Doberman Pinschers are fearless, loyal, noble dogs with sleek, powerful bodies. In order to support their high energy levels and intense work ethic, they need a healthy diet made up of animal proteins and healthy fruits and veggies. Wondering what the best food is to keep your Dobie healthy? Keep reading!
Top 6 Picks for Best Dog Food for Dobermans
The best dog food brands for Dobermans by stage
You may have noticed that there are different foods out there for puppies, seniors, and adult dogs. Curious why? And do you need to use different foods for different ages?
As your dog ages, his nutrition needs to change. A puppy needs a lot more calories than a senior dog, and an adult dog needs different levels of nutrients than an older pup. Manufacturers make foods to suit the different ages to ensure that your dog gets the best combination of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals for their age. You can help give your dog the best chance at being healthy by picking a food formulated for their life stage.
Best puppy foods for Dobermans
Source: @dobermanzone / IG
So we know that puppies need special food, but what is the best food for Doberman Pinscher puppies? It’s important to give a large breed puppy the right combination of nutrients to make sure they develop healthy bones and joints. The following foods are made for young dogs with lots of energy, which is perfect for Doberman babies.
1. Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food Large & Giant Breed Puppy Lamb
- Our rating: 4.5
- Top ingredients: Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Chickpeas, Lentils, Peas
- Type: Dry
This food contains healthy salmon oil, blueberries, cranberries, flaxseed, and probiotics. It’s also made with high-quality ingredients to support your puppy’s growing body.
Pros:
- Contains high-quality protein in lamb meal
- High levels of Omega 6 fatty acids
Cons:
- Contains beet pulp, which some people avoid
- Lower protein than other brands
CHECK PRICE HERE
2. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food
- Our rating: 4.5
- Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal
- Type: Dry
Deboned chicken is the first ingredient, along with healthy grains and whole foods. This food contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joint development in your pup.
Pros:
- High level of Omega 6 fatty acids
- Quinoa, chia, and flaxseed for digestion
Cons:
- Rice is high on the ingredient list
CHECK PRICE HERE
3. CANIDAE Grain-Free Pure Puppy Limited Ingredient Chicken Canned Dog Food
- Our rating: 4
- Top ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Dried Egg Product, Peas, Salmon Oil
- Type: Wet
This food contains just a few ingredients, so it’s good for dogs that have digestive issues or allergies. It’s formulated to give your puppy just what it needs to grow healthy and strong.
Pros:
- No cheap fillers
- No soy, wheat, corn, or other grains
Cons:
- Lacks prebiotics or probiotics
- Lacks supplements like DHA and glucosamine
CHECK PRICE HERE
Best dog food for Doberman adults
A black and tan Doberman Pinscher finishing his food
Once your dog reaches its adult age around 18 months, it’s time to give them an adult recipe dog food. These foods maintain your dog’s healthy skin, support joint health, and maintain their energy level. Look for foods with a good balance of carbs, fats, and proteins. The food should also have calcium, vitamins, and minerals.
1. Merrick Grain-Free Real Bison, Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
- Our Rating: 5
- Top ingredients: Deboned Bison, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Potatoes, Deboned Beef
- Type: Dry
Four of the first five ingredients in this grain-free dog food are healthy animal-based proteins. It also contains healthy fish to support your Dobie.
Pros:
- Contains bison, fish, and poultry
- Gluten-free
- 72% of the protein comes from animal sources
Cons:
- Contains tapioca and potato
CHECK PRICE HERE
2. CANIDAE All Life Stages Chicken, Turkey, Lamb, and Fish Meal Formula Dry Dog Food
- Our Rating: 4
- Top ingredients: Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, White Rice
- Type: Dry
Developed by veterinarians, this food is ideal for multi-dog households because it is suitable for all life stages. It also contains flaxseed oil and inulin to support a healthy digestive system.
Pros:
- Contains probiotics and prebiotics
- Has omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- No fillers like corn, wheat, or soy
Cons:
- White and brown rice make up a large portion of the ingredients
- Contains potatoes
- Lower protein than some recipes
CHECK PRICE HERE
3. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Turkey, Chicken & Turkey Liver Recipe Canned Dog Food
- Our Rating: 4
- Top ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Turkey Liver
- Type: Wet
This food was developed by veterinarians and is free of any fillers like corn, soy, or wheat. It was created to help your dog develop lean muscle mass and improve muscle tone.
