The 7 Best Dog Foods for Dogo Argentino

Nadine Oraby

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Dogo Argentino often referred to as the Argentinian Mastiff or Argentine Dogo, is a loyal and athletic large-breed dog. While originally bred as fierce big-game hunters, they now make loyal and protective companions.

Their strength and intelligence do not make them suitable for first-time owners. They require a firm hand and strict boundaries. With the right training and a loving family, Dogo Argentinos make dedicated and courageous companions as well as excellent watchdogs.

Dogo Argentinos need a diet formulated for large-breed dogs to meet their nutritional needs. Since they are a high-energy breed, they need protein-rich and nutrient-dense food to support their active lifestyle. Along with high-quality nutrition, Dogo Argentinos need plenty of exercises to prevent issues such as obesity.

Keeping the Dogo Argentino’s specific needs in mind, we have compiled a list of the best products for your pet.

The 7 Best Dog Foods for Dogo Argentino

Best ProductsRatingTop Ingredients
1. Taste of the Wild: Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Dog Food4.8Lamb, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes…
2. Blue Buffalo: Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe with Red Meat4.7Deboned Beef, Fish Meal, Peas…
3. Merrick: Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe4.7Deboned Beef, Salmon Meal, Chicken Meal…
4. American Journey: Active Life Formula Large Breed Chicken, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe4.6Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice…
5. Instinct: Raw Boost Large Breed Puppy Grain-Free Recipe4.6Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas…
6. Wellness: CORE Grain-Free Puppy Chicken & Turkey Recipe4.6Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal…
7. Nutro: Natural Choice Large Breed Adult Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe4.7Deboned Lamb, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice…

1. Taste of the Wild: Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Top Ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Egg Product, Lentils

Taste of The Wild’s Sierra Mountain recipe is made with a delicious combination of tender lamb meat and sweet potatoes. Your Dogo Argentino will love this protein-rich kibble that is flavored with roasted lamb. Along with the lamb, this kibble also includes sweet potatoes, peas, cranberries, and blueberries. The additional salmon oil provides a good dose of DHA and omega fatty acids to keep your pet’s brain, eyes, and skin healthy.

Enriched with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this recipe also includes many additional nutrients such as taurine for heart health. This kibble promotes healthy digestion and immunity due to added species-specific probiotics.

2. Blue Buffalo: Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe with Red Meat Large Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Top Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Fish Meal, Peas, Pea Starch, Tapioca Starch

This recipe by Blue Buffalo uses red meat, and non-GMO fruits and vegetables. Made with the right balance of nutrients to support a large dog with an active lifestyle, this is a great option for your Dogo Argentino. In addition to beef, this recipe also includes delicious meats such as lamb and venison. The meat is complimented by accents of sweet potatoes and blueberries. This grain and filler-free kibble is also suitable for dogs with digestive sensitivities.

Blue Buffalo provides complete nutrition with this recipe that is also fortified with additional taurine, L-carnitine, DHA, glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids for overall wellbeing.

3. Merrick: Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe + Grains with Beef, Lamb & Rabbit Freeze-Dried Dry Dog Food

Top Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Salmon Meal, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Dried Egg Product

This kibble by Merrick is rich in protein from a variety of sources such as beef, lamb and rabbit. The protein source is accompanied by healthy grains such as brown rice which provide fiber, while apples and blueberries provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This recipe also includes taurine for heart health, as well as probiotics that ensure easy digestion. This recipe will help your Dogo Argentino maintain lean muscle tone and an active lifestyle.

This dry food contains freeze-dried raw-coated kibble and freeze-dried raw bits for a boost in flavor and nutrition. It is free of any fillers and suitable for adult dogs of all breeds.

4. American Journey: Active Life Formula Large Breed Chicken, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe Dry Dog Food

Top Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Rice Bran

This recipe by American Journey is a hearty meal for an active Dogo Argentino. Chicken provides lean proteins for strong muscles, while chicken meal is a good source of glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints. The meat is followed by brown rice and peas which provide energy and fiber for digestive support. This kibble is also fortified with added vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and taurine. It contains no wheat, corn, soy, poultry by-products, or artificial additives.

This delectable kibble is designed to boost immunity, encourage lean muscle tone, and ensure the health of your pet’s brain, eyes, skin, and heart.

5. Instinct: Raw Boost Large Breed Puppy Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Pieces Dry Dog Food

Top Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Egg Product, Tapioca

This recipe by Instinct is especially made for Dogo Argentino puppies with high protein (33.5%) from real chicken. Vegetables and fruits such as peas, apples, and carrots in this recipe provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for immune support. This kibble includes calcium that growing puppies need for strong bones, while salmon oil provides DHA and omega fatty acids which are key for healthy cognitive function, vision, and coat.

