Best dog foods for Vizslas
The Vizsla is a versatile, robust, and affectionate hunting dog that originates from Hungary.
Known for their loyalty and intelligence, Vizslas also excel as family pets.
However, they are prone to food allergies and skin issues, requiring careful dietary considerations.
Common allergens include beef, dairy, chicken, lamb, fish, eggs, corn, wheat, and soy.
Symptoms of allergies may include itching, redness, hair loss, and skin infections.
Proper nutrition is crucial for Vizslas at every life stage. Puppies need at least 23% protein and 8% fat for optimal growth.
Adult Vizslas should be fed a diet containing 18% protein and 6% fat, while senior dogs benefit from a high-quality, digestible diet with lower calories to accommodate their slower metabolism.
There are six essential nutrients that every dog needs for a balanced diet:
- Water: Essential for hydration, nutrient transport, and digestion.
- Proteins: Provide the amino acids necessary for tissue building. Look for high-quality sources like whole meats and meat meals.
- Fats: Supply essential fatty acids for energy and skin health, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
- Carbohydrates: Important for energy and digestion, coming from plant-based sources like brown rice and potatoes.
- Vitamins: Support growth and immune function; crucial vitamins include A, D, E, K, and B12.
- Minerals: Necessary for bone formation and various bodily functions, with important minerals including calcium, iron, and zinc.
When choosing dog food, pay attention to the ingredient list and Guaranteed Analysis (GA) on the label.
The first ingredients should be high-quality proteins, and avoid fillers like corn and wheat, which provide little nutritional value.
This comprehensive approach will help ensure your Vizsla leads a healthy, active life.
Best Dog Foods for Vizsla
- Best Overall: Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Small Breed Dry Dog Food $59.98 per 20-lb bag ($3.00-lb)
- Best Anti-Allergy: Zignature Zssential Multi-Protein Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food $41.24 per 12.5-lb bag ($3.29-lb)
- Best for Weight Loss: Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Dry Dog Food $63.14 per 25-lb bag ($2.52-lb
- Best for Active Dogs: Victor Purpose Ultra Grain-Free Dry Dog Food $76.99 per 30-lb bag ($2.57-lb)
- Best Price-Effective: Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Beef & Sweet Potato Formula Dry Dog Food $47.99 per 40-lb bag ($1.71)
Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Puppy is an excellent mid-priced dog food, ideal for Vizsla puppies.
It contains no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors and offers high-quality meat and fat. This balanced, protein-rich diet is highly recommended for active breeds.
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 30% min, Crude Fat 12% min, Crude Fiber 3.5% Max
- Calories: 412 kcal per 8-oz cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Medium to large breed puppies
- Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight
- Key Benefit: Grain-free dry food with chicken for puppy dogs
- Price: $59.98 per 20-lb bag ($3.00-lb)
Zignature Zssential Multi-Protein Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Zignature Zssential Multi-Protein Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is made with turkey, salmon, and wholesome ingredients.
Free from common allergens like chicken, corn, wheat, and soy, it provides hypoallergenic, low-glycemic nutrition.
It’s highly recommended for breeds prone to food allergies, including Vizslas and Labrador Retrievers.
- First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Meal, Salmon, Lamb Meal, Duck Meal
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 32% min, Crude Fat 18% min, Crude Fiber 4.5% Max
- Calories: 415 kcal per 8-oz cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Dogs of all breeds prone to food allergies.
- Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight.
- Key Benefit: This meat-first recipe offers pups the protein they need to thrive, while Zignature’s limited-ingredient recipe throws out troublesome ingredients like chicken, corn, wheat, soy, and potatoes, creating peak hypoallergenic, low-glycemic nutrition.
- Price: $41.24 per 12.5-lb bag ($3.29-lb)
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Dry Dog Food
Wellness CORE Natural Reduced Fat Dog Food is a balanced, grain-free option designed to maintain a healthy weight.
Made with premium proteins like turkey and chicken, it contains no artificial preservatives or flavors.
With 366 calories per cup, it’s ideal for weight management in Vizslas and other active dogs.
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal (source of Glucosamine), Chicken Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Lentils, Peas
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 23% min, Crude Fat 12% min, Crude Fiber 12% Max
- Calories: 366 kcal per 8-oz cup
- Suitable for which dogs: All breeds from small Border Terriers to Giants like Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and medium-sized Vizslas.
- Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight.
- Key Benefits: Specially formulated to help your Vizsla maintain a healthy weight using the power of protein and a reduced-fat recipe.
- Price: $63.14 per 25-lb bag ($2.52-lb)
Victor Purpose Ultra Pro Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Victor Purpose Ultra Pro is a high-quality, nutrient-dense dog food with 414 calories per cup, perfect for energizing highly active dogs like Vizslas.
Made in the USA, it contains no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors and offers excellent meat and fat quality. Highly recommended for active, sporting dogs.
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Beef Meal, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Peas, Blood Meal Conventionally Dried (Blood meal is a high protein, low ash, low-fat ingredient that provides a strategic source of nutrients and amino acids when used appropriately. Including blood meal in dog food maintains protein levels and meets calcium requirements)
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 42% min, Crude Fat 22% min, Crude Fiber 3% Max
- Calories: 414 kcal per 8-oz cup
- Suitable for which dogs: All active breeds, from your Vizsla to the little Scottish Terrier and the massive Neapolitan Mastiff.
- Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight.
- Key Benefit: Essential, high-quality protein for healthy muscle development and excellent fat and meat quality for energy for your active adult Vizsla
- Price: $76.99 per 30-lb bag ($2.57-lb)
Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Beef & Sweet Potato Formula Dry Dog Food
Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Beef & Sweet Potato Formula is a budget-friendly, high-quality dog food featuring real beef, lamb, and nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables.
