Best dog foods for Norwegian Elkhounds
Norwegian Elkhounds, known for their past hunting skills and strong willpower, thrive on a diet rich in high-quality, meat-based proteins like chicken and beef to support muscle growth.
Healthy fats from sources such as flaxseed and chicken fat are essential for maintaining their thick coats and energy levels. Foods with fiber, probiotics, and antioxidants boost overall wellness.
Given their susceptibility to hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism, Elkhounds benefit from joint-friendly supplements like glucosamine and calcium, as well as moderate fat levels to manage weight.
Eye-friendly nutrients, like vitamin A, help combat retinal atrophy, while teeth-friendly properties prevent plaque build-up. Choosing the right food supports their health, minimizing obesity, allergies, and digestive issues.
Many brands claim to offer the best dog foods for Norwegian Elkhounds. Our top five picks are
- Merrick
- Blue Buffalo
- American Journey
- Halo Holistic
- Victor Select
Each offers quality nutrition at varying prices, with an average cost of $62.70 for 20-35 lb bags, ranging from $49.98 to $74.99. When selecting food, consider your dog’s breed, size, and life stage.
Puppies need more calories and protein due to their high activity levels, while adult and senior Elkhounds require tailored nutrition for joint and overall health.
- Best Overall: Merrick Backcountry Raw Freeze-Dried Grain-Free Dry Food – $74.98 for a 20-lb bag = $3.7 per lb.
- Best Budget-Friendly: Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Pacific Stream Dry Food -$55.99 for a 28-lb bag = $1.99 per lb.
- Best for Joint Health: Wellness Core Dry Food – $74.99 for a 26-lb bag = $2.9 per lb.
- Best Grain-Free: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Food – $49.98 for a 20-lb bag = $2.5 per lb.
Merrick Backcountry Raw Freeze-Dried Grain-Free Dry Food
Merrick Backcountry Grain-Free Formula is perfect for Norwegian Elkhounds with sensitive digestion, weight issues, or chicken intolerance.
Crafted with high-quality ingredients, the formula features deboned beef, salmon meal, and lamb meal as primary protein sources to build muscles and reduce allergy risks.
Chondroitin and glucosamine support joint health, while blueberries offer antioxidants for overall wellness. Freeze-dried raw-coated for extra flavor, it’s great for picky eaters.
The formula also includes taurine for heart health and yucca schidigera to reduce stool odor. A 20-lb bag costs $74.98, with feeding guidelines based on your dog’s weight.
Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Pacific Stream Puppy Dry Food
Taste of the Wild Puppy Formula by Diamond Pet Foods is ideal for Norwegian Elkhound puppies, featuring salmon as the primary ingredient for 27% premium protein to support muscle and bone development.
With 15% fat and 408 Kcal/cup, it fuels active puppies. DHA promotes cognitive health, while vitamins A and E boost vision and immunity. Zinc, selenium, and omega-6 and -3 fatty acids enhance coat health and minimize shedding.
The high fiber content supports regular digestion, reducing the risk of constipation. This grain-free formula is great for puppies with grain allergies or chicken intolerance. A 28-lb bag costs $55.99.
Wellness Core Dry Food
Wellness Core Formula by Wellness is ideal for Norwegian Elkhounds, featuring 34% protein from deboned turkey and chicken meal to support muscle growth.
With 417 calories per cup and 16% fat, it keeps your Elkhound active. The 4% fiber from lentils aids digestion, while calcium, phosphorus, chondroitin, and glucosamine support joint health and prevent obesity.
Fortified with taurine, omega fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants, it promotes heart, skin, coat, and immune health. Beta-carotene helps prevent vision issues. Suitable for dogs with sensitive digestion and grain allergies, a 26-lb bag costs $74.99.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Food
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Formula is perfect for Norwegian Elkhounds, offering 34% protein from deboned chicken to support lean muscles, with 15% fat and 409 Kcal/cup for energy and stamina.
Glucosamine, calcium, and phosphorus promote joint and bone health, while omega-6 and -3 fatty acids ensure smooth skin and a shiny coat.
The formula includes 6% fiber for digestive health, with blueberries and cranberries providing antioxidants, and carrots supplying vitamin A for vision support. Ideal for dogs with grain allergies and sensitive stomachs, a 20-lb bag costs $49.98.
VICTOR Select Yukon River Canine Recipe Grain-Free Dry Food
Victor Select Yukon Formula by Mid America Pet Food is ideal for Norwegian Elkhounds, offering 33% protein from menhaden fish meal and dehydrated salmon to support muscle growth.
DHA enhances brain health, while vitamin E and selenium boost immunity. With 16% fat and 390 calories per cup, it provides stamina, and 3.8% fiber aids digestion. L-carnitine helps prevent weight gain by converting fat into energy, while yucca schidigera reduces stool odor.
Suitable for dogs with grain allergies and sensitive digestion, a 30-lb bag costs $67.99. Feeding ranges from ½ to 5 cups based on your dog’s weight.
American Journey Life Formula Dry Food
American Journey Formula is ideal for Norwegian Elkhounds, featuring deboned salmon for 25% protein to support muscle maintenance.
