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The 9 Best Dog Foods For Rhodesian Ridgebacks

The Rhodesian Ridgeback, a gentle giant, is a valued family member in many families across the world. These medium-large, charming, and sensitive dogs are bright and lively, making them the ideal buddy, playmate, and running companion if that's your thing. They're also a generally healthy breed, with an average lifetime of 10–12 years.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are predisposed to joint problems like hip and elbow dysplasia. They also like playing and exercising; therefore, choosing high-quality dog food to maintain their joints and energy level is critical.

If you're not sure where to begin, these evaluations are a compilation of our top Rhodesian Ridgeback suggestions. If your Rhodesian Ridgeback has health problems, you should talk to your vet before giving them the new food to make sure it's safe for them.

It's also important to remember that not every type of food is appropriate for every dog because each dog is an individual with unique needs. While BestForPets (bestforpets.org) chose these best dog foods for Rhodesian Ridgebacks based on overwhelmingly positive reviews, there is no guarantee that they will sit well with your dog or that they will enjoy them.

Choosing the Best Dog Food for Rhodesian Ridgebacks: A Buyer's Guide

When it comes to selecting appropriate dog food for your Rhodesian Ridgeback, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the variety available. The simplest approach to select a brand is to reduce your selections depending on a few criteria, such as:

  • The age of your dog
  • The size of your dog
  • How active is your dog?
  • Any allergies your dog has
  • Any medical issues your dog may have
  • Whether your dog is on a weight-loss program or a special diet,
  • Your dog’s meat and taste preferences
  • Whether you opt for grain-free or grain-inclusive eating,
  • Whether you prefer fresh food delivered to your house or commercial dog chow purchased online or in stores,
  • Whether you prefer fresh food or kibble,
  • Your veterinarian’s advise

If you are ever unsure or have any reservations regarding the appropriate type of food for your dog, consult with your veterinarian. They will be able to propose products that they trust and believe are ideal for your dog’s requirements.

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Conclusion

If you’re still on the fence, our best overall choice is Ollie’s dog food delivery service, which utilizes high-quality ingredients and gives tailored meal recommendations. The Blue Buffalo Wilderness chicken dish, which is high in protein, was our best choice for value. The Hill’s Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Large Breed Chicken Meal Recipe was our third choice.

For pups, we offer the Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy chicken meal, and Merrick’s Healthy Grains Real Salmon & Brown Rice with Ancient Grains Recipe is our veterinarian’s recommendation.

These items were chosen for their appropriateness for big breeds, high-quality protein sources and components, largely positive user feedback, and, in certain cases, possible health advantages like joint care and mobility.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes you found these reviews of the best dog foods for Rhodesian Ridgebacks useful and that you have at least one ideal dish in mind for your clever, lovely Rhodesian Ridgeback! 

Reviews

Best Value: Grain-Free Blue Buffalo Wilderness

  • The primary components Chicken deboned, chicken meal, peas, pea protein
  • 34% minimum protein content
  • Minimum fat content of 15%
  • 3599 kcal/kg, 409 kcal/cup

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food’s grain-free chicken formula is our finest dog food for Rhodesian Ridgebacks for the money recommendation.

We believe this is an alternative worth considering for energetic Rhodesian Ridgebacks since it is high in protein (34% min), nutritionist-developed, and intended to keep dogs as healthy and active as possible.

The first ingredient is real chicken followed by chicken meal—we like that the meal protein source is named, which is a good indicator of quality.

It also includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as LifeSource Bits, a small kibble-sized antioxidant combination. On the negative, some dogs were put off by the LifeSource part and chose to ignore it.

Pros

  • Made with genuine chicken.
  • Protein-rich for good muscular growth
  • Supports an active lifestyle
  • LifeSource pieces with antioxidants are included.

Cons

  • LifeSource parts may be picked out by obnoxious dogs.

