the diet related DCM cases reported.

More than 90% were “grain-free” and 93% contained Peas and/or Lentils… but if you just do a little digging— you will find that MOST of the “higher quality” dog food brands containe Peas and/or Lentils (grain free or not) AND they’re almost always listed in the first 5-10 ingredients aka the main ingredients.

SO, NOT JUST A “GRAIN FREE” PROBLEM! It’s a DOG FOOD Problem!

Most nutritionist’s and veterinarian’s claim that – ingredients listed past the 10th to 11th spot are in such a small percentage of the overall formula they’re almost insignificant.

VERY USEFUL TRICK: Look for salt or potassium chloride on the label and if any ingredient listed after that, is probably 1% or less of the overall ingredients.

Finding just a half way decent dog food without Peas and Lentils is like finding the Golden Egg.

Finding dog food without both Peas AND Flax.. is like finding the Golden Goose herself!

CHECK OUT THE FDA’S PRETTY ALARMING GRAPHS BELOW!

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QUICK IN-PAGE JUMP LINKS

DRY — PEA & FLAXSEED, SOY FREE DOG FOOD LIST

FROZEN & DEYDRATED – PEA & FLAXSEED, SOY FREE DOG FOOD LIST

DRY —  JUST PEA FREE DOG FOOD LIST (WITH FLAXSEED)

FROZEN & DEHYDRATED — JUST PEA FREE DOG FOOD LIST (WITH FLAXSEED)

BEST PEA FREE DOG FOOD FOR SENSITIVE STOMACHS AND FOOD ALLERGIES

BEST PEA FREE PRESCRIPTION DOG FOOD

FDA’S GRAPHS AND DCM REPORT

PEAS/FLAX & DOG FERTILITY

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GO STRAIGHT TO THE PEA FREE DOG FOOD LISTS!

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THE 16 DOG FOOD BRANDS NAMED MOST FREQUENTLY IN THE DIET-ASSOCIATED DCM CASES REPORTED TO THE FDA

Listed in order from the most reported brands to the least reported brands. 

1. Acana
2. Zignature
3. Taste of the Wild
4. 4Health
5. Earthborn Holistic
6. Blue Buffalo
7. Nature’s Domain
8. Fromm
9. Merrick
10. California Natural
11. Natural Balance
12. Orijen
13. Nature’s Variety
14. Nutrisource
15. Nutro
16. Rachel Ray Nutrish

JUST ONE RECIPE EXAMPLE FROM THIS LIST..MERRICK

This might be why Merrick is on the list. Check out Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe

The first 7 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chickpeas, Lentils, Peas, Sunflower Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Flaxseed, Natural Flavor…

SO.. mostly Peas and Lentils but this is not rare believe me..it’s just the first one I looked up on the list. You gotta put it into perspective… that is their daily diet.. day after day..and if it’s that high on the ingredient list its gonna have an effect. Either positive or negative..and in my personal opinion simply based on what I’ve read (not an expert).. it’s not positive.

MICE AND PEAS!

When mice were fed a diet of 20% Peas, litter sizes dropped in half. At 30% Peas, the mice failed to reproduce at all. (STUDY: Rensberger, 1994)

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THE PEA & FLAXSEED FREE – DRY DOG FOOD LIST…

The GOLDEN GOOSE of Dog Food Formulas…? 

Listed in alphabetical order….

AUTHORITY PEA FREE DOG FOOD

Authority Adult Dog Food – Chicken & Rice 34 lb Bag – $34.99 – Buy on Chewy.com 

Authority Large Breed Adult Dog Food – Chicken – 34 lb Bag – $34.99 Buy on Chewy.com

Authority Large Breed Puppy Food – Chicken & Rice – 34 lb Bag – $36.99 – Buy on Chewy.com

Authority Chicken & Rice Formula Puppy, 30-lb bag – $39.99 – Buy on Chewy.com

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BLACK GOLD PEA FREE DOG FOOD

 

Black Gold Explorer Original Performance Formula 26/18, 50-lb bag – $48.99
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy on Chewy.com

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BLACKWOOD DOG FOOD

Blackwood 3000 Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Everyday Diet – 30-lb bag – $53.99
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy On Chewy.com

Blackwood Salmon and Brown Rice – All Life Stages Sensitive Skin – 30 lb bag – $62.99 Compare Prices on Amazon
Buy on Chewy.com

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CANINE CAVIAR PEA FREE DOG FOOD

