Vizslas were built for a long day in the field and are very active dogs. In fact, your Vizsla’s lean and muscular body is most happy when exercising or working. The best dog food for them will be a formula that keeps up with their demanding needs.
Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is the best dog food for Vizslas.
It’s high in protein for strong muscles and includes healthy fats to keep their joints nice and robust.
But, there are many other great options for your furry friend. They include puppy food to encourage healthy growth, and wet food for picky eaters — just to name a few.
Our Best Dog Food for Vizslas
- Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best for Adult Vizslas)
- Solid Gold Wolf Cub Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food (Best for Vizsla Puppies)
- Instinct Raw Boost Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best for Senior Vizslas)
- American Journey Active Life Formula Dry Dog Food (Best for Active Vizslas)
- Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food (Best for Vizslas With Allergies)
- Merrick Grain-Free Wet Dog Food (Best Wet Food)
- My Ollie Dog Food (Best Fresh Dog Food)
- Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food (Best Budget Dog Food)
- ORIJEN Fit & Trim Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best for Weight Loss)
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Dry Dog Food (Best for Healthy Joints)
10 Best Dog Foods for Vizslas Reviewed
The dog foods and brands listed below follow the AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines. Before switching your dog to a new formula, please consult with your veterinarian.
Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Egg Product, Lentils
- Guaranteed Analysis: 25% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 410 kcal/cup
- Key Feature: Grain-free dry dog food for adult Vizslas with novel proteins
Your Vizsla was born to be active and full of energy. Because of this, a diet high in protein and with healthy fats is essential. And, since some Vizslas have sensitivities to grains like wheat, a grain-free diet can also be helpful.
Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain meets all of your Vizslas needs. First, it’s formulated with novel proteins like lamb and roasted lamb. These offer 25% Crude Protein, as well as essential fatty acids for joint support.
Instead of grains, this recipe includes peas and sweet potatoes. These deliver the highly-digestible carb sources your pup needs, along with vitamins like vitamin C for immune support.
Lentils and dried chicory root both provide prebiotic support and healthy digestion. And salmon oil offers DHA for brain health and shiny teeth.
This formula is also supplemented with a proprietary “K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics”. These help with healthy digestion, immune system health, and overall wellness.
Taste of the Wild is made in the USA by a family-owned brand. It doesn’t include any grains, corn, wheat, artificial flavors, or artificial colors.
Pet owners like this formula but they report it can smell bad. Some of them also noticed more gasses. The kibble size might be too small for large breeds.
Solid Gold Wolf Cub Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Bison, Ocean Fish Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Peas
- Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 345 kcal/cup
- Key Feature: High-protein puppy food with DHA for puppies
Vizsla puppies need protein and fats to grow healthy and strong. They also need a formula with calcium and potassium for bone development.
Solid Gold Wolf Cub provides everything a puppy needs to thrive without any additives — it encourages slower and healthier growth to avoid joint problems.
This formula starts with fresh bison, providing high-protein and B vitamins for energy. It also includes iron for muscle development and zinc for a healthy immune system.
Pea fiber, pearled barley, and oatmeal provide potassium and calcium for strong bones.
Plus, salmon oil and chicken fat offer omega-3 fatty acids. These help to help protect growing joints, as well as soothe skin. Taurine is also supplemented for heart health.
Additional ingredients include kelp, blueberries, and cranberries. These provide antioxidants — helping to boost the immune system — and also offer vitamins C and A for eye and cell health.
This formula doesn’t include corn, wheat, or soy. It’s also potato-free.
Pupp owners share that this recipe isn’t good for puppies with sensitive stomachs and it can cause tummy problems and loose stools.
Instinct Raw Boost Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Chicken, Tapioca, Chickpeas, Peas
- Guaranteed Analysis: 36% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 478 kcal/cup
- Key Feature: Low calorie and high-fiber senior dog food
Once your dog becomes a senior, their needs will change. Their metabolism will slow, and their joints will show wear and tear. Because of this, it’s important to choose dog food that supports their aging bodies.
