Best Dog Food for Corgis in 2024

Did you know that Corgis were first bred to be herding dogs? These fun loving and active canines started becoming popular in the 9th and 10th centuries, where they became heelers — nipping at the ankles of cattle and sheep to keep them together. 

Because of this, Corgis are more energetic than other breeds their size. And, due to this, they need a higher protein food as well as more calories. 

I’ve compiled the best dog foods for Corgis into a list, so you can find and feed your furry friend only the best. 

My personal favorite is the Orijen Original Formula — it is the best food for Corgis, with high protein and a nutritious profile. I’ve also included nine other recipes that will work great for your pooch. 

Our Best Dog Food for Corgis

• Orijen Original Formula Dry Dog Food (Best for Adult Corgis)
• CANIDAE PURE Puppy Recipe Premium Dry Dog Food (Best for Corgi Puppies)
• Diamond Naturals Senior Formula Dry Dog Food (Best for Senior Corgis)
• Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food (Best for Corgis Needing More Protein)
• Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Dog Food (Best for Corgis with Food Sensitivities)
• Halo Holistic Adult Canned Dog Food (Best Wet Food for Corgis)
• Sojos Complete Adult Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dehydrated Dog Food (Best Raw Dog Food for Corgis)
• Nutro Natural Choice Small Bites Dry Dog Food (Best Budget Dog Food for Corgis)
• Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food (Best for Weight Control)
• Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Natural Limited Ingredient Recipe Dry Dog Food (Best for Corgis with Sensitive Stomachs)

10 Best Dog Foods for Corgis Reviewed 

The dog food options on this list all meet the AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines. If you have any nutrition-related questions about your Corgi, be sure to ask your veterinarian. 

Orijen Original Formula Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Flounder, Whole Mackerel, Chicken Liver
• Key Feature: A great overall grain-free, high-protein formula
• Guaranteed Analysis: 38% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 473 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Grain-Free; High-Protein; No Corn, Wheat, or Soy
• Life Stage: Adult  

ORIJEN Original Grain-Free dry dog food features raw free-run chicken and turkey, cage-free chicken, and wild-caught fish.

The formula also uses all of the animal, including organs and bone, which offers more protein and fiber for your Corgi. 

The first five ingredients are protein sources, offering your Corgi lean meats to boost their activity level and keep their muscles and joints healthy. 

This food also includes lentils, collard greens, and apples. These ingredients offer vital vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin K for healthy bones, and potassium to protect their muscles. 

The kibble is also freeze-dried coated, offering flavor to the food that other recipes don’t have. 

ORIJEN is made in the USA with both fresh and local ingredients whenever possible.

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CANIDAE PURE Puppy Recipe Premium Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Menhaden Fish Meal, Lentils, Peas, Potatoes
• Key Feature: High calorie and protein formula for growing puppies 
• Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 520 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Sensitive Digestion; Grain-Free; Limited Ingredient Diet; No Corn, Wheat, or Soy
• Life Stage: Puppy 

CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Puppy Limited Ingredient dog food will get your Corgi puppy on the right start to a healthy lifestyle. 

The formula includes just nine simple and nutritious ingredients. And with chicken as the first, this recipe is protein packed to help growing puppies build lean muscles and avoid weight gain that can make exercise a chore. 

This food also includes a blend of probiotics and antioxidants from lentils, peas, and flaxseed. 

Along with vitamins and minerals, the food has DHA and Omega 3 and 6, helping give your Corgi’s brain a cognitive boost. Last but not least, it also includes taurine, which helps aid your dog’s eye health, immune system, and cardiac function. 

The recipe doesn’t include any corn, wheat, or soy. It’s also free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, and made in Canidae’s Texas facility.

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Diamond Naturals Senior Formula Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, Ground White Rice
• Key Feature: High-Fiber to aid senior dog’s in digestion
• Guaranteed Analysis: 25% Crude Protein, 11% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 318 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: No Corn, Wheat, or Soy 
• Life Stage: Senior 

Diamond Naturals Senior Formula is enhanced with superfoods like blueberries, pumpkin, and kelp to offer pre and probiotics — all to keep your senior Corgi’s digestion and energy levels up. 

