The Pembroke Welsh corgi weigh somewhere between 28 to 30 lbs, so it makes sense that a small body like this has to be careful. Make sure that she or he has the best dog food for corgis. (The Cardigan Welsh corgi’s weight ranges from 25 to 38 lbs.)
Although the Pembroke Welsh corgi is a strong and lively dog, the Cardigan Welsh corgi has a consistent struggle with obesity. The American Kennel Club recommends a high-quality dog food diet. As with a dog of any size or build, calorie consumption and weight level are significant.
There’s nothing wrong with a few treats here and there, but make sure those treats (and regular dog food) are safe for your particular dog. AKC suggests two smaller, daily meals instead of one large meal to maintain a better digestive process.
A dog owner may be able to feel his or her own ribs to know when a beer belly is forming. If it’s difficult to feel the ribs of a dog, then it may be time to hold back on the treats and excess food.
Best Dog Food for Corgis
Fine-tuned for strength and endurance, this dry dog food is meant for active dogs. (And the Pembroke Welsh corgi fits those characteristics.) With chicken (or salmon) as the primary ingredient, this is intended to support a healthy immune system.
Key Features
- Contains 26 percent protein
- Contains 16 percent fat
- Chicken or salmon (main ingredient)
A dog’s main energy source comes from fat instead of carbohydrates so don’t be alarmed by the high fat count. With this combination of corgi dog food, it’s intended to increase an active dog’s metabolism and endurance.
Don’t underestimate the less active dog who may sleep during the day. If you’ve ever seen how quickly a dog moves, it’s not hard to believe that even less active dogs can put their muscles to use in rapid time if need be.
Doing the rib check (mentioned above) as well as observing your dog from above to confirm he or she has a semi-hourglass figure will tell you whether your dog is active enough or needs to shed a few pounds for an active, healthy weight.
But having the right amount and type of dog food makes it that much easier to keep the weight off. Sport dog food (unlike Purina’s Savor, Bright Mind, Natural, Focus) doesn’t specify a breed size so it may be universal for all dog sizes. Check with a veterinarian to confirm.
Pros
- Maintains lean muscles
- Rich in antioxidants
- Concentrated nutrition helps optimize oxygen metabolism (VO2 MAX) for increased endurance
- Amino acids in the food help nourish muscles
- Helps optimize oxygen metabolism for increased endurance.
Cons
- Not wheat-free (maybe an issue for dogs allergic to gluten)
- Poultry byproduct instead of pure poultry
If your dog’s main activities include an evening game of fetch, swift walks, dog beach swimming, and/or dog park walking, Purina Pro Plan is the way to go. Naturally, athletic dogs not only need nutritious meals to keep them healthy enough to play but also strong enough to want to play, too.
2. Purina Dog Chow Natural
Purina’s Natural is intended for small breed, adult dogs. As a generally healthier option than other dog foods, this version may be especially important for the notoriously overweight Cardigan Welsh corgi.
Key Features
- Real farm-raised chicken
- Real beef
- Kibble helps to clean
As a 100 percent complete, balanced diet for adult dogs, this high-protein meal has real beef and chicken as its primary source. With the goal of helping smaller dogs maintain a higher metabolism, the bite-sized kibble is easy to chew in these small dogs’ mouths.
Although this particular brand does contain whole grain wheat, this is the only one of five Purina nutrition formulas (out of Savor, Bright Mind, Natural, Focus and Sport) that does have grain-free formulas available.
In addition to clean teeth, dry dog food is intended for strong muscles. This is a big deal considering the small stature of a Cardigan, specifically, may be at risk for increased back issues if regularly hopping on couches, beds, and up and downstairs.
Pros
- High-quality protein for strong muscles
- No artificial flavors
- No artificial colors
- No preservatives
- Kibble helps to clean teeth
- 100 percent complete, balanced diet for
- Antioxidant blend supports immune system
Cons
- Poultry byproduct instead of pure poultry
- Whole grain wheat (may be an issue for dogs allergic to gluten)
- Grain-free formulas available in Natural brand
Made in the United States, Purina has been looking out for the finest dog foods for more than 90 years.
3. Cesar Filets Gravy Beef
High-fat and high-protein are a big deal for dogs of all breeds and sizes. And this gourmet wet dog food is full of nutritious perks with meaty juices or sauces.
Key Features
- Contains twenty-four 3.5 oz. trays of a poultry variety pack
- Six duck, six grilled chicken flavor, six oven-roasted chicken flavor, six turkey
Although this food has a mix of actual meat and meat by-products, Cesar confirms that it is a balanced nutrition in a pate formulated for adult dogs.
It can either be served with kibble or on its own as a meaty, juicy square. Calcium oxalate (bladder stones), which is more common in smaller breed dogs, can be helped with proper moisture intake to maintain a healthy urinary tract.
