8 Best Dog Food for Greyhounds in 2023
The fastest dog breed in the world is the Greyhound, and there are few things they like as much as running at full speed around the dog park or a large field. For a Greyhound to be able to be as active as they are naturally, they need high-quality dog food to see to their nutritional needs.
When looking for the best dog food for Greyhounds, it is important to look past low-quality commercial brands and to look for a product with the right levels of protein, fiber, carbohydrates, and more. These are 7 of the best kibbles and wet food products for breeds like the Greyhound, that will have them zooming around like the ultra-fast dogs they are.
How We Chose the Best Dog Food for Greyhounds
It’s important that, as pet parents, we’re aware of the quality of food that we give away to our pets. That’s why we want to give you this list of things we considered to pick the best dog food for Greyhounds.
- Healthy Levels of Protein and Fat – For athletic dogs like Greyhounds, having a balanced blend of protein and fat is important to keep up with your dog’s energy and activity levels. High-quality proteins also help build your fur baby’s lean muscles and legs and aid in repairing their tissue cells.
- Glucosamine – Large breed dogs like Greyhounds are susceptible to joint problems, especially older dogs. Having a source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin is good for maintaining joint and bone health.
- Fruits and Vegetables – Fruits and veggies are an essential part of your dog’s diet. These ingredients provide your dog with all the necessary nutrients to keep your dog in optimal health. They’re not just good sources of vitamins and minerals but also carbs to fuel your dog with energy.
- Omega Fatty Acids – Overall wellness includes skin and coat nutrition. Dog food for Greyhounds with balanced Omega-3s and 6s is good for promoting coat and skin health. Omega 3’s also has benefits that support brain and eye development. It is great for a senior dog to keep them sharp even at an old age.
View The Best Dog Foods for Greyhounds Below
1. ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Product Specifications
- Brand: ORIJEN
- Lifestage: Adult
- Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds
- Total Weight: 25.0 pounds
- Special Diet: Grain-Free, High-Protein, Gluten Free, Natural, Raw, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
Our Review
A high-quality protein dog food like the ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is exactly what your Greyhound needs. A protein-rich diet will benefit them the most to maintain their lean muscle mass and support their overall development. This dog food starts with five fresh and raw animal proteins to help keep up with their active and healthy lifestyle.
It’s also a grain-free dog food suited for sensitive stomachs and picky eaters. Your dog gets all the essential protein, vitamins, and minerals from free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs.
Ingredients (New Formula)
Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Atlantic flOunder, Whole Eggs, Whole Atlantic Mackerel, Chicken Liver, Turkey Liver, Chicken Heart, Turkey Heart, Whole Atlantic Herring, Dehydrated Chicken, Dehydrated Turkey, Dehydrated Mackerel, Dehydrated Chicken Liver, Whole Dehydrated Egg, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, Whole Green Peas, Chicken Necks, Chicken Kidney, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Navy Beans, Whole Chickpeas, Lentil Fiber, Chicken Fat, Natural Chicken flAvor, Pollock Oil, Ground Chicken Bone, Chicken Cartilage, Turkey Cartilage, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Whole Pumpkin, Whole Butternut Squash, Freeze-dried Chicken Liver, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Kale, Spinach, Mustard Greens, Collard Greens, Turnip Greens, Whole Carrots, Whole Apples, Whole Pears, Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-calcium Pantothenate, Copper Proteinate, Chicory Root, Turmeric, Sarsaparilla Root, Althea Root, Rosehips, Juniper Berries, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product.
Pros:
+ Made with 85% quality animal ingredients
+ First 5 ingredients are fresh and raw animal proteins
+ Offers WholePrey nutrition
+ Great sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals
+ Suitable for all life stages
Cons:
– The high protein formula is not suitable for dogs with kidney or liver issues
– Has a fishy smell
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,940 kcal/kg, 473 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 38% min |
| Crude Fat | 18% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% max |
| Moisture | 12% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 3.3% min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.8% min |
Why We Like It – Many dog owners are happy with the ingredients and quality of this dog food for Greyhounds. It’s a very smart choice for a Greyhound diet because of its protein-rich and fresh or raw first 5 ingredients that satisfy a Greyhound’s nutritional needs.
2. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Natural Adult
Product Specifications
- Brand: Nutro
- Lifestage: Adult
- Breed Size: All Breed Sizes
- Total Weight: 30.0 pounds
- Special Diet: No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Non-GMO, With Grain
Our Review
Made with farm-raised chicken, brown rice, and sweet potato, this NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Natural Adult Dry Dog Food has everything to become your Greyhound’s new favorite food. It has Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which help clear up skin rashes and irritation, and it brings back that shine in the Greyhound’s short coat.
The antioxidants help boost the immune system as the dog ages, and natural fiber makes sure digestion works the way it should. The first ingredient is real chicken, followed by chicken meal and rice. By reading through the ingredients list, you can tell that this is high-quality dog food with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Ingredients
Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Barley, Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Rice Bran, Natural Flavor, Whole Flaxseed, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Citric Acid (preservative), Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Chia Seed, Dried Coconut, Dried Tomato Pomace, Dried Egg Product, Dried Pumpkin, Dried Kale, Dried Spinach, DL-Methionine, Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamins, Minerals, Rosemary Extract.
Pros:
+ Real chicken as the #1 ingredient
+ Antioxidants for a stronger immune system
+ Quality fiber for better digestion
+ Made with non-GMO ingredients
+ Wholesome grains and sweet potato
+ With omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
Cons:
– Pricey
– Not for puppers with poultry allergies
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,654 kcal/kg, 343 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 22% min |
| Crude Fat | 14% min |
| Crude Fiber | 3.5% max |
| Moisture | 10% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.0% min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.2% min |
Why We Like It – If your Greyhound does better when having grains in their diet, this is the product to turn to! Non-GMO ingredients make it a nutritious and delicious alternative to low-quality commercial food brands.
3. Rachael Ray Nutrish Turkey, Brown Rice & Venison
Product Specifications
- Brand: Rachael Ray Nutrish
- Lifestage: Adult
- Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
- Total Weight: 26.0 pounds
- Special Diet: Gluten-Free, With Grain
Our Review
This brand makes dog food using quality ingredients fit for human consumption. Rachael Ray is a famous chef, and she dedicates herself to using only the food products in her dog food that she would also consider using in her own kitchen, which makes sure your furry friend gets the best possible nutrition.
The main protein source of Rachael Ray Nutrish Dry Dog Food is farm-raised turkey, with no animal by-products, fillers, artificial preservatives, or GMO ingredients. If you’re looking for dog food that can keep your dog at a healthy weight, this recipe is specifically formulated to help with weight gain. It’s also impressive that part of the profits is donated to help homeless pets across the United States.
Ingredients (New Formula)
Turkey, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Whole Ground Corn, Soybean Meal, Dried Peas, Pea Starch, Pearled Barley, Turkey Meal, Venison, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Carrots, Dicalcium Phosphate, Taurine, Vitamins, Choline Chloride, Minerals, L-Carnitine, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid (Preservative), Rosemary Extract.
Pros:
+ Real Turkey as the #1 ingredient
+ Antioxidant-rich fruit and veggies
+ Quality protein for lean muscle
+ Donates money to animal rescue
+ L-carnitine for metabolism and weight control
+ No poultry by-product meal, filler, wheat, or wheat gluten ingredients
Cons:
– Contains filler ingredients like corn and peas
– Not for dogs with food sensitivities or sensitive tummies
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,136 kcal/kg, 269 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 25.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 8.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 6.0% max |
| Moisture | 11.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 1.8% min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.15% min |
Why We Like It – This is a dog food that has it all! Healthy and nutritious ingredients, shelter animal awareness, support for a healthy weight and your Greyhound’s digestion, and – perhaps best of all – it is relatively cheap compared to products of similar quality.
