Dobermans are a breed of dog that is known for their athleticism, intelligence, and loyalty. Owning a Doberman can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to make sure that you are providing your Doberman with the best possible food. In this article, we will discuss the nutritional requirements of Dobermans and provide a detailed buying guide to help you choose the best dog food for your Doberman.
What is a Dobermans Dog Breed?
Dobermans are a medium-sized breed of dog originating in Germany. They are well-muscled and have a sleek, powerful build. Dobermans are intelligent and athletic, and they make excellent guard dogs.
Dobermans are a relatively new breed of dog, and they were originally bred for personal protection. The first Doberman was born in 1890, and the breed has since become one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the world.
Dobermans are loyal and affectionate towards their owners, but they can be aggressive towards strangers if they are not properly socialized. It is important to provide your Doberman with adequate exercise and training to prevent them from becoming destructive or aggressive.
Dobermans are relatively easy to train, and they excel in obedience, agility, and guard dog training.
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What are the Nutritional Requirements of Dobermans?
Dobermans have high energy levels and are very active, so they require a diet that is high in protein and fat. The best dog food for Dobermans will contain at least 22% protein and at least 10% fat.
For Doberman puppies, get dog food kibble with a nutritional profile similar to the ones shown on the table below;
If you have an adult Doberman, get dog food with the nutritional profile shown below;
Unlike Doberman puppies, Doberman adults require less protein and less calcium and phosphorus. Dobermans also require certain vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin E, copper, and zinc. These nutrients are essential for a healthy coat and skin, strong bones and teeth, and proper immune system function.
If you have a senior Doberman, choose dog food brands with nutritional profile similar or close to the ones shown in the table below;
It is important to note that senior Dobermans require significantly lower protein, lower fat content, less fiber content and lower calcium content. However, they need more Phosphorus.
Dobermans do not require any supplements if they are being fed a balanced and complete diet. However, some dog owners choose to give their Dobermans supplements for joint health or to improve the condition of their coat.
Dobermans also require a significant amount of exercise, so it is important to make sure that their diet contains enough calories to support their activity level. The best dog food for Dobermans will contain at least 300 calories per cup.
Dobermans are also susceptible to a number of health problems, so it is important to choose a dog food that contains ingredients that will help to keep your Doberman healthy. The best dog food for Dobermans will contain ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Best Dog Food for Dobermans:
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Duck Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food – Best for Adults
- Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Puppy Dog Food – Best for Puppy
- Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach 7+ Salmon & Rice Dog Food – Best for seniors
- The Farmer’s Dog – Best fresh
- Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Dog Food
- Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dog Food – Most affordable
- Purina Pro Plan All Life Stages Small Bites Dog Food – For super active Dobermans.
Best Dog Food for Dobermans Reviews:
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein:
Our overall best dog food for Doberman adults is the Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain-Free Dog Food. This food is grain-free and made with real duck as the first ingredient. It also contains a high level of protein to help maintain lean muscle mass.
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain-Free Dog Food is also made with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to help promote a healthy coat and skin. This food is also free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Dog Food is a high-protein, grain-free formula with LIFESOURCE bits that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. This formula features a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage needs and a healthy oxidative balance. It also contains DHA from natural marine sources for heart health and vision development. Made with real deboned chicken as the first ingredient plus added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, this formula is also free of chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat and soy.
Made with the finest natural ingredients, this food is enhanced with vitamins and minerals to provide your dog with all the nutrients they need. And best of all, it contains NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives. Plus, it comes in a convenient 24-lb bag.
Pros:
- -Grain free
- -Made with real duck
- -High in protein
- -Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy coat and skin
- -Free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
Cons:
- Some dogs may be allergic to duck
Buying Guide for the Best Dog Food for Dobermans in 2022
Factors to Consider when picking the best dog food for Dobermans:
When choosing the best dog food for Dobermans, there are a few important factors that you need to consider.
- Protein Content: As we mentioned earlier, Dobermans require a diet that is high in protein. The best dog food for Dobermans will contain at least 22% protein. The high-protein diet helps to maintain lean muscle mass and supports the high energy levels of Dobermans.
- Fat Content: Fat is an important source of energy for Dobermans, and the best dog food for Dobermans will contain at least 8% fat. Fat also helps to keep your Doberman’s coat healthy and shiny.
- Calorie Content: Dobermans are a very active breed of dog, so they require a diet that is high in calories. The best dog food for Dobermans will contain at least 300 calories per cup.
