Top 10 Best Dog Food for Vizslas
The Vizsla is a lively, active dog. He loves to walk, run, and exercise with his owner, and owners will attest that his energy and stamina levels are virtually unmatched. He will keep going for hours.
Weighing between 40 and 65 pounds, they are medium to large dogs, and they need a diet that matches their combination of size and lifestyle. You should also consider the age and stage of life of your dog to make sure they get the right levels of protein, fat, carbs, and fiber. What’s more, some dogs may be sensitive to grains or some meat proteins.
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Although Vizslas don’t tend to be picky, different foods use different primary ingredients and offer a host of different flavors.
Getting the right food for your hunting dog can be tricky, which is why we’ve compiled a list of reviews of the best dog foods for Vizslas.
How do you know if your vizsla is allergic to grains?
Vizslas with grain allergies will develop symptoms like itchy skin, diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive paw licking. Some dogs will also get ear infections from scratching, and their skin will become dry and flaky.
Why is my vizsla always hungry?
Being hungry frequently is quite common for vizslas because of their high activity levels. However, you must not feed them more than their maintenance calorie level. If you do suspect that they’re asking for food too often, get them checked by a vet for parasites or other diseases.
Which treats are best for vizslas?
The best treats for vizslas are ones that offer a protein boost, support their immune system, or improve their dental hygiene. You can also choose natural treats for them, such as fresh apples, cucumbers, carrots, and strawberries.
Can you feed vizslas fruits and vegetables?
Yes, you can feed your vizsla fresh fruits and vegetables diced into small pieces. Some great fruits that vizslas enjoy include bananas, apples, strawberries, blueberries, and watermelons. You can also feed them tasty vegetables like carrots and cucumbers that act as a refreshing treat.
Can vizslas become obese?
Although it is hard for highly active breeds like vizslas to become obese, it can still happen. Free-feeding your dog, giving them too many treats, and not giving them enough exercise are common reasons why vizslas gain extra weight.
Should I feed my vizsla dry or wet food?
Because vizslas suffer from dental issues, dry dog food is better because its crunchy texture helps remove plaque. You can also choose a wet food for them, but regularly brush their teeth to avoid gum diseases or tooth decay.
Should you feed your vizsla a raw diet?
Vizslas can be fed a raw diet if they’re picky, or you want them to receive the extra benefits of this diet. However, you must take precautions in serving their food and cleaning bowls to avoid cross-contamination. Raw dog food can also be stored for a limited time and should be frozen separately to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Which foods are dangerous to vizslas?
Chocolate, avocadoes, grapes, raisins, alcohol, onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts can be toxic or lethal to your vizsla. If you suspect that your dog has consumed any of the above foods, take them to the vet right away.
How much exercise do vizslas need?
Vizslas are very active dogs as they’re bred for hunting and catching game. They need at least 30 to 60 minutes of physical exercise daily to prevent them from becoming destructive. Their favorite activities involve jogging, running, playing fetch, and other intense sports.
Should all vizslas eat a grain-free diet?
No, not every vizsla requires a grain-free diet unless they’re allergic or have a sensitive stomach. Some whole grains like oatmeal and barley can have health benefits for your dog as they contain fibers and promote digestion.
The 10 Best Dog Foods for Vizslas
American Journey Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe – Best Value
| Main ingredients: | Deboned salmon, chicken meal, and turkey meal |
| Protein content: | 32% |
| Fat content: | 14% |
| Calories: | 390 kcal per cup |
Our pick for the best dog food for Vizslas for the money is American Journey Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food. This food isn’t just affordable, it is packed with fish oil, fish meal, and even flaxseed making it high in omega fatty acids. It is also high in protein which active Vizslas need to help maintain their joints and muscles.
Our only issues with this dog food are the additions of peas and beet pulp. Neither of these ingredients provides much in the way of nutrition and are often used to improve the protein amount in dog foods.
Ollie Beef Dish with Sweet Potatoes – Best Overall
| Main ingredients: | Beef, peas, sweet potatoes, and potatoes |
| Protein content: | 9% |
| Fat content: | 7% |
| Calories: | 1540 kcal per package |
Our choice for the best overall dog food for Vizslas in 2022 is Ollie’s Beef Dish with Sweet Potatoes. We like that this wet food has a great mixture of tasty protein and vegetables to give your Vizsla several flavors and consistencies to enjoy. It is also approved for all life stages which makes it ideal for dogs of all ages. You’ll find lots of protein inside thanks to the main ingredient, beef, and the addition of both beef liver and beef kidney.
Our only issue with Ollie’s Beef Dish with Sweet Potatoes is the consistency. If your dog is picky they may not enjoy the pâté style of this dog food.
Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Grain
Made with ten non-allergen ingredients, Nutro’s Limited Ingredients Adult Large Dog Food is an excellent choice for vizsla’s that suffer from a sensitive stomach. It features lamb meat and sweet potatoes as the main ingredients, along with lentils, sunflower oil, and plain beet pulp. All of these foods are natural, rich in nutrients, and encourage overall wellness.
