5 Best Dobermans Dog Foods

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Dobermans are a large breed that is very active and requires a lot of healthy food in order to remain a good body figure. The average weight of a Doberman is 80 LBS and ensuring they get the correct amount of calories can be hard.

So, what’s the best dog food for dobermans?

The best dog food for Dobermans is the Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, which is a split of 70% protein and 30% of vitamins and minerals for a perfect diet.

Dobermans do look like dachshunds with long legs when they are a pup but clearly they will require a much larger diet than dachshund dog food. Due to the amount Dobermans do eat, it’s important you look at the cost per LBS if you are on a budget.

Best Dog Food For Dobermans

As with most dog breeds with deep chests, they suffer from bloating where their stomach fills with gas that is unpleasant for the dog. Dobermans suffer terribly from this and if it continues, seek medical advice from your vet.

Other health issues they suffer from are Hypothyroidism, which has the effect of weight gain and a condition known as Wobbler’s syndrome that affects the spinal cord. However, apart from these, they are a healthy and desirable dog breed.

To keep your Doberman fighting fit, the correct diet and exercise are crucial. Below is a list of the best dog foods for Dobermans that are high in protein and vitamins to keep them in peak physical condition.

Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a brand that contains high-quality ingredients, this formula by Merrick is a great option. In this particular product, protein accounts for nearly seventy percent of the calories. Merrick, a fairly reputable brand, comes in a range of different flavors, all of which have meat as their first ingredient.

With this specific formula, there is 70% protein and 30% fresh produce. The fresh produce comes from blueberries, apples, peas, sweet potato, and potatoes, which will offer your Doberman with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Below are some of the Pros and Cons of the Merrick Dog Food for Dobermans.

Pros:

• Grain-free
• Natural
• High-quality ingredients
• Great for dogs with skin allergies
• Great range of flavors

Cons:

• Not ideal for Dobermans who have kidney problems

The formula is also rich in chondroitin, glucosamine, Omega 6, and Omega 3. They provide your Doberman with balanced nutrition with their grain-free, natural formula. This is, in fact, great for all life stages.

The high-quality protein ingredients help to maintain healthy and lean muscle tissue while the omega fatty acids help to support a healthy coat and skin. Your Doberman will sustain their energy through the easily digestible carbohydrates.

Overall, it is the best dog food for Dobermans and will ensure they are meeting their nutritional requirements. It is relatively cheap to buy too, which is a major bonus as they will eat a large quantity of food.

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AvoDerm Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

This formula by AvoDerm is a great option if you’re looking to promote a healthy coat and skin for your Doberman. It is made with premium ingredients, such as Californian avocados that are great for promoting a healthy immune system, coat, skin, and overall.

It is created especially for large or small adult dogs to provide them with wholesome tasting food. The all-natural ingredients ensure that your dog will enjoy this. Pros and cons of the AvoDerm formula include:

Pros:

• The main ingredient is a chicken meal
• High-quality ingredients
• Promotes glossy hair
• No harmful flavors included
• Decently priced

Cons:

• Expensive when buying in bulk

The formula does not contain any soy, corn, or wheat, nor are there any artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, or by-products.

The antioxidants contained in this formula make it create for promoting a healthy immune system. The formula is pressure cooked to ensure that your Doberman gets the optimum levels of nutrition and energy that they need.

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Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food

Holistic Select’s Large and Giant Breed Adult formula features a unique system that is designed to support their digestive health through botanicals, digestive enzymes, natural fibers, probiotics, and prebiotics. The digestive enzymes help to break down cellulose, starch, and proteins.

