What’s The Best Dog Food For Dalmatians? Reviews & Buyer’s 2022 Guide

Dalmatians are a special breed of dogs with unique dietary needs and requirements. Like every other dog breed, they need high levels of energy-rich food fuelled with proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. They also require a host of vitamins and minerals to maintain their sensitive digestive systems.

Dalmatians are especially sensitive to certain food items leading to serious food allergies. A simple allergen test can inform a dog owner about the allergy-situation of their pup. Based on the eating habits of your pet, you can study the dog food label and make relevant purchases.

But, what do dalmatians eat? Low purine dog food and products that are rich in vegetables and meat. For a smooth buying experience, wee have ensured a variety of foods to suit the prescription diet needs of several types of pups.

Contents

Our 8 Best Dog Food For Dalmatians
4 Dietary Considerations & Common Health Problems In Dalmatians
Important Features To Consider
5 Ingredients To Avoid
Tips For Feeding Dalmatians
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion

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

PRODUCT / PRODUCT DETAILS

PRODUCT

PRODUCT DETAILS

1. Canidae Pure - Real Bison, Lentil & Carrot Recipe

High protein source that comes from bison has low saturated fats but high in iron content
Made from organic and limited ingredients suited for pets with sensitive stomachs
Contains probiotics and antioxidants for prevention of gout and arthritis
Omega-3 and fatty acids supports eye and brain development
Grain-free recipe that contains no artificial ingredients and colors

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

All-natural, no-filler recipe for sensitive Dals
Fruits and vegetables with additional vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients
Real salmon that helps maintain lean musculature, and omega-3 and amino acids for shiny skin and coat
Chickpeas and sweet potatoes provide the energy and fiber

3. Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Diet For Puppy & Adult Dogs, Turkey Recipe

First ingredient is turkey protein that helps maintain lean musculature
Special probiotic formula prevents gut health-issues and promotes immunity
Low-carbs dog food formula best for weight control in fat dalmatian adults and puppies
Value dog food for dalmatian with allergies from chicken meal, split peas, pea protein, wheat, corn, soy, and artificial colors

Our 8 Best Dog Food For Dalmatians

1. Canidae Pure - Real Bison, Lentil & Carrot Recipe

Canidae Pure offers one of the best dry dog foods for Dalmatians. It is an organic blend of minimal ingredients specially made for puppies with a sensitive stomach. It has no artificial additives or flavors, thus, no allergic reactions.

The key ingredients are bison, lamb, sweet potato, peas, lentils, carrots, pork, tapioca, canola oil, and added vitamins and minerals. The high protein source that comes from bison meat enhances the muscle strength through its low saturated fat content and conjugated linoleic acid – a specific fatty acid known to aid weight management.

The probiotic formula promotes nutrition-absorption in your dog. This prevents skin allergies and also maintains coat health. Pet foods like these are rich in omega fatty acids which will keep your Dalmatian energetic and healthy.

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

This pet food contains real, deboned salmon as the chief source of protein. High protein sources, amino acids, and Omega fatty acids present in salmon help your puppies develop leaner and stronger muscles. It also contains high fiber and energy sources for your dog in the form of sweet potatoes and chickpeas.

Even better, a number of fruits and vegetables like blueberries, carrots, and dried kelp are present. These are loaded with fiber, phytonutrients, and antioxidants for your pet’s immune health. The Omega fatty acids from salmon oil and flaxseed give your puppies a shiny coat and prevent skin problems.

Dog owners can rely on the DHA content in this dog food as it helps in the brain and eye development of all dog sizes. Other chief ingredients include chicken meal, turkey meal, peas, pea protein, chicken fat, dried plain, and beet pulp.

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3. Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Diet For Puppy & Adult Dogs, Turkey Recipe

If you are looking to control the weight of your adult or puppy dalmatian dog, this recipe fits the bill It is single-protein dalmatian dog food made primarily from turkey meat. This crude animal protein diet is loaded with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that provide more chondroitin and maintain lean muscle fat. It also also contains essential oils for healthy skin and coat.

