What’s The Best Dog Food For Belgian Malinois? Reviews & Buyer’s 2020 Guide

The best dog foods for Belgian Malinois must be affordable, safe, AAFCO compliant, and contain top-quality ingredients. Furthermore, the best food for your dog may depend on your budget, activity level of the dog, age, weight, and health.

The Belgian Malinois uses high energy levels that need the right nutritional balance to stay healthy, so if their food is not rationed well, you could risk your dog becoming overweight. In this guide, you’ll find valuable information on the best Belgian Malinois diet. You’ll also learn about the common health problems in the Belgian dog. Read on to find out more.

Contents

What’s The Best Dog Food For Belgian Malinois? Reviews & Buyer’s 2020 Guide

We already did all the research for you. If you’re in a hurry and just want to see the best dog foods for Belgian Malinois, here are our top choices:

PRODUCT / PRODUCT DETAILS

PRODUCT

PRODUCT DETAILS

1. Taste of the Wild Grain-Free, High Prairie With Roasted Bison & Roasted Venison Recipe

It contains 32% protein content giving dogs the highly digestible energy they require to be active
Vegetables, legumes, and fruits in the diet are potent antioxidants that help maintain the dog's vitality and well-being
It is designed to meet nutritional demands for both puppies and adult dogs
Ingredients are sourced from reputable and sustainable sources and are grain-free, do not contain filler, artificial flavors, colors, nor preservatives
The manufacturer is a US-based family-owned business that applies scientifically advanced food safety protocols

2. Zignature Grain-Free, Lamb Limited Ingredient Formula

It contains no grains or any artificial additives
It does not contain the most common potential dog allergens like wheat, corn, dairy, and chicken
Single-source protein - farm-raised lamb, minimizes the chances of allergies and sensitivities making it the best dog food for puppies with sensitivities or picky eaters
Trusted adult dog food that uses a limited formula-one protein plus a few others resulting in a clean recipe
It also contains powerful antioxidants and low-glycemic carbohydrates rich in fiber sourced from wholesome peas and chickpeas

3. Nutro Ultra For Large Breed Adult, Chicken, Lamb & Salmon Recipe

The food contains three lean animal proteins, including farm-raised chicken, lamb, and salmon giving your dog strong lean muscles
Packed with naturally sourced glucosamine and chondroitin to maintain the dog's cartilage and healthy joints
The dog recipe also contains whole grains and natural oils critical for dog food
It is rich in linoleic acid from sunflower oil that gives the dogs healthy skin and a shiny coat
It is uniquely fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and taurine, an antioxidant that maintains healthy hearing and vision for the dogs

Top 11 Best Dog Food For Belgian Malinois

1. Taste of the Wild Grain-Free, High Prairie With Roasted Bison & Roasted Venison Recipe

The Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is uniquely balanced to nourish your Belgian Malinois. The food contains unique protein sources like buffalo and bison. It will also keep your puppies active with highly-digestible energy from peas and sweet potatoes.

The recipe is balanced with real fruits and vegetables that provide natural antioxidants. For maximum absorption and benefit, this dog food includes amino acids. All these ingredients are perfectly blended to offer your dog a whole meal with a taste of the wild.

PROS

Contains red meat that provides a taste many dogs love
Appropriate for dogs with grain allergies
Can be used to feed puppies and adult Belgian Malinois
Ingredients like bison meat source from the USA
Contains chelated minerals for maximum absorption and benefit

CONS

2. Zignature Grain-Free, Lamb Limited Ingredient Formula

You are sure your dogs have a complete diet when you feed them with the Zignature Grain-Free, Lamb Limited Ingredient Formula. It is the best food for Belgian Malinois puppy because of its meat-first design that offers the puppies the protein source they need to grow.

The formula contains farm-raised lamb meat from New Zealand, chickpeas, wholesome peas, and flaxseed. It is a high-quality dog food that eliminates potential allergens like chicken, corn, potatoes wheat, and soy, giving your dog a hypoallergic and low-glycemic diet.

Your Belgian Malinois puppy is assured of a well-balanced diet when you consider the antioxidants, fatty acids, and minerals contained in the formula.

PROS

It is grain-free
Single-source animal protein reducing chances of allergies and sensitivities
Well-balanced with vitamins and minerals
No preservatives and additives
Contains hypoallergic and low glycemic ingredients

CONS

3. Nutro Ultra For Large Breed Adult, Chicken, Lamb & Salmon Recipe

If you are looking for high-quality dog foods containing an ideal blend of lean proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, and healthy oils, this is your best choice. The Nutro Ultra is suitable for your large breed Belgian Malinois.