Canine Caviar Limited Ingredient Diet Open Meadow Holistic Entr̩e All Life Stages Dry Dog Food, 22-lb bag Р$68.85 РBuy On Chewy.com

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DIAMOND PEA FREE DOG FOOD

Diamond Hi-Energy Sporting Dog Formula – 50-lb bag – $32.99 – Buy on Chewy

Diamond Performance Formula Adult Dry Dog Food, 40-lb bag – $36.99 – Buy on Chewy.com – Compare Prices on Amazon

Diamond Premium Recipe Complete And Balanced Puppy – Chicken & Salmon – 40 lb bag – $36.99 – Buy on Chewy – Compare Prices on Amazon

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DR. GARY’S BEST BREED HOLISTIC

Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic Salmon with Vegetables & Herbs – 30-lb bag – $56.99
Buy On Chewy.com

Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic Lamb Meal with Vegetables & Herbs – 30-lb bag – 59.99 – Compare Prices on Amazon
Buy On Chewy.com

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EUKANUBA PEA FREE DOG FOOD

Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy , 33-lb bag – $42.99
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy On Chewy.com

Eukanuba Puppy Lamb & Rice Formula , 30-lb bag – $41.39
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy On Chewy.com

Eukanuba Adult Lamb & Rice Formula , 30-lb bag – $38.69
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy On Chewy.com

Eukanuba Premium Performance 30/20 Adult , 29-lb bag -$42.66
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy On Chewy.com

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FIRST MATE PEA FREE DOG FOOD

FirstMate Australian Lamb Meal Formula Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free , 28.6-lb bag – $73.99
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy On Chewy.com

 

FirstMate Original Formula Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Pacific Ocean Fish Meal – 28.6 Pound – $73.49
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy On Chewy.com

 

FirstMate Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free – Chicken Meal with Blueberries Formula , 28.6-lb bag – $73.49
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy On Chewy.com

 

FirstMate High Performance , 33-lb bag – $48.29 – Buy on Chewy.com

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JOY PEA FREE DOG FOOD

Joy Puppy, 20-lb bag – $28.99
Buy on Chewy.com

Joy High Performance, 20-lb bag – $19.99
Buy on Chewy.com

Joy Super Meal, 20-lb bag – $25.99
Buy on Chewy.com

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NATURAL BALANCE PEA FREE DOG FOOD

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets – Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dry Dog Formula – 26 lbs – $45.79 (and LID Venison formula)
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy on Chewy.com

 

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NATURES LOGIC PEA FREE DOG FOOD

Nature’s Logic Canine Duck & Salmon Meal Feast , 26.4-lb bag – $74.20 – Compare Prices on Amazon – Buy on Chewy.com

 

Nature’s Logic Canine Beef Meal Feast , 26.4-lb bag – $64.12 – Compare Prices on Amazon –  Buy on Chewy.com

 

Nature’s Logic Canine Chicken Meal Feast (Also their Turkey formula), 26.4-lb bag -$65.84 – Compare Prices on Amazon Prime – Buy on Chewy.com

Nature’s Logic Canine Pork Meal Feast , 26.4 lb bag – $66.49
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy on Chewy.com

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NUTRISOURCE PEA FREE DOG FOOD

Nutri Source High Plains Select Grain Free Beef, Trout and Turkey Meal – 30 lb bag – $68.99 – PetFood Reviewer Link – Compare Prices on Amazon Prime

Nutri Source Woodlands Select – Grain Free Boar & Turkey – 30 lb – $64.49 Petfood Reviewer
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime

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PURINA PRO PLAN PEA FREE DOG FOOD

Purina Pro Plan Sport All Life Stages Performance 30/20 Formula , 37.5-lb bag – $47.98 Amazon Prime: Compare Prices on Amazon Prime – Buy on Chewy.com

Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula , 30-lb bag – (Great for allergies) – $47.98 Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy on Chewy.com

 

Purina Pro Plan Sport All Life Stages Active 26/16 Formula, 37.5-lb bag – $47.98
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy on Chewy.com

 

Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult Chicken & Rice Formula, 30-lb bag – $36.39
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy on Chewy.com

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RACHAEL RAY NUTRISH – JUST 6

Rachael Ray Nutrish – Just 6 – Natural Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Limited Ingredient Recipe , 28-lb bag – $30.48 (on the DCM list)
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy on Chewy.com

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ROYAL CANIN

Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult , 30-lb bag – $58.67 (No Peas but Rice is the first ingredient but I have also heard breeders swear by Royal Canin)
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy on Chewy.com

 