The probiotics in this recipe boost your dog’s digestion and immune system. The other noteworthy ingredients in this dalmatian food are chickpeas, sweet potato, kidney beans, and miscanthus grass [1].

The low-carbs, no allergen recipe make this one of the best dog food for your dalmatian. In fact, keep in mind, one cup of this food can be the reason your dog recalls his likeliness towards taste.

PROS

CONS

4. Wellness Core Grain Free Puppy Formula - Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal & Turkey Meal Recipe

This protein-rich, no-grain pet food formula comprises mainly of chicken protein and turkey meat meal. These meat proteins that come from animals contain the optimal amount of calories needed to keep your puppy strong and healthy.

This recipe boasts of natural sources of DHA and prebiotics such as salmon fish oil which is ideal for the skin of puppy and adult dalmatian breeds.

Expect to find a mix of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables such as white potatoes, banana, spinach, broccoli, apples, blueberries, and kale. Above all, the chicken formula in this recipe is a trio of deboned chicken, chicken meal, and chicken fat.

The majority of ingredients make this an excellent source of minerals, mainly phosphorus and calcium, thus keeping your dog away from the chance of consuming antibiotics. These micronutrients also enhance the bone density and growth of your dog.

PROS

Zero animal by-product meals, soy proteins, or whole wheat grains
Bone health is supported due to minerals such as phosphorus and calcium
Essential fatty acids from salmon oil prevent skin problems
Protein-rich formula helps your dog stay active all-day

CONS

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

The chief ingredient in this recipe is deboned chicken. This dog food would be a perfect experience for the adult dalmatian breed. Other ingredients in this product include chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal, pea starch, dried tomato pomace, dehydrated alfalfa meal, potatoes, and dried chicory roots.

The high-protein content in this food is meant to strengthen your pet’s muscular development and keep them active. Whereas the essential minerals like calcium aid in stronger teeth structures. This premium dog food does not contain animal by-products or soy.

Glucosamine is an added element meant to prevent joint-health issues and maintain agility. It also contains blueberries, cranberries, barley grass, parsley, turmeric, dried kelp, and yucca extract. This combination is assured to become among your dog’s favorites and also helps stay away from surgery due to diseases.

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CONS

6. Wellness Core RawRev Grain Free Wild Game Dry Food For Adult Dogs - Duck, Lamb Meal, Wild Boar & Rabbit Recipe With Freeze-Dried Lamb

This recipe features game meats such as duck, wild boar, and rabbit meal with freeze-dried raw lamb kibble. It ensures a smooth transition for your growing Dalmatian puppy from soft to hard foods.

The meats in this recipe are the closest it can get to what your pets are used to consuming, from an evolutionary perspective. The other dog food ingredients in this product are lentils, dried egg product, leafy greens such as spinach, broccoli, and kale.

This blend features omega 6 fatty acids essential for shiny fur and healthy skin of your growing puppies. In most cases, 2 portions daily would help deal with several health conditions, improve appearance, and deal with pain.

PROS

Includes protein-rich game meats meant to reduce muscle-strain
Ensures a smooth transition from puppy food to adult dog foods
Beneficial amino acids and macro-nutrients ensure optimal health, immunity, and fight bacteria
Dried eggs combat internal inflammation and erase the need for medication

CONS

7. Merrick Grain Free Dry Food For Senior Dogs - Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe

As your dog ages, their dietary requirements change as well. They need nutrients focused on enhancing physical health and maintaining immunity functioning. This recipe takes all these dietary needs of your aging breed into consideration.

The major ingredients in this recipe are deboned chicken, peas, sweet potatoes, salmon, organic dehydrated alfalfa meal among others. Analysis states that this kibble formula requires less effort to digest for aging dogs.