Its formula is a perfect blend of top quality protein sources, and wholesome high-quality ingredients that ensure your dog’s diet gets optimal amino acid levels and ideal taste. The presence of Glucosamine and Chondroitin ensures your dogs have healthy joints keeping them active and lively. If your Belgian Malinois is huge, this is the best dog food option.

PROS

CONS

4. Ziwi Peak Air-Dried, Lamb Recipe

The Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Lamb recipe is pure and simple. This dry dog food from New Zealand contains fresh meat, organs, bones, and green mussels to provide Belgian Malinois dogs with chondroitin and glucosamine for healthy joints. Your dog is also assured of a healthy heart with the presence of high levels of taurine in the food.

To eliminate pathogenic bacteria, the manufacturer uses a twin-stage air-drying process. You do not need to rehydrate during feeding as the food contains enough moisture. The recipe is free from preservatives, sugars, and glycerine, making it clean, safe, and easy to handle.

PROS

Single-sourced free-range lamb meat free from antibiotics and artificial hormones
Uses a natural process to preserve the food so does not contain preservatives
It is 95% digestible
It is grain-free
Includes New Zealand's green mussels a rich source of chondroitin and glucosamine

CONS

5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula For Adult, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is a healthy recipe specially designed for your adult Belgian Malinois. The first ingredient for all formulas is real meat, whole grain, and garden fruits and vegetables.

The recipe is blended with LifeSource Bits, and a well-calculated mix of nutrients improved with a Super 7 package of ingredients rich in antioxidants. This Belgian Malinois food also contains adult chicken and brown rice and other natural ingredients to give your dog a healthy meal.

PROS

One of the best food for puppy Belgian Malinois with a unique formulation to help in their growth
Dry food with a texture that is easy to digest
Comes with a resealable bag
It is reasonably priced
Rich in vitamin C and E

CONS

6. American Natural Premium For Adult, Original Recipe

With the American Natural Premium For Adult Original Recipe, your Belgian Malinois will get maximum digestibility and quality nutrition. The food is a perfect blend of chicken meal, pork meal, fish meal, and whole eggs. Your puppies will have food rich in easy-to-digest protein essential for building muscle mass.

The recipe also contains a variety of holistic carbohydrates like brown rice, barley, and oat flour that ensure your Malinois Belgian remains energized. Probiotics are added after cooking to enhance smooth digestion and strong immunity.

PROS

No artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors
Contains probiotics that promote smooth digestion
Does not contain corn, wheat or soy
The blend of carbohydrates ensures your dog is energized throughout the day
A perfect blend of proteins for proper muscle building

CONS

7. American Journey Grain-Free, Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe

The best dog food doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. The American Journey contains nutritious ingredients that ensure your Belgian Malinois stays healthy at an affordable cost.

It combines salmon and sweet potato in a recipe that helps your dog develop lean muscles. Its flavor is one that any dog would crave instinctively. To ensure your puppies stay energized, the recipe includes chickpeas and sweet potatoes.

Your Belgian Malinois will also benefit from fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients derived from the fruits and vegetables in the formula. Your dog will also benefit from the omega fatty acids that promote the healthy development of the eyes and brains at all life stages.

PROS

Rich in protein from real deboned salmon
Contains real fruits and vegetables a great source of vitamins and minerals
Fatty acids from the salmon oil and flaxseed make the recipe perfectly balanced
It is reasonably priced
It does not contain grains

CONS

8. Stella & Chewy's Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Raw Chewy's Chicken Dinner Patties

The Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken Dinner Patties will offer your Belgian Malinois what he naturally craves. The recipe is based on the school of thought that suggests dogs thrive on the same food they would eat in the wild.

The formula is a single-source protein that begins with 95% cage-free chicken, bone, and organs. It also contains fully certified organic fruits and vegetables, offering your dog the advantages of raw food nutrition. To ensure top quality, all batches are prepared in Stella & Chewy’s kitchen in the US.

PROS

Contains cage-free chicken that is fully organic
Freeze-dried technology ensures raw nutrition is preserved
Designed to mimic the dog's natural food free of grains and artificial additives
Contains probiotics that enhance digestion
Made from the US with ingredients sourced from reputable suppliers

CONS

9. Wellness For Large Breed Adult, Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

This is an ideal food for your Belgian Malinois to maintain strong bone health and remain in top shape. The Wellness For Large Breed Adult Deboned Chicken and Brown Rice recipe is rich in calcium, phosphorous, and other minerals that ensure your dog is well-fed.

This Belgian Malinois food uses four sources of protein for optimum absorption of nutrients. The result is lean muscles and less fat.

