Best Dog Food For Dobermans, Here Is A List Of The Foods We Recommend.
As a pet owner, you will often hear that dogs of different breeds, sizes and weights will have different nutritional intake. That said, the Dobermans are no different. For this breed, they are distinctively more muscular than most medium-sized dogs like the Shollie.Hence, their nutritional intake is more unique and it is something you, as an owner, should take note. But do not worry if you are not sure where to start – we will guide you along as you continue reading.
This breed is extremely active and larger in size (like the Saint Berdoodle), since they are bred for work. So, nutrients are very important to them. Moreover, they do have specific nutritional requirements due to their lifestyle and potential health problems.
However, if you know your Doberman well and cater to them specifically, they can lead a healthy and happy life.
Overview of the Top Products
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| Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food, 22 lbs. | Freeze-dried real raw poultry pieces to lock in fresh taste | Grain-Free nutrition with no gluten ingredients for easier digestibility |
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| Now 152508 Fresh Grain Free Large Breed Dog Food, 25-Pound Bag | Balanced proteins and fats to support an active lifestyle | Omega oils to promote skin and coat health |
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| IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Large Breed Premium Adult Dry Dog Food (1) 30 Pound Bag; Veterinarians Recommend IAMS; Chicken Is #1 Ingredient | Contains one (1) 30-lb. bag of IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food; IAMS Large Breed delivers big with balanced nutrition and natural sources of glucosamine to support healthy joints to help your big dog seize the day. | IAMS Dog Food is made with quality proteins sourced from chicken and egg to help support strong muscles. HEALTHY BONES & JOINTS Formulated with essential nutrients to support healthy bones & joints. |
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| Nulo Grain Free Dog Food: All Natural Adult Dry Pet Food for Large and Small Breed Dogs (Turkey, 24lb) | GRAIN FREE – Nulo doesn’t include allergy-triggering grains, corn, wheat gluten, soy, fake additives, colors, or flavors; we even left out egg and chicken proteins, which many dogs don’t digest well | FOR LARGE, SMALL DOGS – Our meat protein-rich, BC30 Probiotic, low-carb, small kibble formula is crafted for every adult breed, ensuring your hound receives nutrients necessary for a long, active life |
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| Halo Holistic Vegan Dry Dog Food, Garden of Vegan, 4-Pound Bag | Vegan recipe, rich in pure plant protein | No rice; plant based protein from lower glycemic peas and chickpeas |
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| Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Easy to Digest Dry Dog Food, Salmon, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe, 4-Pound | Contains 1 – 4 pound bag of dry dog food | Sweet potatoes and pumpkin are grain-free sources of carbohydrates for energy |
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| PEDIGREE Big Dogs Adult Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken Rice & Vegetable Dry Dog Food; 100% Complete and Balanced, for wellness and whole body health | Contains one (1) 30.1-lb. bag of PEDIGREE For Big Dogs Adult Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken Rice & Vegetable Dry Dog Food. Formulated to give dogs all of the energy and nourishment they need to continue living life to the fullest. | Complete and balanced nutrition provides omega-6 fatty acid to nourish skin and help keep your dogs coat shiny and healthy. This chicken-flavor dog food is formulated with B vitamins, zinc and omega-6 fatty acid to help keep adult dogs looking their best. |
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| Eukanuba Wet Food 10154703 Adult Beef & Vegetable Stew Canned Dog Food (Case of 12), 12.5 oz | Contains (12) 12.5-oz. cans of EUKANUBA Beef & Vegetable Stew Canned Dog Food | Made with high-quality, animal-based protein |
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Solid Gold High Protein Dry Dog Food; Barking at the Moon Grain-Free with Real Beef; 24 lb | NATURAL, GRAIN-FREE: Holistic, natural grain & gluten-free high protein dry dog food recipe specially crafted for active dogs of all breeds, sizes and lifestages including puppy and senior. | HIGH-QUALITY, REAL MEAT: Responsibly sourced, USA-produced beef provides a dense source of protein. Whole egg provides a complete source of essential amino acids that are vital for lean muscle development and a healthy, active metabolism. |
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| NUTRO Kitchen Classics Adult Wet Dog Food, Slow Cooked Chicken, Rice & Oatmeal Dinner Premium Loaf Canned Food 12.5 Ounce Cans (Pack of 12); Rich in Nutrients and Full of Flavor; Supports Healthy Digestion & Healthy Skin and Coat | NUTRO Kitchen Classics Adult Wet Dog Food, Slow Cooked Chicken, Rice & Oatmeal Dinner Premium Loaf Canned Food (12) 12.5-oz. is a tasty recipe crafted with high quality natural ingredients plus vitamins, minerals and other nutrients; supports healthy skin and coat and digestion | GET READY TO SEE YOUR DOG HAPPY DANCE when you open a can or tray of our delicious NUTRO Wet food, it is always made with high quality proteins and delicious ingredients carefully sourced to add flavor and create a special daily dish for your dog |
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Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food, 22 lbs.
