What Are the Best Dog Foods for Whippets

Best Dog Foods for Whippets

What are the six essential nutrients?

Dog food labeled “Complete and Balanced” meets the nutrient levels set by AAFCO for specific life stages.

This ensures that feeding this food exclusively provides all necessary nutrients for your dog. The six essential nutrients include:

• Water: Comprising 70-80% of your Whippet’s body weight, water is vital for nutrient transport, temperature regulation, digestion, and waste elimination.
• Proteins: Whippets need 23 amino acids, 10 of which must come from their diet. Look for high-quality proteins like whole meats and named meat meals as the first ingredients.
• Fats: Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, provide energy and support skin and coat health.
• Carbohydrates: Carbs from grains and vegetables fuel the body and aid digestion, providing sugars, starches, and fiber.
• Vitamins: Crucial for growth and maintenance, vitamins regulate functions like immune health and nerve function.
• Minerals: Essential for bone formation, oxygen transport, and nerve function, minerals should ideally be chelated for better absorption.

What to look for on your dog food labels

Whippet food labels show essential ingredients and nutrient percentages, with the first five making up about 80% of the content.

The Guaranteed Analysis (GA) reveals the nutrient profile, including minimum protein and fat levels.

Understanding both the ingredients and GA is vital for ensuring a balanced diet for your dog.

The name game when decoding the label

The first five ingredients on a dog food label indicate ingredient quality, with protein listed first.

For “Beef Dog Food,” beef must be the primary ingredient, comprising 95% of the product.

However, terms like “Beef Dinner” or “Beef Flavor” may indicate that beef constitutes only 25% or less.

What Are Fillers?

Many dog foods, especially kibble, contain fillers—bulky, starchy ingredients that provide little nutritional value.

These inexpensive fillers can irritate dogs, potentially causing allergies or sensitivities.

While opinions on fillers vary, common examples include corn, wheat, rice, and unspecified by-products, which might not be healthy alternatives.

Best Dog Foods for Whippets

• Best Overall: Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Lamb Dog Food $122.28 per 5.5-lb bag ($22.23-lb)
• Best for Puppies: Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food Puppy Recipe $44.98 per 12-lb bag ($3.75-lb)
• Best for Senior Dogs: AvoDerm Advanced Senior Health Lamb and Chicken Meals Formula – $54.99 in 24-lb bag = $2.29 per pound.
• Best for Energy: VICTOR Purpose Performance Formula Dry Dog Food – $60.99 for a 40-lb bag = $1.53 per pound. 
• Best Price-Effective: SPORTMiX Wholesomes Chicken Meal & Rice Formula Adult Dry Dog Food $38.96 per 40-lb bag ($0.96-lb)

Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Lamb Dog FoodZiwi Peak Air-Dried Lamb Dog Food

ZIWI, founded in 2002 in New Zealand, offers high-quality air-dried dog food. Its Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Lamb contains fresh meat, organs, bones, and green mussels for joint and heart health.

Free from artificial additives, it’s nutritious, digestible, and ideal for active breeds with well-balanced protein, fat, and low carbs.

Highly recommended.

• First 8 Ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Heart, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Liver, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Lung, New Zealand Green Mussel, Lamb Bone.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 35% min, Crude Fat 33% min, Crude Fiber 2% Max
• Calories: 318 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Active dogs of all breeds
• Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight.
• Key Benefit: The high protein and fat contents support the energy level of Whippets.
• Price: $122.28 per 5.5-lb bag ($22.23-lb) 

Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food Puppy Recipe 

Merrick Classic Puppy Recipe, founded in 1988 and now under Nestle Purina, features real deboned chicken, vitamins, minerals, and ancient grains like quinoa.

With omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin for skin and joint health, it ensures muscle growth without potatoes, peas, or lentils.

Highly recommended for Whippet puppies.

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 28% min, Crude Fat 16% min, Crude Fiber 3.5% Max
• Calories: 406 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Puppies of medium dogs like Beagles, Bassets and Whippets
• Feeding: Based amount on age and weight, divided into 3 or 4 meals per day.
• Key Benefit: Developed with high levels of omega fatty acids, DHA, glucosamine and chondroitin to give your puppy a healthy start.
• Price: $44.98 per 12-lb bag ($3.75-lb) 

AvoDerm Advanced Senior Health Lamb and Chicken Meals Formula

AvoDerm Advanced Senior Health Lamb and Chicken Meals Formula by Breeder’s Choice Pet Foods offers essential nutrition for senior Whippets.

