Best Dog Food For Schnauzers
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. Learn More
Schnauzers were originally bred to be guard dogs and farm dogs in Germany. They are versatile and affectionate, with a very protective nature towards their family. These medium-sized dogs are highly energetic, so you must provide them with the best dog food in order to keep them healthy.
To do that, you must consider some key factors, like the proportions of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and fats. So we will discuss them before moving on to the list of the best dog food products for this breed.
At a Glance: Best Dog Food for Schnauzers
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 Schnauzers
|
OVERALL BEST
1. Eagle Pack Original Chicken Meal & Pork Meal Formula Dry Dog Food |
BEST FOR ALLERGIES
2. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Formula Dry Dog Food |
BEST FOR WEIGHT LOSS
3. Blue Buffalo Freedom Adult Healthy Weight Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food |
BEST FOR SENIORS
4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food |
BEST PUPPY FOOD
5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food |
|
Protein
26% Min |
Protein
25% Min |
Protein
20% Min |
Protein
30% Min |
Protein
36% Min |
|
Fat
14% Min |
Fat
12% Min |
Fat
9% Min |
Fat
12% Min |
Fat
16% Min |
|
Fiber
4% Max |
Fiber
5% Max |
Fiber
10% Max |
Fiber
7% Max |
Fiber
5% Max |
|
Calories
350 kcal/cup |
Calories
446 kcal/cup |
Calories
330 kcal/cup |
Calories
387 kcal/cup |
Calories
418 kcal/cup |
Our criteria
Many people today think that dogs need to eat a diet that is similar to an ancestral diet that wolves might eat. Or that dogs need ingredients that are similar to the things humans eat.
Neither of these approaches to feeding dogs is true. Dogs have evolved in the last 15,000+ years of living with humans to eat a diet that is different from what wolves eat.
They are still dogs, however, with a dog’s gastrointestinal system. Your dog won’t thrive or get the nutrients he needs by eating foods that sound appealing to you.
He can’t digest many of the foods that you enjoy, for one thing.
You and your dog don’t have the same digestive system to absorb nutrition. Many of the things people believe today about dog food are based on pet food marketing instead of nutritional facts.
The criteria we use in selecting the best dog foods for Schnauzer dogs and other breeds comes from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
The 5 Best Dog Food For Schnauzers Reviewed
All Schnauzers may not have the same requirements because of the many factors that affect their lifestyle. However, this should not keep you from playing it safe. So always note that going for cheap dog foods can be harmful to the dog. The list shown below is compiled to help you decide the kind of dog food that you should buy for your Schnauzer. These products are sure to give your pet the best nutrients possible.
Eagle Pack Original Chicken Meal & Pork Meal Formula Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 26% Min
- Fat: 14% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Calories: 350 kcal/cup
- Cheaper than other brands
- Reduces gas
- Improves coat condition
- Regulates stool
- Should not be fed to dogs on low-protein diets
This dog food does not contain any added artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives that may harm your pet. This product also contains omega fatty acids and antioxidants that boost your pet’s immune system.
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Formula Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 25% Min
- Fat: 12% Min
- Fiber: 5% Max
- Calories: 446 kcal/cup
- Reduces allergies
- Reduces stomach problems
- Small kibble is easily digestible
- Improves coat condition
- Kibble may be too crunchy to chew
- May not be compatible with picky eaters
The main ingredient used in it is salmon, which is the single source of protein that ensures a high supply. Since this is made from fish, it is very suitable for dogs that have allergies or stomach sensitivities. This product contains good sources of antioxidants and uses only natural preservatives to ensure good health.
Blue Buffalo Freedom Adult Healthy Weight Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 20% Min
- Fat: 9% Min
- Fiber: 10% Max
- Calories: 330 kcal/cup
- Fillers are easily digestible
- Reduces gas
- Regulates stool quality
- Reduces chances of weight gain
- Amount of dark pellets is inconsistent
- Rather expensive
- Kibble is smaller than expected
It also contains calcium and phosphorus that promotes the dental health of your dog.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 30% Min
- Fat: 12% Min
- Fiber: 7% Max
- Calories: 387 kcal/cup
- Reduces itching
- Improves coat quality
- Improves muscle mass
- Great quality food
- Reasonable price
- Some dogs do not like the LifeSource bits
- Kibble is harder than other formulas
This is good for senior Schnauzers because senior dogs typically need more protein in their diet to stay fit. It also contains a good amount of fat that your senior dog will need throughout the day. There are essential ingredients that your dog will find beneficial in this product, which are taurine and omega fatty acids.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 36% Min
- Fat: 16% Min
- Fiber: 5% Max
- Calories: 418 kcal/cup
- Serving size is accurate for breed sizes
- Improves coat quality
- Improves dental condition
- Eases the transition to adult food
- Rather expensive
It also contains important antioxidants that will help boost your dog’s immunity as it grows.
