21 Yeast-Free & Potato Free Dog Food Recipes

When it comes to sensitive small breed dogs, Nulo really hits the mark. This Limited+ recipe focuses on a single animal protein source: deboned salmon. This is fantastic for pinpointing allergies. Instead of potatoes or yeast, it uses chickpeas and sweet potatoes (Editor’s note: while the title is potato-free, some recipes use sweet potatoes, which have a different nutritional profile and are generally better tolerated. We’ve included them where they are a key ingredient, but focused on recipes without white potatoes). Critically, it contains no brewer’s yeast. It’s also packed with GanedenBC30, a powerful probiotic that survives the cooking process to support your tiny friend’s gut health. The kibble size is perfectly designed for smaller jaws, making mealtime a breeze.

Verdict: This is a premium choice for small breed owners who suspect their pup has sensitivities to common proteins like chicken or beef and want to support their digestive health proactively.

Zignature is a brand that’s practically synonymous with limited ingredient diets. Their Turkey Formula is a go-to for dogs with a host of allergies. It’s a ‘physiologically tuned’ diet, meaning it’s designed to be close to what a canine would eat in the wild. The first ingredients are Turkey and Turkey Meal, providing a high-quality, lower-fat protein source. Carbohydrates come from wholesome sources like chickpeas and peas. Zignature’s formulas are known for being free from common allergens, and this one is no exception—no potatoes, no chicken, no grains, and no yeast.

Verdict: An outstanding option for dogs with severe food sensitivities or those who need a novel protein diet prescribed by a vet. It’s clean, simple, and effective.

For the canine athlete in your life, Dr. Tim’s Pursuit is formulated to provide sustained energy. Created by a veterinarian and sled dog musher, this food is all about performance. It uses slow-cooked chicken meal as its primary protein and opts for wholesome, slow-release carbs like brown rice and oat groats instead of potatoes. It’s fortified with a blend of prebiotics and probiotics to support the gut health of hardworking dogs. The 87% animal-derived protein ratio ensures your active pup gets the fuel they need for muscle maintenance and recovery, all without yeast or potatoes.

Verdict: The perfect fuel for canine athletes, working dogs, or any high-energy companion who needs a performance-driven diet without common irritants.

Want to add the power of raw to your dog’s diet without the hassle? Instinct Raw Boost is a fantastic hybrid. It combines high-protein, grain-free kibble with freeze-dried raw beef pieces mixed right in. This ‘raw on every piece’ approach makes it incredibly palatable for picky eaters. The recipe features beef as the first ingredient and avoids potatoes and yeast. Instead, it uses nutrient-rich carbs like peas and tapioca. The raw inclusion not only boosts taste but also provides natural enzymes and nutrients in their most bioavailable form.

Verdict: Ideal for picky dogs or pet parents who want to introduce the benefits of a raw diet conveniently. The taste and nutrition are hard to beat.

Another fantastic raw-infused option, Wellness CORE RawRev Ocean, is a dream for fish-loving dogs. This formula is loaded with high-quality whitefish, herring meal, and salmon meal, making it incredibly rich in omega fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin. It’s 100% grain-free and, importantly for our list, free of potatoes and yeast. The kibble is coated with freeze-dried whitefish for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition. This recipe is packed with antioxidants, probiotics, and essential vitamins to support whole-body health.

Verdict: A top-tier choice for dogs needing extra support for their skin and coat, or for those who simply thrive on a fish-based diet.

Earthborn Holistic’s Venture line is specifically designed for dogs with sensitivities. This recipe features pasture-raised lamb from New Zealand as its single animal protein source. It’s a true limited ingredient diet, using butternut squash, pumpkin, and chickpeas as its primary carbohydrates, completely avoiding potatoes and yeast. The formula is simple, clean, and highly digestible. Earthborn also has a strong focus on sustainability, using plant-based packaging and participating in a recycling program, which is a great bonus for eco-conscious pet parents.

Verdict: A fantastic, eco-friendly option for dogs who need a simple, novel protein diet. The focus on quality sourcing and digestibility is a huge plus.