Pros:
- No meat by-products
- No artificial colors or preservatives
- Contains apples, carrots, kale, and spinach
Cons:
- Low level of protein
- Contains carrageenan (a possible carcinogen)
CHECK PRICE HERE
4. Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Organic Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Our Rating: 5
- Top ingredients: Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Meal, Organic Sweet Potatoes, Organic Potatoes
- Type: Dry
Castor & Pollux uses organic ingredients, so you know your Dobie is getting healthy and safe food.
Pros:
- No wheat, chickpeas, lentils, corn, or soy
- Contains organic flaxseed, blueberries, and sweet potatoes
Cons:
- Contains tapioca
CHECK PRICE HERE
5. Newman’s Own Organics Dry Dog Food For Dogs
- Our Rating: 4.5
- Top ingredients: Chicken, Organic Barley, Organic Oats, Organic Peas, Chicken Meal
- Type: Dry
The ingredients in this food are organic, featuring whole grains, and meat without added hormones. Plus, all the proceeds go to charities supporting animals, so you can feel good about your purchase.
Pros:
- Contains Omega fatty acids and antioxidants
- Features organic, whole ingredients
- Contains probiotics
Cons:
- Soybean meal features high on the list
- Lower protein than other formulas
CHECK PRICE HERE
6. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Our Rating: 5
- Top ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas
- Type: Dry
This high protein formula has lots of natural ingredients such as fruits, veggies, healthy salmon, and fish oil, along with no unhealthy fillers like corn, wheat, or soy, to support dogs with high activity levels.
Pros:
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Omega-3 fatty acids and Omega-6 fatty acids
- Added vitamins and minerals for a healthy immune system
Cons:
- Peas and potatoes are high on the ingredient list
CHECK PRICE HERE
Best dog food for Doberman seniors
Source: @k9crusaders_canada / IG
As your dog gets older, they need food formulated to prevent weight gain (or encourage weight loss) and to support their aging eyes, muscles, and joints. So what’s the best dog food for older Dobermans? These options will all help keep your dog in good health as they enter their golden years.
1. VICTOR Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
- Our Rating: 4.5
- Top ingredients: Beef Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Millet, Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat
- Type: Dry
This super-premium food is made to support your Dobermans’ complete health. Not only does it support your large breed dog’s joints and organs, but it helps him maintain a healthy weight.
Pros:
- Contains multiple probiotics
- Brewer’s yeast antioxidant
- Contains amino acids
Cons:
- Non-meat ingredients are high on the list
CHECK PRICE HERE
2. Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
- Our Rating: 5
- Top ingredients: Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes
- Type: Dry
Merrick is careful about where they source their meat and real beef as the first ingredient. This pet food is made in Texas with glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health.
Pros:
- Has prebiotics and probiotics
- Made with 65% healthy proteins
- 60% of protein is from animal sources
Cons:
- Potatoes and proteins are high on the ingredient list
CHECK PRICE HERE
Best dog food for Dobermans with health issues
While dog food alone can’t make your dog healthy, it can certainly help improve their health or help stave off future health issues. Choosing a high-quality food with lots of antioxidants, Omega fatty acids, and probiotics can help give your dog the nutrition it needs. Some supplements such as glucosamine are thought to help maintain healthy joints, while DHA can support brain development.
Source: @doberdevils / IG
Choosing a dog food for Dobermans with health problems
As we’ve said, choosing the best dog food for your Doberman can help prevent illnesses. Dobermans suffer from some issues that can be caused by, aggravated by, or prevented by feeding your dog the right food. Here are some of the most common issues to watch out for in Dobermans and Doberman mixes:
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- Wobbler’s syndrome
- Chronic active hepatitis
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat / Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus
- Hip Dysplasia
- Osteoarthritis
- Thyroid issues
They can also suffer from skin allergies, food allergies, hair loss, and digestive upset related to allergies. So how do you know if your dog is suffering from allergies? Look for hair loss, or watch out for your dog licking their face, feet, or rear. You might also see flaky skin or excessive scratching, especially around their ears. You may also see vomiting and diarrhea.
According to VCA Hospitals, a few ingredients that are known to make allergies worse in Dobermans. Proteins, like beef or chicken, along with dairy products and eggs are the most common allergy-causing ingredients. Just as humans can, dogs can be allergic to gluten, though it isn’t as common as protein allergies.