4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
Product Specifications
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- Lifestage: Adult
- Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
- Total Weight: 24.0 pounds
- Special Diet: Grain-Free, High-Protein, No Corn No Wheat No Soy
Our Review
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural Adult Dry Dog Food features high-quality food fit for adult dogs’ needs. Crafted with real deboned Salmon as the first ingredient, it helps build and maintain your dog’s muscles to keep them strong and lean. Also, we can’t forget the precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, the LifeSource bits designed to boost your dog’s immune system.
Plus, there’s also the help of healthy carbs such as sweet potatoes and peas so your fur baby can keep up with their daily activities. This natural dog food really takes care of your dog’s overall wellness with Glucosamine to protect your dog’s joints and Omega 3s and 6s for healthy skin and coat.
Ingredients
Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine), Peas, Pea Protein, Menhaden Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Tapioca Starch, Dried Tomato Pomace, Pea Starch, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Egg Product, Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, DL-Methionine, Potatoes, Dried Chicory Root, Pea Fiber, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Minerals, Vegetable Juice for color, Vitamin E Supplement, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamins, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.
Pros:
+ Formulated with real salmon to maintain lean muscles
+ Omega fatty acids 3 and 6 for skin and coat health
+ LifeSource bits to promote a healthy immune system
+ Made with natural ingredients
+ Glucosamine for joint health
+ Free from corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, and preservatives.
Cons:
– Not recommended for sensitive stomachs
– With peas, pea protein, and pea starch
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,592 kcal/kg, 415 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 34.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 15.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 6.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.5% min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 1.0% min |
Why We Like It – This high-quality diet is perfect for Greyhounds who love the taste of Salmon. More than that, they’re also getting the overall support they need for lean muscles, immunity, joint health, skin, and coat health.
5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Formula
Product Specifications
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- Lifestage: Puppy
- Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
- Total Weight: 30.0 pounds
- Special Diet: No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, With Grain
Our Review
Does Chicken and Rice, or Lamb and Oatmeal, sound like something your Greyhound might enjoy? If so, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food is here to save the day! This is a dog food formula perfect for Greyhound puppies, and with calcium and phosphorous to help their bones and joints, they’ll grow up strong and healthy.
This puppy food contains ARA and DHA fatty acids, also found in a mother dog’s milk, and all the nutrients your growing fur friend needs. Buy this high-quality food, and your Greyhound puppy gets all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from real meat, whole grains, and garden veggies. The antioxidant benefits of the LifeSource Bits support your dog’s immune system health.
Ingredients
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley, Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Dried Tomato Pomace, Dried Egg Product, Pea Protein, Fish Oil (source of ARA-Arachidonic Acid and DHA- Docosahexaenoic Acid), Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried Chicory Root, Potatoes, Pea Fiber, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, DL-Methionine, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Vitamin E Supplement, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Garlic, Minerals, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamins, Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.
Pros:
+ Smaller kibble size apt for puppies
+ With the essential fatty acids DHA and ARA
+ LifeSource Bits packed with antioxidants
+ Supports bone and muscle development with real chicken
+ No corn, wheat, soy, or meat by-products
+ Calcium and phosphorous to promote bone and tooth health
Cons:
– Not for dogs with poultry allergies
– Includes garlic
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,707 kcal/kg, 400 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 27.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 16.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 5.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 3.0% min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.75% min |
Why We Like It – Puppies have specific nutritional requirements, and Blue Buffalo is dedicated to providing this, by incorporating omega fatty acids, DHA, and ARA for brain and eye development.
6. Natural Balance Beef Formula with Potatoes, Carrots & Brown Rice
Product Specifications
- Brand: Natural Balance
- Lifestage: Adult
- Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
- Total Weight: 13 ounces
- Special Diet: Chicken-Free, With Grain
Our Review
For those Greyhounds that aren’t too fond of food and eating, you might want to go with a soft and mushy dog food like this one here! Natural Balance’s beef formula is also great for older Greyhounds and dogs with oral problems. It is much easier to chew, even for dogs with few- or no teeth.