The glucosamine supports healthy joints and hips. It uses natural fibers to move food, while the healthy blend of protein supports the maintenance of muscles. A brief overview of the pros and cons of Holistic Select Dog Food include:

Pros:

• Contains digestive enzymes, botanicals, natural fibers, probiotics, and prebiotics.
• Premium and natural ingredients
• Larger kibble size
• No artificial colors or flavors
• No wheat, fillers, or meat by-products

Cons:

• Pricey

This formula is completely all-natural, containing premium ingredients. It does not contain any meat by-products, wheat gluten, wheat, nor does it contain any artificial fillers, flavors, or colors. The kibble is larger than other brands as it is designed to be eaten by larger breeds.

The formula allows your Doberman to have a balanced and complete diet with high-quality ingredients, such as chicken. Holistic Select has a Quality Assurance program, which means that all products meet the strictest standards in food safety.

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Taste of the Wild Grain Free

Taste of the Wild is a fairly reputable brand in the dog food industry. Their dog foods are formulated with premium ingredients that provide your Doberman with complete nutrition. Their formulas are made from premium meats, in this specific product that meat is Salmon.

It is grain-free and uses complex carbohydrates, like legumes and sweet potatoes, to provide your Doberman with lasting energy. The fiber-rich carbohydrates and digestible proteins keep your Doberman energized and full throughout the day.

Many dog owners are very particular about the food their dog eat and below are the Pros and Cons of the Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Natural dog food.

Pros:

• Grain-free is great for sensitive stomachs
• Canola oil boosts their coat through fatty acids
• Fiber is great for muscular tissues
• Hassle-free meat source
• Natural probiotics which help digestion

Cons:

• Some dogs might not like the enjoy the taste

This formula contains species-specific probiotics and prebiotics to guarantee healthy digestion. Taste of the Wild formulas also contains chelated minerals that make it easier for your dog’s body to absorb all the minerals within the food.

The formula also contains salmon oil, which gives your dog Omega 3, along with plant sources, which give Omega 6 fatty acids. All of which help to maintain your dog’s coat and skin health as well as maintain their overall health.

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Fromm Gold Nutritionals Food

For dogs exceeding fifty pounds, this formula is a great choice from Fromm Family Foods. It contains real Wisconsin cheese, whole eggs, lamb, chicken, and duck. It’s also enhanced with probiotics, which helps with their digestion while the salmon oil is great for helping to provide a healthy coat.

It provides your dog with the necessary nutrition without having to feed them with unnecessary fillers. Other benefits of the Fromm Gold formula are:

Pros:

• By-product free
• Does not contain wheat or corn
• Formulated especially for larger breeds
• Contains 12% fat and 23% protein
• Meets AAFCO requirements

Cons:

• Might not be suitable for some dogs with food allergies

The Omega fatty acids guarantees support for the health of your Doberman’s skin and coat. They are made with premium, high-quality ingredients along with probiotics, which help keep their digestion.

The first three ingredients that make up this formula are all meat, including chicken, chicken meal, and duck. If your dog does have a food allergy or sensitivity, then the chicken might not suit them.

What About Feeding Raw Food to Dobermans?

Feeding raw meat to Dobermans has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. A raw meat diet can offer several benefits for this breed, which is known for its high energy levels and athletic build.

One of the main advantages of feeding raw meat to Dobermans is that it provides a natural source of nutrients that are essential for their health.

Raw meat is rich in protein, which is crucial for muscle growth and maintenance. It also contains vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are important for maintaining a healthy coat, strong bones, and a strong immune system.

Another benefit of a raw meat diet is that it can improve your Doberman’s digestion.

Processed dog food often contains fillers and additives that can be difficult for dogs to digest, leading to gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, bloating, and constipation.

By contrast, raw meat is easier for dogs to digest, and can help regulate their bowel movements and prevent digestive problems.

Feeding raw meat can also help keep your Doberman’s teeth clean and healthy. Chewing on raw meat and bones can help remove plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of dental problems such as gingivitis and tooth decay.

How Much Food To Feed Dobermans?

A large number of Doberman breeders recommend that you follow a lower protein diet when they are a puppy, which means that protein should account for less than 28% of their diet. Breeders also recommend that you stop feeding them puppy food at around four months of age to reduce the likelihood of them developing Panosteitis.