The nutritional supplements present in this senior recipe are L-carnitine for stable metabolism and chondroitin and glucosamine for healthy bone structure.

This Texas-based brand uses locally-sourced materials to create a special formula for your aging dog. There is a high possibility you will be given a Merrick recommendation, irrespective of the slightly high cost and unique difference in manufacturing facilities.

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CONS

8. Nutro Ultra The Superfood Plate For Puppy

As puppies grow, they need recipes that complement their faster digestibility and developmental needs. This recipe has a blend of protein-rich premium lean meats and millet-like whole grains. This ensures that all kinds of puppies get the relevant nutrition in one place to grow faster and healthier.

The chief ingredients in this puppy food are chicken, whole brown rice, brewers rice, rice bran, oatmeal, lamb meal, salmon, and dried beet pulp. The antioxidants play the role to ensure your puppy’s heart wellness and immunity strength. It also contains calcium aimed to help in the optimal growth of bones and teeth health.

Considering this is amongst the best puppy food for Dalmatians, make sure to follow the dalmatian feeding instructions as per Nutro’s expertise. Ideally, create a food chart to avoid a delay in the effect of these tasty treats.

PROS

A nutritious diet focused on the heigh and weight regulation of budding puppies
Contains antioxidants aimed at better immunity and heart health
Made of naturally-sourced fresh meat ingredients that are high in taurine
Vitamin C and E work in collaboration to combat any problem in hearing function

CONS

4 Dietary Considerations & Common Health Problems In Dalmatians

Unlike other breeds, dalmatian are sensitive to a variety of food choices. This is mainly because they are deficient in an essential kind of enzyme that benefits the digestion of certain ingredients.

This causes an undigested protein-buildup and eventual kidney failure. Here are other common health problems faced by dalmatian:

1. Urate Uroliths

Urolithiasis is a type of purine urolith disorder usually affecting dogs and cats. Dalmatians are especially vulnerable because of an autosomal recessive trait which also makes them vulnerable to hyperuricosuria.

The bladder stones or uroliths are rock-like formations that occur in the urinary bladder of a dalmatian. These stone types are more common than the ones in the kidneys.

Ingested proteins and endogenous proteins are the major sources of purines in Dalmatian. These proteins are digested through hypoxanthine which later becomes xanthine and uric acid.

In most dogs, this acid gets converted to non-toxic allantoin or discharged via urine. But, it may combine with other elements to form urate salt. When the dog urine gets saturated with urate salts (hyperuricemia), urate uroliths (like kidney stones) are formed.

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2. Allergies

10% of all allergies in dogs are food allergies. Common symptoms that your dalmatian has a food allergy are swollen ears, tummy ache, frequent diarrhea, and gas. You may see your dog constantly licking their feet or feeling itchy on their rear-end.

Food allergies in Dalmatians are mostly caused by genetic factors. When your dogs are exposed to the allergen through food, it triggers an allergic response within their body. Dalmatians are mostly allergic to beef, dairy, wheat and whole grains, and soy.

The primary treatment recommended for dalmatian triggered by an allergic reaction is to switch their dog food immediately. It would be wise to visit a veterinarian when you bring your Dalmatian puppy home for the first time.

3. Deafness

Deafness in your Dalmatian is linked to a gene present in the black spots present on them. 30% of dalmatians are affected by this deficiency wherein about 5% get affected in both ears.

Melanocytes are the cells that produce the pigments present in the black spots on your puppies This causes deafness and at times other ear infections too.

The ratios of affected dogs are less in countries where breed standards avoid Dalmatians with blue eyes. You should get your puppies checked for potential deafness after they turn five weeks old.

4. Osteochondritis Dissecans

Osteochondrosis refers to abnormal cartilage growth at the end of animal bones. Osteochondritis Dissecans is a health condition found in dogs which are caused by swollen and damaged cartilages. This ailment generally affects the shoulder, elbow, knee, hips, and joints.