PROS

Contains mixed tocopherols that protect your dog from eye disease
Does not promote excessive weight gain due to moderate fat content and high protein levels
Enhances joints health in dogs
Contains Yucca Schidigera extract that helps reduce stool odor
Contains enough minerals for strong bone development

CONS

10. Primal Pet Foods Freeze-Dried Nuggets, Chicken Formula

This recipe offers your Belgian Malinois all the benefits of a well-balanced raw-food diet. The formula uses top-quality ingredients like highly nutritious naturally derived vitamins and minerals.

It is also rich in protein that will appeal to your dog’s natural diet. The proteins also ensure your dog maintains proper weight and general health. On top of all that, it is easy to serve the nuggets that are preserved naturally- just add water.

PROS

Made from organically raised chicken free of antibiotics and growth hormones
Fortified with approved organic minerals and unrefined vitamins
Fast and easy to serve
Well balanced with all the nutritional needs for proper dog health
Made in the USA with ingredients sourced from reputable suppliers

CONS

11. Instinct Raw Boost High-Protein Kibble & Grain-Free, Chicken Recipe

Your Belgian Malinois dog will love this recipe that is free from grains and rich in proteins. The recipe contains real chicken freeze-dried raw pieces perfect for your dog’s health.

The use of chicken as the first ingredient ensures your dog develops lean but strong muscles. It also contains a probiotic boost to enhance digestion and high levels of omegas that ensure your dog has a healthy skin and coat.

PROS

Offers enhanced nutrition rich in proteins
Packed with chicken as a foremost ingredient for lean muscle development
Presence of probiotics ensures digestability
Does not contain grains, artificial additives or by-product meal
Made in the USA with top-quality ingredients from trusted suppliers

CONS

4 Common Health Problems In Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is a lively dog breed but is prone to a few health problems that you should know. Some of these conditions can be avoided by using the best dog food for Malinois.

However, some health problems are genetic and might not be avoided. In case it is a genetic issue that might require surgery, the recommended foods will help keep the dog’s body in good shape to undergo the procedure and recover fully.

Read on to find out how using proper dog foods can help your Belgian Malinois avoid or manage these health issues.

1. Elbow Dysplasia

Dysplasia occurs if your dog’s joint socket does not form correctly, resulting in a weakness that could lead to injury. Dysplasia is more prevalent in dogs that grow fast and super active dogs. Hip dysplasia occurs more than the elbow types.

To prevent this condition from occurring, consider dog foods rich in protein for healthy muscle development. Proper muscle development supports the dog’s skeleton hence prevent the joints from overextending.

Use food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which boosts the condition of the joints and could also reverse any mild damage caused by overuse. Start proper feeding routines when your Belgian Malinois is still a puppy.

2. Cataract

A cataract is an opaqueness in the lens of your dog’s eye that causes him to have blurred vision. Monitor cataracts closely as they could lead to blindness.

Several things can cause cataracts, for instance, old age, trauma to the eye, and inherited conditions. Dogs with diabetes are also prone to cataracts. [1] This condition could occur from a very young age.

Nutritional antioxidants can help prevent cataracts in your Belgian Malinois. The antioxidants help boost the regeneration of glutathione to a reduced state. Give your dog food rich in vitamin C and E, selenium, and bioflavonoids.

These antioxidant supplements help prevent cataracts from progressing. Supposing the cataract continues to grow, and your dog needs surgery, he will be healthy enough to go through the procedure successfully.

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3. Progressive Retinal Atrophy

The Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an eye condition that affects your dog’s ability to see. The disease has different forms and usually leads to blindness.

PRA is a typical hereditary condition seen in many dog breeds. It is prevalent among male dogs. Being an eye condition, feed your dog with eye-worthy nutrients to help prevent eye problems.

Your dog’s diet should be rich in anthocyanins, carotene omega-3 essential fatty acids, and phytonutrients. These nutrients will help defend against the effects of PRA and other eye conditions. Always seek the opinion of a veterinary doctor in case the dog needs other forms of treatment.

4. Pannus

Pannus is a condition that the Belgian Malinois is prone to. It is also referred to as chronic superficial keratitis. This condition affects your dog’s cornea and third eyelids. At first, you’ll notice a grayish-pink film over the eye. Progressively it may develop into an opaque layer.

Pannus can be caused by a number of reasons like exposure to too much direct sunlight or airborne irritants. To reduce the escalation of the condition, avoid feeding your dog with dry dog food that could emit excess dust while he eats.

Also, take him for a walk in the mornings and evenings when the sun is not so bright to minimize exposure. Shop around for sunglasses, also called doggles, which he can use when you are out exercising in the sun.

The dog’s food should contain omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin C and E, and fresh meat-based dog food. Avoid commercial dog foods that contain colorings and preservatives.