Instinct Raw Boost Senior Grain-Free Recipe offers high-protein and high-fiber. This is great for senior dogs that need a boost to their metabolism.
Chicken meal is the first ingredient — providing glucosamine and DHA for healthy joints.
Freeze-dried raw meat and eggs offer extra protein for lean muscle mass. Also, salmon meal provides omega fatty acids for additional joint support and coat health.
This formula is fortified with calcium and phosphorus from chicken hearts and pumpkin seeds. These help maintain strong teeth and bones, which are essential for aging dogs.
L-Carnitine is also supplemented — helping to reduce inflammation and nourish hips and joints.
Instinct Raw Boost is made in the USA. This formula doesn’t include grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, artificial colors, or preservatives.
This formula might not be ideal for picky eaters. Some dogs don’t like the taste of this recipe and they only eat the freeze-dried pieces, leaving the rest of the dog food.
American Journey Active Life Formula Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Rice Bran, Peas
- Guaranteed Analysis: 25% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 342 kcal/cup
- Key Feature: Higher-fatdog food with real chicken for active Vizslas
Vizslas are energetic and need plenty of protein and fats to keep up with their daily activities. And those nutrients need to come from natural and wholesome ingredients.
American Journey Active Life dry food starts with real deboned chicken. This ingredient offers 25% Crude Protein for lean muscles and energy, and includes a natural source of glucosamine for healthy joints.
Chicken fat and fish oil offer omega-3 fatty acids. The former also provides taurine — a necessary vitamin for a healthy heart. Vitamin E oil is supplemented as well, to help create a shiny coat.
Brown rice and peas provide an extra boost of protein and prebiotic fiber. This aids in proper digestion and keeps your furry friend energetic and ready to play all day.
Blueberries and cranberries then offer natural antioxidants, supplying essential nutrients like vitamin C for immune support.
This formula is free of wheat, corn, soy, poultry by-product meals, or artificial ingredients.
Some picky eaters may not like the taste and it can cause soft stool in more sensitive dogs. Pet owners complained about less robust packaging.
Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Lamb Meal, Chickpeas, Dried Potatoes, Dried Sweet Potato
- Guaranteed Analysis: 20% Crude Protein, 13% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 475 kcal/cup
- Key Feature: Limited ingredient dry dog food for Vizslas with food sensitivities
Did you know that a common allergen for Vizslas is chicken? While some Vizslas can handle poultry, it can cause reactions in others. If your dog has sensitivities like this, you need dog food without those ingredients.
Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet starts with real deboned lamb and lamb meal — instead of chicken.
Lamb is still high-protein, which is perfect for active dogs like Vizslas. And, it has less than 10 ingredients, which can help you avoid food sensitivities.
Lamb also provides omega-6 fatty acids for joint protection and chondroitin for lean muscle mass.
Chickpeas and sweet potatoes are a grain-free choice for fiber, carbohydrates, and prebiotics. Plus, these aid in digestion and soothe sensitive stomachs.
Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet is free of corn, wheat, and soy. It’s also non-GMO and doesn’t include any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Most owners are happy with this formula, but some reported receiving a bag with clumped kibble pieces.
Merrick Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Broth, Potatoes, Carrots, Apples
- Guaranteed Analysis: 8% Crude Protein, 4% Crude Fat, 1.8% Crude Fiber, 82% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 383 kcal/12.7-oz can
- Key Feature: Wet dog food with glucosamine and antioxidants for strong muscles
Who doesn’t love a bowl of delicious comfort food? Just like humans, Vizslas can be picky about their food too.
And sometimes, they just want something delicious that’s not their regular kibble. So, treat yours to Merrick’s Grammy’s Pot Pie wet food.
Your dog will taste the flavors, and you’ll know that they’re eating all of their food and getting their veggies in.
This formula starts with real USDA-inspected deboned chicken, which provides 8% Crude Protein (on a wet matter basis). It also offers glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy skin.
Potatoes and peas create a savory gravy with the chicken broth. These aid in digestion and also include vitamins like B12 for energy.
