Best Dog Food For Dobermans
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Doberman Pinschers are known for their alertness and power, making them excellent guard dogs. However, to ensure their health and happiness, it’s crucial to provide high-quality dog food that meets their unique nutritional needs.
This article provides tips on selecting the best dog food for Dobermans, along with a list of top 5 picks for the best dog food for Dobermans. By doing so, you can ensure your pet’s well-being and happiness.
Compare Best Dog Food For Dobermans
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OVERALL BEST
1. Tuffy’s Pet Food NutriSource Grain Free Dog Food, Chicken & Pea |
BEST FOR SENIORS
4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Large Breed Dry Dog Food |
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Protein
28% Min |
Protein
26.0% Min |
Protein
25% Min |
Protein
20% Min |
Protein
26% Min |
|
Fat
18% Min |
Fat
15% Min |
Fat
15% Min |
Fat
10% Min |
Fat
15% Min |
|
Fiber
6% Max |
Fiber
4.0% Max |
Fiber
4% Max |
Fiber
7% Min |
Fiber
3% Max |
|
Calories
475 kcal/cup |
Calories
360 kcal/cup |
Calories
446 kcal/cup |
Calories
442 kcal/cup |
Calories
379 kcal/cup |
Our Criteria
The criteria we use in selecting the best dog foods for Doberman Pinschers and other breeds comes from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
Using the WSAVA guidelines, we look for dog foods that meet the following standards:
- The food should meet AAFCO approval, preferably by means of a food trial instead of a nutrient profile.
- We like dog food companies that have nutritional research to back up their formulations.
- Pet food companies should have canine or veterinary nutritionists on staff to formulate their foods.
- A pet food company needs to have strong quality control measures and be willing to discuss them.
Best Dog Food For Dobermans Reviewed
When picking a dog food for Dobermans, look for high-quality ingredients such as premium animal proteins, healthy animal fats, and digestible carbohydrates. You want to make sure the protein is high enough to maintain its lean muscle mass with just enough fat for energy.
Tuffy’s Pet Food NutriSource Grain Free Dog Food, Chicken & Pea
Product Info
- Protein: 28% Min
- Fat: 18% Min
- Fiber: 6% Max
- Calories: 475 kcal/cup
- Formulated to support growth and development in large breed puppies
- Chicken meal as the first ingredient, a concentrated source of protein
- Helps with dogs who have wheat allergies
- Some dogs may be sensitive to chicken or pork ingredients
It supports gut health because it contains prebiotics and probiotics that are good for the dog.
The omega fatty acids included in its formula helps maintain a good skin and coat. As it is a low glycemic food product, it is also healthy for Dobermans who are prone to hypoglycemia.
Solid Gold Sensitive Stomach Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 26.0% Min
- Fat: 15% Min
- Fiber: 4.0% Max
- Calories: 360 kcal/cup
- Does not get soggy very fast
- Gives extra energy
- Helps regain lost weight
- Contains lesser calories than other products
- Gives a shiny coat
- Some dogs do not like the taste
- Packaging is not very durable
- Expensive
Instead, it uses fresh salmon as its source of protein, which also has omega fatty acids.
This dog food is free from gluten and grains, and uses vegetables and superfoods as a source of fiber and carbohydrates.
It also has healthy monosaturated fats such as olive oil and canola oil to help support a healthy coat.
Eukanuba Large Breed Adult Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 25% Min
- Fat: 15% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Calories: 446 kcal/cup
- Eukanuba foods are formulated by veterinary nutritionists
- The company’s facilities have superior quality control
- Made in the USA
- This food contains corn and chicken by-product meal which some people will not like
(You can find Eukanuba’s research into dog dental care online.) The food also has a specialized fiber system made from natural beet pulp and prebiotic FOS (a natural sugar) that promotes nutrient absorption and healthy digestion. It also contains naturally sourced glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. This food has no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or added gluten.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 20% Min
- Fat: 10% Min
- Fiber: 7% Min
- Calories: 442 kcal/cup
- Features real chicken as the first ingredient
- LifeSource Bits provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Supplemented with glucosamine and chondroitin for strong bones and joints
- Some dogs do not like the taste
It also contains nutrients obtained from whole grains, garden vegetables, and fruits.
In order to maintain your dog’s mobility, it includes chondroitin and glucosamine in its formula. To ensure the best possible results, it does not contain artificial flavors or preservatives.
Nutro Wholesome Naturals Large Breed Puppy Food
Product Info
- Protein: 26% Min
- Fat: 15% Min
- Fiber: 3% Max
- Calories: 379 kcal/cup
- Formulated to support growth and development in large breed puppies
- Features farm-raised chicken, brown rice, and sweet potatoes
- No GMO ingredients or artificial additives
- Not a grain-free recipe, some puppies may be sensitive
- Contains some plant proteins (pea protein)
This Nutro Wholesome Naturals recipe is uniquely formulated for large-breed puppies to meet those needs and more.
It features farm-raised chicken, brown rice, and sweet potatoes in a nutritionally complete recipe for puppies.
