The 8 Best Dog Foods For Cane Corso Puppies
- May 27, 2023
- By Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Cane Corsos are large canines that take a long time to mature. As a result, you'll be feeding your Cane Corso puppy food for considerably longer than most other breeds. For the time being, they are merely pups.
As a result, the puppy food you pick for your Cane Corso is critical, as they will likely be consuming it for at least two years. Also, big dogs like Cane Corsos have different nutritional needs than smaller dogs, so regular puppy food won't do (and could cause health problems in the future).
Finally, deciding on the best puppy food for your Cane Corso might be difficult! Fortunately for you, we've already done a lot of the legwork. Below are the BestForPets (bestforpets.org) assessments of the best dog foods for Cane Corso puppies on the market.
Buyer's Guide: Choosing the Best Cane Corso Puppy Food
When selecting puppy food for your Cane Corso, there are several factors to consider. You must not only pick a puppy food that is appropriate for a growing dog, but you must also consider your Cane Corso’s increased size, which might impact their nutritional demands.
If your dog has any underlying concerns, such as a sensitive stomach or skin problems, you will have much more to deal with.
We’ll go over everything you need to know about your dog’s digestive system and the food they require to flourish in this part. While this varies slightly from dog to dog, there are certain commonalities.
Puppy Nutrition for Large Breeds
Large breed pups have highly specialized nutritional demands, thus the food they require differs from that of the normal dog. You must maintain your huge breed puppy growing at the right rate. If they grow too rapidly, they may suffer joint issues such as hip dysplasia later in life. As a result, in this case, more is not better.
You’ll probably need lower-fat meals to maintain them growing at the right rate. However, because pups expend a lot of energy, you’ll still want a high-calorie formula.
About half of the calories your puppy consumes will be used for growing, therefore it is critical that they also consume enough calories for their daily activity. Feeding too many calories, on the other hand, might result in gaining too much weight.
It’s a balancing act, as with most things.
Growing pups require extra protein as well. However, too much protein can be harmful since it causes a calcium and phosphorus imbalance.
Phosphorus and calcium
To flourish, all dogs require a certain calcium-phosphorus ratio. Most dogs, however, are not very sensitive to this ratio. Large breed puppies, on the other hand, are a different matter.
Calcium is required for healthy bones, which your dog is developing right now. Puppies have no control over how much calcium they absorb. As a result, too much calcium can also be harmful.
Calcium, for example, reduces the amount of phosphorus your dog consumes. If your dog absorbs too much calcium, he will not absorb enough phosphorus.
Calcium and phosphorus work together to maintain appropriate development. Your dog should be getting around the same amount of calcium as phosphorus—or slightly more phosphorus than calcium. However, having more calcium than phosphorus might cause issues.
Vitamins
Of course, your giant breed puppy need a variety of vitamins. Vitamin D, A, copper, zinc, and manganese are all necessary for optimal joint and skeletal development. As a result, make sure your puppy gets enough vitamins and minerals to avoid future issues.
Having said that, your Cane Corso will not have any specific vitamin requirements in comparison to other pups. Instead, their unique nutritional requirements include calcium, phosphorus, fat, and protein.
Other vitamins are less significant and are not required in the same quantities as other pups.
Puppies of All Breeds vs. Puppies of Large Breeds
Your Cane Corso should eat a diet designed particularly for large breed puppies or one that is appropriate for all puppies. Many formulations are developed for all pups, which means they fulfill the more severe nutritional demands of larger breeds while still including the vitamins required by smaller breeds.
There are several formulas available that are good for all puppies, so it isn’t usually essential to acquire one created specifically for large breed puppies. Formulas designed for both are frequently of greater grade.
However, there are formulae available that are exclusively appropriate for huge breeds. In these circumstances, the corporation was only concerned with providing the nutritional demands of huge breeds. As a result, they lack the components that some smaller breeds may require.
As a result, they are only permitted for bigger breeds.
Macronutrient Requirements
Protein, fat, and carbs are examples of macronutrients. Each food is made up of these, and each dog requires a different quantity of each. Larger dogs often require more protein due to their rapid growth. It is typical to provide them a diet that contains roughly 30% protein.
The quality of the protein, however, is important since it is all about what protein your dog absorbs, not simply the amount of crude protein in their meal.
In general, these dogs require less fat because fat is high in calories. Too much fat might cause them to expand too rapidly, causing joint problems.
Conclusion
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food is our top recommendation for most Cane Corso puppies. This formula is specifically created for giant breed pups, as the name implies. It contains enough of meat as well as the nutrients your dog requires to grow and flourish.