It also helps to reduce the rapid growth that is caused due to the high level of protein found in most puppy foods. The best diet for Dobermans is one that has 35% protein, 30% fat, 25% carbs, and 10% minerals and vitamins.

Doberman General Feeding Guide

Below, we have a general feeding guide. The individual metabolism, activity level, breed, and age that contribute to how much your Doberman needs to be fed. You will need to take all of that into consideration to figure out how much you will need to feed your dog. You will need to either decrease or increase the amounts stated based on your Doberman’s lifestyle, health, and weight. For a general idea, continue reading.

Depending on the age of your Doberman, there are also set protein and fat percentages that they should have. Below is a chart that might be helpful for you to have a look at.

How Frequent To Feed Dobermans?

Generally, adult Dobermans should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. You should split the daily dose into two equal portions so that you feed them twice a day. We do not recommend you ‘free-feeding’ Dobermans. They will eat the food, and then act as if they are still hungry. If you overfeed them, it will shorten their lifespan significantly. For a puppy Doberman, you can feed them three times a day.

How Much Food To Feed Doberman Puppy?

For the first six months, you should be feeding your Doberman puppy at least three times a day. You should place their food out for ten minutes or less. After that time has passed, pick up any remaining food and discard it. You should be feeding your puppy three times a day up until they are at least four to five months old.

No one’s lifestyle is the exact same, so try to find a consistent schedule that works for you. You should not use a large bowl to feed your puppy, however, you can slowly increase the size of the bowl as your puppy grows and needs more food. You should also wipe your puppy’s chin and mouth to prevent any leftover food to cause acne or irritation.

What Is The Ideal Weight Of A Doberman?

Doberman Pinschers generally weight around seventy pounds to a hundred pounds. Their weight can depend on their gender along with other factors.

Male Dobermans can weigh between 75 lbs. to 100 lbs., while female Dobermans weigh between 60 lbs. to 90 lbs. Typically, they can stand from twenty-five inches tall to twenty-eight inches tall, which makes them quite large dogs.

An eighty pounds Doberman adult will typically consume 1,851 calories per day, while active and working dogs will consume 2,221 calories per day. On the other hand, senior Doberman dogs will consume roughly 1,333 calories per day.

Factors To Consider For Doberman Food

When you’re trying to find the ideal food for your Doberman, it can be quite tough with the large range of choices out there. Below are a few of the main guidelines that you should be looking at while researching the best food for your Doberman.

1. Fiber/Carbs/Fat/Protein Ratio: macros are important in order to maintain the weight of your Doberman, as well as their growth, energy level, and condition.
2. Grain-Free: Dobermans can be quite sensitive to grain, so you should look for products that are grain-free.
3. Protein Source: ingredients on the ingredient list on all packages are generally listed from the highest quantity down to the lowest. So, the first ingredient should be a protein from a quality source.
4. NO By-Products: These are not something that you want to be feeding your pet, as it does not come from a high-quality source at all.
5. Whole vs. Meal
6. Vegetables and Fruits: though Dobermans don’t need a whole salad, there are certain fruits and vegetables that are quite beneficial to their health.
7. Preservatives: Avoid food that has a large number of unknown ingredients, chemicals, and preservatives.
8. Dyes: it’s not healthy for Dobermans to eat dyed food consistency, so try to avoid food that has been dyed.
9. Ingredients: you should pay close attention to the ingredient list to make sure that all the products listed are of good quality.

While purchasing the food, you should also check the expiration date or if you somehow can’t see one, then check the barcode data in order to find out when it was made. You’ll want to buy the food when it is at its freshest. The dog food should also have an AAFCO certification, if it doesn’t, then you should be wary.