Royal Canin Boxer Adult , 30-lb bag – $56.09
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy on Chewy.com

 

Royal Canin Maxi Joint & Coat , 30-lb bag – $57.59
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy on Chewy.com

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SPORTDOG PEA FREE DOG FOOD

• Sport Dog Food Active Series
• Sport Dog Elite Series 
• Sport Dog K-9 Series

• COMPLETE LIST OF ON CHEWY.COM

• COMPLETE LIST ON AMAZON.COM

ACTIVE SERIES PEA FREE DOG FOOD

ELITE SERIES PEA FREE DOG FOOD

K-9 SERIES PEA FREE DOG FOOD 

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SPORTMIX PEA FREE DOG FOOD

SPORTMiX Premium Stamina 24/18 Adult , 50-lb bag – $32.99 – Buy on Chewy.com

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TUSCAN NATURAL

Tuscan Natural Simply Pure Lamb Meal Limited Ingredients, 28.6-lb bag – $63.49 (only their Lamb formula)
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy on Chewy.com

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WHOLE EARTH PEA FREE DOG FOOD

Whole Earth Farms Adult Recipe, 25-lb bag – $39.98 (only this formula – by Merrick)
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy on Chewy.com

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WISHBONE PEA FREE DOG FOOD

Wishbone Ocean Grain-Free , 24-lb bag – $64.66
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy on Chewy.com

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WYSONG PEA FREE DOG FOOD

• Wysong Epigen 90 Starch-Free Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog & Cat Food, 5-lb bag
Buy on Chewy.com
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime ($27 for 5lbs or four 5lb bags for $85)

• Wysong Fundamentals Dry Dog & Cat Food, 5-lb bag – $14.50
Buy on Chewy.com

• Wysong Epigen Starch-Free Chicken Formula Grain-Free Dog & Cat Food Dry, 5-lb bag – $13.13
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy on Chewy.com

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AT THE END OF THE ALPHABET…

Young Again Dog Food – 40/16 PREMIUM HIGH PROTEIN DOG FOOD: 40 lb bag – $129 – Buy on Youngagainpetfood.com

Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Lamb Dog Food, 8.8-lb bag – $138.11 (smaller serving sizes nessesary) – Buy on Chewy.com

PEA FREE ONLY DRY PEA FREE DOG FOOD LIST(CONTAIN FLAXSEED)

 

ADIRONDACK PEA FREE DOG FOOD

• Adirondack 30% High-Fat Puppy & Performance Recipe , 30-lb bag – $49.49 (No Peas,  Corn, Wheat, Soy) – Buy on Chewy.com – Compare Prices on Amazon

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ANNAMAET PEA FREE DOG FOOD

• Annamaet Extra 26% , 30-lb bag $58.99 (No Peas,  potatoes or Legumes) Compare Prices on Amazon – Buy on Chewy.com

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AVODERM NATURAL PEA FREE DOG FOOD 

• AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Formula Adult , 30-lb bag (No Peas, soy) – $49.99 – Compare Prices on Amazon
  Buy on Chewy.com

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BIL-JAC PEA FREE DOG FOOD

• Bil-Jac Puppy Select Chicken Recipe , 30-lb bag – $52.99 – Compare Prices on Amazon 
  Buy on Chewy.com

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BLACKWOOD PEA FREE DOG FOOD

• Blackwood – Adult Dog Everyday Diet Chicken Meal and Rice Recipe – 30lb bag – $50.39
  Buy on Chewy.com– Compare Prices on Amazon

 

• Blackwood 1000 Chicken Meal & Oats Recipe Everyday Diet Adult , 30-lb bag
  Compare Prices on Amazon
  Buy on Chewy.com

 

• Blackwood Puppy – Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe Puppy Growth Diet , 30-lb bag
  Buy on Chewy.com
  Compare Prices on Amazon

 

• Blackwood Whitefish Meal & Oatmeal Recipe Large Breed Adult, 30-lb bag – $56.69
  Buy on Chewy.com
  Compare Prices on Amazon

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BULLY MAX PEA FREE DOG FOOD

• Bully Max 30/20 High Performance – 30 lb bag $99.99 – (Wow Expensive!) –  Compare Prices on Amazon Prime

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CANINE CAVIAR PEA FREE DOG FOOD

• Canine Caviar Limited Ingredient Diet Special Needs Holistic Entrée , 22-lb bag – $66.84
  Compare Prices on Amazon
  Buy it on Chewy.com

