Last Updated on 05/25/2021 by Veronica Jones
Corgis are fun-loving and short-legged dogs. They are fairly sturdy dogs that love to run and chill. However, they are still a small breed that needs a specific diet suited for their needs in order to thrive. Not all dog food is made equal, and the wrong type of dog food can be bad for their health. A proper diet, and high-quality food, will help them live longer, feel better, prevent disease and more. However, many corgi owners are not sure what kind of dog food is right for their furry friends. To help those owners out, here is a list of what we feel is the best dog food for corgis.
Best Dog Food for Corgis – Our Picks
There are many dog foods to choose from, but that does not mean just any dog food will work for corgis. Corgis are a small breed, so most commercial dog food may be too much for their small bodies. Moreover, they need to find the right kind of dog food for their dog’s lifestyle, life stage, health needs, etc. because there is no perfect dog food for all dogs. Therefore, pet owners should search for foods that best suit a corgi’s daily needs. This is a comprehensive guide that takes an in-depth look into the 5 best dry dog foods for corgis.
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food – Best for Overall Health
- Hill’s Science Diet Small Bites is a unique, plant-based dog food made out of organic and natural ingredients. It is specially designed for small breeds like corgis, so it is easier to eat. Moreover, it can greatly benefit their digestive system and improve a corgi’s overall health.
- What makes Hill’s Science Diet Small Bites stand out is that it is a plant-based dog food, which is rare. This formula uses organic ingredients, which is great for food-conscious dog owners. Therefore, there are no artificial preservatives or fillers in this dog food either. It is also great because it is ideal for pups with sensitive tummies because of the natural ingredients. It contains soybean oil, folic acid, high-quality protein, etc. However, it does not have corn or wheat, so dogs with those allergies can happily eat this formula. The ingredients also greatly improve a dog’s digestion. The ingredients are very easy to digest, enhancing the overall digestive system of a corgi. The kibble is small enough for dogs like corgis to pick up and chew without any problems. Many breeders of small dogs choose this dog food.
- This is a good option for people who want to enhance their corgi’s overall health with a plant-based dog food. It contains organic, natural ingredients that are easy on the digestive system. Plus, it is easy for them to eat because they are small.
Pros
- Easy to pick up and chew
- Organic and natural ingredients
- A plant-based dog food
- Excellent for the digestive system
Cons
- Some dogs do not like the taste
SPORTMiX — Puppy Dry Dog Food – Best for Active Corgi Puppies
- Active corgi puppies love SPORTSMiX because it is a nutrient-rich mix that is well-balanced for energetic corgi pups. It only contains natural preservatives instead of artificial ones. It has enough nutrients to support a corgi’s rapid growth while supplying enough energy to match their energy levels.
- This formula is an excellent choice for the first year of growth of corgi puppies, especially if they are very active and love to play. Corgi puppies have a lot of needs that this formula meets by offering lots of vitamins and minerals to support muscle, bone and teeth development as they grow during their first year. It also has Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to keep their fur and skin beautiful. It has high-quality protein because it contains chicken by-product meal and meat meal. Moreover, it contains the right amount of calories, fat, protein and carbs to maintain their energy levels. It is very easy for puppies to digest because the ingredients are compatible with small breed puppies. The kibble is small enough for young corgis to eat without struggling or choking. Plus, most corgi puppies love the way that this formula tastes, so they will likely eat all of their food.
- Overall, this is a nutrient-dense formula that is suitable for active corgi puppies because it is easy to eat and digest. It can meet a hyper corgi’s needs to support their development during their first year of life while giving them enough energy to stay active.
Pros
- A nutrient-dense puppy formula
- Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- High-quality animal protein sources
- Lots of vitamins and minerals
Cons
- Not suitable for relaxed corgi puppies
WholeHearted Grain Free Food – Best for Senior Corgis
- It is an excellent option for all corgis, particularly senior corgis. It contains good nutrients to support overall health, but it is particularly helpful for bone health and digestion. It also contains excellent sources of protein, with whole ingredients as their first ingredients on their ingredients list.
- This is another recipe specially formulated for small breeds like corgis. The kibble is the perfect size for a small dog because it is easy for them to eat. However, it still encourages them to chew, which is important because chewing can reduce tartar that builds up on a dog’s teeth. It has a good ratio of protein, fat and carbs for small dogs, and has a decent moisture level (8-10%) for dry dog food. It has one source of protein, chicken, which is the first ingredient in the list. Chicken is an ideal protein source because it is nutrient-dense while being a lean, healthy meat. Peas make up the natural carb source of this dog food. This formula has canine probiotics, such as dried chicory root, that aid the digestive system, another crucial factor for older corgi’s dog food.