Along with the kibble, pieces of real freeze-dried chicken and chicken organs are included for a boost in nutrition and flavor. This kibble is free of grains so it is also suitable for pups with sensitive stomachs.

6. Wellness: CORE Grain-Free Puppy Chicken & Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food

Top Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Lentils, Peas

This puppy formula by Wellness is particularly high in protein (36%) for an active Dogo Argentino puppy. Lean proteins from chicken and turkey encourage healthy muscle development, while lentils and peas provide fiber to aid digestion. The wholesome fruits and vegetables in this recipe add ample vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for immune support.

This recipe ensures strong bones, as well as healthy eyes, brain, and coat with the right balance of nutrients. Your puppy will love the delectable flavors of this easily-digestible kibble.

7. Nutro: Natural Choice Large Breed Adult Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Top Ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Split Peas, Whole Grain Sorghum

This recipe by Nutro is made with delectable lamb and chicken proteins for your Dogo Argentino. This kibble is specially made with the nutritional needs of a large dog in mind and contains the right balance of protein and fiber. Nutrient-rich vegetables such as pumpkin and spinach in this recipe provide your pet vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Glucosamine and chondroitin promote healthy joints, while omega fatty acids keep your pet’s brain, eyes, and coat healthy.

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8. Taste of the Wild: High Prairie Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Top Ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Egg Product, Pea Protein

This grain-free recipe by Taste of The Wild is a great option for your Dogo Argentino puppy. Water buffalo and lamb meal provide your pup essential amino acids, while sweet potatoes and peas provide fiber and energy. The superfoods in this recipe enrich it with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for an immunity boost.

This grain-free recipe includes DHA to promote healthy cognitive function and vision for your growing pup. It also includes probiotics and prebiotic fiber to promote healthy digestion. This recipe is as delicious as it is nutritious, since it is flavored with premium roasted bison and venison.

9. Nulo: Freestyle Salmon & Turkey Recipe Large Breed Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Top Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Turkey Meal, Red Lentils, Chickpeas, Salmon Meal

This grain-free kibble by Nulo is suitable for a Dogo Argentino puppy. It is rich in protein (32%) from salmon and turkey meal which promotes healthy muscle development. The meat is followed by wholesome lentils, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes which are a good source of energy and fiber. Probiotics and fiber make this an easily digestible kibble for your pup.

Optimal calcium levels in this recipe promote strong bones, while DHA ensures healthy brain and eye development. Additionally, this recipe also includes taurine and omega fatty acids for a healthy heart and skin.

10. Diamond: Naturals Extreme Athlete Formula Dry Dog Food

Top Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Chicken, Ground White Rice, Chicken Fat, Cracked Pearled Barley

If your Dogo Argentino is highly active, this kibble by Diamond is a great option. Lean proteins from chicken and chicken meal encourage healthy muscle development, while the superfoods in this recipe provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for immune support. This nutrient-rich kibble includes glucosamine, chondroitin, L-carnitine, and omega fatty acids which promote whole-body health. Additionally, it is free of any fillers or artificial additives. Diamond’s recipes are made with a proprietary probiotic blend to help support your pet’s digestive health.

11. Dr. Pol: High Energy Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food

Top Ingredients: Chicken, Peas, Chicken Fat, Brown Rice, Pearled Barley

This recipe by Dr. Pol is a veterinarian-inspired diet which is suitable for highly active dogs. Since it contains a single protein source- chicken, it is also appropriate for dogs with allergies or digestive sensitivities. Brown rice and pearled barley in this recipe provide fiber, while pumpkin and spinach add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

This kibble is rich in nutrients such as taurine, glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids for whole-body health. Dr. Pol’s recipes are designed to improve gut health and deliver 40 million probiotics per pound of kibble.

12. Dr. Gary’s Best Breed: Holistic Large Breed Dry Dog Food

Top Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat

This kibble by Dr. Gary’s Best Breed is a great option for your Dogo Argentino. The chicken in this recipe is accompanied by the flavors of nutrient-rich alfala and cranberries. This recipe includes ample protein to encourage lean muscles, while brown rice and oatmeal provide fiber to ease digestion. Additional fish oil in this kibble is rich in omega fatty acids that are essential for the health of the brain, eyes, and coat.

This diet has been developed by veterinarians so you can trust your pet is getting the best nutrition. Dr. Gary’s Best Breed believes in holistic nutrition that improves your pet’s overall health.