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DIAMOND PEA FREE DOG FOOD

• Diamond Premium Recipe – Maintenance Dog Food – Chicken – 40 lb bag – $29.99 – Compare Prices on Amazon – Buy on Chewy.com

 

• Diamond Performance Formula Adult , 40-lb bag – $36.99 – Buy on Chewy.com

 

• Diamond Puppy Formula , 40-lb bag – $36.99
  Buy on Chewy.com

 

• Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula , 40-lb bag -$44.99
  Buy on Chewy.com

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DR GARY’S BEST BREED HOLISTIC PEA FREE DOG FOOD

• Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic Puppy Diet , 30-lb bag – $53.99
  Buy on Chewy.com

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DR. TIMS PEA FREE DOG FOOD

• Dr. Tim’s Athletic Blend Glacier Formula , 40-lb bag – $83.70 – Buy on Chewy.com

 

• Dr. Tim’s Active Dog Pursuit Formula , 40-lb bag – $69.99 – Buy on Chewy.com

 

• Dr. Tim’s Highly Athletic Momentum Formula , 40-lb bag – $79.99 – Buy on Chewy.com

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EARTHBORN HOLISTIC

• Earthborn Holistic Adult Vantage Natural , 28-lb bag – $47.99 
  Buy on Chewy.com

 

• Earthborn Holistic Ocean Fusion Natural , 28-lb bag – $51.99
  Buy on Chewy.com

 

• Earthborn Holistic Venture Alaska Pollock Meal & Pumpkin Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free , 25-lb bag – $69.99 – Buy on Chewy.com – Compare Prices on Amazon

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EVANGERS PEA FREE DOG FOOD

• Evanger’s Super Premium Chicken with Brown Rice Formula , 33-lb bag – $53.22
  Buy on Chewy.com

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FROMM PEA FREE DOG FOOD

• Fromm Large Breed Puppy Gold – 33 lb bag – $57.49 Compare Prices on Amazon

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HOLISTIC SELECT PEA FREE DOG FOOD

• Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Health Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Recipe , 30-lb bag – $59.99 – Buy on Chewy.com

 

• Holistic Select Adult Health Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Recipe , 30-lb bag – $57.99
  Buy on Chewy.com

 

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LIFES ABUNDANCE 

• Life’s Abundance All Life Stages Dog Food – 40 lbs – $78.42 (❤ THE PEA FREE DOG FOOD I SWITCHED TOO) Buy on LifesAbundance.com

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NATURE’S RECIPE

• Nature’s Recipe Easy-To-Digest Chicken Meal, Rice & Barley Recipe , 30-lb bag – $39
  Buy on Chewy.com

 

• Nature’s Recipe Adult Lamb Meal & Rice Recipe , 30-lb bag – $23.99
  Buy on Chewy.com

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NATURAL BALANCE

• Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato & Fish Formula Grain-Free , 26-lb bag – $59.67 (Flaxseed,  but far down on the list)
  Buy on Chewy.com

 

• Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Potato & Duck Formula Grain-Free , 26-lb bag – $59.67
  Buy on Chewy.com

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NULO DOG FREEZE DRIED FOOD

• Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Lamb Recipe With Raspberries Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food, 13-oz bag Buy on Chewy.com

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NUTRI SOURCE PEA FREE DOG FOOD

• Nutrisource Large Breed Dog Chicken/Rice Food, 30 lbs Compare Prices on Amazon Prime

• Nutri Source Adult – Chicken & Rice – 33 lb bag $52.63
  Compare Prices on Amazon Prime

 

• Nutri Source Grain Free Prairie Select with Quail Dog Food 30lb – Compare Prices on Amazon.com

 

• Nutri Source Super Performance Dry Food for Dogs, 40-Pound – $65.99 – Compare Prices on Amazon
  DogFoodAdvisor.com Review (I really like this brand and they have several more formulas that are also pea free that you should check out!)

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NUTRO ULTRA PEA FREE DOG FOOD

• Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult  – 30 lb bag – $57.99
  Buy on Chewy.com
  Compare Prices on Amazon Prime

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VICTOR PEA FREE DOG FOOD

• Victor Hi-Pro Plus Formula , 40-lb bag – $50.53 – Grain Free
  Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
  Buy on Chewy.com

 

• Victor Multi-Pro – 30lb bag $28.94
  Buy on Chewy.com
  Compare Prices on Amazon Prime

 

• Victor Select Beef Meal & Brown Rice , 40-lb bag – $44.74
  Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
  Buy on Chewy.com

 

• Victor Professional Formula , 40-lb bag – $44.77
  Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
  Buy on Chewy.com

 

• Victor Select Nutra Pro Active Dog & Puppy Formula , 40-lb bag – $57.89
  Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
  Buy on Chewy.com

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WYSONG PEA FREE DOG FOOD

• Wysong Optimal Performance , 5-lb bag – $16.69
  Buy on Chewy.com

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FREEZE DRIED PEA FREE DOG FOOD WITH NO FLAXSEED OR SOY

I highly recommend these brands for picky eaters, sensitive tummies, weaning puppies, sickly or runt puppies and nursing Moms.