Best for Weight Management
Some dogs struggle to stay at a healthy weight. For some, that means that they tend to get overweight. But for working Dobies, they can become underweight if they aren’t getting a healthy diet or enough food. This food helps your dog maintain its weight.
Nutro Ultra Weight Management Dry Dog Food
- Our rating: 4
- Top ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran
- Type: Dry
Chicken fat, whole flaxseed, oatmeal, and chia seeds give your Dobie the nutrition he needs to maintain a healthy weight.
Pros:
- Features pasture-fed lamb
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Cons:
- Has a high level of rice
CHECK PRICE HERE
Best dog food for Dobermans buying guide
A well-balanced food will not only make your pup feel good and look good by meeting their nutritional needs, but it can also keep them healthy. The right food will be one that is in your price range but also has all the ingredients your Dobie needs. The brands above are all excellent options, and they range from those on the lower end of the price scale to the higher end. We recommend spending as much as you can on your dog food, however, because it’s such an important element of your dog’s health. Quality dog food will contain real meat as the first and usually second ingredients. It won’t contain fillers or artificial ingredients. A reliable brand will have good reviews online and your vet will approve. Good brands will also let you know on the package where they source their ingredients. Keep in mind that just because a brand is well-known doesn’t necessarily make it high-quality. Large brands have bigger budgets to pay those hefty advertising fees to get their names out there. That doesn’t mean they’re bad, either. Checking the ingredient list and label is key. Brands like Royal Canin and Blue Buffalo are well-known and carried by big box stores, but they make quality foods.
Doberman nutritional requirement: What kind of diet is best for a Doberman?
Source: @ivy_thedoberman / IG
Dobermans are muscular, strong, medium-energy dogs, and they need a specific diet to help them stay that way. You’ll need to read the label of the food to determine how much food to feed your dog. Be sure to split their meals into two per day to help prevent bloat. So what characteristics should you look for in your Doberman’s food? First, you need to take into consideration your dog’s energy level. A dog that is participating in agility or guard dog training is going to need more calories and food formulated for working dogs. Look for a food that has between 25-35% protein. More isn’t necessarily better, however, since too much protein can cause or make kidney issues worse. You also want the food to contain about 25% carbohydrates and 15-20% healthy fats. Good food will also contain amino acids, Omega fatty acids, and additional vitamins and minerals. Dog food with high-quality ingredients including lots of healthy meat-based protein will help encourage the development of lean muscle.
Ingredients to avoid when feeding your Doberman
Now you know what to look for in quality food, but what should you make sure to avoid? Cheap fillers like corn, wheat, and soy offer no nutritional value to your dog. Avoid them. You should also avoid meat byproducts or generic “meat meals”, which are typically made up of low-quality meats that may be leftovers from the meat manufacturing and slaughterhouse industry. These ingredients can contain diseases or other bad stuff. Also, look for chemical additives like food colorings and preservatives. BHT and BHA should be avoided because they are known carcinogens.
Should I feed a grain-free diet to my Doberman?
A few years ago, grain-free food was suspected of playing a role in causing serious heart issues known as canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. Since then, researchers have been looking into whether or not grain-free is healthy for our pets. Dobermans, in particular, are susceptible to DCM, so Dobie owners need to be especially careful. Currently, the FDA warns people to be cautious when feeding a grain-free diet and to be sure to speak with a veterinarian before the option for grain-free. It’s worth noting that there is no reason to avoid grains. Dogs are omnivores and can digest and get nutrition from healthy grains. If you decide to go grain-free, here are some brands to check out: Open Farm, Taste of the Wild, KASIKS, Wild Earth, Hungry Bark, Acana, Canine Caviar.
Should you give your Doberman dry kibbles, wet food, raw diet, or homemade?
There are lots of options when it comes to choosing a food type. Dry kibble is most common, but you can also choose wet dog food, raw dog food, or a homemade diet. Factors to consider when picking a diet are your budget, time, and comfort level. While raw food diets are popular right now, some experts recommend against them. Why? Raw meats can carry a range of diseases that can make both you and your dog sick. There are no studies showing that raw food is healthier for your dog. That said if you opt to go that way, chat with your vet to be sure your dog is getting the best diet possible.