Important Features To Consider

For your Belgian Malinois dog to live a long healthy life and remain active throughout his life stages, you must feed him well. The Malinois has high energy requirements as they spend most of their days running around. Feed food that can supply its body’s high energy level. Before you ask how much should I feed my Belgian Malinois, consider nutritional value first.

High-quality dog foods are nutritionally balanced with a combination of protein, Fatty Acids, carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins. It doesn’t matter whether it is dry dog food or wet; it should be balanced in a digestible way.

Here are the essential nutrients that your Belgian Malinois should have in its diet. Even if you’ve not made up your mind on the brand you’re going to buy; these guidelines will shed some light.

Protein

The Belgian Malinois has a thick muscle density. They need a diet rich in proteins to maintain that muscle and support the bone structure. Proteins ensure your dog feels full and has high energy levels. The protein should be from a top-quality source. Consider foods with animal-based proteins as the top ingredient on the label.

Avoid foods that contain by-products and meals because they are a poor source of proteins. If your budget allows, go for foods with novel sources of protein like Bison, Venison, or Rabbit. The perfect meal should have more than 35% protein sourced from real meat.

Fatty Acids

Another essential part of your Belgian Malinois diet is fat. It is an active breed that requires fatty acids that provide enough energy and support for proper brain functioning. Fat also supports your dog’s joint and skin.

If your Belgian is inactive all day, there is a high likelihood the food does not have a proper balance of fats and proteins. Look for food that contains more than 10% fat. You can consult your vet on the exact amount of fats your dog should consume.

Carbohydrates

The dog food should also contain carbohydrates. Belgian Malinois are active in nature; therefore, they need carbs to power their body functions. The carbohydrates contained in dog food are usually broken down into glucose. Sources of carbohydrates include fruits and vegetables. Other sources include whole grains and flours.

Fiber

Active dogs like the Belgian Malinois should not be given a diet that is high on fiber. They are insoluble in nature and will not provide the dog with the energy it requires. High fiber levels also tend to decrease the rate of absorption of other essential nutrients.

Vitamins

Feed your Belgian Malinois with food that contains fruits and vegetables. These will provide the dog with essential vitamins and minerals that are crucial for healthy bones, brain, and vision. They also contain antioxidants important to the immune system.

Your dog needs seven critical vitamins: Vitamin A, C, D, E, K, B, and Choline. In Belgian Malinois, vitamins are essential for the growth of puppies, fetal development during pregnancies, hormone regulation, and cell function.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should Belgian Malinois eat?

The number of calories your Belgian Malinois should eat varies. Most commercial dry dog food and other industrial foods come with detailed instructions on how to feed your dog. Belgian Malinois puppy food and adult food is different. Consult your veterinarian to ensure your dog has a healthy weight.

Can Belgian Malinois eat raw meat?

Yes, your Belgian Malinois can eat raw meat. As a matter of fact, raw food is considered a healthier option for dogs. But, select only premium options as low-quality raw meat can expose your dog to health risks.

Is rice good for Belgian Malinois?

Yes, rice is good for Belgian Malinois. Food containing brown rice which is an excellent source of balanced carbohydrates fiber. It is ideal for helping your dog with digestion and weight control. However, monitor the dog to check whether it has trouble digesting rice. You can talk to your vet for advice on the quantity you can give in each meal.

Conclusion

If you have been looking for the best dog food for Belgian Malinois, this guide has offered you enough information and recommendations to help you decide. Your dog’s diet should contain all the required nutrients for it to stay healthy.

From the review of the best dry dog food for Belgian Malinois, you can select the best pick taking into account your budget considerations. The one you choose should clearly state the ingredients used to prepare the food. It should also have a guide on how you’ll use it to feed your canine.

Our recommendation is none other than, Taste of the Wild Grain-Free, High Prairie With Roasted Bison & Roasted Venison Recipe.

The bottom line is, the meal should contain proteins first, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. Feeding your Belgian Malinois well ensures he stays healthy and active for long.

Editor's Choice

Taste of the Wild Grain-Free, High Prairie With Roasted Bison & Roasted Venison Recipe

It contains 32% protein content giving dogs the highly digestible energy they require to be active
Vegetables, legumes, and fruits in the diet are potent antioxidants that help maintain the dog's vitality and well-being
It is designed to meet nutritional demands for both puppies and adult dogs
Ingredients are sourced from reputable and sustainable sources and are grain-free, do not contain filler, artificial flavors, colors, nor preservatives
The manufacturer is a US-based family-owned business that applies scientifically advanced food safety protocols

Kathy R. Conner

From quality care tips, health tips, to training and play, Well Pet Coach is an informational site that gives the reader tips on how to best care for your pet, to help you establish that unbreakable bond with them. Well Pet Coach is the one-stop site that gives you all the information you need to ensure that both you and your pet remain happy and healthy in the years to come.

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