Good for large breeds such as the Goberian, this Merrick Backcountry Big Game Recipe is perfect for Dobermans. It uses real, deboned chicken as its main ingredient and it is grain-free too. What’s more, there are real bits of poultry in it too that have been freeze-dried, in order for the taste to stay intact.
Besides being grain-free, this dog food is also gluten-free, which allows your dog to digest it effortlessly. On top of that, none of the ingredients come from China, so you will rest assured that your furry friend is eating quality, nutritious food.
Pros:
- All-natural, grain-free and gluten-free
- Rich in protein
- Contains ingredients that give Dobermans healthy skin and good joints
Cons:
- Each bag doesn’t have as much raw meat as promised
- Some dogs refuse to eat it
Now 152508 Fresh Grain Free Large Breed Dog Food, 25-Pound Bag
This grain-free dog food by Now contains ingredients that provide your dog with a balanced and nutritional meal. Hence, that is why it’s such a great dog food product for a Doberman, simply because the ingredients support dogs that are active.
On top of that, this recipe has Omega 3 and 6 found from canola and coconut and has no grains and gluten too. Not only that, but the ingredients also consist of salmon, turkey and even duck.
Pros:
- No artificial preservatives, by-products and rendered meats
- Doesn’t have wheat, corn, or soy as well as gluten and grains
Cons:
- Quite expensive
IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Large Breed Premium Adult Dry Dog Food (1) 30 Pound Bag; Veterinarians Recommend IAMS; Chicken Is #1 Ingredient
Since Dobermans are extremely active and sizeable dogs, Proactive Health Large Breed dog food by IAMS is an ideal dog food product for them. This food will provide your Doberman with a balanced meal as well as natural glucosamine to aid your dog’s joints. Moreover, what’s great about the IAMS Proactive Health Large Breed is the fact that the ingredient on the top of their list is real chicken. However, there are also other nutritious ingredients that benefit your dog’s skin, coat, muscles and more.
Pros:
- Has high-quality ingredients and no fillers
- Recommended by veterinarians
- Affordable
- Dogs love how it tastes
Cons:
- The new formula made some dogs feel sick
Nulo Grain Free Dog Food: All Natural Adult Dry Pet Food for Large and Small Breed Dogs (Turkey, 24lb)
The one fear that keeps most Doberman owners away from dry dog food is all the harmful gluten-laden grains that it usually comes with and finding healthy and tasty alternatives is usually a costly mission. However, thanks to Nulo, your dog can now enjoy flavorsome and healthy dry dog food kibbles that are packed with nutrients like Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, protein and vitamins that promote a healthy, shiny coat as well as strong, healthy bones. In fact, any dog owner who’s tried this product on their pup will tell you one thing: it’s a game changer. The dogs lap it up and it’s great value for money. Plus, you rest easy knowing that you’ve provided your best friend with food that is nutritious, delicious and free from harmful ingredients and allergy-causing grains. You’ll also be happy to know that it’s available in different flavors like salmon, beef, turkey and lamb. That said, all of them are produced using the real thing, with no nasty additives, fake proteins, or artificial colorants and flavorings.
Pros:
- Grain-free and gluten free
- Packed with healthy fats like Omegas 3 and 6
- It’s flavorsome for dogs to eat
- Available in different flavors
- Produced without the use of harmful preservatives or additives
Cons:
- Some dogs didn’t react very well to this dog food
Halo Holistic Vegan Dry Dog Food, Garden of Vegan, 4-Pound Bag
The Halo brand has really gone out of their way to bring vegan dog owners with a healthy dog food that is kind to the planet and congruent with their values. This ‘stew’ is no stew at all, but rather, consists of nutrient-packed chickpeas, GMO-free vegetables, healthy oils and nourishing grains that rate low on the glycemic index. Plus, it’s not the kind that triggers allergies, which makes it ideal for allergy-prone dogs or pups that are picky eaters. Also, it doesn’t contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and it’s a really great alternative for dogs that are on a holistic diet. In fact, you are even able to mix it with fiber-rich vegetables like pumpkin and herbs to make your dog’s meals even more interesting and healthy.
