ardam, formerly CDK9 Raw, gets asked this question more than almost any other: what about grains? The simple answer is that dogs don't need them. This guide explains why, what grains are really doing in most commercial pet foods, and how a grain-free, species-appropriate raw diet supports better digestion and day-to-day energy for Australian dogs.
Dogs Are Facultative Carnivores
Dogs are classified as facultative carnivores. This means that although they are primarily meat-eaters, they can survive, though not necessarily thrive, on some plant material. Their digestive systems are built to process animal protein and fat efficiently, with a short gastrointestinal tract and highly acidic stomach environment suited to raw meat and bone. Grains, by comparison, are a poor biological fit. Dogs lack the specialised enzymes and extended gut length that grazing animals rely on to properly break down large amounts of plant starch.
Why Grains Turn Up in Commercial Pet Food Anyway
Grains like corn, wheat, barley and rice are common in commercial dry foods, not because they are biologically appropriate, but because they are inexpensive fillers that add bulk, extend shelf life and lower manufacturing costs. A bag of kibble that lists corn or wheat among the first few ingredients is prioritising cost efficiency over what a dog's body is actually designed to process. This does not make every grain-inclusive food dangerous, but it does mean a lot of the "nutrition" on the label is really just filler doing very little for your dog.
Grain Sensitivities Are More Common Than Owners Expect
Many dogs show sensitivities related to grains in their diet. These can show up as itchy or flaky skin, ear irritation, excessive licking of the paws, or loose and inconsistent stools. Some dogs appear to tolerate grains without any obvious issue, but tolerance is not the same as biological need. Even in dogs that show no visible sensitivity, grains are still not required to meet any nutritional need a properly formulated raw diet cannot meet more efficiently. If your dog has ongoing skin or digestive symptoms, a vet-guided elimination diet trial is the most reliable way to identify the cause.
What a Grain-Free Raw Diet Looks Like
At ardam, our meals are grain-free and species-appropriate by design. We build every recipe around high-quality meat, organ and bone, plus a small, carefully chosen selection of vegetables, fruits and seeds that support digestion and general vitality rather than displacing the protein and fat a dog's body actually runs on. This is feeding dogs the way nature intended, without the filler carbohydrates that dominate so much of the commercial pet food aisle.
- Muscle meat provides the primary protein and energy source
- Organ meat delivers concentrated vitamins and minerals
- Edible bone supplies calcium and phosphorus in a natural ratio
- A small portion of vegetables and fruit adds fibre and antioxidants without excess starch
Because there is no grain filler diluting the nutritional value, portion sizes on a raw diet tend to be smaller and more nutrient-dense than an equivalent volume of kibble, and owners in Sydney and across Australia often report firmer stools and steadier energy within the first few weeks of switching. The ardam team hears this feedback regularly from customers who have made the switch away from grain-heavy kibble, particularly from owners of dogs that previously showed ongoing itchy skin or an unsettled stomach.
Reading a Pet Food Label Properly
One of the simplest habits an owner can build is actually reading the ingredient list on a bag of commercial food rather than trusting the marketing on the front of the packet. Ingredients are listed by weight before cooking, so if corn, wheat or rice appears in the first three or four items, that food is relying heavily on grain rather than meat as its primary bulk. Words like "meat meal" or "animal derivatives" are also worth checking closely, since they can vary enormously in quality between brands. A genuinely species-appropriate food will list a named meat, such as chicken, beef or duck, as the clear first ingredient, with little or no grain filler behind it.
It is also worth being sceptical of pet food marketing that leans heavily on words like "natural" or "wholesome" without backing it up with a transparent ingredient list. These terms are not strictly regulated in the same way nutritional claims are, so the only reliable way to judge a food is to look at what is actually in it, not what the packaging says about it.
Making the Switch Without the Guesswork
Moving to a grain-free raw diet does not need to be complicated. A gradual transition over seven to ten days, introducing one new protein at a time, gives your dog's digestive system time to adjust. If you are not sure where to start, our free meal planning quiz works out a tailored feeding plan based on your dog's age, weight and activity level in a couple of minutes, and our guide to how the ardam meal planner works walks through exactly how that portioning is calculated. A sample pack is also a low-pressure way to see how your dog responds before committing to a full changeover, and our companion article on why we avoid commercial pet food goes into more detail on the ingredients we steer clear of altogether.
Grain-Free Kibble Is Not the Same as Raw
It is worth flagging that "grain-free" on a kibble bag does not automatically mean species-appropriate. Many grain-free dry foods simply swap grain fillers for other starchy fillers such as potato, pea or tapioca, which still push the overall carbohydrate load far higher than anything a dog would eat in the wild. The processing itself, typically extreme heat and pressure to form the familiar kibble shape, also strips out a meaningful amount of the natural nutrient value found in raw meat, organ and bone. Going grain-free only delivers the full benefit when it is paired with genuinely raw, minimally processed ingredients rather than another form of ultra-processed filler.
What Owners Notice After Switching
Most owners who move from a grain-heavy commercial diet to a grain-free raw diet notice changes within the first month. Stools typically become smaller, firmer and less frequent, since more of what goes in is actually being used by the body rather than passed through as bulk filler. Coat condition often improves as essential fatty acids from raw meat and fish replace the lower-quality fats used in many dry foods. Energy levels can shift too, with some owners reporting a steadier, more even temperament rather than the sugar-like spikes and crashes that can come from a diet heavy in refined carbohydrates.
When to Involve a Vet
If your dog has persistent skin issues, ear infections or digestive symptoms that do not settle with a diet change, it is worth involving a vet to rule out other causes and confirm a genuine grain sensitivity. The Australian Veterinary Association can help you find a registered vet near you, and researchers at Tufts University's veterinary nutrition service have published detailed guidance on grain-free diets for dogs that is worth a read if you want to go deeper on the science.
Explore the full range of grain-free, species-appropriate raw meals we offer, crafted to give your dog everything it needs, and nothing it doesn't. When it comes to grains, we happily go against them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dogs need grains in their diet?
No. Dogs are facultative carnivores and do not require grains for a nutritionally complete diet.
Are grains harmful to dogs?
Grains are not toxic in small amounts, but they are unnecessary filler and some dogs show sensitivities including itchy skin and digestive upset.
Why do commercial pet foods contain grains?
Grains such as corn, wheat, barley and rice are inexpensive fillers that add bulk, extend shelf life and reduce manufacturing costs.
Is a grain-free raw diet better for dogs?
For most dogs, yes. A grain-free raw diet aligns more closely with a dog's biological needs as a facultative carnivore.
What does ardam use instead of grains?
High-quality meat, organ and bone, along with a small selection of vegetables, fruits and seeds that support digestion.
Can a grain-free diet cause nutrient gaps?
Only if the diet is not properly balanced. A complete and balanced raw diet replaces grain fillers with real, nutrient-dense ingredients instead.
How do I know if my dog has a grain sensitivity?
Common signs include itchy or flaky skin, ear irritation, and loose stools. A vet can help confirm a sensitivity through diet trials.
Every recipe in the complete raw mixes lineup is grain-free by default.
