This ultimate guide lists all of the best dog foods for Dobermans this year.
One of the most handsome, muscular, and loyal breeds – there are many reasons to fall in love with a Doberman. Their slender physique and energetic nature require proper nutrition to support their active personality.
When it comes to feeding your Doberman, you should focus on nothing but the best! These athletic, graceful giants need proper nutrition to thrive. Dobermans are known for their energetic, fearless, and loyal natures and are among the most intelligent breeds. These athletic dogs excel as military K9s, watchdogs, agility, and search and rescue.
Having a pet means taking care of their specific nutritional requirements is your responsibility. They need a nutritionally appropriate diet and daily exercises and activities to stay happy and healthy.
So, what’s the best dog food for a Doberman Pinscher? We’ve reviewed our top choices based on our detailed 40-point inspection list. Keep reading to find out!
The Best Dog Foods for Dobermans Reviewed
| Top Picks | Rating | Top Ingredients |
| #1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Duck Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food (Editor’s Choice) | 4.9 | Deboned Duck, Chicken Meal, Peas, Pea Protein, Menhaden Fish Meal |
| #2. Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Puppy Dog Food | 4.8 | Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Barley |
| #3. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach 7+ Salmon & Rice Dog Food | 4.8 | Salmon, Rice, Barley, Canola Meal, Fish Meal |
| #4. Purina Beyond Wild Prey-Inspired Turkey, Liver & Duck Recipe Canned Dog Food | 4.8 | Turkey, Turkey Broth, Chicken, Liver, Duck |
| #5. Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Dog Food | 4.7 | Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Meal, Organic Sweet Potatoes, Organic Chickpeas, Organic Peas |
| #6. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dog Food | 4.7 | Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas |
| #7. Bully Max High-Performance Super Premium Dog Food | 4.7 | Chicken MeaI, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat, Dried PIain Beet Pulp, Ground Grain Sorghum |
| #8. ACANA Wild Atlantic Grain-Free Dog Food | 4.6 | Whole Mackerel, Whole Herring, Whole Redfish, Silver Hake, Mackerel Meal |
#1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Duck Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food
Ratings: 
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Duck, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Pea Protein, 5. Menhaden Fish Meal
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,596 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 34% | Fat (min.) 15% | Fiber (max.) 6% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
This recipe from Blue Buffalo provides the optimal balance of energy and nutrition and includes Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to ensure your dog’s taken care of inside and out. It is easy on your dog’s digestive system and uses the finest ingredients, including chicken meal, deboned duck, and turkey meal.
Additionally, this recipe includes antioxidant-rich carrots, cranberries, and blueberries for your Doberman’s health. Rounding out this recipe is a healthy blend of potatoes, peas, and sweet potatoes, along with added glucosamine to support your Dobie’s overall mobility and joint health.
#2. Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Puppy Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Lamb Meal, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Oatmeal, 4. Brown Rice, 5. Barley
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable for: Large, giant breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,766 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 25% | Fat (min.) 16% | Fiber (max.) 4.5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
Specially crafted for large and giant breed puppies, this Holistic Select recipe works wonderfully for Dobermans. It contains essential nutrients and antioxidants for a happy, healthy, and active pup.
The digestive enzymes and healthy fiber support healthy digestion for those with sensitive tummies, and the high-quality natural ingredients include DHA for healthy eye and brain development.
#3. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach 7+ Salmon & Rice Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Salmon, 2. Rice, 3. Barley, 4. Canola Meal, 5. Fish Meal
- Life Stage: Senior
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,910 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 29% | Fat (min.) 14% | Fiber (max.) 3.5% | Moisture (max.) 12%
- Form: Dry
When it comes to fulfilling the dietary needs of senior Dobermans, few dog foods can compete with Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Formula. This recipe contains novel proteins like salmon and easily digestible oatmeal, which is ideal for athletic breeds that typically suffer from sensitive digestion.