13. Solid Gold: Wolf King Bison & Brown Rice Recipe with Sweet Potatoes Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Top Ingredients: Bison, Ocean Fish Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Pearled Barley

This Solid Gold recipe is specially crafted for large dogs like your Dogo Argentino. It contains premium protein from bison and fish meal which encourage lean muscle maintenance. The brown rice and pearled barley in this recipe are excellent sources of fiber, while chickpeas and sweet potatoes provide easily digestible carbohydrates. This recipe is enriched further with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants for immune health.

Solid Gold is a firm believer in the importance of gut health and delivers 90 million probiotics per pound of kibble.

14. ORIJEN: Puppy Large Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food

Top Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Flounder, Whole Mackerel, Chicken Liver

This protein-rich diet is great for a Dogo Argentino pup since it is rich in protein to encourage strong, lean muscles. Orijen uses a “wholeprey approach” to include the most nutrient-dense parts of the animal such as meat organs, which are rich in various essential nutrients. Since this recipe is made using fresh and raw ingredients, it does not include any harmful preservatives.

Your pup gets taurine, calcium, glucosamine, and omega fatty acids from this recipe that encourage holistic health. Additionally, it is also coated with freeze-dried raw chicken and turkey for maximum flavor.

Buyer’s Guide

Dogo Argentino is a highly athletic dog that needs a wholesome and nutrient-rich diet. Their diet also needs to include specific nutrients to reduce the risk of illness such as dysplasia. While this breed’s eating habits are generally unfussy since they are bred to be so, high-quality nutrition is key to ensuring their health in the long-term.

With the number of options available on the market, it can be difficult to settle for a particular brand. You should keep in mind that your Dogo Argentino needs a diet that is rich in quality protein. Inexpensive formulas can cause problems such as weight gain which can impact your pet’s mobility.

How to Select Dog Food for Your Dogo Argentino

Since Dogo Argentino is a large-breed dog, it is important that you feed them a large-breed formula. A large-breed formula is designed to cater to the nutritional needs of a larger dog. Dogo Argentinos are also highly active so a large-breed formula provides them the right balance of nutrients to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.

When looking for a quality dog food for your Dogo Argentino, you should keep the following things in mind.

1. High-Quality Protein

Real meat should always be the first ingredient in any food you choose for your Dogo Argentino. Protein is important for many vital functions in the canine body. It provides your pet energy and helps them build strong muscles.

Additionally, there are other nutrients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and L-carnitine that are present in meat. Meat protein is the easiest for your Dogo Argentino to digest and derive nutrition from. Look for foods that clearly mention meat sources, for e.g., “whole deboned turkey”.

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2. Wholesome Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support digestive and immune health. The vegetables and fruits combine with the protein to make a complete and balanced meal. However, it is important to ensure that there isn’t an excess of fruits and vegetables. Foods that list potatoes and peas in the first few ingredients are full of unnecessary starches that lead to weight gain. The best fruits and vegetables for your pet are:

  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Spinach
  • Pumpkin
  • Blueberries
  • Cranberries
  • Apples

3. Quality Whole Grains

Although there is an increasing amount of grain-free options on the market, it isn’t entirely necessary that you opt for one unless your Dogo Argentino is allergic or sensitive to grains. However, grain-inclusive options should contain quality whole grains. Inexpensive grain sources such as wheat and corn are not good options. The best grains for your pet include:

  • Brown rice
  • Pearled barley
  • Sorghum
  • Millet
  • Quinoa
  • Oats

4. Natural Ingredients

The ingredients in your dog’s food should be natural non-GMO ingredients that can be traced back to quality sources. The meat should not contain any hormones and antibiotics. Genetically modified (GMO) food and artificial additives can cause health issues in the long-term. A high-quality food should only include natural preservatives such as vitamins C and E.

5. Supplements and Probiotics

Although wholesome and natural ingredients are rich in nutrients, many dogs benefit from added supplements and probiotics in their diet. Most formulas include additional vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. These ingredients are important for your pet’s immune and digestive health. Depending on your pet’s age, they need a different set of nutrients.

For Puppies: Puppies need a good balance of protein and fats to support a developing body. Calcium and phosphorus are essential for growing puppies to develop strong bones. Another important supplement for puppies is fish oil, which provides omega fatty acids. These are vital for a healthy brain, eyes, and skin.

For Adults: While adult Dogo Argentinos don’t need many supplements in their diet, they can benefit from added fish oil and probiotics in their diet. In fact, omega fatty acids are essential for dogs at any life stage. Other supplements that your pet can benefit from include taurine, L-carnitine, glucosamine and chondroitin.