Wet food has a higher level of moisture than dry, but freshwater for hydration is important regardless. (Avoid foods with chocolate, nuts, rhubarb, beets, green beans, and spinach too.)
Pros
- Enhanced with vitamins and minerals
- Peel-away freshness seals (skip the can openers)
- Nutritional levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)
- Actual meat (chicken, duck, animal liver)
Cons
- Beef byproduct (instead of actual beef)
The directions of Cesar confirm that adult dogs may be fed four trays per day per 10 lbs. However, each dog’s nutritional needs are different so it may be best to check with a veterinarian first to make sure you’re not overfeeding (or underfeeding) your pooch.
4. Nature’s Recipe Grain Free
Canine hip dysplasia is a common health problem in corgis, so their health (in addition to small size) is top priority. Some health issues cannot be helped; blame it on genetics. But for a breed who may have malformed hip joints, strong bones to help these active dogs is top priority.
And one of the best ways to reduce inflammation in a dog’s hips is by feeding him or her omega 3 fatty acids (such as those in sweet potatoes) and in Natures Grain for anti-inflammation.
Key Features
- Chicken is primary ingredient
- Sweet potato
- Pumpkin
Nature’s Recipe Grain Free has chicken as its number one ingredient. For sustained energy, the sweet potato and pumpkin is highly digestible. Although wheat (or gluten) isn’t necessarily an issue for all dogs, for those who are allergic to gluten, a dog food choice such as this is ideal.
Pumpkin is high in omega 6, which is essential for your dog’s growth, immune function, normal reproduction, and skin and coat health. So finding foods that have both omega 3 and omega 6 are a double bonus.
Pros
- High-quality protein to help maintain muscle health
- Formulated for all breeds from puppies to senior dogs
- No artificial flavors
- No artificial colors
- Improves bone health
- Healthy digestion
Cons
- Not recommended for puppies under one year of age
- Not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs
- No beef
- No poultry byproduct meal
With no grains and plenty of apples, pumpkin, chicken, peas and sweet potatoes, Natures Grain may be one of the safest meals resembling a human Thanksgiving dinner for your dog to have. (Luckily it is healthier and safer than table scraps because it has the meat without the spices that can be toxic for many dog breeds.)
5. Natural Balance Original
Another common health concern for corgis is progressive retinal atrophy. Again, health conditions such as PRA can be blamed on old-fashioned genetics. There is no food that miraculously can cure it. But finding corgi dog foods that have an emphasis on eye health can’t hurt to try.
And with dogs such as corgis, high-quality food is a non-negotiable. With this duck, chicken and duck meal formula by Natural Balance, healthy eyes are the goal.
Key Features
- Proper levels of calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth
- Balanced omega 6 and omega 3
- Antioxidant nutrient blend
- Several sources of chicken (actual chicken, chicken meal, chicken fat)
- Peas and pea protein
- Carrots
- Cranberries
- Blueberries
Taurine, a sulfur-containing amino acid important in the metabolism of fats, supports healthy heart and eye function. There are also optimal levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from marine sources in this food to support an active, healthy brain.
The overall goal is to help dogs improve their immune system; have strong, growing hearts; healthy, clean teeth; and keep healthy skin and fur coats. Natural Balance completes nine safety tests, with microbiologists and chemists, on their food and treats to confirm its premium quality.
The berries mentioned above (cranberries and blueberries) are a major source for healthy eyesight, in addition to being healthy in general.
Pros
- High-quality protein
- Multiple fiber food options
- Omega-6 and omega-3 ratios support healthy skin and coat
- Berries good for improved eyesight
Cons
- Best eaten while fresh; do not buy in bulk
With as many perks as this dog food option has, specifically when it comes to eye health, Natural Balance may be the best option for a corgi with health issues. But as with any corgi, try to provide the best options for strong bones and eye health as a preventative measure before any potential health damages can settle in.
Bottom Line
Finding the best dog food for your particular corgi, or a dog in general, will be on a case-by-case basis. Not every dog, regardless of similarities, will have the same health issues or even be as active as the next. It is important that your particular dog get whatever foods are needed to keep him or her at optimal weight and health.
If changes in your dog start to happen, it may be time to change up the dog food. Make a casual transition though. Maybe one cup less of something and one cup more of another type of dog food to get your dog accustomed to the new taste or smell. Even the most nutritious dog foods may not mesh well with your dog.
Pay attention to any changes in behavior, stomach upsets, weakness, lack of energy or other strange behavior. Because corgis tend to fall into the high-quality dog food category, buying discount foods and those with lots of artificial ingredients is not recommended.
The Review
Best Dog Food for Corgis
Corgis are a unique breed that are prone to a few medical issues. Choosing the best dog food for this breed can reduce their risk.
Review Breakdown
- Purina Pro Plan Sport
- Purina Dog Chow Natural
- Cesar Filets Gravy Beef
- Nature's Recipe Grain Free
- Natural Balance Original
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