Free of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, it offers excellent meat and fat quality. Despite its high carb content, it’s highly recommended for budget-conscious dog owners.
- First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Lentils
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 24% min, Crude Fat 14% min, Crude Fiber 5% Max
- Calories: 406 kcal per 8-oz cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Adult dogs of all breeds like Dalmatians and Vizslas
- Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight.
- Key Benefit: Nutrient-rich and highly digestible recipe made with proprietary probiotic blend to help support your canine companion’s digestive health at a reasonable price.
- Price: $47.99 per 40-lb bag ($1.71)
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe with Real Lamb Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe with Real Lamb is ideal for dogs with food sensitivities.
Made with only one protein and one vegetable, it includes chelated minerals for better absorption and coconut oil for cognitive support in older dogs.
Highly recommended for Vizslas with allergies or cognitive issues.
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb Meal, Lamb, Tapioca, Peas, Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid)
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 24% min, Crude Fat 21% min, Crude Fiber 3.5% max.
- Calories: 447 kcal per 8-oz cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Large and medium breeds
- Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight
- Key Benefit: Contains medium-chain triglycerides that have been shown to be safe for dogs, and improve cognitive function in older dogs
- Price: $79.99 per 20-lb bag ($3.99-lb)
Earthborn Holistic Primitive Natural Dry Dog Food
Earthborn Holistic Primitive Natural Dry Dog Food provides high-quality protein from chicken and whitefish to support muscle mass and energy.
Balanced with fruits and vegetables, it includes L-carnitine to convert fat into energy.
We recommend it as a high-quality, reasonably priced option for active Vizslas.
- First 5 Ingredients: Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potato, Tapioca, Dried Egg
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 32% min, Crude Fat 18% min, Crude Fiber 3.5% Max
- Calories: 400 kcal per 8-oz cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Formulated for medium and large breeds like Bluetick Coonhounds and Vizslas with food sensitivities.
- Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight.
- Key Benefit: It Includes carefully chosen vegetables and fruits, such as peas, blueberries, cranberries, apples, carrots, and spinach contain antioxidants important for everyday optimal health
- Price: $63.14 per 25-lb bag ($2.52-lb)
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food is a grain-free recipe with deboned turkey and turkey meal as primary protein sources.
While it includes plant-based proteins from potatoes and peas, it lacks specificity in its fish oil source.
We recommend it for sensitive dogs but not for weight management.
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Potatoes, Turkey Meal (source of Glucosamine), Pea Starch, Peas
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 20% min, Crude Fat 12% min, Crude Fiber 6% Max
- Calories: 352kcal per 8-oz cup
- Suitable for which dogs: All breeds predisposed to food allergies, like Vizslas and Huskies.
- Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight.
- Key Benefit: Blue Buffalo Basics is a limited-ingredient, grain-free dog food that doesn’t contain any chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, or eggs, making it a good option for dogs with food sensitivities.
- Price: $60.98 per 24-lb bag ($2.54-lb)
American Natural Premium Grain-Free Ocean Fish Meal & Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
American Natural Premium Grain-Free Ocean Fish Meal & Potato Recipe is a high-quality dog food made with whitefish meal and salmon oil, ideal for dogs with chicken sensitivities.
Free of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, it supports skin, coat, and immune health. We recommend it for Vizslas.
- First 5 Ingredients: Menhaden Fish Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Pea Flour, Pork Meat Meal
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 28% min, Crude Fat 15% min, Crude Fiber 6% Max
- Calories: 397 kcal per 8-oz cup
- Suitable for which dogs: All breeds, from the small Shetland Sheepdogs to the Vizslas, and the giant Dogue de Bordeaux prone to food allergies.
- Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight.
- Key Benefit: Designed for dogs that have developed sensitivities to chicken protein or grains.
- Price: $49.99 per 28-lb bag ($1.79-lb)
American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food features real salmon for lean muscles, with sweet potatoes and chickpeas for lasting energy.
Rich in omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, it’s grain-free and free of corn, wheat, or soy, ideal for dogs with food sensitivities.
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal (a source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 32% min, Crude Fat 14% min, Crude Fiber 5% max.
- Calories: 390 kcal per 8-oz cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Medium breeds like Vizslas, Beagles, and Boykin Spaniels.
- Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight
- Key benefit: Promotes lean muscle development and joint health in active adult dogs with animal protein, chondroitin sulfate, and glucosamine.
- Price: $52.99 per 24-lb bag ($2.21-lb)
What Should You Consider While Buying Dog Foods for Vizslas?
When choosing a diet for your Vizsla, consider these options:
- Kibble Diet: This processed dog food meets nutritional needs and includes essential ingredients like animal protein, grains, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Raw Diet: Comprising organ and muscle meats, raw eggs, and vegetables, this diet can help with food sensitivities. Consult a clinical nutritionist before transitioning.
- Home Cooked Diet: Tailored to your dog’s specific needs, this diet includes various proteins and vegetables but requires dietary supplements for balance. It’s best prepared under the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist.
- Health Considerations: Vizslas are prone to skin allergies and obesity. Watch for food allergies, which can manifest as skin issues or digestive problems. Prevent obesity by feeding measured portions divided into two meals.
- Avoid Ingredients: Steer clear of harmful fillers like BHA, white flour, unspecified meals, artificial colorings, corn syrup, and rendered fats. These can offer little nutritional value and pose health risks.
- Feeding Schedule: Provide high-quality protein and monitor weight closely. Adjust feeding amounts based on your dog’s weight, activity level, and life stage. Puppies should eat three to four times a day, while adults can have two meals.