Pros:
- Ideal for vegan dog owners
- Made with natural veggies and healthy grains
- Has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Great for picky eaters
- Rich in fiber
- GMO-free
Cons:
- Some dogs got sick after eating this dog food
- Its flavor can be a bit bland for some dogs
- Not that affordable
Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Easy to Digest Dry Dog Food, Salmon, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe, 4-Pound
From 4 pounds of Nature’s Recipe dry dog food, you get a high-quality protein (salmon), plenty of grain-free carbs (sweet potatoes and pumpkin) and a clear conscience knowing that you’re feeding your dog highly-nutritious food that’s free from artificial flavors, preservatives and colorants.
As a result of this brand’s ingenious combination of nutrition and natural flavor, these easy-to-digest kibbles are ideal for picky eaters and allergy-prone dogs alike.
Pros:
- Contains high-quality and healthy protein
- Flavorsome
- Natural ingredients, no artificial nasties
- Grain-free
- Ideal for allergy-prone dogs
Cons:
- More flavor options would be great
- The new recipe seems to cause a bad reaction for some dogs
PEDIGREE Big Dogs Adult Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken Rice & Vegetable Dry Dog Food; 100% Complete and Balanced, for wellness and whole body health
Containing Omega-6 fatty acids and other nutritious ingredients, this dry dog food for large dogs by Pedigree is most suitable for big dogs like the Doberman. Besides the Omega-6, it has zinc and B vitamins as well, in order to help dogs look and stay healthy.
Not only that, but it’s only made with the best ingredients. In other words, it doesn’t have high fructose corn syrup, no added sugar and other artificial flavors that are unnecessary in a dog food. Since big dogs need strong bones, Pedigree also has got you covered.
This dog food contains Vitamin E, calcium and antioxidants – among others – to not only provide your dog with a healthy immune system, but to give them good, sturdy bones as well.
Pros:
- Contains many ingredients that are beneficial to your dog’s health
- Has no artificial flavors, no added sugar as well as high fructose corn syrup
- Made in the USA
- Provides your pet with a balanced meal
Cons:
- Unfortunately, the main ingredient used in this dog food is corn
- Made some dogs sick
- Gave some dogs bad gas
Eukanuba Wet Food 10154703 Adult Beef & Vegetable Stew Canned Dog Food (Case of 12), 12.5 oz
Indulge your dog’s taste buds with this hearty wet food stew from Eukanuba, which contains flavorsome beef and nutritious veggies that provide your pet with all the vitamins, minerals and healthy fats that they need to maintain a healthy immune system as they grow older. On top of containing healthy vegetable carbs that are easy to digest, wet food is much loved by dogs because it keeps them hydrated and energized for longer.
In addition, it’s great for helping them maintain a healthy weight, which is very important in light of the growing phenomenon of doggie obesity.
Pros:
- Hearty and tasty flavor
- Has great quality
- Made with real, nutritious ingredients
- Contains healthy vitamins and minerals
- Promotes a healthy immune system overall
- Keeps dogs energized
- Portable and easy to carry
Cons:
- There’s nothing to complain about with this product
Solid Gold High Protein Dry Dog Food; Barking at the Moon Grain-Free with Real Beef; 24 lb
Dobermans, being an active breed, deserve a meal that provides them with the energy and nutrition that they deserve. That is why, Holistic Grain-free Dog Food with Superfoods by Solid Gold is an excellent meal for your pet best friend. It’s rich in protein too, which is great for supporting your Doberman’s high activity and energy levels. Moreover, it was made with at least twenty superfoods that are just bursting with nutrition. Some samples of these are cranberries, pumpkin, blueberries, lentils and more. What’s more, it has ingredients, such as salmon oil and canola oil, that help make your Doberman’s fur and skin shiny and healthy. The icing on the cake: it doesn’t contain any of the common allergens for dogs like corn and wheat.
Pros:
- Grain-free and gluten-free
- No common allergens like soy, wheat and corn
- Contains healthy oils
- Has high-quality protein
Cons:
- Regrettably, this dog food made some dogs sick
NUTRO Kitchen Classics Adult Wet Dog Food, Slow Cooked Chicken, Rice & Oatmeal Dinner Premium Loaf Canned Food 12.5 Ounce Cans (Pack of 12); Rich in Nutrients and Full of Flavor; Supports Healthy Digestion & Healthy Skin and Coat
Once your dogs go ‘Kitchen Classics’ they’ll never go back! With these handy and portable cans, your dogs can now enjoy a slow cooked dinner of chicken, rice and oatmeal to fulfil their nutritional requirements on the go. Each can of dog food contains flavorful wet food that’s made with natural ingredients as well as added minerals, vitamins and nutrients to help support your dog’s immune system. Also, there is no corn, soy, meat by-products, or artificial additives in this food.