Even the micronutrients in the food come from natural and non-GMO sources. These include vitamins, minerals, and omega-6 fatty acids that promote coat nourishment. The formula consists of glucosamine and chondroitin, so your dog’s joints stay in optimal condition as they grow up. It also leaves out artificial additives, corn, and wheat from the recipe to prevent digestive upsets
Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food – Premium Choice
| Main ingredients: | Water buffalo, pork, and chicken meal |
| Protein content: | 18% |
| Fat content: | 18% |
| Calories: | 445 kcal per cup |
Our premium choice, Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie with Ancient Grains is made with proteins such as water buffalo, bison, and even venison to give your Vizsla a tasty, yet slightly expensive meal. The inclusion of healthy, ancient grains like sorghum and millet helps promote healthy digestion and helps make a well-balanced meal. We also like that this food is formulated by experts and includes healthy probiotics for your pup.
Our only issue with this food is the inclusion of certain filler ingredients. While none on the list are what we would call dangerous, some show no nutritional value for your dog.
Iams ProActive Health Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Iams ProActive Health Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food contains 22.5% protein and lists chicken as its primary ingredient. Other major ingredients include barley, corn, and sorghum. Corn is considered a poor quality ingredient for a premium food because it is cheap and offers very little nutrition to dogs. Sorghum is similar to corn, except that it has a better blood sugar action. Beet pulp is also found in the ingredients and this also courts some controversy. It is a cheap ingredient. Some claim that it offers blood sugar benefits, but this is disputed by others.
Brewers yeast should be fine unless your dog is specifically allergic to it, and the Iams contains caramel coloring, which is an artificial coloring that is deemed entirely unnecessary in dog food. It has even been found to cause cancer in lab animals. With that said, the FDA does consider it safe for inclusion in dog food.
The minerals in this food are not listed as chelated. Chelated minerals are easier for your dog to absorb and are considered more beneficial.
- Contains cheap fillers
- Minerals are not chelated
- Only 22.5% protein
- Cheap
- The primary ingredient is chicken
Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe – Vet’s Choice
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, cracked pearled barley, and whole grain wheat |
| Protein content: | 20% |
| Fat content: | 11.50% |
| Calories: | 363 kcal per cup |
Our Vet’s Choice dog food is Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food. What we liked about this food is the nutritional support it provides your dog’s skin and coat. You’ll also find that the inclusion of healthy grains helps promote better digestion. The included antioxidants are also ideal for better immunity.
Our only true issue with this formula is the low protein content. While chicken is the primary ingredient, having only 20% is a bit troublesome with the activity level of Vizslas. Keep this in mind when choosing this food for your pet.
Merrick Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Grain
Merrick’s Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Formula is ideal for sensitive but muscular dogs like vizslas. Like a canine’s ancestral diet, the food consists of 65% protein and fat to promote lean muscle growth and keep your dog active. Chicken is the primary source, and nearly 85% of the recipe consists of animal-based protein.
The remaining 35% of the recipe features wholesome fruits, fibers, and various oils containing omega fatty acids. These micros strengthen immunity, improve digestive health, and make your dog’s coat shinier and softer. Besides that, the formula also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint and bone health
Solid Gold Bison and Oatmeal Formula – Best for Puppies
| Main ingredients: | Bison, ocean fish meal, and brown rice |
| Protein content: | 26% |
| Fat content: | 12% |
| Calories: | 345 kcal per cup |
Getting your Vizsla puppy on the right path as a puppy is crucial for their development. This is why we liked Solid Gold Wolf Cub Bison and Oatmeal Puppy Formula. It features probiotics, nutrients, and vitamins your pup needs as part of their diet. You’ll also find that it is decently high in protein to keep up with your pup’s activity level. The main sources of protein are bison and ocean fish meal. You’ll also find brown rice and oatmeal to offer the grains your pup needs for full nutrition.
Our only true concern with this dog food is the use of random fillers. While none of them are considered controversial, like with a few of the other foods we’ve reviewed, they offer no significant nutrition to your pup.
Blue Buffalo Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Deboned chicken, chicken meal, and brown rice |
| Protein content: | 24% |
| Fat content: | 14% |
| Calories: | 377 kcal per cup |
Our premium choice is Blue Buffalo’s Chicken and Brown Rice Life Protection Formula. While Blue Buffalo is one of the more expensive foods available, we aren’t overly impressed with this recipe. What we do like is that deboned chicken is the primary ingredient and it provides up to 24% protein which is sufficient for your Vizsla. We also like the grain inclusion of brown rice and prebiotics to promote better digestion.
What we aren’t thrilled with is the fillers used in this formula. You’ll find additions like alfalfa, pea fiber, and even a small amount of garlic which can be dangerous to your pet.
Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken meal, and whole grain brown rice |
| Protein content: | 26% |
| Fat content: | 16% |
| Calories: | 421 kcal per cup |
Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula Dog Food features chicken and chicken meal as its main source of protein. You’ll also find that it contains chicken fat which is known as a great way to give your dog omega fatty acids while promoting flavor. With these proteins inside, you’ll find that the protein content of this food is average. It would be nice to see more, but for an inexpensive option, it is acceptable.
