Best Dog Food for Corgis
With their little legs, smiling faces, and playful nature, corgis are an all-time favorite. These small, sturdy dogs were originally bred as herding dogs, and are immensely smart and energetic.
While overall a healthy breed, corgis can be vulnerable to a number of health conditions. These include joint problems, obesity, Von Willebrand’s Disease, and cataracts. Choosing the right food for your corgi isn’t just about meeting their basic needs; it’s about finding the right mix that helps them thrive.
As you’ll discover in this article, you need to find the best dog food for corgis that is rich in protein, low in artificial fillers, and has the right ingredients to support them. With the right food, your corgi will stay fit, happy, and full of energy throughout their lives.
What to Think About When Buying Dog Food for Your Corgi
We’ll now take a look at the unique needs and preferences that corgis might have. This includes food quality, allergies, types of food, and what you should look for when purchasing dog food.
Food Quality
Getting premium quality food for your furry friends can be expensive, but it’s a much-needed investment in their health and well-being. Corgis need a nutrient-rich diet to keep them energized throughout the day. Quality matters more than quantity because these little dogs can be prone to weight gain.
This means avoiding artificial fillers while doubling down on natural ingredients, along with supplements, such as glucosamine.
Food Allergies
A common concern for corgi owners is food allergies and sensitivities that their dog might experience. Corgis can often have a reaction to certain grains, chicken, or beef. This usually shows up as itchy skin, extreme paw licking, and digestive discomfort.
If your corgi is experiencing such symptoms, you’ll need to reevaluate their diet by consulting your local veterinarian. Shifting to hypoallergenic and limited-ingredient diets is usually recommended so that owners can identify allergens and avoid them in future circumstances.
Calorie Needs
The calorie needs of your corgi differ based on various factors like age, activity level, weight, and more. Active adult corgis can require up to 400 calories per pound, whereas less active or older corgis might need fewer calories, around 25 calories per pound of body weight. You need to find the correct requirements for your dog to avoid obesity and strain on their joints.
Almost all dog food brands have clear portion guidelines specified on the packaging to help owners manage their canine’s calorie intake. If your corgi seems to be gaining too much weight, lower their daily intake a bit and monitor their condition regularly.
Special Health Needs of Corgis
Corgis are particularly prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia and intervertebral disc disease because of their long backs and short legs. In fact, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals discovered that 21% of corgis researched had dysplastic hips that ranged from mild to severe. Weight gain issues further add to these joint problems.
As a corgi owner, you need to look for foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin. These are supplements that support joint health and reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis. We also recommend investing in low-fat options, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory ingredients to combat these diseases and build immunity over time.
Life Stage
Corgis are tough little dogs and usually live about 12 to 15 years. They reach their full height and weight around a year old, weighing between 22 and 30 pounds. If your dog is under one year of age, you should feed them a diet that is made specially for puppies and has added nutrients to help their growth.
As they grow older, they need a more balanced diet that helps maintain their energy without adding extra pounds. This is when you can switch them to adult food. After the seventh year, you can gradually switch to a senior diet that is lower-calorie and focuses more on preserving muscle mass and joint-supporting ingredients.
Feeding your corgi according to the particular life stage they are in can go a long way in providing age-appropriate nutrition that supports their system through every phase.
Wet Versus Dry Food
Corgis can eat both wet and dry dog food. Dry kibble is easy to eat and has the added benefit of reducing tartar buildup in the teeth, improving oral hygiene. On the other hand, wet food is easier to digest and provides additional moisture, which is especially beneficial for dogs with digestive issues. Your dog might have different preferences over their life, so make sure to remain attentive to what they need.
Your Corgi’s Preferences
Corgis can be selective eaters, and catering to their specific taste preferences can make meal time a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved. Some corgis prefer certain protein sources or specific textures, so it’s important that you try a few options to see what they enjoy. Take note of their reaction to different foods, including kibble size and flavor, and you’ll be able to pick a meal plan that they’ll be excited to eat every day.
The Best Dog Food for Corgis
Here are our top picks for the best dog foods for corgis, highlighting why each option stands out, what benefits you can expect, and an extensive pros and cons list for each selection.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 1-6 Premium Nutrition Small Kibble Dry Dog Food, Lamb & Brown Rice
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 out of 5
Why we like it
This is a premium dog food option that provides high-quality ingredients specifically formulated to support the unique health needs of corgis.Key Notes
This dog food is affordable, features high-quality protein for lean muscle maintenance, and includes natural fibers for optimal digestion support.
Hill's Science Diet is an excellent choice for corgis as it provides high-quality protein that is essential for maintaining lean muscle mass. The small kibble size is tailored to small breeds like corgis since it’s easier to chew up and digest. The ingredients also include omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E to improve skin and coat health. You’ll also find natural fibers in the food to promote healthy digestion. If your dog often experiences stomach sensitivities, these nutrients can help immensely. However, with all of its benefits, note that this dog food is more on the expensive end.Pros
- High-quality protein source for lean muscles
- Small kibble size designed for smaller breeds like corgis
- Rich in omega-6s and vitamin E for skin and coat health
- Natural fibers to support digestion
Cons
- Expensive option compared to other brands
- Some dogs might not like the lamb and rice flavor
Wellness Natural Pet Food CORE Natural Grain-Free Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs, High-Protein
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4.5 out of 5
Why we like it
This grain-free dog food prioritizes high-quality protein and nutrient-rich superfoods for optimal health in small breed dogs like corgis.Key Notes
Formulated with real turkey and chicken, this dog food has a smaller kibble size for easy eating and is made up of premium ingredients to boost nutrition.
Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food provides the perfect meat-based diet with 47% high-quality protein ingredients for corgis that need support for their body mass and muscle tone. It also has omega fatty acids to promote healthier skin and coats. The addition of glucosamine makes it a great option for corgis with joint issues as well. Corgis who suffer frequently from indigestion will also find this food easier to pass through, thanks to its high fiber content and probiotics aid.Pros
- High protein content from responsibly sourced turkey and chicken
- Supports digestive health and strong joints with added glucosamine
- No corn, wheat, or soy, ensuring a natural diet
Cons
- More expensive compared to some other dog food options
- Not suitable for dogs allergic to chicken
Instinct Raw Boost Healthy Weight Grain Free Recipe with Real Chicken Natural Dry Dog Foo
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4.5 out of 5
Why we like it
It combines high-protein kibble with freeze-dried raw chicken as the perfect solution for weight management in corgis.Key Notes
This grain-free dog food has high protein content for muscle maintenance, L-Carnitine for fat burning, and balanced fiber for better digestion.
If your corgi needs a little help managing their weight, Instinct Raw Boost Healthy Weight dog food is one of the best on the market. With cage-free chicken as the primary ingredient, this grain-free recipe is packed with high-quality protein that supports muscle maintenance. It also adds L-Carnitine to the formula to stimulate fat burning and maintain an ideal body weight. The kibble contains a balanced level of fiber to help your corgi with digestion. However, some corgis may have sensitive stomachs and could experience digestive upset, so make sure to gradually transition to this food.Pros
- High protein content with cage-free chicken
- Freeze-dried raw pieces for additional nutrition and flavor
- L-Carnitine helps support healthy metabolism and weight management
- Grain-free recipe, free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives
Cons
- Can be on the more expensive side compared to traditional kibble
- Some dogs may experience an upset stomach during the transition period
WAG Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
This package features real chicken as the primary ingredient, so that your corgi can enjoy a highly nutritious and tasty meal.Key Notes
This dog food offers a small kibble size for easy eating, contains no fillers or by-products for high-quality nutrition, and supports healthy digestion and immune function.
Wag Small Breed Dry Dog Food uses real meat as the main ingredient that provides the necessary protein your corgi needs. The kibble size is perfect for corgis, and each pellet is packed with probiotics and fiber. This formula supports healthy digestion and also boosts their immune system. You won’t find any chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy in this formula. Removing these fillers is a commitment by WAG to provide quality nutrition without any additives that can be harmful to your corgi. However, there is a mild chance of minor allergy reactions like itching, especially for picky eaters.Pros
- Uses real cage-free chicken as the main ingredient
- Probiotics and fiber for healthy digestion
- No added fillers or by-products
- Formulated with the help of veterinarians
Cons
- Some picky eaters may not like the flavor
- The individual kibbles crumble easily
- Not the best choice for corgis allergic to poultry
Your Guide to Buying Dog Food for Corgis
Finding the right food for your corgi can be a challenge, especially since you need to consider their unique nutritional needs and health concerns. Corgis have a sturdy build and playful nature and, hence, require a diet that supports their energy levels.
Here are some common questions that you may have, whether you’re a first-time corgi owner or looking to upgrade your dog's diet. We’ll help you make informed choices that keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
Is Grain-Free Dog Food Better for My Corgi?
Grain-free diets can be better for some dogs, especially those with sensitivities to grains. However, they’re not the end-all, be-all for all corgis. While grain-free foods can help alleviate allergies in sensitive dogs, you still need to provide a balanced diet rich in protein and other nutrients.
Some grain-free dog foods have also been linked to heart disease in certain breeds when the feeding is mismanaged, so you need to consult with your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes.
Can I Feed My Corgi Human Food?
While some human foods are safe for corgis, others can be harmful. Safe options include cooked lean meats, certain fruits (like apples and blueberries), and vegetables (like carrots and green beans). Chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic are known to be toxic to most dog breeds, so avoid them wherever possible.
Also, make sure you consult your veterinarian before introducing any human food into your corgi's diet to guarantee its safety for their specific needs.
What Are Some Signs That My Corgi Is Not Responding Well to Their Food?
Signs like frequent gas, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive itching, or changes in energy levels can often indicate food intolerance or allergies. If your corgi displays any of these symptoms consistently after eating, you’ll need to step in and reevaluate their diet. Your vet should be able to help you determine the best course of action, such as potential dietary changes or food trials.
Should I Choose Wet or Dry Food for My Corgi?
Both wet and dry dog foods can be beneficial for corgis. Dry kibble is generally more convenient, helps with dental health by reducing plaque buildup, and is often more calorie-dense. Wet food, on the other hand, can be a better option for picky eaters, and it also provides additional hydration. Some dog owners also combine both types to offer variety, so you can give that a shot as well.
How Do I Transition My Corgi to a New Dog Food?
Gradually transitioning your corgi to a new dog food over a period of two weeks can greatly help in preventing digestive issues. We recommend that pet owners start off by mixing about 25% of the new food with 75% of the current food for the first few days. You can then increase the proportion of new food while decreasing the old food every other day.
Keep a close eye out for any signs of digestive issues, such as diarrhea or vomiting, throughout this period.
Finding the Right Dog Food for Your Corgi
Every owner has the responsibility to care for their furry companion by providing the right dog food for their nutritional needs. As highlighted in this article, corgis have unique dietary requirements based on health challenges that may be brought on due to their body structure and breed traits.
You need to recognize the significance of meeting these needs by choosing high-quality dog food tailored to their individual needs. While the options we've covered can be helpful in choosing the right dog food for your corgi, don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian as you explore different options to ensure your beloved corgi receives the best nutrition possible.