Pros:
- Portable
- Nourishing and filling
- Made with natural ingredients and added nutrients
- Does not contain any meat by-products
- No corn, or soy
Cons:
- This does contain some rice, so you might want to steer clear if your dog is allergic
Choosing the Right Dog Food
There are three main considerations you need to adhere to when you are purchasing dog food for your Doberman. In an ideal situation, ask the vet for advice and let them examine your dog. Thankfully, we have broken down the process for you. To choose the right dog food, you need to consider your dog’s weight and nutrition, activity level and health concerns. A general rule of thumb when preparing portions for your dog is that the amount of food that they intake should be proportionate to their weight. If your adult Doberman weighs around 70 to 100 pounds, the suggested daily calorie intake is 1800 to 2000 calories. On the other hand, if your Doberman is a small puppy, then the suggested amount of kibble is 3 to 4 cups daily. However, there are exceptions to the rule as well. If your Doberman is overweight, seek a vet’s advice and adjust your dog’s food accordingly. Dobermans are widely known to be very active dogs, which explains their muscular built. With high level of activity, Dobermans will require more carbohydrates than other dogs. So, when you choose dog food for them, read the nutritional level at the back of the packaging.
Two common diseases that your Doberman may face are heart diseases and bone injuries. By choosing food with the right amount of nutrition, you will be able to prevent your dog from obesity and reduce their risk of getting heart diseases.
In addition to that, sufficient nutrients – mainly calcium – vitamins and glutamine are also essential to prevent bone injuries.
A Doberman’s Diet
Protein
With such an active lifestyle and a large amount of exercise, Dobermans require a considerable amount of protein in their diet. A general rule is that protein should be at least 25% of a typical adult Doberman’s diet.
However, if your Doberman is only a small puppy, just 22% to 32% of protein is sufficient. For performance Doberman dogs, they require a lower intake of 22% to 32% as well.
Good sources of protein include real meat, such as beef, chicken and fish. Real meat contains amino acids, which is essential to build muscles, provide energy and repair the cells of your Dobermans. When you are shopping for dog food at your local supermarket, take a quick look at the ingredients list. Does it specifically state the type of meat that is inside, or is it just “Meat”? Do not go for terms that are too generic and the protein source should either be the first or second ingredient listed. However, you need to know that excessive amounts of protein can be harmful for your dog. Dobermans are known to be more prone to kidney diseases, such as canine juvenile renal disease. This is caused by excessive nitrogen from protein sources, which results in stress on your dog’s kidneys. Hence, you must check with a professional vet for the optimal amount of protein to feed your dog daily.
Fat
Humans may see fat content in food as undesirable, but it is very important in a Doberman’s diet. That being said, fat has many functions: it can maintain the nervous system, encourage vitamin absorption and protect a dog’s joints and organs. The shine on their coat is also from the fat. In fact, deficiency in fat will cause their coat to lose its shine and be flaky. If you are preparing food for your dog, you are able to get healthy fats from omega-3 fish oil, flaxseed oil and even olive oil. Don’t worry if you do not have enough time to prepare your dog’s food, though. That’s because you are also able to find these ingredients on the packaging of dog food products. As a rough guide, an adult Doberman will need 10% to 20% of fat in its diet. Small puppies will need 10% to 25%, while performance dogs will require a slightly higher range of 15% to 40% of fat.
Carbohydrates
The amount of carbohydrates provided to a dog has been a highly debatable topic. Thankfully, the answer for the Dobermans are quite straightforward. You have to feed them high-quality complex carbohydrates, given that they are more prone to low blood sugar and hypoglycemia. Complex carbohydrates take a longer time to break down. So, it will prevent extreme fluctuations in their blood sugar levels. That said, aim to feed your Dobermans with good sources of carbohydrates.
Some samples of these are Brown Rice, Whole Oats, Whole Wheat, Rye, Barley, Quinoa, Buckwheat and Sweet Potato. Not only are whole grains better for your dog, they also burn slower, so the nutrients will last for a longer period of time.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are often a good source of extra vitamins, minerals and fiber for your dog. However, it is definitely not the most essential ingredient. So, do not be persuaded by the packaging when it claims to contain “many fruits and vegetables.”Just a sufficient amount goes a long way in supplementing important vitamins like Vitamin B and Vitamin C.
What to Avoid
While it is important to know what is beneficial for your Dobermans, it is also equally as important to know what is harmful for them as well. Feeding your dog wrongly can bring about serious consequences and diseases.