 

Science Diet by Hill’s Large Breed with Good Mobility

  • The primary components Brewers rice, full grain sorghum, and brown rice
  • Protein content: 17% minimum, 28% maximum
  • 12% minimum fat content
  • 367 kilocalories per cup

Science Diet by Hill’s Healthy Mobility is intended to promote joint and hip health in your dog. The major component is chicken meal, followed by brewer’s rice, and the recipe also includes EPA from fish oil. EPA helps keep your dog’s joint cartilage in good health, which helps them stay flexible and active.

This dish has garnered several positive reviews from satisfied customers, who noted how well it went down even with picky eaters, and some claim that there have been noticeable gains in mobility.

Of course, not every dog had a good time. Some people were dissatisfied with the kibble size, believing it was too large for their dogs. However, because Rhodesian Ridgebacks are so huge, it may be an excellent fit.

Pros

  • Promotes healthy mobility
  • For joint health, it contains EPA from fish oil.
  • It contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which help cartilage.
  • There have been several good reviews.

Cons

  • Some dogs may find the kibble size to be too big.

 

Best for Puppies: Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Food for Large Breeds

  • The primary components Whole grain sorghum, whole grain brown rice, chicken, chicken meal
  • Min. protein content: 26%
  • Fat content 14%
  • Calories 379 kcal/cup, 3622 kcal/kg

Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy Food is a large breed formula that we suggest for pups. It’s created with genuine chicken and additional nutrients like kale and spinach—two vitamin-packed plants that are a source of iron, antioxidants, and beta-carotene for pups up to 18 months old.

This mix also contains DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids to help with brain health, as well as glucosamine and chondroitin to help with joint development.

Some customers reported that this recipe helped their puppies with sensitive stomachs, thus it might be a suitable option for puppies with digestive issues. Some customers commended the food’s quality but expressed disappointment that their dogs didn’t enjoy the flavor.

Pros

  • Omega-3 fatty acids are present.
  • Supports brain and visual development
  • Made with genuine chicken.
  • Antioxidant-rich
  • Positive feedback has been overwhelming.

Cons

  • There is just one bag size (30 lbs)

 

Vet’s Choice: Dry Dog Food Merrick Healthy Grains

  • The primary components Salmon, chicken meal, brown rice, and barley
  • Minimum protein content of 25%
  • 16% minimum fat content
  • ME calories: 3739 kcal/kg, 396 kcal/cup

This Merrick Healthy Grains salmon dish, comprised with brown rice and ancient grains like quinoa, is our vet’s favorite for Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Another formulation with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint and hip health, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to maintain the skin and coat lustrous and healthy.

Best of all, it’s prepared with deboned salmon, which boosts immunity and fights inflammation. It’s also high in protein, which helps maintain muscles in shape. The kibble size is ideal, according to favorable customer evaluations, and it’s a terrific alternative for fussy eaters. Others complained that the kibble size was too tiny for bigger dogs.

Pros

  • Contains genuine salmon.
  • Aids in the maintenance of joints, hips, and a healthy coat.
  • All breeds are welcome.
  • Mostly good feedback

Cons

  • Kibble size may be insufficient for huge dogs.

 

Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Food Purina Pro Plan

  • The primary components Salmon, barley, rice, and oats
  • Min. protein content: 26%
  • 12% minimum fat content
  • 373 calories per cup, 3,511 kcal/kg

If your Rhodesian Ridgeback has a sensitive stomach or skin, this Purina Pro Plan formula is designed for dogs with these issues. It includes natural prebiotics, live bacteria, and oatmeal, which aids digestion because oatmeal is gentle on the stomach. Sunflower oil contains omega-6 fatty acids, and the first component is nutrient-dense actual salmon.

Some satisfied customers stated that this mixture worked well for their sensitive dogs and that they saw a decrease in unpleasant symptoms such as itching skin and diarrhea. Others were dissatisfied with a possible recent formula change and found the kibble to be too powdery.

