The 6 Best Dog Food For Italian Greyhounds

Dog Food Nutrition December 6, 2023
Best Dog Food For Italian Greyhounds
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The 6 Best Dog Food For Italian Greyhounds

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Best Dog Food For Italian Greyhounds

Quite similar to the usual Greyhounds, even the Italian Greyhounds have low body fat. Moreover, these dogs are likely to develop a fair amount of health issues and are super sensitive to several foods.

Therefore, it is important for you to know the dos and don’ts if you plan to bring up an Italian greyhound. That’s because knowing how to raise an Italian greyhound is important before adopting one.

Compare Best Dog Food For Italian Greyhounds

OVERALL BEST
Ollie Dog Food Chicken Goodness Recipe

1. Ollie Dog Food Chicken Goodness Recipe

BEST AFFORDABLE
Zignature - Trout and Salmon Meal Formula Dry Dog Food

2. Zignature - Trout and Salmon Meal Formula Dry Dog Food

BEST FOR WEIGHT-LOSS
Nom Nom Pork Potluck Recipe

3. Nom Nom Pork Potluck Recipe

BEST FOOD FOR SENIOR DOGS
Diamond Naturals Senior Formula Dry Dog Food

4. Diamond Naturals Senior Formula Dry Dog Food

BEST FOR PUPPIES
Primal Freeze Dried Pet Foods

5. Primal Freeze Dried Pet Foods

BEST FOR SENSITIVE STOMACH
Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Dog Food

6. Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Protein
10% Min
Protein
31% Min
Protein
7% Min
Protein
25% Min
Protein
37% Min
Protein
48% Min
Fat
3% Min
Fat
14% Min
Fat
5% Min
Fat
11% Min
Fat
37% Min
Fat
28% Min
Fiber
2% Max
Fiber
4% Max
Fiber
2% Max
Fiber
3% Max
Fiber
1% Max
Fiber
5 % Max
Calories
1,298 kcal/kg
Calories
418 calories per cup
Calories
1246 kcal/kg
Calories
318 calories per cup
Calories
172 kcal/oz
Calories
50 calories per patty

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 Rated Dog Food for Italian Greyhounds Reviewed

Italian greyhounds are fairly sensitive to a lot of different foods and therefore require a very specific diet. Moreover, these dogs are naturally skinny and therefore require a high-protein diet in order to keep them from losing weight and becoming malnourished.

Shopping with all these things in mind can be confusing. So to make things easier for you, below is a list of recommended dog foods that are perfect for your Italian greyhound.

OVERALL BEST
1.

Ollie Dog Food Chicken Goodness Recipe

Product Info

  • Protein: 10% Min
  • Fat: 3% Min
  • Fiber: 2% Max
  • Calories: 1,298 kcal/kg
Pros
  • Made with human-grade, all-natural ingredients
  • Portioned according to Poodle’s calorie needs
  • Cooked at low temperatures to preserve quality
Cons
  • Maybe too high in fiber for some Poodles
  • Expensive compared to dry food options
The Poodle breed comes in three different sizes, so a fresh food option like Ollie is a great choice because you can simply adjust the portion size according to the dog’s calorie needs.

Ollie is fresh dog food made with wholesome, human-grade ingredients and delivered right to your door.

Plus, it is cooked at low temperatures to preserve the nutritional value. Ollie offers four different recipes, any of which could be a good fit for your Poodle.

We like the leaner Chicken Goodness and Healthy Turkey Feast options for Standard Poodles and the higher fat and calorie content of the Hearty Beef Eats and Tasty Lamb Fare for toy and miniature Poodles.
BEST AFFORDABLE
2.