The added fiber in this recipe also aids in digestion, which can significantly help if your senior dog suffers from peristalsis.  

It’s also made with barley and brown rice in the first five ingredients, offering healthy omega fatty acids and antioxidants to promote a healthy coat and keep muscle tone. 

Cage-free chicken is the first ingredient in this food, providing glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health, which is essential for senior dogs. 

This formula is made in the USA, and Diamond Naturals is a family-owned company. It’s also made without corn, wheat, artificial flavors, or artificial colors.

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Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Peas, Tapioca Starch
• Key Feature: Grain-Free and high protein dog food
• Guaranteed Analysis: 36% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 425 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: High-Protein; Grain-Free; No Corn, Wheat, or Soy
• Life Stage: Adult 

Blue Buffalo Wilderness dog food is a high-protein and grain-free formula for energetic Corgis. 

Made with complex carbohydrates and both chicken and pea protein, the formula helps build and maintain lean muscle mass. It includes the company’s “LifeSource Bits” that provide vitamins and minerals. 

This food also includes both DHA and ARA, which help support eye and brain development of your Corgi. 

Ingredients like turmeric, blueberries, and cranberries — which offer antioxidants to reduce inflammation, offer immune health, and keep your dog’s bladder healthy — are all utilized as well. 

This grain-free recipe is crafted for adult small breed dogs. It’s free from poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, and preservatives.

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Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas
• Key Feature: Limited ingredient diet made with salmon for Corgis with food allergies
• Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 4.5% Crude Fiber, 11% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 376 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Grain-Free; Limited Ingredient Diet; No Corn, Wheat, or Soy
• Life Stage: Adult 

While Corgis aren’t known to have severe allergies, every dog is different. When they do have sensitivities and allergies, it’s usually to foods like chicken or wheat, or to environmental factors like pollen. 

With salmon as its first ingredient, Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet dog food can help your Corgi avoid allergens that can make them itchy or cause digestion issues. 

It’s formulated with just 10 ingredients, including salmon and sweet potatoes, it’s gluten-free, and it doesn’t include any common allergens like grains, soy, corn, wheat, dairy, chicken, or eggs.

However, it does include omegas to promote a healthy skin and coat, and pea protein for an extra boost. Plus, ingredients like peas and flaxseed help to support healthy digestion, even with the most sensitive tummies. 

It’s also free of artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors, and is cooked in Hereford, Texas.

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Halo Holistic Turkey & Salmon Recipe Adult Canned Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Broth, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Salmon
• Key Feature: Wet food  
• Guaranteed Analysis: 7.5% Crude Protein, 6% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 84% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 344 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Non-GMO
• Life Stage: Adult 

Halo Adult Dog Turkey & Salmon Stew canned dog food is made with whole turkey and salmon meat.

It also includes Non-GMO fruits and veggies that provide moisture, vitamins E and B12, and probiotics to help aid in digestion. 

This recipe is free of meat meals and artificial ingredients. Because of this, the nutrients in this wet food are easy for Corgis to metabolize. 

On top of that, this formula offers extra hydration, as well as Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to help keep your canine’s blood pressure stable. 

Ingredients like rolled oats and pumpkin also provide fiber and Vitamin A for a healthy gut and eye health.

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Sojos Complete Beef Recipe Adult Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dehydrated Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Whole Egg, Cabbage
• Key Feature: Raw, freeze-dried food 
• Guaranteed Analysis: 25% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 5.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 362 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Grain-Free; Raw; Pea-Free; Non-GMO
• Life Stage: Adult 

Sojos Complete Adult Raw Dog Food is a freeze-dried and shelf-stable food — offering Corgi owners the opportunity to feed their dog a raw diet without splurging on money. 

When serving this food during mealtime, all you need to do is add water and soak it until the food is softened. Then, you can serve it easily. 

Sojos raw dog food is made without soy, preservatives, grains, and fillers. And, because it’s freeze-dried, 1 pound of the mix actually makes 5 pounds of food. Just remember to always look into the manufacturer to make sure you’re getting the best quality recipe for your dog. 