If you’re on a tight budget, you might want to look into the Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy. This formula is less expensive than others on the market, but it is still intended for large breed puppies. As a result, it contains all of the necessary vitamins and minerals for your bigger breed.
BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes our evaluations and guide assist you in finding the best dog foods for Cane Corso puppies.
Reviews
Best Overall: Diamond Naturals Puppy Food for Large Breeds
- Lamb, Lamb Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, Grain Sorghum are the main ingredients.
- 27% protein content
- 15% fat content
- 414 kilocalories per cup
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food is one of our favorites for a variety of reasons. To begin, this meal is specifically created for big breed pups. It has the specific vitamin ratios that giant breed pups require to avoid joint issues later on.
Second, there are a lot of meat-based elements in it. Lamb and lamb meal come early on the ingredient list, ensuring that your dog gets enough amino acids.
Thirdly, this food is grain-inclusive, and the grains utilized are whole. Grain-inclusive food is usually preferable for dogs, while certain grain-free meals have been connected to health issues. Whole grains are the best since they include more fiber and minerals.
Probiotics, antioxidants, and prebiotics are also included in this mix. All of these components contribute to your puppy’s overall health, allowing them to develop into healthy and happy canines. For these reasons, this is unquestionably the greatest all-around Cane Corso puppy chow.
Pros
- Meat-based components are abundant.
- Probiotics, antioxidants, and prebiotics are all included.
- Specifically designed for huge breed puppies
- Whole grains are included.
- Artificial tastes and colors are not used.
Cons
- There is no glucosamine added.
Best Value: Puppy Wellness Large Breed Complete Health
- Primary Ingredients Chicken deboned, chicken meal, peas, ground brown rice, and salmon meal
- 29% protein content
- 13% fat content
- 367 kilocalories per cup
Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy may be of interest if you’re wanting to save money. This meal is specifically intended for giant breed puppies, as the name implies.
As a result, it is ideal for Cane Corsos. Furthermore, it is slightly less expensive than what is generally seen on the market while still offering high-quality items.
This food’s initial two components are both chicken. These components offer your dog with all of the amino acids he requires, as well as a lot of protein and healthy fats.
Ground brown rice is included as part of the grain-inclusive formula. We prefer whole grains to refined grains because they contain more fiber and nutrition.
Having said that, this formula has peas towards the top of the ingredient list, which we normally do not suggest. Peas may be linked to some health issues in dogs. As a result, we do not recommend that they be consumed in large quantities.
Having saying that, this is still the best Cane Corso dog chow money can buy.
Pros
- There are no GMOs, fillers, or chemical preservatives in this product.
- Premium grains are included.
- Omega-3 fatty acid content is high.
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Peas are abundant.
Premium Choice: Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food ORIJEN Puppy
- Chicken, turkey, turkey giblets, Flounder, and Whole Mackerel are the main ingredients.
- 38% protein content
- 20% fat content
- 475 kilocalories per cup
If you have a lot of money to spend, you should check at ORIJEN Puppy Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food. While this formula isn’t specifically designed for giant breed puppies, it does include all of the elements they need to flourish, and the AAFCO has approved it for them. As a result, it may be ideal for your Cane Corso.
The formula contains a lot of meat. In fact, the first few ingredients are different sorts of meat, including chicken, turkey, and flounder. Several varieties of fish that are high in omega fatty acids are covered. Furthermore, animal organs are used, increasing the total nutritious content.
There are some non-meat items available, but they are few and few between. For example, eggs are used later down the ingredient list.
We particularly like how this mixture is covered in freeze-dried meats, which enhances the flavor of the dish. This may be highly beneficial for pickier pets when it comes to enhancing your dog’s general health.
Pros
- Large breed pups are AAFCO-approved.
- Several meats were provided.
- Omega-3 fatty acid content is high.
- Organ meats are included.
Cons
- Expensive
Amazing Grains Puppy Dry Dog Food by ORIJEN
- Chicken, turkey, whole mackerel, whole herring, and salmon are the main ingredients.
- 38% protein content
- 20% fat content
- 528 kilocalories per cup
The ORIJEN Amazing Grains Puppy Dry Dog Food is quite similar to the prior food that we tested because it is created by the same company. In fact, the constituents are nearly identical.
However, this diet contains grains, which may be more suitable for certain dogs. While this meal is not specifically designed for large breed puppies, it is AAFCO approved for larger breeds. As a result, your Cane Corso should have no trouble eating it.
However, the first five components are meats. These meats range from chicken to salmon, providing your dog with a balanced diet. Probiotics are also used to aid your dog’s digestive health, and EPA is added to help with brain development.