The Stella and Chewy formulas also have “fenugreek seed” in them… which helps bring in Moms milk. 

CHECK OUT STELLA AND CHEWY’S MEAL TOPPERS!

Stella & Chewy’s Chicken Meal Mixers Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Topper, 18-oz bag – $37.99
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy on Chewy

 

Stella & Chewy’s Super Beef Meal Mixers Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Topper, 18-oz bag – $37.99
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy on Chewy

 

Stella & Chewy’s Savory Salmon & Cod Meal Mixers Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Topper, 18-oz bag – $38.99
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy on Chewy

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HONEST KITCHEN DEHYDRATED PEA FREE DOG FOOD – POWDER MIX – FEED IT ALONE OR WITH YOUR KIBBLE!

The Honest Kitchen dehydrated formulas have nothing but fruit, veggies and freeze dried meat.

It’s perfect for picky eaters and any dog who can’t stomach gluten, grains or too many calories in one sitting.

Moderate in protein and fat, it’s perfect for adult-dog maintenance, senior dogs and even weight loss.

Just mix it in with their kibble and they will lick the bowl clean and quickly! Dogs love this stuff!

My dogs and puppies LOVE Honest Kitchen and if you mix it with your kibble it lasts forever! 10 lb box makes 40 lbs of “mush/food” and a little goes a LONG WAY! 

The Honest Kitchen FISH FORMULA – is the only one without BOTH Peas and flax!

These are great dog food toppers AND makes a great puppy mush for weaning puppies. Elderly or weak dogs. Dogs who are picky or have low appetites. HUMAN GRADE FOOD! You can mix it in with their kibble or feed it alone. (A little goes a long way)!!

FISH FORMULA Ten Pound Box – $112.69 on Amazon Prime.  (10 lb box makes 40 lbs of mush but you can easily double that when mixed with their kibble) $117.99 on Chewy.

WARNING: The other formulas do contain either Peas or flax so double check each one individually. 

JUST PEA FREE – DEHYDRATED AND FROZEN DOG FOODS (CONTAIN FLAXSEED)

THESE FORMULAS CONTAIN FLAXSEED BUT ARE STILL PEA FREE…

I HIGHLY recommend all of the HONEST KITCHEN products for picky eaters,  grain allergies,  sensitive tummies,  issues with gluten, weaning puppies, runts and nursing Moms. 

While the Chicken formula w/grains does contain both flaxseed and Peas it’s also higher in protein and fat than some of the other Honest Kitchen recipes and its perfect for pregnant and lactating Moms and puppies as well as active adult dogs, especially agility dogs who need high performance quality diets.

So, I still highly recommend the chicken formula for your dogs during and after pregnancy, just not while your trying to get one!

Meanwhile, you can still feed the Turkey or Fish formulas without Peas!

HONEST KITCHEN GRAIN FREE TURKEY FORMULA

The Turkey Grain Free Formula is Pea Free but has Flaxseed.

Honest Kitchen! LOVE IT!

The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Human Grade Dehydrated Dog Food – TURKEY RECIPE (contains Flax seed) Limited Ingredients – 10 lb box $97.99

10 lb box of their dehydrated mix makes 40 lbs of wet food but if you mix it with your kibble, you can make it last forever and a day… it’s well worth the price, just add warm water.

Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy on Chewy.com

The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free BEEF Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food, 10-lb box – $99.95 (no Peas- contains Flaxseed) Limited Ingredients
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy on Chewy.com

 

The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Beef Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food, 10-lb box – $68.59 (no Peas -contains Flaxseed)
Compare Prices on Amazon Prime
Buy on Chewy.comcom

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TYLEE PEA FREE DOG FOOD FORMULA

Tylee’s Frozen Human-Grade Beef Recipe Frozen Dog Food, 6-lb bag – $29.99 (no Peas- contains Flaxseed)
Buy on Chewy.com

THATS ALL SHE WROTE FOLKS.. FOR PEA FREE DOG FOOD AT LEAST! PRETTY CRAZY HUH? NOT A LOT OF FOODS FOR HOW MANY THERE ARE!