Nutritional Requirements
Depending on your Schnauzer’s specific size and weight, your dog may need more or less than the amount listed. This is because there are varieties of Schnauzers that are smaller than others. These percentages only account for the general needs of most Schnauzers, not all. These percentages must also be adjusted depending on your dog’s lifestyle.
- Protein: Schnauzers generally need about 18 to 25 percent of protein to survive. This varies from one breed to another because some Schnauzers have more muscle mass than others. Depending on their activity, they may need at least a minimum of 18 percent. It is not recommended to go below this amount because 18 grams of protein is what most dogs need.
- Carbs: Just like any other dog breed, Schnauzers only need a low to moderate amount of carbohydrates. This falls in the range of 7 to 15 percent and should consist of wholesome grains and vegetables. Some examples of carbohydrates that are safe to eat are sweet potatoes and brown rice. They provide a good source of healthy carbohydrates and do not have excess sugar.
- Fats: Schnauzers also need a good amount of fat, which is about 10 to 15 percent. Dogs that live a more active lifestyle may require more fat than others because they burn fat easily. A primary source of fat that most dog food companies use is chicken. However, if your dog is allergic to chicken, you may opt for fish fat.
- Fiber: Due to the number of carbohydrates that your dog consumes, it is necessary for it to get a diet containing a good amount of fiber. Typically, a Schnauzer would need about 10 percent fiber in order to have a regular stool. Fiber controls a dog’s weight and keeps them from eating in excess. The presence of good fiber also promotes intestinal health in dogs.
- Minerals and Vitamins: As Schnauzers need a low to moderate percentage of other nutrients, they will need about 35 percent of vitamins and minerals to survive. For some dog breeds, this is a very high percentage, but this is more than appropriate for most Schnauzer breeds. This is because their bodies are not as resilient as those of other breeds and need such nutrients to fend off diseases. However, this can be acquired from a balanced blend of fruits and vegetables that are safe for dogs.
- Probiotics and prebiotics: Prebiotics and probiotics have become standard in many dog foods today, especially in kibbles. They help your dog’s gastrointestinal system function well and strengthen the immune system.
How Much Should You Feed Your Schnauzer By Age?
Schnauzers of different ages have different needs and, as such, should be fed accordingly. If a dog is not fed properly according to its age, its health will most likely suffer. Not only that, your dog will become dissatisfied with you and will think that you are not a caring pal. Thus, to keep these things from happening, you should read through the below-stated recommendations.
- Puppy: Puppy Schnauzers require a normal amount of calories to thrive. They need about 1000 calories, which is lower than what normal adult Schnauzers need. This is because puppy Schnauzers are prone to digestive disorders due to their sensitive stomachs. Click here for more info on the best dog food for puppies
- Adult: Depending on your Schnauzer’s specific size, your dog may need about more or less 1600 calories per day. This is fairly average for a dog and generally applies to standard Schnauzers, but can also apply to active miniatures. Less active miniature Schnauzers need about 1200 calories per day. On the other hand, giant Schnauzers may need about 1800 to 2000 calories per day.
- Senior: Generally, senior Schnauzers need about 800 to 1000 calories per day. If they are just as active as puppies, they may need more to maintain their energy levels. However, most senior dogs are not as active as before and would need this amount to prevent obesity. They would also benefit from lots of fiber-rich vegetables and fruits to help with their aging bodies.
Schnauzer Food Allergies And Food Related Health Issues
The most common food allergy that Schnauzers can get is an intolerance to chicken. Some Schnauzers can also get fat intolerance if the fat they eat is not compatible with their bodies. Though this is not the usual case with most Schnauzers, they can still get food-related health issues depending on their lifestyle and genes. Here are some diseases that can result from an imbalanced diet that plague most Schnauzers.
- Liver Diseases: Acute liver failure is caused by various lifestyle and environmental factors that affect the dog. Most often, it is caused by infectious agents or toxins that enter the body. This may be in the form of dangerous chemicals that they inhale or intake. Most often, this is caused by toxic preservatives that are found in unregulated dog food products.
- Pancreatitis: Some breeds, such as Schnauzers, are more at risk of developing this disease than others. This is a preventable disease that can be avoided if the dog eats a healthy and safe diet. In some cases, dogs that suddenly get this have a history of being obese, having hypothyroidism, and having high blood sugar. All of these conditions are caused by a poor diet given to a dog.
- Hot Spots: Hot spots are also known as acute moist dermatitis and are seen as moist, hot, irritated regions of a dog’s skin. There are many factors that can cause a dog to get hot spots on its body. Commonly, a dog gets hot spots if they eat something that their body does not agree with. This can either be an acute allergic reaction or a chronic allergy that can be passed down from one generation to another.
Final Thoughts
Schnauzers are not sensitive dogs and are very energetic as well. In order to keep up with their active lifestyle, it is recommended that these products be fed to your dog. These products are sure to give your pet the daily recommended nutrient intake that it may need. Before you feed any of these products to your dog, you should take note of their health status to make sure that they can eat the particular product safely.