This mixture, however, is still rather pricey. While it is not as expensive as the formula above, it might be more expensive than other market possibilities. However, it has more calories per cup, so your dog may not need to eat as much.
Pros
- a lot of calories
- Grain-inclusive
- A wide range of meats are included.
- Large breed pups are AAFCO-approved.
Cons
- Expensive
Vet’s Choice: Purina Pro Plan Puppy Dry Food for Sensitive Skin & Stomach
- Salmon, rice, barley, fish meal, and canola meal are the main ingredients.
- 28% protein content
- 13% fat content
- 417 kilocalories per cup
If your Cane Corso has sensitive skin, our vet recommends Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Dry Dog Food.
The key component in this composition is salmon, which improves the food’s omega-fatty acid level. These fatty acids are not only beneficial to larger dogs’ joints, but they are also beneficial to your dog’s skin.
Furthermore, this recipe includes grains. Many of the grains present, however, are not complete. Instead, they are processed, making them less nutritious.
We enjoy the fact that this mix contains probiotics. These probiotics aid in the improvement of your dog’s immune system. Furthermore, they are beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs and fur, as many ailments begin in the intestines.
Pros
- DHA derived from fish oil
- Probiotics are introduced to help with digestion.
- Vitamin A supplementation
Cons
- The cost varies.
- Contains refined grains
Puppy Food Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
- Primary Ingredients Chicken deboned, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, and barley
- 27% protein content
- Fat Content 16%
- 400 kilocalories per cup
Because of their strong marketing, you’ve probably heard of Blue Buffalo. However, their Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice is suitable for a wide range of dogs.
It contains all of the nutrients and exact ratios that bigger pups require for proper development, and it is AAFCO-approved for larger breeds.
Furthermore, the firm includes additional DHA and ARA for increased brain and eye development. These nutrients are particularly necessary for bigger breeds. However, because they are not necessary, many foods do not include them.
We really appreciated the addition of omega-fatty acids, which are especially beneficial for bigger dogs. These acids may benefit your dog’s joints as well as their hair and skin.
Furthermore, the minerals are chelated, as they are in most quality dog diets. All of the important vitamins and antioxidants are provided.
Having said that, Blue Buffalo is a tad pricey for what they offer. They also use a lot of peas in various dishes, including this one.
Pros
- Larger breeds are AAFCO-approved.
- DHA and ARA were added for development.
- Omega-3 fatty acid content is high.
- Mineral chelated
Cons
- Expensive
- Peas are abundant.
Puppy Natural Balance LID Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
- Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran are the main ingredients.
- 24% protein content
- 12% fat content
- 385 kilocalories per cup
Natural Balance is a fantastic brand, but many of its products are hit or miss. For example, this formula is intended for puppies with sensitive stomachs and performs admirably in this capacity.
Natural Balance LID Salmon & Brown Rice Puppy Recipe, on the other hand, might be fairly pricey. As a result, we relegated it to the bottom of the list. It’s still good cuisine, but the value isn’t there.
We liked that there were a lot of whole grains in this grain-inclusive recipe. Whole grains are unrefined and high in fiber, which is beneficial to dogs with digestive issues. Many pups benefit from a higher fiber diet.
This formula contains a lot of fish, so it’s high in DHA and omega fatty acids. Larger dogs do great on fish-based diets, as it improves their joint and coat health. Furthermore, DHA is essential for the development of pups.
Pros
- Contains fish
- DHA and omega fatty acid content is high.
- Grain-inclusive
Cons
- Expensive
- Quite crumbly
Dry Dog Food Black Gold Explorer Puppy Formula
- Primary Ingredients Brown rice, Brewers rice, chicken meal, chicken fat, oatmeal
- 30% protein content
- 20% fat content
- 444 kilocalories per cup
Black Gold Explorer Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food is competitively priced and similar to other quality brands on the market when compared to other dog meals.
The first component is chicken meal, which is strong in protein and amino acids. Furthermore, it is grain-free and high in whole grains, which increases the overall fiber content of the diet.
While fish does not rank very high on the list, it is included in limited quantities. This modest quantity boosts the DHA content of this meal, which can help your dog grow. Probiotics are also incorporated to aid digestion.
However, because this is a premium brand, it will be more expensive than other possibilities on the market. It isn’t cheap, but it’s priced comparable to other budget brands.
There are no smaller bags available, so you’ll have to settle with the larger, more costly bag. Furthermore, it does not appear to be effective for all dogs, particularly those with sensitive stomachs.
Pros
- Protein-rich and meat-based components
- Grain-inclusive
- Probiotics were provided.
Cons
- Not cost-effective.
- There are no small bags available.
- Not suitable for people with sensitive stomachs.
Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.
Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher
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