More importantly, the formula provides glucosamine and EPA. These two supplements are crucial for Dobermans as they are prone to a spinal condition called wobbler’s syndrome. Probiotic and prebiotic fibers promote digestive health, while added omega fatty acids nourish your dog’s coat and skin.
#4. Purina Beyond Wild Prey-Inspired Turkey, Liver & Duck Recipe Canned Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Turkey, 2. Turkey Broth, 3. Chicken, 4. Liver, 5. Duck
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 1,169 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 9% | Fat (min.) 7% | Fiber (max.) 1.5% | Moisture (max.) 78%
- Form: Wet Food
The tempting texture, range of wholesome ingredients, and tasty flavors of the Purina Beyond wet-food blend will live up to your dog’s expectations and provide the nutrition and energy he needs to keep up.
This blend is made from nutrient-rich organ meat and is free from artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, poultry by-product meals, or fillers that can aggravate dogs with sensitive stomachs.
#5. Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Dog Food
Ratings: 
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Organic Chicken, 2. Organic Chicken Meal, 3. Organic Sweet Potatoes, 4. Organic Chickpeas, 5. Organic Peas
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,618 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 26% | Fat (min.) 15% | Fiber (max.) 3.5% | Moisture (max.) 11%
- Form: Dry
This organic, free-range chicken recipe by Castor & Pollux offers a wide range of health benefits using quality ingredients like organic sweet potatoes, organic flaxseed, coconut oil, and blueberries.
Castor & Pollux is known as a leader in canine nutrition that offers foods of extraordinary quality. Feed your dog nothing but the best with this complete and balanced meal.
#6. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Salmon, 2. Ocean Fish Meal, 3. Sweet Potatoes, 4. Potatoes, 5. Peas
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,600 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 25% | Fat (min.) 15% | Fiber (max.) 3% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
Taste of the Wild is known for offering a 100% complete and balanced diet with all the essential nutrients and novel proteins that canines need for optimal health. This grain-free recipe offers real smoked salmon, sweet potatoes, and peas, so your Doberman gets highly digestible energy that keeps them going all day long.
This formula has natural antioxidants extracted from fruit and vegetables to promote healthy digestion and overall great health.
#7. Bully Max High-Performance Super Premium Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken MeaI, 2. Brown Rice, 3. Chicken Fat, 4. Dried PIain Beet Pulp, 5. Ground Grain Sorghum
- Life Stage: All
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,930 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 30% | Fat (min.) 20% | Fiber (max.) 3.8% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
Gaining weight can be a problem for hyperactive breeds like Doberman. Luckily, Bully Max High-Performance Dog Food packs all the calories your dog needs to reach a healthy weight while staying just as energetic. It features a 30/20 protein-to-fat ratio made from chicken meal and brown rice, which builds lean muscle and fuels your dog’s adventures.
Each cup contains 535 calories without using corn, wheat, soy, or additives that can trigger allergies and cause digestive upset. The formula is also AAFCO-approved and is for dogs of all ages.
#8. ACANA Wild Atlantic Grain-Free Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Whole Mackerel, 2. Whole Herring, 3. Whole Redfish, 4. Silver Hake, 5. Mackerel Meal
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,440 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 3% | Fat (min.) 17% | Fiber (max.) 6% | Moisture (max.) 12%
- Form: Dry
Help your pup shed pounds while indulging in the delicious and holistic Acana Wild Atlantic Dog Food. The recipe includes fresh ingredients like mackerel, redfish, red lentils, pumpkin, apples, carrots, and more. The formula also features a 33% protein and 17% fat content, ideal for athletic and muscular dogs like the Doberman.
Thanks to the high quantity of veggies and fruits, the dog food is rich in fiber and helps your dog feel fuller while eating fewer calories. Finally, it contains essential vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to promote healthy gut bacteria and improve digestive health. You can also feed it to sensitive or allergic Dobermans as the recipe is free from chicken, beef, gluten, corn, soy, and artificial additives.