It’s fortified with chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and DHA for joint, immune, eye, and brain health.

Low-priced and above-average quality, it’s free from controversial ingredients and artificial additives.

• First 5 Ingredients: Lamb Meal, Peas, Tapioca Flour, Pea Flour, Chicken Meal
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 28% min, Crude Fat 10% min, Crude Fiber 6% Max
• Calories: 350 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 Whippets in their senior years
• Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight.
• Key Benefits: Includes natural sources of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine to protect your buddy’s knees and joints.
• Price: $62.99 per 40lb bag ($1.57-lb) 

VICTOR Purpose Performance Formula Dry Dog Food

VICTOR Purpose Performance Dry Dog Food, launched in 2007, supports long-term joint health with glucosamine and chondroitin.

Gluten-free grains promote stamina and endurance. It’s a high-quality, affordable option without controversial ingredients or artificial additives.

Despite high carbs, it has excellent meat and fat quality. Suitable for sporty canines.

• First 5 Ingredients: Beef Meal, Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Millet, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Blood Meal Conventionally Dried (Blood meal is a high protein, low ash, a 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 26% min, Crude Fat 18% min, Crude Fiber 3.8% Max
• Calories: 399 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Highly active dogs of all breeds like Whippet, Appenzeller Sennenhund, and Brittany.
• Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight
• Key Benefit: Sourced and Made in the USA. Composed of 81% meat protein with premium-quality beef, chicken and pork meals.
• Price: $62.98 per 22-lb bag ($2.86-lb)

SPORTMiX Wholesomes Chicken Meal & Rice Formula Adult Dry Dog Food

SPORTMiX Wholesomes Chicken Meal & Rice Formula by Midwestern Pet Foods, crafted in the US, is ideal for high-energy dogs.

It’s grain-free, with balanced Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids for skin health and natural vegetable fibers for digestion.

Free from controversial ingredients, it offers quality and affordability.

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Rice Bran, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 24% min, Crude Fat 14% min, Crude Fiber 6% Max
• Calories: 370 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Highly active dogs of all breeds like Dalmatians, Greyhounds, and Whippets
• Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight
• Key Benefit: Diet specially designed for dogs in need of a high energy food from a single high-quality protein source.
• Price: $38.96 per 40-lb bag ($0.96-lb)

Instinct Nature’s Variety Skin & Coat Health Raw Boost Recipe with Real Chicken Adult Dry Dog Food 

Instinct Pet Food, founded in 2002, offers high-quality, all-natural dog food made in the USA.

Their Nature’s Variety Skin & Coat Health Raw Boost Recipe combines high-protein kibble and freeze-dried raw chicken, free from grains and artificial additives.

It’s ideal for Whippets with grain sensitivities, featuring well-balanced protein, fat, and carbs.

Despite an above-average recall rate, it’s highly recommended for active breeds.

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Menhaden Fish Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Tapioca
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 32.5% min, Crude Fat 20% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max
• Calories: 529 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds, from the small Shetland Sheepdogs to the Whippets, and the giant Dogue de Bordeaux. 
• Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight
• Key Benefit: Packed with antioxidants and probiotics to help support healthy immunity and digestion
• Price: $49.99 per 28-lb bag ($1.79-lb)

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food 

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula, established in 1970, offers superior nutrition with real cage-free chicken, whole grains, and vegetables like kale and blueberries.

Enhanced with superfoods and probiotics, it promotes healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall well-being.

Free from artificial preservatives, it’s a quality, low-priced option.

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, Ground White Rice
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 23% min, Crude Fat 13% min, Crude Fiber 3.5% Max
• Calories: 397 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Active medium and large breed dogs like Whippets and Huskies.
• Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight.
• Key Benefit: Unfortunately, 80% of the ingredients of this dog food include controversial ingredients. That leaves only the small kibble size for puppy mouths as a benefit.
• Price: $17.99 per 16.5-lb bag ($1.09-lb)

Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food by Mars Inc., formulated for medium and large breeds, features real chicken, lamb, salmon, and 15 superfoods.