Red delicious apples are added as well. Not only do these provide a healthy dose of vitamin A for eye health, but they also include antioxidants for immune support.
This formula is made in Hereford, TX. It’s free of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and by-products. And, it’s also grain-free for dogs that may have sensitivities.
You can use this wet food exclusively or use it as a topper to encourage your dog to eat all of their food.
The food is described as chunks in gravy but pet owners complained about the mushy texture. They reported a lack of chanks of meats .
My Ollie Lamb
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Butternut Squash, Lamb Liver, Kale, Rice
- Guaranteed Analysis: 10% Crude Protein, 7% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber, 74% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 1804 kcal ME/k
- Key Feature: Fresh food delivery service offer human-grade dog food customized to your dog
It’s difficult knowing the exact nutrients that your dog needs to thrive. So take the guessing game out of their mealtimes, and serve them Ollie customized dog food.
Here’s how it works — first, you’ll take Ollie’s quiz. They will ask questions about your dog’s weight, height, activity level, potential allergies, and what they like. Once you fill it out, Ollie will calculate the diet that fits your dog.
Ollie uses human-grade ingredients and real animal proteins to give your dog the best nutrition possible. As an example, the lamb recipe includes deboned lamb for protein and kale and butternut squash for extra fiber.
But there are other recipe options as well — including beef, chicken, and turkey.
After you complete your quiz and choose a recipe, Ollie will ship fresh food every two weeks. The package also comes with a feeding guide, storage container, and scoop.
That way, you know exactly how much and when to feed your Vizsla for optimal nutrition.
Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran
- Guaranteed Analysis: 25% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 341 kcal/cup
- Key Feature: Budget-friendly healthy dog food made with real animal proteins
Your dog’s food doesn’t have to be expensive. Nutro Ultra Adult is a high-quality recipe with wholesome ingredients — without breaking the bank.
It starts with high-quality animal proteins — including farm-raised chicken, grass-fed lamb, and salmon.
These ingredients provide a natural source of taurine for heart health and amino acids for lean and healthy muscles.
Sunflower oil offers essential nutrients like linoleic acid for healthy and itch-free skin. And chicken fat is an excellent source of glucosamine for joint and bone health — while omega fatty acids protect a healthy brain.
Both whole brown rice and rice bran provide healthy fiber for easier digestion. Plus, dried coconut and blueberries give a boost of antioxidants for mental clarity.
This formula is free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. It’s made in the manufacturer’s facilities with ingredients that are sourced directly from suppliers.
Dog owners recommend this dog food as an affordable alternative to more expensive brands. They mention that some dogs don’t like the taste and it’s difficult to make them eat the kibble.
ORIJEN Fit & Trim Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Turkey Giblets, Turkey, Cod
- Guaranteed Analysis: 42% Crude Protein, 13% Crude Fat, 8% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 401 kcal/cup
- Key Feature: High-protein and low-fat dry dog food high in fiber for digestive support
The best way to avoid obesity or weight gain is to ensure your dog is satiated and doesn’t overeat. To keep their tummy full and make sure they’re a healthy weight, protein and healthy fiber are essential.
That’s where ORIJEN Fit & Trim comes in. This formula offers chicken, liver, turkey, and eggs. It’s packed with protein — 42%, to be precise.
And, because it includes organs and liver, you can ensure that your dog is getting the highest quality vitamins and minerals. Also, the first 5 ingredients are fresh or raw animal protein.
Not only is poultry high in glucosamine for joint health — but it also includes essential fatty acids. These help with healthy brain and muscle function.
Besides real animal proteins, this recipe also includes pinto beans and lentils. These contain natural fiber for easier digestion, which is helpful when managing weight.
Pollock oil is added as a healthy fat, offering plenty of essential acids for a shiny coat and healthy joints.
This formula is made in the USA with sustainably sourced ingredients.
Pet parents like this formula and noticed the effect on weight loss but they say Orijen is more expensive that other brands.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dry Dog FoodVizslas Blue Buffalo
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal
- Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 377 kcal/cup
- Key Feature: High-protein dry dog food with omega fatty acids and glucosamine for joint health
One of the leading health issues for Vizslas is their joints. Not only are they prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, but their joints can weaken when they aren’t as active or as they get older.
