Grain free foods took a huge hit when veterinary community and specialists started researching the problem. However, they've since learned three major things: a. It's not the "lack of grains" that is the problem b. Grain free foods are most often loaded with peas, potatoes, chickpeas, and legumes which are the problem c. Grain-free or not, legumes or not, the common factor is always that the food manufacturer does not have qualified staff formulating the food Poorly formulated foods of all kinds, including those with grains, have been implicated in nutritional DCM in dogs.