It is a progressive disease caused in rapidly growing dogs between six to nine months. It can also lead to hip dysplasia due to high calories and calcium content in a variety of dog food formulas.

Other potential factors are genes, lack of exercise, trauma, low blood circulation, and varied hormonal levels. A mild quantity of whitefish is a good idea to include in an adult recipe and lower the risk of this disease.

Important Features To Consider

Choosing the best dog food for dalmatians is a task that has to be executed with the utmost care. Your puppy and adult dalmatians have different needs and strict dietary restrictions. These factors and potential allergies have to be considered while trying to find the best recipes for dalmatians.

Any dog lover would want their breed to have the best dog foods available. However, while looking at the ingredient list, consider these nutritional components to narrow down to the ideal dog food brand:

Protein

A protein-rich diet keeps your dog active and fit. You can feed your Dalmatian with both animal and plant protein sources. Key sources of animal protein for dogs come from chicken, beef, turkey, boar, etc. Plant-based proteins come from green leafy veggies like spinach and kale which are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

According to veterinarians and industry experts, the best adult dog food and puppy foods need a minimum of 18% of crude protein to fulfill the dietary requirements of dogs.

Purine

Purines are elements found in certain dog foods, especially in those with specific animal proteins that prevent the discharge of harmful acids from the body. As a result of this, the acid turns into crystals in the urinary tract, causing trouble for your precious puppies.

The inclusion of dog food low in purines is important in your dalmatians’ diet course. Recipes rich in purines are generally meat by-products, sardines, mussels, and certain fatty fishes. Whole wheat grains and certain fruit varieties have high purine content and should be strictly avoided.

Fats

Essential fats in your dalmatian’s daily diet should be less than 6%. All animal proteins found in premium dog foods provide the dietary requirement of fat in a dog’s diet. The fats are meant to increase the activity levels of your dogs.

Brands that sell the best food for a dalmatian have added essential seed and fish-based oils that promote healthy skin and shiny coats for your dog.

Carbohydrates & Fiber

Carbohydrates help your dogs to stay active throughout the day. The main source of energy for any dog breed comes from carbohydrate and fat-rich diet. Although, if you are monitoring the weight of your dog, you may want to switch to a low-calorie dog food brand.

They require high-fiber diets for the smooth functioning of their digestive systems. Plants and fruits in the kibble of most pet food brands fulfill the fiber requirement of your animal friends. If your pet has a sensitive stomach, the extra fiber will aid in the healthy functioning of digestive organs and the liver.

Other Minerals & Vitamins

Vitamins and minerals are essential macro-nutrients for the strong immunity of your dog. The most crucial vitamins for your dogs’ health are vitamin A, C, D, E, K, and B vitamins. Minerals to be included in dog food recipes are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and chlorine.

These elements enhance their cognitive and physical development, maintains their health, and keeps them safe from developmental disorders.

Bonus Tip: Coconut oil fit for human consumption is a great opportunity to increase the intake of Vitamin E and tocopherols for your pup.

5 Ingredients To Avoid

Avoid the following ingredients for the well-being of your dog:

1. Chemicals And Preservatives

BHA and BHT are common preservatives used in dog foods. Pay attention to such things as they can lead to plenty of serious issues like cancer, hip dysplasia, or even catalyze a genetic predisposition.

2. Whole Grains And White Flours

These food items can affect your pets’ blood sugar and fat levels, resulting in obesity. This can lead to serious diseases like diabetes and thyroiditis.

3. Artificial Coloring In Food

Artificial colors may be visually appealing but they can lead to a case of hyperactivity and biochemical imbalance in your animal breed.

4. Monosodium Glutamate

MSG is a commonly used flavor-enhancer for better taste in dog food recipes. Several brands fail to maintain transparency and disguise these ingredients as hydrolyzed yeast and protein, soy extract, calcium caseinate, etc.

5. Gluten

Gluten is primarily used as a binding agent to make the kibble sizes uniform. In all honesty, if mentioned on the packaging label’s ingredient section, look for alternative meals.