To help nourish the joints and provide them with as much support, choosing a dry dog food that includes healthy fats and amino acids is critical.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection starts with real deboned chicken. This provides glucosamine — helping to support joint health and mobility — and include chondroitin, building and maintaining lean muscles, which are essential for healthy joints.
This formula is wheat-free as well, a common allergen for Vizslas. But it does include whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal. These offer easy-to-digest carbohydrates, plus healthy prebiotics for a happy tummy.
This recipe also has “LifeSource Bits” — a proprietary blend of antioxidants. It also includes vitamins like D3 that can help maintain eye health and boost immune systems.
Pet owners recommend this formula for dogs with sensitive stomachs. They say some dogs might not like the taste.
How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Vizslas
Vizslas need a diet specifically for giant breeds to live their best lives. Here’s how to choose the best food for your dog.
High Protein
High-quality protein helps produce energy and maintains your dog’s lean muscles. Vizslas are a hunting breed — so they require more protein than other dogs their size. Aim for at least 25% Crude Protein.
Make sure protein sources are coming from real meat, too. Beef, chicken, lamb, fish, and even eggs are great options.
Healthy Fats
Fat is essential for dogs — helping to protect joints, support their nervous system, and boost energy. And, for Vizslas, healthy fats also help them keep their muscle mass.
However, remember to choose the right fats. Fish oil, fats from real meats like chicken and flaxseeds are great choices.
Carbohydrates and Fiber
Complex carbohydrates are an important source of prebiotics for easy digestion. And, they also provide additional energy and vitamins. But grains and gluten can be allergens for Vizlas — causing gastrointestinal problems. So easily digestible carbs are essential.
Potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, and chickpeas are all grain-free options. If your pup is sensitive to gluten and grains, try a limited ingredient diet with these alternatives.
Vitamins and Minerals
Choosing high-quality dog food with fruits and vegetables will give your pup the vitamins and minerals they need.
For Vizslas, probiotics and omega fatty acids are essential for healthy joints and gut health. So choose foods that can fit these additional needs.
Ingredients to Avoid
Additives like preservatives and artificial flavors don’t offer any additional benefits to your dog. And in worst-case scenarios, they can cause long-term health issues.
The main fillers to avoid are artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and meat by-products. If your Vizsla has intolerances, also avoid wheat, soy, and corn.
Vizslas Feeding Guide
Vizslas may be thin, but they need energy. High-quality proteins and fats should keep up with their daily activities. Here’s what to know about feeding them.
Puppies
Vizslas experience rapid growth. Because of this, they’ll need plenty of calories to keep up. If your puppy gets more exercise or needs to gain weight, they’ll need to eat more.
Your Vizsla will need around 30–35 calories per pound that they weigh during the first 12–18 months of their life. They’ll also need frequent meals — at least 3 times a day.
Adults
Vizslas will reach adulthood at around 10–12 months. Once they do, they’ll need about 30 calories per pound. For the average 50 pound Vizsla, that’s about 1500 calories a day.
You can also adjust serving meals to twice a day. And, try not to free-feed your dog to discourage overeating.
Seniors
During their senior years, it’s crucial to prevent your Vizsla from becoming obese. While their calories can remain the same, a lower carbohydrate food can help with their slowing metabolism.
You should also look for dog foods made for seniors. They have nutrients like glucosamine and probiotics — along with other vitamins — to protect joints, muscles, and the digestive tract.
Common Vizsla Health Issues
Vizslas are considered a healthy breed and have a lifespan of up to 15 years. However, they are prone to inherited diseases and food allergies. Here’s what you need to know.
Allergies and Sensitivities
Vizslas usually suffer from environmental allergies — including to pollen, grass, and dust. However, many are also allergic to eggs and wheat, so be sure to get yours tested if you suspect sensitivities.
Vizslas allergic reactions can include itchy skin, watery eyes, and sensitive stomachs. Other issues could include otitis and problems with the perianal gland.