The formula doesn’t include any other random ingredients either. In fact, every ingredient on the list is a natural food source and can be easily pronounced. 

Ingredients like eggs and beef liver offer healthy proteins and fats for active Corgis. It also includes parsley to aid in fresh breath, and papaya to promote eye health.

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Nutro Natural Choice Small Bites Adult Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Rice Bran
• Key Feature: Budget-friendly dog food 
• Guaranteed Analysis: 22% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 341 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Non-GMO; Small Breed Specific 
• Life Stage: Adult 

Nutro Natural dog food is made with real lamb, pumpkin, and kelp to offer high-quality protein and vitamins on a budget.

Made with essential antioxidants found in ingredients like beet pulp and spinach, this food helps support a healthy immune system. It also includes natural fiber to support digestion and regular stools.

The formula is free of chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, and soy. And the smaller bite sized pieces are perfect for your Corgi’s smaller body. 

Nutro Natural dog food is made in the USA and is crafted with Non-GMO ingredients. While there is also a chicken option, lamb is a higher source of lean protein and can be a special treat for your furry friend.

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Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal, Oatmeal, Rice
• Key Feature: Low calorie and low fat dog food for weight-control
• Guaranteed Analysis: 28% Crude Protein, 11% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 11% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 341 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Weight Control; No Corn, Wheat, or Soy  
• Life Stage: Adult 

This healthy weight-management dry food for small breeds was formulated with less calories for dogs who may suffer from obesity or weight gain, which can affect their joints. 

It was made with a smaller kibble size for easy eating, and, besides the first five ingredients, it also includes whitefish for higher protein content and omegas that support healthy skin and coat.

It also has blueberries for potassium, and peas for fiber. 

Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Adult dry dog food is fortified with glucosamine, probiotics, and taurine to aid in joint health and lean muscle.

And to sweeten the pot even further, this formula doesn’t include any GMOs, meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives.

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Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Natural Limited Ingredient Recipe Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat
• Key Feature: Dog food made for sensitive stomachs 
• Guaranteed Analysis: 20% Crude Protein, 13% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 325 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: No Corn, Wheat, or Soy; Limited Ingredient Diet; Gluten Free; Pea-Free  
• Life Stage: Adult 

Rachael Ray Nutrish dog food is made with just six simple ingredients and specifically for dogs that have sensitive stomachs. 

The recipe is completely free from corn, wheat, soy, gluten, and artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives — all ingredients that may affect your Corgi’s digestion. 

With lamb as the main ingredient, even Corgis with sensitivities to things like chicken can enjoy a delicious meal. 

This formula also includes vitamins, minerals, and taurine, to help aid in digestion and offer both probiotics and prebiotics to keep your Corgi from feeling sick.

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Guide to Buying Dog Food for Corgis

When trying to select the proper food for your Corgi, there are some important nutritional facts that you need to know. 

Nutrients Your Corgi Needs

Due to their playful and active nature, Corgis need more protein and calories than other small breeds. However, due to their unique form, they also need extra care in maintaining lean muscle mass to avoid potential health issues later on in life. 

Higher Levels of Protein

Corgis have smaller legs and longer bodies, so they don’t have much room for extra weight. Because of this, a higher protein content in their food helps protect their joints, keep lean muscle mass, and support their high energy levels. 

While most small breeds only need about 21% protein in their dog food, Corgis benefit from higher levels of at least 25% protein content. 

Some may have an allergy to chicken, but if your Corgi doesn’t, this ingredient offers both protein and fat to keep them full and healthy. Other great options include beef, lamb, and pea protein. 

Moderate Fat

Many Corgis are healthy and can handle fat in their dog food. But if you notice that your Corgi isn’t as active, or is gaining weight, a lower fat food like Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Adult Healthy Weight dog food is a great option. 

Foods with 10% to 15% fat are best, and fat sources should be natural — fish oil, chicken fat, and flaxseed are all great options. 