Zignature - Trout and Salmon Meal Formula Dry Dog Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 31% Min
  • Fat: 14% Min
  • Fiber: 4% Max
  • Calories: 418 calories per cup
Pros
  • Many dog owners found this food to be digestible and easy on their dog’s stomach.
  • Dogs enjoyed the taste of this food
  • Calorie dense to support your Italian Greyhounds high energy requirements
Cons
  • A number of customers complained of non-fulfillment of their orders
This Zignature – Trout and Salmon Meal Formula Dry Dog Food features fish from the Northwestern United States and provides your dog with a hearty meal filled with protein.

Additionally, this dog food is a great source of Omega fatty acids, ensuring your dog healthy skin and a luscious coat.

This food is ideal for dogs who have allergies and sensitivities and is rich antioxidants and low in carbs, making this meal quite healthy. Finally, this dog food is made with minimal ingredients in order to ensure that even the most sensitive dogs can enjoy its every bite.
BEST FOR WEIGHT-LOSS
3.

Nom Nom Pork Potluck Recipe

Product Info

  • Protein: 7% Min
  • Fat: 5% Min
  • Fiber: 2% Max
  • Calories: 1246 kcal/kg
Pros
  • Wholesome, natural ingredients prepared fresh
  • Pre-portioned for dog’s caloric requirements
  • Supplemented for balanced nutrition
Cons
  • More expensive than other options
Because the Poodle comes in three sizes, it can be difficult to choose a pet food but Nom Nom is perfectly portioned according to your dog’s age and size, no matter which type of Poodle you have.

This is fresh food made with wholesome, natural ingredients in protein- and moisture-rich recipes designed to deliver premium quality nutrition.

Because it is a fresh food product, it is also high in moisture to support your dog’s hydration and digestion. It also retains more of its original nutritional integrity because it hasn’t been cooked at high temperatures.

Poodles are no more prone to food allergies than other breeds, so any of Nom Nom’s four dog food recipes could be a good fit.

We like the higher fat and calorie content of the Porkalicious Potluck for miniature and toy Poodles who have fast metabolisms or the leaner, lower calorie Chicken Chow-Wow or Tasty Turkey Fare for Standard Poodles.
BEST FOOD FOR SENIOR DOGS
4.

Diamond Naturals Senior Formula Dry Dog Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 25% Min
  • Fat: 11% Min
  • Fiber: 3% Max
  • Calories: 318 calories per cup
Pros
  • Made with highly-digestible animal protein
  • Appetizing formula helps to entice dogs to eat
  • Affordable price tag
Cons
  • A few dog owners complained of loss of appetite in their dogs with this diet
  • Many dogs disliked its taste
  • Several dog owners found that this food caused gastritis in their pets
This Diamond Naturals SENIOR Real Meat Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food features a blend of eggs, chicken and oatmeal. This is to provide an aging dog with optimal protein.

Furthermore, this food blend features a mix of glucosamine and chondroitin to ensure strong bones and joints. In addition, this mix features superfoods and antioxidants in order to ensure the health of your dog’s skin and coat. Finally, for your dog’s good health, this food doesn’t contain any harmful artificial flavorings, colorings or fillers.
BEST FOR PUPPIES
5.

Primal Freeze Dried Pet Foods

Product Info

  • Protein: 37% Min
  • Fat: 37% Min
  • Fiber: 1% Max
  • Calories: 172 kcal/oz
Pros
  • Contains high amounts of animal protein
  • Calorie-dense and made with highly-digestible animal protein
  • This dog food offers a very balanced meal with good nutrients
Cons
  • A number of customers complained about getting damaged or spoiled products
  • Customers complained of getting crushed nuggets
  • Some customers found dangerous bones in the nuggets
This Primal Freeze Dried Pet food features meat of chicken that were raised without any added hormones or chemicals. Now that sure gives you the confidence that your dog is getting a high-quality meal. Moreover, this dog food features natural sources of vitamins and minerals.

That provides your puppy with the required nutrients. Also, this product is made in the USA, ensuring that it is of high-quality and meets the standards set by the American authorities. Finally, this dog food doesn’t contain any added fillers, ensuring that your dog gets all the nutrients they require.
BEST FOR SENSITIVE STOMACH
6.

Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 48% Min
  • Fat: 28% Min
  • Fiber: 5 % Max
  • Calories: 50 calories per patty
Pros
  • Made from highly-digestible protein
  • Protein-rich and calorie-dense
  • Freeze dried food is safer to handle and store
Cons
  • Few customers complained of finding bones in the patties
  • Several customers complained lack of quality control in the patties
  • These patties are expensive
This Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Dog Food features raw chicken pieces from cage-free chicken, organic fruits and vegetables. The chicken is full of healthy nutrients that dogs require to be healthy. Moreover, this dog food is free from starches, grains and any other fillers that can be harmful for the dog.

Additionally, this dog food doesn’t contain any preservatives or additives that are harmful to your pet’s health. Finally, this gluten-free dog food doesn’t contain any added hormones or antibiotics, ensuring your dog a complete and satisfying meal.

Considerations When Buying Dog Food For Your Italian Greyhound

Italian greyhounds are allergic to a fairly long list of foods. Therefore, before buying them food, you must clearly know that. So, for their health, safety, and happiness, you can make your purchase keeping that in mind.

  • AAFCO: The Association of American Feed Control Officials, sets certain standards for health, cleanliness, and safety. Look out for its approval stamped on the dog food that you buy. Not only will this ensure high-quality food, but it will also ensure that your dog stays healthy on that meal plan.
  • Life Stage: It’s important to buy dog food according to the dog’s life stage. That’s because Adult, Senior and Puppy dogs have different requirements, depending on the stage of life your dog is in. To begin with, young pups require a diet that helps them grow at a steady and healthy pace. While adult dogs need food that will keep them strong and energized,. Finally, the senior dogs need food with an adjusted calorie intake to keep them from gaining or losing excessive amounts of weight as they grow older.
  • Meat Protein: Dogs don’t have the same digestive system as humans, and that is very evident by their inability to properly digest plant proteins. Along with small quantities of plant proteins, carbs, and healthy sources of vitamins and minerals, it is best to find a dog food that is predominantly meat-based.

Italian Greyhound Dietary Needs

Italian Greyhounds don’t have any special dietary needs that are specific to their breed; however, it is important to ensure that they have a healthy and balanced diet just like any other dog.

It is important that your dog maintain a healthy weight. That’s because if your Italian Greyhound is too skinny, it would mean that it is malnourished. On the other hand, if your Italian Greyhound is too heavy, it would burden its fragile frame.

So don’t be alarmed if you see your Italian Greyhound’s ribs, because this breed of dog naturally has low percentages of body fat.

Nutritional Requirements

It’s not that hard to keep Italian Greyhounds healthy; however, you need to give them the best nutrition possible.

Remember that your pup is quite delicate and needs to be given a fair chance to grow and thrive. Although there is no foolproof plan to ensure that your dog is adequately nourished, you still need to go the extra mile to do so.

  • Protein: This nutrient is the building block for all dogs and the thing that keeps their muscles strong and the dog active. In order to ensure that your dog is as healthy as possible, look out for dog foods that offer the best sources of protein, or even better, multiple sources of protein.
  • Fat: Fat gives your dog energy; therefore, it is a good idea to find dog foods rich in fat when it comes to active dogs like Italian Greyhounds.
  • Carbs: Carbs definitely have their place in your dog’s diet and can be a great source of potassium. It also ensures that your dog feels satisfied after each meal. However, make sure to avoid dog foods with too many carbs. That’s because such foods don’t offer the same nutritional value that meat does. Also, too many carbs in your dog’s diet could indicate filler calories. These are calories that fill your dog up without offering any real value.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: You have probably been told to eat healthier foods by your doctor a thousand times before. Each time, the doctor explains the benefits of natural ingredients and how they offer you the vitamins and minerals that you need in order to be healthy. Well, the same goes for your canine friend. Natural ingredients such as fruits and vegetables also offer similar benefits to your dog.