- This formula is suitable for adult corgis and senior corgis, but it may suit senior corgis more. It is great to encourage chewing, improve the digestive system, and support bone health. Plus, it contains lots of natural ingredients and has a great balance of protein, fats and carbs.
Pros
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Encourages chewing to prevent tartar
- Contains canine probiotics (dried chicory root)
- Contains calcium and phosphorous
Cons
- Not all dogs tolerate chicken
Blue Buffalo Freedom Dry Dog Food – Best For Corgi With Allergies
- Dogs with food sensitivities love this dog food formula because it is gluten-free and grain-free. It also does not contain other common dog allergies. It is a great choice for sensitive, small corgis that has natural, whole ingredients. There are no by-products in this formula.
- Dogs can be prone to food allergies, so dogs with sensitive tummies can opt for this formula. It has no gluten or grain, making it an ideal choice for most dogs. Moreover, it has no by-product meals, soy, wheat, corn and artificial preservatives and flavors, making it an all-natural and whole dog food for a corgi. The first ingredient is real chicken as a high-quality lean protein source. It has the right amount of protein and carbs for small breeds like corgis to keep them healthy while supplying their energy levels. The kibble is small, making it easy for them during meal times. It has lots of vitamins and minerals recommended by animal nutritionists and vets to support a corgi’s needs. Plus, it contains omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that make a corgi’s skin and coat lustrous and healthy.
- Dogs with sensitive bodies will absolutely love this grain-free and gluten-free formula. It is specially made for small breeds with the help of animal nutritionists and vets to support their health and energy needs.
Pros
- Gluten-free and grain-free formula
- No by-products or fillers
- Lots of vitamins and minerals
- Has omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids
Cons
- Some dogs may not tolerate chicken
Rachael Ray Nutrish Dry Dog Food – Best for Natural Dog Food
- Pet owners that want whole and simple diets for their corgis will love this dog food formula. It features a limited ingredient list to focus on actual nutrition instead of fillers. It also has no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
- Animals do not require a long list of complicated ingredients to stay healthy, which is why this brand focuses on excellent ingredients that sustain a corgi’s needs without any fillers or by-products. This formula only has six ingredients with some extra vitamins and minerals for an added health boost. The protein source is high-quality lamb meal, and it is the first ingredient. There are no artificial ingredients or fillers in this formula. It also does not contain allergens like wheat or corn for sensitive corgis. It does have a fairly high carb content, but the protein and fat sources are still good and come from high-quality ingredients.
- This is a natural and simple dog food that most corgis will love. It has extra vitamins and minerals to support corgi health while giving them all the other nutrients they need with only 6 main ingredients.
Pros
- Only contains six ingredients
- Lamb meal is the main protein source
- Contains extra vitamins and minerals
- Does not contain common allergen ingredients
Cons
- Has a high amount of carbs
Choosing the Right Food for Your Corgi –The Ultimate Buying Guide
There are a few key things that corgi owners must remember when looking at dog food. There is more to dog food than simply the brand. Corgi owners have to take a deep look into the ingredients and more to learn if the dog food is suitable for their specific corgi. Here are some quick tips to follow when looking for dog food for corgis.
Protein Is Essential
Protein is an essential nutrient for all living tissue, and dogs need it to be a huge part of their diet. Protein let’s a dog’s body function properly and provides a lot of energy. Protein is a key component to repairing and building muscles along with other body tissues. Moreover, protein helps grow hair, make new skin cells, create body chemicals, etc.
Most of the protein that dogs need should come from animal-based protein. Dogs are omnivores, which means that they can eat both plants and animals. However, dogs lean more towards being carnivorous because they need animal-based protein. Animal-based protein contains essential amino acids that plant-based proteins do not have.
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Corgis are a smaller breed of dogs, so they will likely not need as much protein as larger breeds. Adult corgis need at least 18-22% of protein a day to maintain their muscle tone and energy levels. Corgis that are very active will likely need at least 21-24% of protein in their dog food. Lax corgis may need at least 18-20% protein to stay healthy. Senior corgis will need around 18-20% protein as well, or less if a veterinarian stated otherwise.
However, dogs should not eat more protein than recommended. Protein is very dense in calories, and it can cause quick weight gain. Excess protein will not get burned off through exercise or metabolism, so it will turn into fat. High-protein diets are only ideal for dogs that are very active. SPORTSMiX is great for active corgis who need high protein.