Free from artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, corn, wheat, and soy. It has high carbs but excellent meat and fat quality.

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin), Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Barley
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 22% min, Crude Fat 13% min, Crude Fiber 4% max.
• Calories: 346 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: Ingredients are sourced from trusted farmers and rigorously tested for quality and food safety.
• Price: $59.98 per 30-lb bag ($2.00-lb) 

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula, founded in 2003 and acquired by General Mills in 2018, promotes holistic health.

It features real meat, whole grains, garden veggies, fruit, and LifeSource Bits.

This Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe is free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

Though high in carbs, it boasts excellent meat and fat quality. Recommended as average-quality dog food.

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 24% min, Crude Fat 14% min, Crude Fiber 5% max.
• Calories: 377 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Medium breeds 
• Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight
• Key Benefit: Vitamins, chelated minerals and antioxidants contribute to your pup’s immune system health.
• Price: $54.50 per 30-lb bag ($1.81-lb) 

What Should You Consider When Buying Dog Foods for Whippets?

Feeding your Whippet requires a well-balanced diet rich in high-quality proteins to support its active lifestyle.

Ideal dog foods should contain a minimum of 18% protein and 5% fat, with higher amounts for more energetic dogs. Monitor your Whippet’s weight closely to prevent joint and health issues.

Feeding guidelines on dog food bags are merely suggestions based on age and weight; factors like activity level and metabolism also play a significant role.

Choose appropriate food for your dog’s life stage—puppy food differs from adult dog food, which can harm puppies’ teeth.

Recommended daily quantities include 1¾ cups for a 30-pound dog, 2¼ cups for a 40-pound dog, and 2⅔ cups for a 50-pound dog.

For dogs over 50 pounds, calculate 1 to 1½ cups per 25 pounds. Divide daily meals to avoid bloat; puppies should eat three to four times daily, while adults do well with two meals.

What health conditions should be considered when feeding your Whippet?

Whippets can be prone to weight gain and food sensitivities, including grains, gluten, and chicken.

Obesity poses serious health risks, including worsening joint issues, metabolic disorders, back pain, and heart disease.

Avoid giving in to begging and instead distract your dog with activities like brushing, playing, or walking.

Some Whippets may develop food allergies, typically manifesting as itchy skin or digestive issues.

A veterinary diet is often needed for diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, their light coat makes them sensitive to cold, so provide a high-fat diet rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to support their skin health.

What is the best time to feed Whippets?

Feeding your Whippet after exercise can boost their appetite and reduce fussiness. Establish a routine by feeding at the same times daily.

For adults, divide meals into two portions; for puppies, split the day’s food into three or four meals. Remove leftovers promptly, and avoid free feeding to prevent obesity.

Ingredients to Avoid in Whippets Dog Food?

What you don’t want to see on your Whippet’s dog food label:

When dog food labels include terms like “with” or “flavor,” such as “with beef” or “beef-flavored,” it often indicates a minimal amount of actual meat.

Additionally, if the same ingredient appears multiple times under different names, such as high-fructose corn syrup, sugar, and corn syrup, it can disguise high levels of undesirable ingredients.

This tactic may also apply to fillers like corn, cornmeal, and ground corn, which, if combined under one name, could exceed the primary protein’s amount.

Excessive fillers may not be biologically appropriate for your Whippet and can include artificial colors and flavors, which should be avoided.

What you want to see on your Whippet’s dog food labels:

When selecting dog food, ensure that real meat is the first ingredient, as this indicates a high-quality protein source.

Fillers, such as corn, wheat, and soy, should be listed low on the ingredients list.

If a “meal” is included, it should specify the source, such as chicken meal, beef meal, or salmon meal, rather than vague terms like poultry or fish meal.

Meals are concentrated forms of protein, retaining nutrients during processing.

While specific protein by-products, like beef by-products, can be nutritious, be cautious of general terms like by-product meals, which are typically lower in quality.