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THE FDA’S GRAPHS FROM THEIR DIET-ASSOCIATED DCM REPORT:

The Most Frequently Reported Dog Food Brands in DIET-ASSOCIATED DCM Cases

READ THE FULL FDA REPORT HERE!

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DIET-ASSOCIATED DCM CASES REPORTED BY YEAR – HUGE SPIKE IN 2018!

This GRAPH shows us why the FDA got involved…

Some of the cases also involved more then one animal per household and after their diets were changed.. their symptoms also got better. Which is all super alarming and basically proves its diet related. 

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MOST IN COMMON INGREDIENTS 

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MOST IN COMMON PROTEINS/MEATS REPORTED

Protiens listed in order: Chicken, Lamb, Salmon, Whitefish, KANGAROO, Turkey, Beef, Pork, Venison, Duck. Bison, Elk, Egg, Vegitarian, Rabbit, Goat.

No one animal protein source was predominant.

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MOST IN COMMON ‘TYPES’ OF DIETS 

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DCM SYMPTOMS & REPORTING 

If a dog is showing possible signs of DCM or other heart conditions, including decreased energy, cough, difficulty breathing and episodes of collapse, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Detailed instructions for submitting case information can be found on “How to Report a Pet Food Complaint.”

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Raw isn’t the answer to this problem..

The Tufts University Veterinarians say they’ve seen an increase in Dogs with Nutritional Deficiencies in dogs due to well-meaning pet owners feeding their dogs the new wave of non-traditional diets, such as Home-Prepared Diets, Raw diets, Vegetarian Diets, and Small Boutique brands and Large Commercial Pet Food Brands with exotic ingredients.

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ANSWERS FROM TUFTS UNIVERSITY…WHAT NOW?

First off  “BEG DIETS” basically refers to any non-traditional diet (Small Boutique, Raw, Homemade, Grain-Free, Commercial dog foods with exotic ingredients etc.)

QUESTION:  If my dog is eating a “BEG diet” but has no symptoms, should I test for DCM or switch to a different diet?

TUFTS ANSWER:  “It’s unlikely that most dogs eating a BEG diet will develop DCM.

However, given the fact that we don’t yet understand why BEG diets are affecting some dogs and because diet-associated DCM is a life-threatening disease, I recommend you reconsider your dog’s diet until we know more.  

Contrary to popular belief, there are no health benefits of grain-free or exotic ingredient diets except in the rare case of food allergy.

If your dog is a part of your family and you want to feed him the very best, be sure to base this important decision on more objective factors than marketing and the ingredient list (see our post).”

– Dr. Lisa M. Freeman, DVM, PhD, DACVN 

READ MORE Blog Posts by Vets @ Tufts University:

• A Broken Heart: Risk of heart disease in boutique or grain-free diets and exotic ingredients
• It’s Not Just Grain-Free: An Update on Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy
• Questions You Should Be Asking About Your Pet’s Food

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TO GRAIN OR NOT TO GRAIN? 

Most canine nutritionists will recommend that carbohydrates and grains should make up a small portion of your dog’s diet (50% vegetables/40% meat protein/10% grains). 

Over the past 10 years the commercial dog food industry has really pushed the narrative that  “grain free” dog food formulas are the best and healthiest option for our dogs (also the most expensive) and that grains are nothing but cheap fillers. This is not always the case.

The reality is that REAL food allergies are extremely rare in dogs and cats, and grains are not usually the culprit. 

In fact, grains in moderation can be a good source of sub nutrients and are beneficial for most dogs. Dogs are more commonly allergic to proteins, like beef and chicken.

One of the misconception is that ‘grain free’ dog food is also lower in carbohydrates. However, vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, green Peas and tapioca are often used to replace the grains – making them as high or even higher in carbohydrates than food with grains.

 

Grain Free diets are not nessesary for every dog because not every dog has grain or even food allergies!

Meat should always be the first ingredient.

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DOG FOOD ALLERGIES

Most common food allergens include: beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb, soy, pork, rabbit, and fish. And, most dogs who have food allergies are usually allergic to more than one allergen.

General signs and symptoms of allergies include: Dry itchy skin, excessive scratching or licking, bald patches, a high frequency of hot spots, ear infections, skin infections. Diarrhea, and vomiting (also check for parasites and fleas).

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BEST PEA FREE DOG FOOD FOR FOOD ALLERGIES & SENSITIVE STOMACHS..