Look for Moderate Fiber
Fiber is another important aspect to look for in a corgi’s dog food. There are two kinds of fiber, which are soluble and insoluble, and dogs need both of that in their diets. Fiber is important for all dogs because it keeps the digestive system healthy. Therefore, it can prevent issues like constipation and diarrhea. Moreover, fiber can prevent certain diseases, like irritable bowel disease, colitis and diabetes.
Fiber is also great for chubby corgis. Fiber helps a dog feel full for longer. Therefore, a corgi will be less tempted to look for more food because they feel full. It is a complex carbohydrate, so it will take longer to digest, making a corgi feel full for a while.
Ideally, pet owners should look for natural and whole sources of fiber in their corgi’s dog food. Naturally-sourced ingredients are always better for dogs, and fiber is no exception. Some examples of natural fiber in dog food are pumpkin, brown rice, oats, carrots, beet pulp, etc.
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However, too much fiber can be bad for dogs. It will be difficult for a dog to absorb minerals if they eat too much fiber. Moreover, excessive fiber can lead to diarrhea, causing a dog to defecate indoors even when they are potty-trained. The ideal amount of fiber for a dog to have is about 2-4%. It should never be higher than 5% because that is often too much for dogs. Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 is a good option for moderate fiber levels.
Don’t Forget the Healthy Fat
People often avoid fat because they think it is unhealthy, and they will look for lower-fat options in their dog food. However, healthy fat is a great source of energy and it is important in dog food. Fat also helps a dog with cushioning, insulation, etc. The key is to find the right kind of fat in the dog food. People should look for natural, healthy sources of fat for their corgis in their dog foods, like chicken fat.
Fats like saturated fat are bad for humans because it can cause heart attacks and clogged arteries. However, those are not issues that dogs normally have. Many dogs can consume somewhat high fat diets and be healthy because their bodies process fat differently from humans. However, high fat diets are not ideal for dogs with pancreatitis and obese dogs.
High fat diets are a great choice for very active dogs. High-energy dogs need more fat because they will burn it off when they exercise. That way, they can stay strong whenever they work. So, a working corgi (like a herding corgi) may need more fat in their diets. If the corgi is a picky eater, it may be ideal to get more fat in their diets as well. That way, they can get more calories in without trying. Hill’s Science Diet Small Bites is an excellent choice for most corgis’ fat needs.
Corgi Dog Food Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a Corgi Need to Eat a Day?
An adult corgi needs around 750-800 calories a day, but that will change based on their weight. Chubbier corgis will need to eat fewer calories. Older corgis may need less as well. Very active corgis will require more calories to stay energetic, so they may need 850-1,000 calories a day.
Are Preservatives Bad for Dogs?
Not all preservatives are bad for dogs. There are natural preservatives like Vitamin C and rosemary that are great, but may not work as well. However, artificial preservatives can be bad for most dogs. Artificial preservatives can cause Vitamin B1 deficiency, a potentially fatal condition in dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Plant-Based Dog Foods?
It can be possible for a dog to eat completely plant-based dog foods like Hill’s Science Diet, but it is not ideal. It can only be successful when done properly and if a vet supervises their diet carefully. Therefore, normal corgi owners should opt for animal-based dog foods because it is very unlikely that they can manage a plant-based one alone.
Conclusion: How to Make the Correct Choice
The best way to choose the right food for a specific corgi is to do research and consult a vet. The dog foods listed above are some of the best dog food for corgi available on the market. Each formula caters to slightly different needs, allowing pet owners to purchase the best food for their corgis.
References:
- Pet Food Manufacturer Association, ‘Proteins in Pet Food Fact Sheet’, https://www.pfma.org.uk/proteins-factsheet, Date Accessed – 24 May, 2021
- CARE Animal Hospital, ‘The Dangers of High Protein Dog Foods’, https://www.careah.com/dog/the-dangers-of-high-protein-dog-foods/, Date Accessed – 24 May, 2021
- Vet Times, ‘Importance of fibre in diet’, https://www.vettimes.co.uk/app/uploads/wp-post-to-pdf-enhanced-cache/1/importance-of-fibre-in-diet.pdf, Date Accessed – 24 May, 2021
- Cummings Veterinary Medical Center, ‘The Skinny on Fat: Part 1 – The Basics’, https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2018/03/the-skinny-on-fat-part-1/#:~:text=Fat%20is%20an%20important%20nutrient,diets%20can%20cause%20heart%20disease., Date Accessed – 24 May, 2021