Tips For Feeding Dalmatians

There are many ways to keep your dalmatians healthy and active. Follow these simple suggestions to create an ideal feeding plan for your puppies and adult dalmatians:

Number of meals per day: Your pet requires food based on its age and size. The frequency and quantity of food per day change with life stages. You must also consider their unique eating habits before deciding on a daily feeding schedule.

Measure each meal: In order to maintain the adequate weight of your breed, use measuring cups to correctly estimate the calorie intake of your dogs each day. This is helpful for coach dogs training sessions.

Keep your pet hydrated: Water is an essential component for healthy digestibility. Always keep a bowl of freshwater for your animal friend to drink from along with their daily meals. The excess water will also keep your dogs’ gut running smoothly.

Follow the same diet: Constantly shifting from one brand of dog food to another can impact your pet’s digestive system. If dog owners intend to change the dog food brand, start by mixing equal amounts of both foods in one bowl and gradually balancing the ratio to the new diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Dalmatians have sensitive stomachs?

Yes, Dalmatians have more sensitive stomachs than other breeds of dogs. This is because they lack an enzyme in their digestive system which is meant to digest proteins in their body.

When dog food is rich in protein, some parts of it may remain undigested in your pets’ bodies. This leads to a number of issues like kidney stones and uric acid buildup.

Dalmatians are also sensitive to numerous food items other than protein-rich foods. These mainly include dairy, certain meats, and seafood. Dogs with food sensitivities can be identified from 3 weeks after their birth.

Can Dalmatians eat red meat?

Yes, dalmatians can eat red meats and poultry but in limited quantities. This is because the meats contain a chemical compound in them called purine. This element is responsible for uric acid metabolism into harmful urinary stones or uroliths.

Other foods rich in purine include seafood such as anchovies, sardines, mackerel, scallops, and herring. Organ meats should also be strictly avoided.

Vegetables rich in purine are peas, broccoli, bean sprouts, artichokes, and mushrooms. Although Dalmatians can eat foods rich in purine, the best dry dog food for dalmatians is supposed to be a low purine formula.

Can Dalmatians eat celery?

Yes, your dalmatians can eat celery but in extremely limited amounts. They are a great source of Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, and essential minerals. This vegetable is also low in carbohydrates. Thus, it can be a great alternative to weight-inducing foods for your dogs. Treats as such also maintain the freshness of your dog’s breath.

When you feed celery to your puppies, be sure to cut it into little pieces. This will prevent choking on this stringy vegetable. Since protein is the primary source of energy for Dalmatians, consider celery only as a treat and not the main food for your dalmatian.

What weight should a Dalmatian be?

The weight of a Dalmatian depends on its size and age. Both female and male Dalmatians grow at different rates. An adult female Dalmatian stops growing after 16 months. While an adult male Dalmatian can stop growing anytime between 14 to 16 months.

Conclusion

Choosing the best food for your dalmatians must include considering a number of aspects. Their eating habits, health problems, age, size, gender, and activity level are some factors.

Reading the ingredient list and target age carefully, you can be assured to find the best food for your furry friends. Our top pick for your dalmatian is Canidae Pure – Real Bison, Lentil & Carrot Recipe.

Editor's Choice

Canidae Pure - Real Bison, Lentil & Carrot Recipe

High protein source that comes from bison has low saturated fats but high in iron content
Made from organic and limited ingredients suited for pets with sensitive stomachs
Contains probiotics and antioxidants for prevention of gout and arthritis
Omega-3 and fatty acids supports eye and brain development
Grain-free recipe that contains no artificial ingredients and colors

Kathy R. Conner

Kathy is a licensed veterinary surgeon and writer in Miami. With over 20 years of experience in deal with pets and small animal, she hopes to share her knowledge on what she learned throughout her life to all animal lover. On her free time, she likes to attend Yoga and Meditation classes.

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