Health Issues

Just like any other dog breed, Dobermans are susceptible to a number of health problems. Some of which are:

• Spinal Disorders (Intervertebral Disk Disease And Wobbler’s Syndrome)
  • Wobblers Syndrome is when the spinal cord causes the dog to fall, lose balance, wobble, and stumble. It is prone to happen to senior Doberman’s, but you’ll need to maintain their weight as puppies to prevent it. In order to prevent this, you should also stop feeding your Doberman puppy food after six months of age.
• Urinary Incontinence
• Panosteitis (Wandering Lameness)
• Dandruff
• Color Mutant Alopecia (Blue Doberman Syndrome)
• Chronic Active Hepatitis (Copper Toxicosis)
• Liver Disorders (Renal Cortical Hypoplasia And Leptospirosis)
• Thyroid Disorders (Addison’s Disease and Hypothyroidism)
  • Hypothyroidism is when your dog’s thyroid gland is not producing enough T3 and T4 hormones. With this condition, it can be too easy for your dog to gain weight, even with regular exercise. Dobermans that suffer from this should avoid highly processed fillers and grains, which are often found in commercial foods. You will need to find them with food that consists of high-quality roots, vegetables, fruits, and meat.
• Severe Heart Disease (Cardiomyopathy)
• Immune Deficiency Disorders
• Bloat
  • This is a very serious and sadly very common problem with larger breeders who have deep chests. Bloat is when there is a buildup of gas in the dog’s stomach that causes it to flip on itself. If this happens, gases cannot go anywhere outside of the body. If your dog experiences this, then you need to take them to the vet immediately, otherwise, it could be fatal.
• Von Willebrand’s Disease
• Hip Dysplasia
• Anodontia
• Hair Pore/Acne Infections

Ingredients To Look Out For

There are ingredients that are great for Dobermans, but there are some that should be avoided at all costs. Dobermans are not picky eaters by any means, which means that they’ll usually scarf down whatever you put in front of them. So, you’ll have to be vigilant regarding what you’re feeding them.

Below is a chart that should help you in what ingredients are good for your Dobermans and which ones you should avoid.

Treats

If you’re stuck on what treats to give them, then you might want to consider these:

• Plainly cooked chicken breast, beef, or liver (etc.)
• Freeze-dried meat (minimum amount)
• Peanut butter (minimum amount)
• Commercially purchased treats
• Good quality deli meat/hot dogs
• Plain jerky
• String cheese
• Snap peas
• Carrots

Supplements

You might also want to add some supplements to your Doberman’s diet, which could include:

• Coconut oil (spoonful a day)
• Fish oil capsules
• Dog vitamins
• Green beans
• Cooked ground beef
• Pumpkin puree
• Yogurt
• Cottage cheese
• Scrambled eggs
• A can of fish (once a week)

Be very mindful that you do not over-supplement them as rapid growth and weight gain can lead to them having added stress on their joints.

We love Dobermans

With their active lifestyle and athletic build, Dobermans need a high-quality diet to give them all the energy that they need to continue being intelligent and working dogs. They’ll need to have the right sources and amounts of proteins and fats to give them the energy boosts that they need.

Remember, if your dog does have a sensitive stomach or food allergy, you might want to consider purchasing a grain-free formula dog food (which are included in our top five).

Keep Your Doberman Healthy

With Dobermans not being picky eaters in the slightest sense, you will need to be very careful about the food that is left out. They need to maintain a consistent diet and weight in order to reduce the likelihood of any diseases occurring later on in their life.

Feeding them twice a day, limiting the time that you give them puppy food, as well as providing them with regular exercise should all work in providing a healthy lifestyle for your Doberman.

Above we have reviewed the 5 best dog foods for Dobermans currently in the market. With all the information that we have given you, you have everything that you’ll need to know when researching and purchasing dog foods for Dobermans.

Ian is an avid outdoorsman and dog lover. He lives in Central Florida with his wife Heather, and their 2 dogs – Panda (Purebread Rough Collie X English Golden Retriever) & Kuma (Blue Merl Purebread Rough Collie)