Key Considerations When Buying The Best Dog Food For Doberman
Dog foods should meet certain criteria, including research backing their formulas, qualified veterinary nutritionists formulating their foods, rigorous quality control, and avoiding exotic ingredients. All dogs need good quality, digestible protein from animal sources like meat, fish, and poultry.
Adult dogs need a minimum of 18% protein, puppies and pregnant or lactating females need a minimum of 22%, and dogs with active activities like agility or hunting need more protein. AAFCO recommends a minimum of 22% protein for adult dogs and 22% for puppies and lactating females.
Understanding The Dietary Needs Of Dobermans
Dobermans are usually very active, especially as puppies and young adults. Young dogs will need plenty of calories.
This is especially true if you intend to do things together, such as agility, rallying, playing frisbee, hiking, or one of the fifty other things that Dobermans love to do with their people.
As your dog gets older, it’s natural that he will start to slow down. If he begins to look a little pudgy at this time, you can cut back on his portions a little or consider changing foods to a dog food made for mature adult dogs.
These foods typically have slightly fewer calories but still let a dog feel full.
Remember that your dog will stay healthier throughout his lifetime if you keep him active, even when he’s older. Daily walks are great, and so are regular runs.
Special Dietary Needs Of Dobermans
All large-breed dogs have the same basic nutritional needs for protein, fat, and nutrients. What you may not realize, however, is that dogs of different sizes have different needs when it comes to the ratio of those nutrients. Dobermans also need more calories than smaller dogs, but fewer per pound of body weight.
Here are some of the top things to look for in large-breed dog food:
- High-Quality Protein. Protein is the most important nutrient for any dog, but it is particularly important for large-breed dogs to maintain lean muscle mass. Look for premium animal sources for protein.
- Moderate Fat. Fat provides your dog with a concentrated source of energy as well as essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, but you want to keep the content moderate to avoid feeding your Doberman dog so many calories that he becomes obese.
- Joint Support. Large-breed dogs have a higher risk for bone and joint problems than smaller breeds, so look for a recipe that contains joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin.
- Digestibility. Many large-breed dogs have sensitive stomachs, so you want to make sure that the recipe you choose is made with digestible ingredients and free from low-quality fillers and artificial additives that could upset their stomachs. Click here to read more about the best dog food for sensitive stomach
- Quality ingredients. A healthy diet of wholesome ingredients is important for your dog’s overall health, but it will also contribute to his dental health and the health of his skin and coat.
Keeping all of these things in mind, you’re now ready to learn how to choose the best dog food for large breeds. Here’s what you need to know:
How Much Should You Feed Your Doberman By Age?
Dobermans are not like other dog breeds that need a very high-calorie diet.
As Dobermans age, they require fewer calories than other large-breed dogs. A healthy puppy requires 1800 calories to grow normally, as they have a higher energy level than adult dogs. As they transition into adulthood, the frequency of their meals can be reduced, with three meals per day and two as they grow older.
Adult Dobermans need 1876 calories per day, with grains like corn and soy excluded. Moderation is needed for other grains, as they may trigger allergies. Dobermans must be fed two times a day until their daily calorie requirements are met.
Senior Dobermans need only 1333 calories per day due to their relaxed lifestyle. To ensure their health, they should eat two times a day, rich in proteins and fat, and low in carbohydrates.
Doberman Food Allergies And Food Related Health Issues
Despite being a breed that does not need much to keep themselves healthy, Dobermans can still get diseases.
This can be from simple food allergies that are passed down from one generation to another to more serious ones.
Below are some diseases that can be easily avoided if you know what you feed to your dog.
- Zinc-Sensitive Dermatosis: Zinc-sensitive dermatosis can occur in Dobermans who do not feed on food products rich in zinc. They can either occur as a result of zinc deficiency, zinc malabsorption, or incorrect zinc intake. As its name implies, it is a skin disorder, which can manifest as scaling, redness, and hair loss. It is a fairly rare disorder, but can still strike Dobermans if they have a history of this. Click here to read about the best dog food for skin allergies
- Hypoglycemia: Dobermans are prone to hypoglycemia, which can cause them problems if they are fed with foods low in sugar content. If a hypoglycemic dog eats too much sugar, it can result in diabetes. Hypoglycemia can cause a lot of diseases in dogs, and sometimes also cause their death. Thus, hypoglycemic dogs should be fed with steady amounts of sugar to prevent them from going to extremes. Click here to read about the best dog food for diabetes
- Chronic Hepatitis: Dogs that consume toxic substances found in unsafe dog food products can suffer from chronic hepatitis. Selected breeds, along with Doberman Pinschers, are actually at a higher risk of this disease than others. Thus, Dobermans should be fed with dog food products that are recommended for the breed and should not be given drugs too frequently.
Final Thoughts
You may not be eager to pamper your Doberman because of its dominant temperament and its need for high-quality food products. However, its high intelligence and eager-to-please personality will make you feel otherwise.
These dog food products are sure to help you lengthen the Doberman’s life. Do note that not every Doberman has a similar personality, preferences, and needs.