IN NO SPECIFIC ORDER…

These special dog food formulas are pea free. They also require vet authorization or prescriptions.

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP —  (requires vet authorization) 

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Chicken Flavor & Pea Free — (requires vet authorization)

Check Out All The Hypoallergenic & Prescription Dog Foods Available on Chewy.com

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Sport Dog! A True Golden Goose of Dog Food Brands…?

Sport Dog is the ONLY dog food brand I personally found that really made a point to promote the fact they’re Pea and Flaxseed free and BEFORE the FDA’S ALERT!

Sport Dog Food doesn’t contain Flax, Soy, Corn, Wheat, Peas, Pea Protein, or Pea Fiber and is also Grain Free and Gluten Free!

View More Info and the Full List of ALL the Sport Dog Pea and Flax Free Formulas on Amazon Prime! 

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Now, Tell me more about Peas, Flaxseed, Soy and Fertility issues…

Flax and Soy are high level phytoestrogens and while they do have some positive effects on health.. they MIGHT also cause hormonal imbalances which could negatively effect fertility… like they do at high levels in humans, mice and cows but there’s actually no solid proof with dogs because there’s no studies.. it’s just assumtion. Flaxseed also has alot of health benifits…and hopefully so because they put it in ALMOST every single dog food formula!!

I’m personally just not as concerned or convinced about Flaxseed as I am about Peas.

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PHYTOESTROGENS LIKE SOY AND FLAX

THIS INFOGRAPHIC IS FOR HUMANS NOT DOGS BUT STILL INTERESTING…

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WHATS WRONG WITH PEAS?

The POSSIBLE problem with Peas and how it effects fertility with humans and animals is “m-xylohydroquinone” the natural chemical found in Peas.

STUDY WITH PEAS AND HUMANS – RESULTS

Studies done on large groups of women and men, the men who took capsules containing m-xylohydroquinone had a 60% reductions in pregnancies. Male sperm counts diminish by 30% (but returned after 4 days of stopping use). (Sanyal, 1959)

When mice were fed a diet of 20% Peas, litter sizes dropped in half. At 30% Peas, the mice failed to reproduce at all. (Rensberger, 1994)

Peas and “Ingredient Splitting” in Dog Food…

I also saw “ingredient splitting” being done alot with Peas during my research for this post and more then anything it just made me really mad. 

Dog food companies will list multiple types of “Peas” for example:  organic green Peas, field Peas, pea protein, pea starch, pea fiber and yellow Peas in the top 10 ingredients.

While there is a difference in these types of Peas… this is also a sly tactic used to artificially raise the desired “meat” item to a higher position on the ingredients list — and lower the inferior ones. 

By breaking them down into different categories, the weight of the Peas can be divided into three, leaving the meat ingredient at the top of the list. Pure genius!! (Not really.. just scummy marketing)

The Peas can sometimes out number the meat by almost a three to one ratio. So, rather than the bag being called “Peas and Pork”…like it should! Thanks to ingredient splitting… it can now be labeled “Pork and Peas” because of this sneaky trick!

Some other examples where “ingredient splitting” can occur:

Corn: Corn gluten meal, corn flour, and whole ground corn
Rice: whole rice, white rice, brown rice, rice flour and rice bran
Potatoes: dried potatoes, potato starch, potato protein, and potato flour.

Most dog owners know they want the first ingredient to be MEAT but for alot..  that’s about as far as they’ll look and the dog food industry knows that…

A lot of dog owners don’t dive much deeper into the ingredients lists and I don’t blame them.. You almost need a degree in canine health to figure it all out.. or at the very least a lot of research and all these brands are pros at marketing to their customers!!!

We see ingredients that look yummy and healthy to us as humans and the dog food companies use words like “organic” and “natural” and we assume it MUST be healthy… that’s also done on purpose. #1 Fact Dogs do not need things like blueberries or artichokes or PEAS!!

Organic Peas, Natural Field Peas,  Green Peas and Yellow Peas,  Chickpeas!  All sounds healthy FOR HUMANS but are they good for dogs? 

DO THEY NEED PEAS ON AND EVERYDAY BASIS AND AT SUCH A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF THEIR DIETS?  THE ANSWER IS NO!

“The FDA has not engaged in any rulemaking to establish a formal definition for the term “natural,” to be used on dog food labels like they do for “natural” on human food labeling. (Source: FDA) 

So wait,  dog food brands can use the term “Natural” on their lables regardless if its true or not?  Yep.. they can and they do.