This Natural Balance Original Ultra Premium Wet Dog Food lists real beef first on the ingredient list, followed by beef broth and beef liver, to ensure a complete eating experience packed with nutrients. You can opt for using this wet food for Greyhounds as an irresistible food topping, or it can replace a kibble diet entirely.
Ingredients
Beef, Beef Broth, Beef Liver, Potatoes, Carrots, Brown Rice, Oat Bran, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dehydrated Potatoes, Vitamins, Minerals, Guar Gum, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Dried Kelp, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Natural Smoke Flavor, Menhaden Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Taurine, Choline Chloride, Carrageenan, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Parsley, Rosemary Extract.
Pros:
+ Complete and balanced diet for all life stages
+ #1 ingredient is beef to help maintain muscle health
+ With health benefits of wholesome grains
+ Added vitamins to support immune health
+ Highly digestible for max nutrient absorption
+ No artificial ingredients or by-products
Cons:
– Not an easy-open can
– Poor packaging
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 1200 kcal/kg, 205 kcal/6-oz canm, 440 kcal/13-oz can |
| Crude Protein | 8.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 5.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 1.5% max |
| Moisture | 78.0% max |
Why We Like It – Commercial wet foods won’t give your Greyhound the nutrition they need. This refined alternative is packed with amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and other antioxidants. It contains rich sources of fiber, including potatoes, carrots, and brown rice that supports healthy digestion.
7. Merrick Grain-Free with Real Meat + Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
Product Specifications
- Brand: Merrick
- Lifestage: Adult
- Breed Size: All Breed Sizes
- Total Weight: 22.0 pounds
- Special Diet: No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free
Our Review
Merrick Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food provides balanced nutrition for your beloved furry friend. It has real chicken as the #1 ingredient and a 64% blend of protein and healthy fats, with the 84% of protein from animal sources. The meat protein is designed to help your dog build muscle and fats to increase your Greyhound’s energy levels.
Carefully crafted with real whole foods, this grain-free food is superior in quality and nutrition for adult dogs. It’s one of our top picks for the best dog food for Greyhounds, especially with the Glucosamine and Chondroitin to support large breed dogs’ hips and joints. There are also high levels of Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to keep your pupper’s skin and coat shiny and healthy-looking.
Ingredients
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavor, Whitefish Meal, Flaxseed, Sunflower Oil, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Apples, Blueberries, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Choline Chloride, Salmon Oil, Minerals, Taurine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamins, Mixed Tocopherols for Freshness, Citric Acid for Freshness, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product.
Pros:
+ Real deboned chicken is the first ingredient
+ Healthy blend of protein and fat
+ Glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints and bones
+ Omega-3 and 6 supports skin and coat
+ No corn, wheat, soy, or gluten
Cons:
– Non-resealable bag
– Pricey
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,668 kcal/kg, 388 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 34.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 17.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 3.5% max |
| Moisture | 11.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 4.0% min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.8% min |
Why We Like It – Based on dog food reviews, even picky eaters are going crazy over this dry food. Merrick is one of the best and most popular brands in the pet food industry with the quality foods they offer that fur parents and their fur babies seem to love. Although their dog foods have a higher price point, the nutritional value it provides makes it all worth it.
8. ORIJEN Senior Dry Dog Food
Product Specifications
- Brand: Orijen
- Lifestage: Senior
- Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds
- Total Weight: 25.0 pounds
- Special Diet: Grain-Free, High-Protein, Weight Control, Gluten Free, Natural, Raw, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
Our Review
The best dog food for Greyhounds requires higher protein and calories, and this ORIJEN Senior Dry Dog Food hits it right in the ballpark. This grain-free senior dog food offers your dog a fresh and raw diet made with free-run chicken, turkey, and wild-caught fish. It also includes organs, cartilage, and bone, all great sources of essential protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Greyhounds are naturally muscular, and it’s a great thing that this dry kibble helps maintain lean muscle mass and a healthy weight. DHA and EPA help keep your senior pup’s mind sharp and bright even as they age. While Calcium, Phosphorous, and Glucosamine are there to promote joint and bone health, perfect for keeping up with your dog’s active and healthy lifestyle.