While food won’t cure these allergies, a limited ingredient diet with vitamin E and omega fatty acids can reduce inflammation.
Of course, you should see your veterinarian if their symptoms are moderate to severe or don’t get better with a food change.
Hip Dysplasia and Joint Issues
Vizslas are prone to both joint issues and hip dysplasia. These are usually inherited conditions that can cause arthritis once they reach seniorhood.
Hip dysplasia, in particular, affects the development of the hip joints and causes a loss of joint function over time.
Proper exercise and nutrition can help to reduce bone and joint problems. Along with high-quality food, offering fish oil and glucosamine can be beneficial to protecting the joints.
While Vizslas aren’t inclined to obesity, avoiding weight gain can also help keep from putting too much strain on your dog’s joints.
Skin Problems
Vizslas are susceptible to a variety of skin problems — including sebaceous adenitis. If your dog has dry, scaly skin or patches of hair loss, this is most likely the culprit. This disorder causes inflammation in the sebaceous glands.
While steroids or other treatments may help, there are home remedies you can try as well. Fatty acid supplements or a higher fat food are beneficial.
And, look for formulas that have fish oil, salmon oil, chicken fat, or vitamin E as ingredients.
Glaucoma and Retinal Disorders
Vizslas can inherit multiple eye problems — including cataracts, glaucoma, canine entropion, and distichiasis. Glaucoma is the most common disorder.
This condition is excruciating and can lead to blindness if left untreated. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, and redness in the whites of the eyes.
Besides regular checkups with the veterinarian and eye treatments, there are ways to prevent eye troubles at home if caught.
Be sure to feed your pup food with vitamin A, antioxidants, and beta-carotene. These can help strengthen the eyes and may even help improve your Vizslas eyesight. And of course, medication helps when a diagnosis is made.
Epilepsy
Vizslas are commonly afflicted by epilepsy. This inherited condition is usually a primary disorder and can cause seizures. If your Vizsla is prone to seizures, they’ll usually start between 6 months and 3 years old.
These seizures can only be controlled by lifelong medication. Your pet will also require blood tests that will track the effectiveness and side effects of these medications.
However, there are now diets that can help control other symptoms that come with epilepsy. You’ll need to talk to your veterinarian about a prescription for the food, but it can be a great choice.
Our Verdict
Vizslas may not be a large breed, but they act like they are. From a big appetite to solid and lean muscles, your pup needs plenty of protein, high-quality calories, and as many healthy fats as they can get.
Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain dog food provides all the nutrients your dog needs, with a taste they’ll keep coming back for.
But, if you need a different formula, this list also has 9 other dog food choices. No matter what, you can’t go wrong with any of the options for your precious friend.
FAQ About Vizslas
Want to know everything you can about your Vizslas? Here are some frequent questions and their answers!
Should I feed my Vizsla dry or wet food?
Unlike most dogs who can do well on either or, Vizslas should eat dry kibble. These dogs are prone to dental issues, so dry dog food is better — its ridges and texture can help remove plaque.
Should I feed my Vizsla a raw diet?
If your Vizsla is picky, a raw diet can offer nutritional benefits and entice them to eat. To avoid cross-contamination, serve their food in specific bowls with utensils you use just for them.
Thoroughly wash everything after use with soap and water, and also remember that raw meat should come from a safe and trusted manufacturer or store.
If you feed your Vizsla a raw diet, make sure to brush their teeth regularly to avoid plaque.
Why is my Vizsla always hungry?
Because they’re so full of energy! These muscular dogs have higher metabolisms, so they need significant calories and nutrients to keep up with their lifestyle.
Should all Vizslas eat a grain-free diet?
Your Vizsla shouldn’t need a grain-free diet unless they have allergies or sensitivities to grains and gluten. Many grains like quinoa or rice have high fiber content that can promote digestion.
How much should I feed my Vizsla?
This will depend on the food you choose as well as your Vizsla’s activity levels and age. However, 1,300–1,500 calories are the average for adults.