For Seniors: Seniors specially need supplements in their diet as an aging pet cannot make enough of various essential nutrients such as taurine.

The supplements your senior Dogo Argentino needs are mostly the same as the ones for adults but they are more important for seniors. Since seniors are at higher risk for obesity and arthritis, nutrients such as L-carnitine, glucosamine, and chondroitin are essential to prevent these issues.

Special Health Considerations for Dogo Argentino

Like every breed, Dogo Argentinos also experience certain health issues due to their size and genetics. There are two health issues that they experience that can be prevented with proper diet and exercise.

1. Canine Hip Dysplasia

Most large-breed dogs are prone to dysplasia of the hips, but over 40% of Dogo Argentinos suffer from this condition. In this condition, the hip joints do not develop properly and can pop out of place, causing arthritis and mobility issues. While puppies show signs of dysplasia early on, adult Dogo Argentinos can also develop dysplasia based on age, weight, and activity level. Since they are athletic dogs, they are prone to these issues.

Dietary Changes to Prevent Dysplasia
  • Dogo Argentino puppies need balanced nutrition for their life stage. Formulas that encourage rapid growth can put stress on a developing bone structure. This also means that the joints may not develop properly, leading to dysplasia.
  • Adult Dogo Argentinos should be fed a diet that includes chondroitin and glucosamine that promote joint health. Exercise is just as important as healthy diet to prevent dysplasia.
  • If your senior Dogo Argentino is overweight, you should carefully monitor their caloric intake and encourage exercise. Obesity can lead to many health issues including dysplasia.

2. Canine Bloat

Due to their large size, Dogos have deep chest cavities that make them susceptible to canine bloat. This condition can be life-threatening since the stomach twists and contorts in a way that cuts off the blood supply to the digestive system. Other organs can also be affected such as the spleen, leading to blocked circulation in vital veins. This condition is very painful but fortunately, it is quite rare and can be prevented easily.

Dietary Changes to Prevent Bloat
  • Feed your Dogo Argentino smaller meals that are rich in probiotics and fiber to ensure easy digestion.
  • Make sure your Dogo Argentino eats their meals slowly and gets plenty of exercise before mealtime.
  • A large-breed formula is nutrient-dense, leading to your Dogo feeling full with smaller portions.

FAQs

What is the best diet for my Dogo Argentino?

The best diet for your Dogo Argentino is a quality dog food that contains meat as the first ingredient, ample fruits and vegetables, healthy grains, easily digestible carbohydrates (if grain-free), and added nutrients. Your pet’s preferences also play a large role in determining the best diet for them.

What is the best dry food for my Dogo Argentino?

The best dry food for your Dogo Argentino should include a minimum of 30% protein and 10% fat. It should not contain any inexpensive filler and grain sources. The best dry food will also be free of artificial additives and an excess of starches. The kibble size should be large enough to encourage chewing and prevent tartar build-up.

Is wet food better than dry food for my Dogo Argentino?

While kibble is more affordable and convenient to store, wet food could be more appealing to your pet. The ingredients are closer to their natural textures and flavors, while moisture is also a plus. However, a high-quality kibble is just as good as wet food for your Dogo Argentino.

Should I feed my Dogo Argentino a grain-free diet?

If your pet does not have a sensitivity or allergy to grains, it is not necessary to feed them a grain-free formula. Whole grains such as brown rice, barley, quinoa, millet, sorghum, and oats are great for your pet. They include fiber which is important for easy digestion, as well as antioxidants which boost your Dogo Argentino’s immunity.

How do I prevent my senior Dogo Argentino from becoming overweight?

Senior dogs are at a risk of becoming overweight due to low activity levels. A senior formula with low calories is the best way to prevent weight gain for your aging pet. Additionally, supplements that encourage fat metabolism such as L-carnitine are also great for preventing weight gain.

Is a limited ingredient diet good for my Dogo Argentino?

If your Dogo Argentino has food-related allergies or sensitivities, you can feed them a limited ingredient diet. However, healthy pets don’t need a limited ingredient diet. If you would like to feed your Dogo Argentino a limited ingredient diet, it is recommended you consult your vet before making a switch.

Can a Dogo Argentino live with other animals?

Since Dogo Argentinos were originally bred for big-game hunting, they have a high prey drive for smaller animals such as small cats and dogs. However, with early socialization and the right training, they can live with companion animals.

Is a Dogo Argentino a good family pet?

Dogo Argentinos are fiercely loyal and protective, making them great family pets as well as excellent watchdogs. However, they are not easy to train and require a firm hand. If a Dogo Argentino is trained well and given a loving family, they make great family pets.

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