- Ingredients: It is important to choose a dog food that contains ingredients that will help to keep your Doberman healthy. The best dog food for Dobermans will contain ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Human-grade ingredients: You should always choose a dog food that contains human-grade ingredients. Human-grade ingredients are higher in quality and are more easily digestible for your Doberman.
- High-quality ingredients: The best dog food for Dobermans will contain high-quality ingredients that are free from fillers and artificial additives. Go for dog food brands that uses quality ingredients. For example, pick those that use whole meat from animals over those that use plant-based protein sources. Plant-based protein are lacking some essential amino acids and dobermans will find it difficult to digest.
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants are important for overall health, and they can help to boost the immune system. The best dog food for Dobermans will contain ingredients such as vitamins A, C, and E.
- Avoid fillers: Fillers are low-quality ingredients that provide little to no nutritional value. The best dog food for Dobermans will be free from fillers and artificial additives.
How often should I feed my Doberman puppy?
Puppies need to eat more frequently than adult dogs. The best dog food for Doberman puppies will be divided into small meals that are fed multiple times per day. It is important to start with a small amount of food and slowly increase the amount as your puppy grows.
- Up to 8 weeks: Feed Doberman puppies aged up to 8 weeks 3 to 5 meals a day.
- After 8 weeks: Feed them 3 meals a day
Grain-free vs grain-inclusive diets for Dobermans:
There is much debate on whether grain-free or grain-inclusive diets are better for dogs. Grain-free diets are becoming more popular, but there is no scientific evidence that grain-free diets are any healthier for dogs than grain-inclusive diets. Some experts believe that grain-free diets may actually be harmful for dogs because they can contain higher levels of protein and fat.
A study by Dr. Lisa showed a link between grain-free diets and a type of heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The study found that dogs who were fed grain-free diets were more likely to develop DCM than those who were fed grain-inclusive diets.
The FDA is currently investigating the link between grain-free diets and DCM, but more research is needed to determine if there is a causal relationship.
Dobermans do not have sensitive stomachs and are not prone to grain-induced allergies. You can feed your Dobermans dog food with any type of grain, gluten-free or those containing gluten. Wheat diet with gluten are not a problem with Dobermans.
Wet vs dry dog food for Dobermans:
There is no evidence that one type of food is better for Dobermans than the other. Some people believe that wet food is easier to digest, but this is not necessarily true.
Wet food typically contains more calories than dry food, so it may be a good option for Dobermans who need to gain weight. Wet food can also be a good option for Dobermans who have problems chewing or swallowing.
On the other hand, dry food tends to be less expensive than wet food and it is easier to store. Dry food can also help to keep your Doberman’s teeth clean.
If you decide to feed your Doberman wet food, make sure to choose a high-quality brand that uses quality ingredients. Avoid wet foods that contain fillers and artificial additives.
What are the most common health issues for Doberman’s?
The most common health issues for Dobermans are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and von Willebrand’s disease.
Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joint and can cause pain and lameness. Elbow dysplasia is a similar condition that affects the elbow joint. Von Willebrand’s disease is a bleeding disorder that can cause prolonged bleeding after injury or surgery.
Wobbler’s Syndrome: It is a neurological condition that Doberman’s are particularly prone to. The symptoms include an unsteady gait, weakness in the legs, and neck pain.
Hypothyroidism: Dobermans are also prone to hypothyroidism, which is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. The symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, hair loss, and lethargy.
Chronic Active Hepatitis: This is a liver disease that can be fatal. The symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and jaundice.
Cardiomyopathy: This is a heart condition that can be fatal. The symptoms include coughing, exercise intolerance, and collapse.
Cancer: Unfortunately, Dobermans are also prone to cancer. The most common types of cancer in Dobermans are lymphoma and leukemia.
Dobermans are also susceptible to heart conditions, such as dilated cardiomyopathy and patent ductus arteriosus.
Other conditions include;
- Dental disease
- Allergies
- Arthritis
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Hi there! My name is Ben Domb, an owner of two pets and I am one of the co-founders of OurPets HQ. I have several years of experience as a pet care professional in the New England region having spent time in various roles including a stint at a veterinary hospital in Upstate New York, Syracuse area. I am a certified pet care professional and mostly spend my time researching pet nutrition and sharing my thoughts in various blogs and columns. With quarantine and COVID restrictions, I have been spending a lot of time a lot with my dogs and cat and loving it! I also run a small consulting business providing advice to parents on pet nutrition, and especially safe homemade options to try. You can reach me at ben@ourpetshq.com