Our biggest issue with this food is the fillers included. You’ll also find that it includes dried yeast which is a known allergen for some dogs.
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Dog Food for Vizslas
An adult Vizsla will eat between 3-4 cups of food a day. This should be fed in two or three meals, to avoid over-feeding and to minimize the risk of conditions like bloat. Large-breed foods are considered beneficial because they tend to offer the right ratios of protein to fat and carbs, but you should still check the nutritional values to ensure that this is the case.
When choosing the best dog food for your Vizsla, consider the following:
Avoiding Allergens
Dog food allergies are more common than many people think. They can cause symptoms like itching and chewing, as well as head shaking. They may prevent your dog from getting the rest they require and could lead to gastrointestinal complaints.
- Dairy
- Egg
- Beef
- Chicken
- Pork
- Rabbit
- Fish
- Lamb
- Soy
- Wheat
To determine whether your dog has a food allergy, you will need to adopt an elimination diet. This means removing all known allergens from their food and then gradually reintroducing them one at a time. If your dog shows signs of an allergic reaction, this means that they have an allergy to the most recently added food.
However, it is worth noting that most allergic dogs have allergies to more than one food, so you shouldn’t stop testing once you identify the first allergen. Keep going until you have added or specifically removed all known allergens. This will leave you with a clear picture of what you can and cannot feed your dog.
Environmental Allergies
This testing is important because food allergies only account for a small portion of allergic reactions in dogs. Most allergies are environmental, so your pooch is more likely to be allergic to a particular plant or something else that they pass when out walking than the food they eat.
Fortunately, there are plenty of high-quality foods out there with different ingredients. Whether your dog is allergic to eggs and fish or lamb and chicken, you can find an alternative to feed them.
Grain-Free vs Grain-Inclusive
Food sensitivities are not as extreme as allergies, but they can cause uncomfortable symptoms including itching and flaking skin. As well as sensitivities to the foods mentioned above, it is common for some dogs to suffer from grain sensitivity.
- Oats
- Rice
- Barley
- Corn
- Rye
- Sorghum
- Wheat
Many of these ingredients are considered beneficial to dogs. Whole grains like corn include essential nutrients such as linoleic acid. However, if that particular ingredient gives your dog symptoms like diarrhea, they should be avoided. Find a grain-free formula that offers a fully balanced diet and that includes all of the essential vitamins and minerals that he needs.
Controversial Ingredients
There are some ingredients found in dog food that have caused controversial debate. Unless they are considered toxic, you may want to make your own mind up and then look for those foods that do or do not contain that particular ingredient. Three of the most controversial ingredients commonly found in dog food are:
- Garlic – Most pet owners know that garlic is considered toxic to their pets. But it is still listed in some foods as being one of its ingredients. This is because garlic is only believed to be toxic when fed in certain quantities, and dog food uses it in quantities below this level. However, some veterinarians suggest that small amounts of garlic can cause major damage. Other vets have suggested that garlic holds some of the same key benefits for dogs as it does for humans, while also helping to stave off fleas and other parasites.
- Canola Oil – Canola Oil is used as a cheaper alternative to other oils like olive o While it is cheaper, its origins are more questionable. It is possible, although not guaranteed, that the oil is derived from genetically modified rapeseed plants. Some people believe that GM foods have unknown side effects. Certainly, in dog food, a better quality oil, ideally derived from fish or olives, is preferred.
- Yeast – Yeast, in particular brewers’ yeast, is another ingredient that has gained a reputation for fending off fleas. It is also loaded with B vitamins, selenium, chromium, potassium, iron, and more. However, it is argued that to gain these benefits, the yeast would have to be fed in such a quantity that it will cause gastrointestinal upset. It can also interact with some anti-anxiety medication. You should avoid feeding it to your dog if he has a proven yeast allergy.
Probiotics
Probiotics are good gut bacteria that fight off bad bacteria. They improve gut health and make it easier for your dog to digest food and the nutritional goodness in that food.
Chelated Minerals
Some dog foods boast of chelated minerals and, in all honesty, this is a justifiable boast. The minerals have been combined with amino acids and these bond naturally to the protein in the food. This means that your dog will naturally absorb the minerals, and they will get all of the benefits. If minerals are non chelated, they should absorb some, but will not receive the full payload.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the best dog food for Vizslas in 2022, we recommend Ollie Beef Dish with Sweet Potatoes. This food is nutritious and tasty for dogs of all ages. If you’re on a budget, American Journey is a reasonably priced option that offers what your dog needs. For those who aren’t concerned with price, Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie is expensive yet packed with protein. If you have a grown Vizsla pup in your home, consider Solid Gold Wolf Cub. It offers everything your pup needs to start life right. And finally, our Vet’s Choice, Hill’s Science Diet offers nutrients that promote healthy coats, immunity, and activity for your Vizsla. Any of these 5 foods would be an ideal choice for a pet owner who wants only the best for their beloved fur baby