Pros

  • It might benefit dogs with sensitive skin and tummies.
  • Contains genuine salmon.
  • Oatmeal to aid digestion
  • Prebiotics and probiotics are included to aid digestion.
  • Excellent feedback

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Kibble may be powdery

 

Adult Dry Dog Food Wellness Complete Health

  • The primary components Lamb, lamb meal, oats, and barley flour
  • Minimum protein content of 24%
  • 12% minimum fat content
  • ME calorie content: 3,655 kcal/kg, 417 kcal/cup

This Wellness Complete Health Adult Lamb & Barley recipe is designed to support your dog’s overall health, including immune, skin, coat, eyes, teeth, gums, and digestive tract. It contains antioxidant-rich blueberries and spinach, as well as flaxseeds for omega-3 fatty acids and additional taurine, vitamins, and minerals.

Many people liked the flavor and how much their dogs enjoyed it, as well as the kibble size. Some dogs didn’t like the flavor, but this is common with new treats. If your dog is allergic to chicken, we recommend avoiding this dish since, while lamb is the major component, it still includes chicken fat.

Pros

  • All aspects of health are supported.
  • Antioxidant-rich
  • a high-quality protein source
  • Many dogs enjoy it.

Cons

  • Not suited for dogs who are allergic to poultry.

 

Natural Smart Blend Dry Food Purina One

  • The primary components Whole grain maize, whole grain wheat, lamb, rice flour
  • Min. protein content: 26%
  • 16% minimum fat content
  • 3,972 kcal/kg, 380 kcal/cup

Another formulation that promotes total wellness is this Purina One formula. The first ingredient is actual lamb, a high-quality protein source that promotes muscular growth. Vitamins A, E, zinc, and selenium help the immune system. If your dog does not like lamb, there are various tastes available, such as chicken.

Most reviews tend to praise this product, with many noting the fantastic taste and how their dogs can’t wait to eat it. The majority of negative reviews indicate that dogs did not love it, but this is always a risk we take when trying new foods.

It’s also worth noting that this product contains chicken by-product meal as well as lamb, making it unsuitable for dogs with poultry allergies.

Pros

  • Promotes overall health
  • Made with genuine lamb
  • Vitamins E and A are present.
  • There have been several positive reviews.

Cons

  • Not suited for dogs who are allergic to poultry.

 

Recipe for Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie with Ancient Grains

  • The primary components Water buffalo, pork, chicken meal, sorghum grain
  • 32% minimum protein content
  • Fat content 18% min
  • Calories: 3,920 kcal/kg (445 kcal/cup

Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie is a well-known dog food brand that creates high-protein recipes inspired by what dogs would eat in the wild.

As a result, this formula contains a variety of meats and ancient grains, including water buffalo, pig, chicken meal, and roasted bison. So, if your dog like flavors other than the normal protein sources found in dog diets, this one could be worth a try!

According to user evaluations, this recipe was a hit with many dogs, with tastiness and ingredient quality highlighted as two of its strong qualities.

However, several people reported that it did not agree with their dogs, and it’s crucial to remember that this recipe contains chicken meal, so be cautious if your dog is allergic to poultry.

Pros

  • Various meat sources
  • High protein content
  • Affordable
  • Promotes good digestion

Cons

  • Not suitable for dogs with poultry allergies

 

Recipe for Blue Buffalo Homestyle

  • The primary components Carrots, turkey broth, turkey liver
  • 8% minimum protein content
  • 6% minimum fat content
  • 1,194 kcal/kg, 421 kcal/cup

If your Rhodesian Ridgeback prefers wet food, you might want to try this Blue Buffalo turkey dish. It features a variety of garden veggies, including peas and sweet potatoes, in addition to turkey.

We like that this wet food may be served as a meal or as a treat, and that it contains no by-product meals, which is an indication of great quality.

According to reviews, many customers’ pets like this dish, and some particularly like that it’s cooked with turkey instead of chicken for a change. However, like with practically every product, a few people reported that their dogs didn’t like the flavor or texture, and some mentioned that the cans arrived damaged.

Pros

  • Dogs who require extra hydration may benefit.
  • Dietary dogs may benefit from it.
  • Produced with genuine turkey
  • There are no byproducts.
  • Can be consumed as a meal or as a snack.

Cons

  • When the cans are delivered, they may be damaged.
  • Wet food has less protein than dry food.

Author Image

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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