With 15% fat and 345 Kcal/cup, it helps prevent obesity and hip dysplasia. The 6% fiber supports digestion, while DHA enhances cognitive health. Omega-6 and -3 fatty acids promote skin and coat health, and the blend of nutrients and antioxidants strengthens the immune system.
Free from wheat, soy, corn, and artificial additives, it’s great for dogs with sensitive stomachs. A 28-lb bag costs $49.99, with feeding guidelines based on your dog’s weight.
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Food
Hill’s Science Adult Formula by Hill’s Pet Nutrition is ideal for Norwegian Elkhounds aged 1 to 6 years. With chicken as the first ingredient, it provides 20% protein for muscle strength.
Omega-6 fatty acids promote healthy skin and reduce shedding, while vitamins C and E boost immunity. Carrots supply vitamin A for vision, and taurine supports heart health.
This formula is made with natural ingredients and free from artificial additives. Suitable for dogs that can tolerate grains, a 35-lb bag costs $61.99. Feeding ranges from ⅝ to 6 ¼ cups daily, depending on weight. Transition your dog over 7 days.
What You Should Consider While Buying Food for Norwegian Elkhounds?
Norwegian Elkhounds thrive on foods with high-quality proteins from sources like turkey and salmon for muscle health.
Avoid ambiguous labels and ensure real meat is the first ingredient. Healthy fats like flaxseed and salmon oil support skin health, but avoid excessive fats to prevent weight gain.
For hip dysplasia, choose foods with calcium, phosphorus, glucosamine, and chondroitin. To reduce plaque, opt for crunchy foods with teeth-friendly properties. Foods rich in beta-carotene, such as carrots, promote vision health.
Fiber, probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants, and essential vitamins like C and E, as well as minerals, boost overall wellness.
What are the best dog foods for Norwegian Elkhounds according to dog sizes?
Best Dog Food for Small-Sized Norwegian Elkhounds
- Rachel Ray Nutrish Real Chicken & Brown Rice Bright Puppy Dry Food: Nurture your Norwegian Elkhound puppy with this formula featuring chicken as the primary ingredient for lean muscle and healthy organs. Calcium strengthens bones and teeth, while DHA supports brain and vision health. Fortified with omega-6 and -3 fatty acids, it promotes a beautiful coat and healthy skin.
The Best Dog Food For Medium-Sized Norwegian Elkhounds
- Avoderm Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Weight Support Dry Food: Give your Norwegian Elkhound a bright skin with this omega-packed formula. It is low in fat (8%) for your senior or less active dog. High-quality premium protein is the first ingredient for powerful muscles. Antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin E work together for a healthy oxidative balance and improved immunity.
Best Dog Food for Large Norwegian Elkhounds
- Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend High Protein Formula Dry Food: Consuming this meal supports your dog’s muscles with chicken as the number one ingredient. It is also packed with probiotics for digestive health and has omegas and vitamin A to nourish your dog’s skin.
What are the best dog foods for Norwegian Elkhounds with different ingredients?
The Best Dog Food with glucosamine for Norwegian Elkhounds
- Diamond Natural High Protein Extreme Athlete Dry Food: Glucosamine is best for your Norwegian Elkhound as this breed is susceptible to hip dysplasia. In addition, it is rich in protein and has calcium for bone and muscle power. L-carnitine minimizes the risk of obesity, which causes heart and joint problems.
The Best Dog Food With Carrots for Norwegian Elkhounds
- Shameless Pets Carrots Flavor Grain-Free Dog Treats: Carrots are the 4th ingredient for vitamin A. Norwegian Elkhounds are prone to vision problems, and vitamin A helps improve eyesight. It is free from grains, corn, or wheat. It has chicken for thick bones and strong muscles.
What are the other dog foods for Norwegian Elkhounds with different health conditions?
The Best Dog Food for Norwegian Elkhounds with Pancreatitis
- Solid Gold with Fresh Caught Alaskan Pollock Fit & Fabulous Dry Food: This recipe has a low-fat value ( 9.5%) to minimize the risk of overworking the pancreas. Pollock is the number one ingredient for amino acids to strengthen your dog’s muscles. Omega fatty acids, vitamin E, vitamin C, and DHA work together to support skin, coat, immune, and brain health.
The Best Dog Food for Norwegian Elkhounds with Diabetes
- Ketona Chicken Formula Dry Food: This ketogenic dog food is low glycemic and thus suitable for Norwegian Elkhounds with diabetes. It features less than 6% carbs and is free from corn, wheat, soy, rice, potatoes, or barley. The protein value of 46% promotes bone and muscle strength, while the fat value of 16% and calorie content of 452 Kcal/cup keep your dog active throughout the day.
What are the Dietary Requirements for Norwegian Elkhound Dog Foods?
The best dog foods for Norwegian Elkhounds prioritize lean, meat-based proteins, with whole meat as the key ingredient and meat meals for concentrated protein.
Avoid plant-based proteins like soy, corn, and wheat, as well as by-products, which can harm digestion. Steer clear of additives, fillers, artificial colors, and preservatives, as they offer no nutritional value.
Carbohydrates from whole grains, vegetables, and fruits support energy and immune health. Healthy fats, such as chicken fat, salmon oil, flaxseed, and canola oil, promote a healthy coat and skin.
Look for supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, probiotics, and prebiotics to enhance overall well-being.