Carbohydrates Are Fine 

For many dogs, including Corgis, carbohydrates shouldn’t make up more than 20% of their diet. Studies show that lower carbohydrate diets help dogs perform better and live longer. 

Unlike humans, who can process more simple carbohydrates like white bread and milk, dogs need more complex carbs to keep their energy levels up and their weight down. 

Dog foods that include carb sources like sweet potato, oatmeal, and even lentils are better choices than those that include gluten or wheat. These complex carb sources help your Corgi feel fuller longer, as well as help them fully absorb the vitamins and minerals in their food. 

Corgis Need Their Vitamins & Minerals

All dogs need vitamins and minerals to function at their best. But, because Corgis have specific health problems that may affect them, there are some that they need more of. 

Vitamin A and Vitamin C are essential for Corgis, since they can be affected by Progressive Retinal Atrophy.

Omega-3 is also important for joint health and healthy fats in order to keep Corgis from gaining weight or suffering from hip dysplasia. 

Foods with ingredients like glucosamine can help protect your Corgi’s joints as well, so don’t skip out on it. 

How to Choose Food for Your Corgi

Before finding a food that meets your Corgi’s needs, there are a few more things to look for that fit your dog specifically. 

Your Corgi’s Age 

Corgi puppies are more active than other small breed puppies, meaning they will need more protein and fat to keep their energy levels up. Because of this, their puppy food needs to be higher in protein and calories.

Once your Corgi reaches adulthood and their senior years, they won’t need as many calories, though they will still need foods high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. 

Corgi Activity Level

While many Corgis are energetic and love to play and herd their family members, some Corgis are happy just to lay in your lap. If you find that your Corgi is more on the lazy side, overfeeding can easily become an issue. 

It’s important to base the food you feed your Corgi on their activity level. If they aren’t as active, they aren’t burning as many calories. Due to this, they will need less food, or a lower calorie food, throughout the day. 

Caloric Needs

As an adult, a Corgi needs about 35 calories of food per pound of weight they have. The average Corgi is around 25 pounds, meaning they need to eat around 875 calories a day. 

Talk to your veterinarian to figure out your Corgi’s needs if they fall below the healthy weight range of 22 to 25 pounds, or if they get above the max weight of 31 pounds. 

Common Corgi Health Issues 

Corgis do have the potential to develop a few health issues. Here’s what you need to keep watch for. 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the photoreceptor cells of the eyes. These cells will deteriorate over time, which will lead to blindness. 

Because Corgis are more susceptible to this, focus on foods that have higher percentages of Vitamin A and E for healthy blood flow and to reduce inflammation in the eyes. 

Obesity 

Even though Corgis are active, obesity can still affect them. In fact, the number one health problem affecting Corgis, and many other dogs, is obesity. 

Because of this, it’s important to manage your Corgi’s weight. While all of the foods on this list are great options for keeping your Corgi healthy, your Corgi may need a weight control food if they start gaining weight beyond the normal 22 to 25 pounds. 

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia affects the development of the hip joint and causes a loss of joint function over time. For Corgis, hip dysplasia is more common because of their shape (larger bodies with smaller legs) — but it can also happen when a Corgi doesn’t get regular exercise. 

Along with weight gain, hip dysplasia is also extremely common in Corgis. And, obesity can lead to worse symptoms of this. In order to mitigate hip dysplasia, it’s extremely important to make sure your Corgi isn’t overweight. 

Our Verdict

Corgis are small but highly active herd dogs that love to play and spend time running around. Because of this, their diet is similar to other herding dogs and even larger breeds. 

Higher protein and fat content can help your Corgi feel their best. 

And with this in mind, Orijen Original Formula dog food is my top choice for these sweet and agile pups. 

Not only does it have the protein to help build and maintain lean muscle mass, it also has potassium and fiber to protect those muscles, as well as your dog’s joints. Plus, it has freeze dried flavor bits to encourage your Corgi to eat all of their food. 

While any of the foods on this list would be perfect for your Corgi, I recommend Orijen as the number one choice to keep them healthy and satisfied. 

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