Merrick is known for its high-quality, kitchen-crafted recipes, and their Limited Ingredient Diet line is no exception. This formula puts real deboned duck at the forefront—a great novel protein for dogs with sensitivities to chicken or beef. It uses chickpeas and peas for carbohydrate energy, steering clear of grains, potatoes, and yeast. Merrick always crafts its food in its own Texas-based kitchens, ensuring quality control from start to finish. This recipe is also fortified with leading levels of glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy hips and joints.

Verdict: A superb choice for dogs needing a novel protein diet with the added benefit of joint support, from a trusted brand with high safety standards.

Acana takes a ‘biologically appropriate’ approach, using fresh, regional ingredients. Their Singles line is perfect for our list. The Lamb & Apple recipe features 60% grass-fed lamb ingredients, including meat, liver, and tripe, providing a rich source of nutrients. The other 40% is composed of vegetables and botanicals, with delicious Red Delicious apples and butternut squash instead of starchy potatoes. It contains absolutely no yeast. The use of whole-prey ratios (meat, organs, and cartilage) minimizes the need for synthetic supplements, making it a more natural choice.

Verdict: A premium, biologically appropriate food for owners who want to feed their dogs a diet rich in high-quality meat and free from common allergens.

Canidae PURE is all about simple recipes for sensitive dogs. This formula is made with just 8 key ingredients, and real salmon is the star. It’s a great source of omega fatty acids to combat itchy skin. It uses wholesome vegetables like sweet potatoes (again, a better choice than white potatoes), peas, and chickpeas. There’s no room for fillers, and definitely no yeast. Canidae also adds their HealthPLUS Solution—a trio of probiotics, antioxidants, and Omega 6 & 3 fatty acids applied after cooking to ensure potency.

Verdict: An excellent, straightforward choice for dogs with common food sensitivities, particularly those who benefit from a fish-based diet for skin and coat health.

Fromm is a family-owned company with a stellar reputation for quality and safety. Their Game Bird recipe is a delectable medley of duck, turkey, quail, and pheasant. This grain-free, potato-free formula uses lentils and chickpeas for carbs. It’s enhanced with salmon oil for a healthy coat and contains a special blend of probiotics to aid digestion. It’s a gourmet meal that’s also carefully formulated to be free of common irritants like yeast. The variety of proteins makes it incredibly tasty for discerning pups.

Verdict: A fantastic choice for non-allergic but sensitive dogs whose owners want to provide a rotational, gourmet diet from a highly reputable brand.

From Petcurean, Go! Solutions is all about tackling specific dietary needs. Their limited ingredient duck recipe is a lifesaver for many pet parents. It features cage-free duck as the single source of poultry protein and uses peas and lentils as the primary carbohydrate sources. It’s completely free from grains, gluten, potato, and yeast. The formula also includes prebiotic fiber from dried chicory root to support sensitive stomachs, making it a gentle, yet complete and balanced meal.

Verdict: A carefully formulated, nutritionist-approved option for dogs with both food sensitivities and delicate digestive systems.

For those who prefer a less processed option, The Honest Kitchen is a pioneer in dehydrated, human-grade dog food. This limited ingredient fish recipe is made with wild-caught pollock and is perfect for sensitive pups. To prepare, you simply mix the dehydrated food with warm water, and it transforms into a moist, wholesome meal. It’s naturally free of potatoes and yeast, using ingredients like organic coconut and chickpeas. Being human-grade means it’s made in a human food facility, adhering to the highest safety and quality standards.

Verdict: The ultimate choice for pet owners who prioritize human-grade, minimally processed ingredients and don’t mind a little meal prep for their furry family member.

Stella & Chewy’s offers the nutritional benefits of a raw diet in a safe and convenient freeze-dried form. Their Dandy Lamb Dinner Patties are 95% grass-fed lamb, organs, and bone, providing a powerhouse of nutrition. The rest of the recipe consists of 100% organic certified fruits and vegetables like cranberries and spinach—no fillers, no potatoes, no yeast. These patties can be served dry or rehydrated with water. They are rich in natural nutrients and appeal to a dog’s primal cravings.

Verdict: A top-of-the-line, raw-alternative diet for pet parents committed to providing a nutrient-dense, biologically appropriate meal for their sensitive dog.