Ingredients
Chicken, Turkey, Flounder, Whole Mackerel, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard), Chicken Liver, Eggs, Whole Herring, Dehydrated Chicken, Dehydrated Turkey, Dehydrated Mackerel, Dehydrated Chicken Liver, Dehydrated Egg, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, Whole Peas, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Navy Beans, Whole Chickpeas, Lentil Fiber, Dehydrated Pumpkin, Natural Chicken Flavor, Pollock Oil, Chicken Fat, Pea Starch, Chicken Heart, Whole Pumpkin, Whole Butternut Squash, Collard Greens, Whole Apples, Whole Pears, Whole Cranberries, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Proteinate, Dried Chicory Root, Turmeric, Sarsaparilla Root, Althea Root, Rosehips, Juniper Berries, Citric Acid (Preservative), Rosemary Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product.
Pros:
+ Formulated with 85% premium animal ingredients
+ Glucosamine to maintain healthy joints and bones
+ Made with fresh or raw animal ingredients
+ Wholeprey diet for senior dogs
+ Made in the USA
Cons:
– Expensive
– Kibble size is not ideal for small breed senior pups
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,630 kcal/kg, 417 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 38.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 15.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 8.0% max |
| Moisture | 12.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 3.0% min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.8% min |
Why We Like It – Fur parents are happy with this Orijen dog food. It’s quite pricey but very much worth the price! For older dogs who want to keep a healthy lifestyle, this is the best food to keep them on their paws.
Best Dog Food for Greyhounds Buyer’s Guide
The Greyhound is a fun breed that loves to run around, be goofy, and make you laugh, and while they are very energetic – they also love to hang around the house and relax on the couch with you.
The way the breed adapts to their surroundings can sometimes be an issue if not exercised properly, as they could gain weight. The Greyhound is simply too nice to demand the exercise they need, so quality food is important to keep them in shape.
Nutritional Needs of a Greyhound
You probably won’t find the perfect food for your Greyhound on a shelf at the grocery store, as commercial dog foods are not generally nutritious enough to sustain an active and athletic dog and its nutritional needs. The best place to look is online, as it offers the largest selection of products, but to make the right decision, you need to know what to look for and avoid.
Protein
Being the fastest dog breed globally, Greyhounds needs to maintain a lean body and strong legs. The way to do that is through a protein-rich and meat-based diet. Good sources of protein include Chicken, Lamb, Turkey, Beef, Duck, and more. Meat meals like Lamb Meal, Turkey Meal, and Salmon Meal are also premium protein sources. These are essential to support your dog’s overall development and high energy needs.
Healthy Fats
Fats taken in moderation provides health benefits for dogs, especially for active doggos like the Greyhound. A good blend of protein and fats makes a good source of energy for your fur baby. There are also essential fatty acids, such as the Omega-3s and 6s, which are beneficial for your pupper’s brain and eye development and skin and coat health. The best sources of Omega fatty acids are from fish like Salmon and Cod. If you want a plant-based option, you can opt for Ground Flaxseed.
Complex Carbs
Another great source of energy is complex carbs. Complex carbs like sweet potatoes, fresh vegetables and fruits, brown rice, quinoa, and oats, keep your pupper’s stomach full for a long time. Although carbs are not an essential part of a dog’s diet, feeding them carbs is still a great alternative to proteins and fats for energy sources.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Your dog’s food should include essential vitamins and minerals to make it a completely balanced meal so they can thrive happily and healthily. Besides providing a good source for carbs, fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals.
Main Health Concerns for Greyhounds
Greyhounds are naturally healthy puppers, however, they’re still prone to some health issues. These are the common greyhound health problems you need to know when taking care of a Greyhound.