How Much Should You Feed Your Italian Greyhound ?

How much you feed your dog depends on which stage of life your dog is in. That’s because the dog’s nutritional requirements vary accordingly. So, as your dog goes through its lifecycle, its needs differ accordingly.

  • Puppy: When it comes to Italian Greyhound puppies, there’s no specific meal plan. That’s because they grow so rapidly, and their dietary needs change by the week. Usually, puppies eat until they are full, so this helps the dog owner assess their growth and needs. Free feeding is a popular choice among dog owners raising Italian Greyhound puppies.
  • Adult: Italian Greyhounds should have a fairly low calorie intake, with only 360 to 450 calories a day. The variable that affects the food intake is the dog’s individual activity level. So you may adjust the calories depending on how active the dog is. If your dog is extremely active, then it may need as many as 700 calories a day.
  • Senior: Italian Greyhounds tend to lose their appetite as they get older. This is not something to get alarmed about; however, it is always a good idea to consult the vet. Also, it means that you should be gradually lowering their portion size.

Food Allergies

Below are foods that you should avoid feeding your Italian Greyhound in order to keep them healthy:

  • Chocolate and caffeine: Both of these foods contain something called theobromine. This substance, when ingested in high quantities, can prove to be fatal for your dog.
  • Cooked Bones: Italian Greyhounds don’t have the ability to break down and digest bones. In fact, their system leaves the bones trapped in the digestive tract. That can cause all kinds of pain, discomfort, and health issues, so it is generally just better to avoid feeding bones to these dogs.
  • Grapes: Whether fresh or in raisin form, grapes contain an unknown substance that has been found harmful for the Italian Greyhound’s kidneys. Therefore, in order to avoid kidney damage or even failure, it’s just better to keep your dog away from eating grapes.
  • Mushrooms and alcohol: Italian Greyhounds have trouble digesting these two foods. For the most part, large quantities of food that are hard for the dog to digest cause damage and lead to danger. Therefore, it is just better to avoid them all together.
  • Dairy: Italian Greyhounds have been found to have trouble digesting dairy products, causing them to experience severe stomach pain and troubles. Most of the time, this will lead to gas and stomach aches.
  • Onions: Onions feature a substance called thiosulfate, a substance that is basically poison for dogs. This substance, when ingested, can lead to damaged blood cells or even death.

Greyhound Health Issues

The best way to keep your Italian Greyhound healthy is to know what dangers lurk around their health:

  • Bloating: Italian Greyhounds have very long legs, and it is not very comfortable for them to bend down to eat from bowls kept on the floor. In fact, they are at risk of gulping it down too quickly to avoid that discomfort, and this may cause several stomach issues, including bloating. Bloating is a condition in which your dog’s air gets trapped in its chest and hinders its breathing; therefore, most owners of Italian Greyhounds feed them on elevated surfaces.
  • Weight: Weight is a hot topic amongst dog owners these days. While some owners like them fatter, others prefer their dogs to be slim. So when it comes to Italian Greyhounds, ‘just right’ is the only weight that is safe for them. In order to make sure that your dog’s weight is balanced, make sure that you can see their pin bones.

Final Thoughts

Italian Greyhounds are an impressive breed of dog that can be traced back to ancient Greece and Turkey. In fact, in Egypt, greyhounds were even found mummified. Moreover, for generations, these impressive-looking animals have been inspiring painters. However, in more recent times, these dogs have switched over from being a painter’s muse to becoming a beloved house pet. They are athletic and fragile animals that require great care and love.

 

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Amy Towry is a Certified NAVC Pet Nutritionist and pet lover. She is the proud owner of two rescue cats and a rescue dog and her love for animals has led her to a successful career as a freelance writer specializing in pet care, nutrition, and product reviews.
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