Hailing from Italy, Farmina is a brand beloved by nutrition purists. Their N&D (Natural & Delicious) Pumpkin line is specifically formulated without potatoes. This recipe features grass-fed lamb, pumpkin, and blueberry. Pumpkin is a fantastic, low-glycemic carbohydrate that is packed with fiber and great for digestion. The formula is 96% protein from animal sources and contains no artificial preservatives or yeast. The kibble is sized perfectly for small and mini breeds, packing a huge nutritional punch in every tiny bite.

Verdict: An exceptional, scientifically-formulated food for small breed owners who want a high-protein, low-glycemic diet made with top-quality European ingredients.

Orijen is another ‘biologically appropriate’ powerhouse, known for its incredibly high meat inclusions. The Original recipe features a symphony of free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and nest-laid eggs. A remarkable 85% of the formula is quality animal ingredients. Instead of high-glycemic potatoes, it uses a variety of lentils, chickpeas, and beans. It’s naturally yeast-free. Orijen’s use of ‘WholePrey’ ratios—incorporating meat, organs, and cartilage—mirrors a natural diet and provides a rich source of nutrients without a long list of synthetic additives.

Verdict: For active dogs without specific protein allergies, Orijen Original offers unparalleled meat-rich nutrition that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Solid Gold has been a pioneer in holistic pet nutrition for over 40 years. Their Leaping Waters recipe is a grain-free and gluten-free option that’s also free from potatoes and yeast. It features cold water salmon as the primary protein, making it rich in Omega-3s. The formula uses lentils and chickpeas for energy and is packed with 20 nutrient-dense superfoods like pumpkin, carrots, and blueberries. Every bag is protected by a proprietary probiotic blend to support your dog’s gut health and immune system.

Verdict: A well-rounded, holistic choice for owners looking for a food that supports overall wellness, from gut health to skin and coat, without common irritants.

Annamaet is another brand with deep roots in the world of working and sled dogs. The Sustain formula focuses on sustainability, using line-caught cod and silver carp, an eco-friendly fish. This grain-free and potato-free recipe is packed with high-quality protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, which supports cognitive function. It’s fortified with L-carnitine for fat metabolism and contains prebiotics for digestive health. It’s a thoughtfully crafted food that’s good for your dog and the planet.

Verdict: The ideal choice for the eco-conscious pet owner who wants a high-performance, fish-based food that supports both their dog’s health and environmental sustainability.

Nature’s Logic takes a unique approach by avoiding all synthetic vitamins and minerals. Instead, they derive 100% of their nutrition from whole foods. This Duck & Salmon Meal Feast recipe is free from common allergens like corn, wheat, soy, potatoes, and yeast. The nutrition comes from a blend of nutrient-dense animal meals and concentrates of fruits and vegetables. It’s coated with digestive enzymes and probiotics for maximum nutrient absorption. This is food as close to nature as you can get in a kibble.

Verdict: Perfect for the nutrition purist who wants to avoid synthetic supplements and feed their dog a diet composed entirely of natural, whole-food ingredients.

For dogs that may have issues with starches and sugars, Ketona offers a groundbreaking solution. This food has less than 5% starch and 0.5% sugar, boasting 90% less carbohydrate than other leading grain-free brands. It achieves this by using non-GMO, plant-based ingredients and a high concentration of chicken from American farms. With more than 46% protein, it’s like feeding a raw diet with the convenience of kibble. It is, of course, completely free of potatoes and yeast, making it an excellent choice for dogs with sensitivities related to high-carb diets.

Verdict: A revolutionary keto-friendly kibble ideal for dogs needing an ultra-low-carb diet, whether for weight management or sensitivities to starches and sugars.

Open Farm is all about transparency and ethical sourcing. You can literally trace every ingredient in your bag back to its source. Their Grass-Fed Beef recipe features Certified Humane beef from family farms. This potato-free and yeast-free formula uses a wholesome blend of field peas, lentils, and non-GMO pumpkin and carrots. It’s a high-quality food that you can feel good about buying, knowing the animals were treated with respect and the ingredients are top-notch.

Verdict: The absolute best choice for ethically-minded consumers who demand transparency and high welfare standards without compromising on nutrition for their sensitive dog.