Bloat
Bloat, also known as Gastric Torsion, is a condition defined by the expansion of the stomach due to the filling up of fluid, gas, or food. This can cause the stomach to twist and turn to a life-threatening condition called Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV). Unfortunately, this causes pain and discomfort for your dog. The most affected dog breeds are larger dogs with deep chests like the Greyhound.
Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma or bone cancer is a common type of cancer for large breed canines. It’s an aggressive tumor on the bone which can cause lameness on the affected legs. The arms and the legs are the most common target. However, it can also affect the jaw, hips, pelvis, or non-bony tissues like the kidney, spleen, and liver. The suggested form of treatment for this kind of tumor is amputation of the affected leg.
Pannus
German Shepherds and Greyhounds are prone to this eye condition called Pannus. Pannus, also called chronic superficial keratitis, is an autoimmune disease that attacks the cornea or the transparent area of the eye. This causes the third eyelid to look inflamed and can progress to a point where scar tissues and blood vessels permeate the cornea. If it progresses, even more, it can lead to blindness.
Common Allergies of Greyhounds
Watch out for these types of allergies that can affect your Greyhound.
Flea Allergies
Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) is a common type of allergic reaction in dogs caused by a flea bite. When a flea bites your dog, its saliva comes in contact with the dog’s skin, and this triggers skin allergies. Fleas and ticks are especially active during spring and summer. During these times, having flea and tick prevention products comes in handy.
Food Allergies
Some dogs can develop an allergy to specific foods. Most common food allergens can come from proteins, specifically chicken, egg, beef, or lamb. A great alternative to these proteins is seafood like salmon or cod. Corn, wheat, soy, grains, animal by-products, and even artificial ingredients can cause dogs allergic reactions.
Environmental Allergies
Dust mites, mold, or pollen are some of the things that can trigger environmental allergies in dogs. Also, specific ingredients from household cleaners, pet shampoos, and conditioners can cause an allergic reaction to dogs. If that’s the case, limiting your dog’s exposure outside or from these products is a good way to prevent allergies.
The common signs and symptoms to look out for in allergies are the following:
- Irritated skin like itching, rash, or skin sores
- Skin inflammation
- Hair loss
- Dry and dull coat
- Glassy eyes
- Teary eyes
- Bloodshot eyes
- Chronic ear infection
- Upset stomach or diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Coughing or wheezing
- Biting or scratching of their own skin
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended calorie content for Greyhounds?
Male Greyhounds typically have an average weight of 55 to 85 pounds, while female Greyhounds average 55 to 70 pounds. The recommended calorie intake for dogs is 25 to 30 calories per pound of body weight, which would amount to 1650 to 2550 calories per day. Still, there are a few things you need to consider, like their age, weight, size, current health condition, and activity levels.
What foods should Greyhounds avoid?
Almost in any dog food, the top ingredients that pet owners avoid are corn, wheat, and soy because these are the common culprits to your dog possibly developing food allergies. You should also cross off other ingredients such as meat by-products or meat with unspecified sources. These are usually low-quality and provide little nutritional value for your pup.
Best dog food for my Greyhound puppy?
Blue Buffalo offers an excellent puppy dog food with fatty acids found in the mother’s milk to help make the transition to solid food easier. It is made with quality ingredients and includes important nutrients like calcium phosphorous, DHA, and ARA to support Greyhound puppies’ needs as they thrive. Depending on the breed, you can switch to adult dog food once your puppy is approximately 6-8 months old.
Conclusion
Take your time when choosing dog food for your best fur friend, and don’t be disappointed if the first product you try doesn’t work out. Greyhounds can be funny that way, and they have a very set idea of what they like, and what they don’t like.
If they seem to refuse their food more than once, consider adding a dog food topping or changing the food for a different product. You might also want to talk to your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
Expert Tip
Greyhounds are experts at begging for treats (who can resist those large deer-like eyes?), but it is important not to give in too often, and to regulate how many treats they get per day to avoid weight problems.
Did You Know?
The Greyhound is actually mentioned in the bible, and back in the middle ages, only people of a certain social status were allowed to own a Greyhound.
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