Best Dog Food For English Setters
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The English Setter is a dog breed that is also classified under sporting dogs because this breed used to hunt birds with their owners. They have a relatively high energy level and, thus, need appropriate diets.
In this article, we will discuss some things to keep in mind while buying dog food for an English Setter. That includes activity level, stress level, and nutritional value. Keep reading to see our top 5 recommendations for the best dog food for English Setters.
At a Glance: Best Dog Food for English Setters
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below, where we have highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Compare Best Dog Food For English Setters
|
OVERALL BEST
1. Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula All Life Stages Dry Dog Food |
BEST HYPOALLERGENIC
2. CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Lamb & Pea Recipe Dry Dog Food |
BEST FOR WEIGHT LOSS
3. Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Dog Food |
BEST FOR SENIORS
4. CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Senior Limited Ingredient Chicken, Sweet Potato & Garbanzo Bean Recipe Dry Dog Food |
BEST FOR PUPPIES
5. Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food |
|
Protein
26% Min |
Protein
32% Min |
Protein
32% Min |
Protein
28% Min |
Protein
28% Min |
|
Fat
16% Min |
Fat
18% Min |
Fat
10% Min |
Fat
10% Min |
Fat
12% Min |
|
Fiber
3% Max |
Fiber
4% Max |
Fiber
5% Max |
Fiber
5% Max |
Fiber
4.5% Max |
|
Calories
368 kcal/cup |
Calories
509 kcal/cup |
Calories
360 calories per cup |
Calories
409 kcal/cup |
Calories
381 kcal/cup |
Our Criteria
The criteria we use in selecting the best dog foods for American Bulldogs 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 English Setters Reviewed
English Setters can easily consume a large meal, especially if they are incredibly active dogs. Depending on your dog’s lifestyle and health condition, he or she may find the below-listed dog foods suitable.
These dog food products are what we find to be the most suitable for this dog breed. Each product has a unique formula, which is why you should take time to read before you buy them.
Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula All Life Stages Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 26% Min
- Fat: 16% Min
- Fiber: 3% Max
- Calories: 368 kcal/cup
- Made with premium, all-natural ingredients, and no fillers
- Real Chicken as the first ingredient, a concentrated source of protein
- Affordable price tag
- Some dogs may be sensitive to chicken or pork ingredients
It is easily digestible and rich in nutrients because of all the natural ingredients that it uses. The formula contains the essential amino acids required to build strong and lean muscles. It also has a healthy blend of fatty acids to promote good skin and shiny coat.
CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Lamb & Pea Recipe Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 32% Min
- Fat: 18% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Calories: 509 kcal/cup
- Made with a limited number of ingredients and no grains
- Supplemented with chelated minerals and probiotics
- Protein-rich lamb as the main ingredient
- Bag can be full of kibble dust
It is made of lamb, which serves as an alternative protein source for those allergic to beef.
This recipe contains vegetables such as peas, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes as a source of fiber and other vitamins. It only uses natural flavors in order to enhance the taste of the formula.
Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 32% Min
- Fat: 10% Min
- Fiber: 5% Max
- Calories: 360 calories per cup
- Formulated to support growth and development in large breed dogs
- Features farm-raised chicken, brown rice, and sweet potatoes
- No GMO ingredients or artificial additives
- Some dogs do not like the taste
This formula contains 55 percent protein and healthy fat sources, and 45 percent of it contains fiber and vitamins.
The formula contains beef and chicken, which are good sources of protein and fat. In order to help your dog’s joints, it also contains glucosamine and chondroitin.
CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Senior Limited Ingredient Chicken, Sweet Potato & Garbanzo Bean Recipe Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 28% Min
- Fat: 10% Min
- Fiber: 5% Max
- Calories: 409 kcal/cup
- Makes coat thicker and shinier
- Reduces shedding
- Good for sensitive stomachs
- Helps maintain high energy levels
- Helps maintain ideal weight
- More expensive than other brands
- Expires quickly
- Gives some dogs smelly breath
Unlike its other formula, this one has a more limited list of ingredients to make digestion easier for them.
It is also good for senior dogs with a sensitive stomach because it is made for sensitive dogs. It uses fresh chicken and vegetables, which is safer for your senior dog.
Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 28% Min
- Fat: 12% Min
- Fiber: 4.5% Max
- Calories: 381 kcal/cup
- Nutrient-dense and calorie-dense
- Formulated for large breeds, rich in animal protein
- Plenty of healthy fats
- Chelated minerals, probiotic supplements
- contains some plant protein (potato protein)
It contains DHA that enhances your dog’s brain development. Also it is free from by-product meals, artificial preservatives, or harmful grains that hamper your dog’s growth.
Moreover, it contains a good amount of omega fatty acids to help your puppy’s skin and coat become healthy and shiny.
How To Choose The Best Dog Food For English Setters?
The best place to start when looking for the best dog food for large breeds is a high-quality diet formulated for large-breed dogs. This will help ensure that your dog gets the protein it needs to build healthy muscle without so much fat that it becomes overweight or obese.
When it comes to protein and fat, your dog will be able to digest animal-based ingredients better than plant-based ingredients.
Meat, poultry, and fish are excellent sources of protein for dogs, and healthy fats include things like chicken fat and salmon oil. Your dog can digest certain carbohydrates as well like whole grains, starchy vegetables, beans, and legumes, but protein should be the star of its diet.
In addition to protein, fat, and digestible carbohydrates, your large breed dog can benefit from certain supplements.
Probiotics, for example, help to ensure smooth and regular digestion, while chelated minerals provide a biologically valuable source of key nutrients. Glucosamine and chondroitin are also important for large-breed dogs to support their bone and joint health.
Special Dietary Needs Of English Setters
All 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. Larger dogs like English Setters 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 an English Setters:
- High-Quality Protein. Protein is the most important nutrient for any dog, but it is particularly important for English Setters 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 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 its stomach.
How Much Should You Feed Your English Setter By Age?
An English Setter has a fairly low requirement in proportion to their activities in the field. Unlike muscular dog breeds, their slim stature requires them to eat less to help keep them at top speed. Dogs of this breed are similar to medium-sized dogs, who have a lower caloric requirement. However, unlike other dogs, they utilize their daily calories to the fullest and sometimes may need to be fed more.
- Puppy – Growing puppies need about 1800 calories per day to cope up with their developing bodies. They will also have a higher energy level than adults, which means that they need to be fed more. Since this breed is not predisposed to allergies, they can feed on grains, but in moderation. Puppies of this breed greatly benefit from flaxseeds and other superfoods that can boost a dog’s immunity.
- Adult – A regular English Setter needs about 1300 calories per day, and would have to be fed twice a day. This means that they need to be served an average of 650 calories per meal. Unlike other dogs, they greatly benefit from a low-calorie diet, regardless of their weight disposition. A low-calorie diet helps them keep themselves energetic without having to put on extra pounds.
- Senior – Unlike adults and puppies, they only require about 1100 calories per day. This is because most dogs have lower energy levels as they reach seniority. Just like adults, they have to be fed twice a day and would benefit from a low-calorie diet. Depending on the dog food’s instruction and nutrient label, you may have to feed your dog less to maintain your dog’s weight.
English Setter Food Allergies And Food Related Health Issues
Unlike other dog breeds, English Setters do not frequently get allergies. Also, they are more tolerant of grains as long as they are fed moderate amounts. However, there are some disorders that still plague English Setters. Here are some diseases that English Setters can get regardless of age.
- Kidney Disease: Excess protein may also lead them to develop kidney stones if they do not metabolize it well. This is the reason why they is recommended that feed on a low-calorie diet. This is incredibly common among senior English Setters who feed on a high-calorie diet rich in protein. If a dog develops a kidney stone, the only way to remove it is by surgery.
- Chronic Allergies: Dogs get chronic allergies if they are exposed too much to a certain food product. English Setters are also prone to chronic allergies, some of which are caused by foods such as soy. If left untreated, it will develop hot spots and cause excess shedding. In some cases, it also leads to other skin complications which cannot be treated easily.
- Heart Disease: They are also prone to heart diseases if they are not fed with food that is rich in taurine. Though a lot of senior dogs commonly suffer from this as they age, it can still be prevented. Taurine can be found in meats such as red meats or chicken. English Setters who are allergic to chicken can feed on non-fried, cooked scallops as an alternative.
Final Thoughts
English Setters can become dependent on lifetime medications so they become unhealthy, especially when they age. In order to avoid this kind of hassle, you should feed your dog with the best dog food possible. However, not all of these dog food products may apply to your dog. This is because not all dogs are made the same, and as such, your dog’s conditions should be considered before buying.