As a dog owner we need to learn how to read labels on pet food, and not just the top-of-the-list items.

Read: Important things to consider when buying your Dogs Food

IN CLOSING… 

You can do what you’d like with this information.. Share it,  ignore it,  do your own research. I am definitely not in any position to advise you or tell you that you should feed a pea and flax free dog food in order to have fertile dogs. I am no expert just going off my own deductions and the research I found.

Oh Picky Poodles & Doodles!

I will say that my dogs have turned their noses up at some of the most expensive brands that I’ve tried and then scarf down some of the “lower quality” brands.

Maybe because more artificial flavoring equals more yummy or maybe it’s because those brands have what their bodies are actually craving… maybe those semi exotic ingredients like blueberries and artichoke… just don’t do it for them? (Bodies do tend to crave what they need.) But, I honestly don’t have the answers.

During my research I did come to the conclusion..  that price has almost nothing to do with it and expensive and highly rated doesnt always mean it actually tastes good! 

I also noticed that alot of the dog food formulas had very similar formulas… but not always with comparable pricing. 

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WHAT DO I FEED MY DOGS?

My dogs LOVE Purina Pro Plan and Honest Kitchen the best but I try to keep them on a rotation diet so that’s just one of the foods Ingeed throughout the year.. I also feed Lifes Abundance – All life Stages (Pea Free) and Sport Dog!

DOG FOOD SEARCH & COMPARE TOOLS!

• DOG FOOD FORMULAS INGREDIENTS LIST – COMPARISON TOOL (Extremely Helpful! Not just Sport Dog Formulas):
  https://tools.sportdogfood.com/section/legumes/

 

• DOG FOOD WIZARD: Another great DOG FOOD SEARCH TOOL – search for dog food formuals without specific ingredients: http://www.dogfoodwizard.com

 

• Also check out my own Honest Dog Food Reviews Here: Best and Worst Dog Food Brands (might be outdated),

 

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SOURCE ARTICLES & MORE RESEARCH LINKS

Click Here To Read More….

The Tricks Pet Food Makers Use to Replace Grains
Read the Article on HealthyPets. Mercola. com
Pet foods without grains have now become mainstream, but just because these foods may not contain grains doesn’t mean they are healthy for your pet.

Grain Free Dog Food Equals Peas, Peas and more Peas  by the Truth about Pet Food

THE PEA PROBLEM IN PET FOOD – BY PLANETPLANETPAWS.CA – Dr Jean Dodd

Diverse Effects of Phytoestrogens on the Reproductive Performance: Cow as a Model

INGREDIENT SPLITTING IS ONE OF THE PET FOOD INDUSTRY’S MOST SCANDALOUS PRACTICES

Pea Protein, Pea Fiber, Pea Flour and Pea Starch in Dog Food? WHY???? (I saw this being done alot in my research)

Canine Nutrition – What your dog really needs

Flaxseeds & Peas – Canine Fertility

Soy food and isoflavone intake in relation to semen quality parameters among men from an infertility clinic.

Flaxseed and its lignan precursor, secoisolariciresinol diglycoside, affect pregnancy outcome and reproductive development in rats.

PLANTS THAT STOP ANIMALS FROM REPRODUCING?

One study even proposed that phytoestrogens are foods/plants that have a phytochemical defense mechanism to stop animals from reproducing and consuming them. (see study link below) Pretty interesting. 

Phytochemical mimicry of reproductive hormones and modulation of herbivore fertility by phytoestrogens. C L Hughes, Jr

CHECK OUT THE DOG FOOD CALCULATOR – INCLUDING COST PER CUP

Complete Guide to Comparing Dog Food Prices

DCM RELATED LINKS

THE FDA’S 2019 DCM REPORT LINKS

I encourage everyone to read the FDA’S actual reports and I am providing direct links to all the different parts below:

1.     FDA Provides Third Status Report on Investigation into Potential Connection Between Certain Diets and Cases of Canine Heart Disease:  A brief overview of the report

2.     FDA Investigation into Potential Link between Certain Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy: The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine report

3.     Vet-LIRN Update on Investigation into Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Findings from the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN), a collaboration of government and veterinary diagnostic laboratories

4.     Questions & Answers: FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine’s Investigation into a Possible Connection Between Diet and Canine Heart Disease: 26 frequently-asked questions

5.     Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs and Cats: Full spreadsheet of reports submitted to the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine

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IF I MISSED SOMETHING – PLEASE CONTACT ME! 

 

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