Unhealthy Sources of Fat
There are many sources of fat, but ones from unhealthy sources are often detrimental. Moreover, they only increase your dog’s chances of getting obesity. Hence, keep a lookout for generic ingredients such as Animal Fat, Poultry Fat, Vegetable Oil and Lard. If you see any of these on the packaging of your current dog food, you may want to consider changing it. These fats often come from unknown sources. So, they have very low nutritional value compared to real beef fat or chicken fat.
Simple Complex Carbohydrates
As mentioned earlier, Dobermans need to have a strict control over their blood sugar level, as they have a high chance of suffering from hypoglycemia. Hence, simple carbohydrates such as corn, cornmeal, corn gluten, wheat gluten and soy – among others – should be avoided at all costs. In addition, many of these simple complex carbohydrates are only used as fillers in your Doberman’s food. This means that they have absolutely no nutritional value and is a very cheap way for manufacturers to produce their products, lowering their costs.
Artificial Preservatives, Coloring and Flavoring
Chemical substances that provide artificial coloring and flavoring are absolutely unneeded in your dog’s diet. When you see sugar, sweeteners and coloring on the ingredients list, put that product back on the shelf. Cheap commercial manufacturers will often put artificial coloring and flavoring to “enhance” the taste of the dog food. So, although it may seem like your Doberman is enjoying its meal more, think twice if it was consuming excessive artificial ingredients. These ingredients may even cause allergic reactions and other serious complications, such as brain tumors. Thus, always be safe than sorry and stop feeding your dog all these artificial and unnecessary ingredients. Using artificial preservatives is a very common way to extend the shelf life of dog food. Thus, keep a lookout for artificial preservatives such as BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin. They are unhealthy and may even increase your dog’s risk of getting cancer. Furthermore, there is no study to prove that ethoxyquin is safe to use or not. So, to play it safe, do not feed it to your dog.
The Grain Free Diet
Other than that, you must not feed your Doberman with dog food that claims to be a “grain-free diet.” This is because grain-free does not provide fiber for your dogs. So, essential whole grains such as wheat, oats and barley are not included in the list of ingredients. However, although dogs are natural carnivores, they also need sources of fiber. So, those manufacturers will use other sources of carbohydrates such as potato or tapioca starch as replacement. But their nutritional value is often compromised compared to whole grains.
Nuts
Nuts may seem like a good treat idea, but they are actually toxic to dogs. Macadamia nuts and walnuts are known to cause illnesses and are actually poisonous to your Doberman. However, there are healthy and safe nuts that they might be able to ingest.
So, check with your vet before feeding your dog nuts. Even certain baked goods and treats may contain these, so it is best to do a thorough check before feeding them to your dog. Although the nut may not be toxic, your Doberman may choke on them, as this breed tends to eat quickly.
Lastly, walnut shells are much more dangerous than the walnut itself. Thus, remember not to drop any of them on the floor, in case your curious dog accidentally eats it.
Feeding Tips
The amount you feed your Doberman should depend on what stage of life they are in. This helps you to manage their nutritional intake and not overfeed them.
Feeding Puppies
As we all know, when the puppies are very young, they will feed from their mother. However, they should wean off by eight weeks. A suggested guide is to feed your puppies four times a day until they are three months. Although this may sound excessive, puppies require more calcium and phosphorus to build strong bones. Moreover, they also need more protein for their growing muscles. Between three to six months, start reducing the number of feeding to twice a day. The main reason to feed them so many times as a puppy is because those small dogs might not be able to take in and digest too much food at one go.
Hence, feeding them more frequently at periodic intervals will help their digestive systems. When your puppy is closer to the age of one year old, you are able to start feeding them fresh meat. Cottage cheese and yogurt are also recommended, as they provide calcium for their bones.
Fruits and vegetables also provide additional nutrients. So, your puppies actually can consume the same food as you. However, dog food has to be unseasoned, as too much salt and pepper are extremely harmful.
Feeding Adult Dogs
There are many brands of adult food out there in the market, but you must always make an informed decision. Choose a dog food that is specially formulated premium food that has been professionally made by trusted manufacturers.
Many vets and dog nutritionists recommend premium food over homemade diets, as those experts have a better knowledge about your Doberman. However, all dogs are different. So, if you have any questions about your dog’s diet and nutritional intake, do seek professional advice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the active and large Doberman’s diet is significantly different from other large-sized dogs. They require a higher intake of fat and protein and not as much fruits and vegetables. However, their wide array of potential health problems is also very restrictive to their diets. Too much or too little can cause a lot of harm to your dog. Hence, always seek advice when you are in doubt.