Another excellent option from Petcurean, NOW FRESH is made with 100% fresh deboned lamb, pork, and venison. The ‘fresh’ in the name means the meat has never been frozen or rendered, which helps preserve its nutrients and flavor. The recipe is completely free of grains, gluten, wheat, beef, chicken, corn, soy, rendered meats, by-products, and artificial preservatives, in addition to being potato-free and yeast-free. It features balanced proteins and fats and includes wholesome superfoods like coconut oil, pumpkin, and kelp.

Verdict: A great choice for owners who prioritize fresh, minimally processed ingredients in a convenient kibble form for their dog’s daily diet.

Navigating the world of dog food labels can feel like you need a degree in nutrition! But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. When you’re on the hunt for the perfect yeast-free and potato-free food, here are the key things to look for:

1. High-Quality, Identifiable Protein Source

The very first ingredient should always be a named animal protein, like ‘Deboned Chicken,’ ‘Grass-Fed Lamb,’ or ‘Wild-Caught Salmon.’ Avoid vague terms like ‘meat meal’ or ‘animal by-products.’ If your dog has known allergies, look for a single-source or novel protein (like duck, venison, or kangaroo).

2. Healthy Carbohydrate Alternatives

Since we’re ditching potatoes, look for foods that use healthy, low-glycemic alternatives. Great options include:

• Legumes: Chickpeas, lentils, and peas are excellent sources of fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates.
• Sweet Potatoes: While we are avoiding white potatoes, sweet potatoes are nutritionally different, lower on the glycemic index, and packed with vitamins. They are generally well-tolerated.
• Squash and Pumpkin: These are fantastic for digestive health, providing soluble fiber that can help with both diarrhea and constipation.
• Tapioca: A starch extracted from the cassava root, it’s an easy-to-digest and common grain-free carb source.

3. Check the ENTIRE Ingredient List for Yeast

Yeast can hide under a few different names. The most common one to look for and avoid is ‘Brewer’s Dried Yeast.’ It’s often added as a source of B vitamins and for palatability, but it’s a no-go for a truly yeast-free diet. Scan the full list carefully.

4. Healthy Fats and Omega Fatty Acids

Fats are crucial for energy, brain function, and skin/coat health. Look for named fat sources like ‘Chicken Fat’ (which is generally fine even for chicken-allergic dogs as the protein is removed) or ‘Salmon Oil.’ A good balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids is key to fighting inflammation, which is often at the root of skin and ear issues.

5. No Artificial Stuff or Fillers

A high-quality food won’t contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives (like BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin). It also shouldn’t be bulked up with low-quality fillers like corn, wheat, or soy, which can be common allergens for many dogs.

Why is yeast a problem for some dogs?

For most dogs, brewer’s yeast is perfectly fine. However, for dogs prone to yeast overgrowth (Malassezia dermatitis), which manifests as itchy skin, hair loss, and smelly ear infections, adding more yeast to their diet can potentially feed the problem. Eliminating it from their food is a simple step to see if it provides relief, especially as part of a broader strategy with your vet.

What’s the big deal about potatoes in dog food?

White potatoes became a very popular carbohydrate source when the grain-free trend took off. However, they are a high-glycemic starch, which can cause blood sugar spikes. For some dogs, a high-starch diet can contribute to inflammation or digestive upset. That’s why many premium brands have moved towards lower-glycemic options like legumes and sweet potatoes.

How do I safely switch my dog to a new food?

Slow and steady wins the race! A sudden switch can cause an upset stomach. The best method is a gradual transition over 7-10 days.

• Days 1-3: 75% old food, 25% new food.
• Days 4-6: 50% old food, 50% new food.
• Days 7-9: 25% old food, 75% new food.
• Day 10: 100% new food.

Monitor your dog’s stool and energy levels throughout the transition. If you see any issues, slow the process down.

Should I consult my vet before changing my dog’s diet?

Absolutely! It’s always the best first step. Your veterinarian can help rule out other medical causes for your dog’s symptoms and can provide guidance on whether a specific dietary change, like going yeast-free and potato-free, is the right move for your individual pup’s health needs.