Fruits and vegetables your Doberman can and cannot eat
If you decide to feed your dogs fruits and vegetables, either in addition to their regular food or as part of a homemade diet, here are some healthy options that Doberman pinschers love: Beans, Pea, Carrots, Broccoli, Spinach, Pumpkin, Mushrooms, Apples, Strawberries, Blueberries, sweet potatoes. You can also feed them small amounts of cooked beetroot, cooked tomato, and bananas. DON’T feed your dog grapes, onions, garlic, chives, nuts, or raisins. These can be poisonous to your pup.
A homemade recipe you can try for your Doberman
There’s always the option to go the homemade route if none of these foods seem right for your dog. Some dogs have intense allergies, so making their food at home is the best way to go. Others simply don’t thrive on commercial food. If you decide to cook your dog’s food, talk to your vet to make sure that you’re giving your dog everything that it needs to stay healthy. Here is a good recipe to try:
- Four cups ground beef or turkey
- One cup brown rice cooked
- Two bags of frozen veggies
- One cup of sodium-free beef or chicken broth
- Two tablespoons olive oil or fish oil
- Combine everything and mix thoroughly.
Doberman Feeding Chart and Schedule
When it comes to feeding your Dobie, portion control is absolutely essential. Doberman pinschers are prone to bloat and feeding them one large meal a day can contribute to bloat. Two or three portioned meals a day are better. Do I need to pay special attention to my Doberman pup’s diet? Absolutely! Growing puppies need more food than adults, but of course, each dog will vary.
- Puppies under the age of 18 months need about 1,800 calories per day, though a very young puppy will require less and older pups need more.
- The average adult needs around 2,100 calories, though working dogs may need more. A slower senior dog may need as little as 1,300 calories per day.
- A highly active working police dog, for instance, might need over 3,000 calories per day. Keep an eye on your dog’s weight to determine if they are getting the right amount of food.
Most dog foods have around 400 calories per cup on average, so your dog will need around four cups of food a day. Imagine eating the same food day in and day out. It could get boring. Your dog might feel the same way! If you want to give kibble a boost, you can top their food with tasty things like ground beef, yogurt, or brown rice. You can also buy food toppers, or just use a little bit of wet food. You’ll know your dog is eating enough if they have plenty of energy and if you can just feel their last rib. You should be able to see their ribs and they should have a distinct dip in their waist.
Transition: How to switch from puppy to adult dog food?
At about 18 months, you should switch your puppy to adult food. To do that, swap out a fourth of their puppy food with adult food for a week. The next week, swap out half. The following week, give them one-fourth of puppy food and the rest adult food. Finally, switch them over entirely. This slow transition helps prevent digestive upset.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Dobermans eat a lot?
Dobermans are muscular, high-energy dogs. Depending on how much activity they engage in, they can eat a lot of food to maintain their weight. Older or more mellow dogs will eat less.
My Doberman has a chicken intolerance. What options do I have?
If your dog can’t digest chicken, you still have lots of other options. Any food containing beef, pork, or fish instead of chicken can be healthy and nutritious.
My Doberman gets quite gassy. What’s going on?
Dogs who have sensitive stomachs may become quite gassy. Soybeans, peas, beans, and dairy products are all common culprits for giving dogs gas. Dogs who eat quickly and gulp in a lot of air as they eat may also have flatulence. Slow feeders can help with this. You can purchase slow feeders at Amazon, like this one by Outward Hound.
Do Dobermans need supplements?
Unless your dog has a specific health issue that makes it difficult for them to absorb nutrients or causes them to need additional nutritional support, you don’t need to give your Doberman a supplement. If you feed your dog a homemade diet, you may also want to consider a supplement. Talk to your veterinarian to be sure.
Best dog treats for Dobermans
During training or just when your pupper has been a particularly good boy, you’ll want to hand out the treats. But what treats are good and which should you avoid? Of course, you should avoid any foods that are unhealthy for dogs (mentioned above). If you buy commercial treats, look at the ingredient list. They should have a similar healthy list of ingredients as dog food. If you feed single ingredient treats like pig’s ears or bully sticks, check to see where the meat is sourced and to see if it has any preservatives. Avoid rawhide or treats that have a high level of sodium.
What makes dog food good for Dobermans?
With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to pick the right food. Armed with this list, you’ll have a better idea of what to look for when you head to the pet store. You should also, of course, talk to your vet before switching food.
Reference
- https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/food-allergies-in-dogs