#9. CANIDAE PURE Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Salmon, 2. Salmon Meal, 3. Menhaden Fish Meal, 4. Sweet Potatoes, 5. Peas
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,560 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 32% | Fat (min.) 14% | Fiber (max.) 4.5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
This grain-free recipe is gentle on your Doberman’s stomach and contains natural, high-quality ingredients, giving your Doberman all the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy and active. The limited-ingredient diet uses handpicked ingredients that are less likely to cause allergies or digestive upset. This delicious kibble contains salmon as the primary ingredient.
#10. The Farmer’s Dog
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Turkey, 2. chickpeas, 3. carrots, 4. broccoli, 5. spinach
- Life Stage: All
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 33% | Fat (min.) 19% | Carbs (max.) 40%
- Form: Frozen
Dobermans have specific dietary needs, which is where The Farmer’s Dog comes in. This tailor-made fresh food service offers a customized meal plan for your Doberman built from the most premium-quality ingredients by a professional vet.
All you have to do is fill out a questionnaire with your dog’s age, breed, weight, and other information, and you will receive fresh food in eco-friendly packaging on your doorstep. The meal plan considers any allergies, sensitivities, or diseases your Doberman has and provides fresh food with a taste and aroma that will entice the pickiest Doberman
#11. AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Ground Whole Brown Rice, 3. Ground Whole White Rice, 4. Oatmeal, 5. Chicken Fat
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,450 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 23% | Fat (min.) 13% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
This recipe from Avo Derm is nutrient-dense and free of common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy. Your Doberman will love the high-quality ingredients, including chicken and brown rice.
Unlike any other recipe on the list, this one includes avocado as a special ingredient. It is antioxidant-rich and chock-full of essential nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and omega fatty acids. It is an excellent choice for your Doberman Pinscher.
#12. Crave High Protein White Fish & Salmon Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. White Fish, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Lentils, 4. Split Peas, 5. Chicken Fat, 5. Pork Meal,
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,717 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 34% | Fat (min.) 17% | Fiber (max.) 3.5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
Whether your dog is a picky eater, has a sensitive stomach, or both, Crave High Protein Dog Food is the perfect choice to kickstart their appetite. The whitefish and salmon formula is easy for Doberman to digest and unlikely to cause allergies. It makes up 34% of the recipe and is crucial for building and repairing muscle mass.
The ‘taste’ department is where this food truly shines. A combination of fresh salmon and tasty veggies gives the kibbles a rich and meaty taste that dogs find irresistible. Lastly, this recipe is grain-free and uses lentils, chickpeas, and vegetables as an alternative to fuel your Doberman’s daily activities.
#13. Purina Pro Plan All Life Stages Small Bites Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Lamb, 2. Rice, 3. Corn Gluten Meal, 4. Poultry By-Product Meal, 5. Whole Grain Wheat
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 4,236 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 27% | Fat (min.) 17% | Fiber (max.) 3% | Moisture (max.) 12%
- Form: Dry
Dobermans are working dogs that naturally burn a lot of calories daily. We recommend Purina’s Pro Plan All Life Stages Dog Food to fuel their daily adventures. Built on a protein-to-fat ratio of 27:17, the macro balance of the formula is ideal for keeping your dog muscular and energetic.
Lamb, the primary protein source, is perfect for the Doberman breed as they are typically allergic to chicken or beef. The presence of glucosamine is also crucial for this breed as they are prone to spinal problems in their later years. Live probiotics promote digestive health and prevent gas or bloat.
#14. Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Lamb, 2. Lamb Meal, 3. Ground White Rice, 4. Peas, 5. Pea Flour
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 4,236 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 27% | Fat (min.) 17% | Fiber (max.) 3% | Moisture (max.) 12%
- Form: Dry
This puppy recipe from Diamon Naturals uses protein-rich ingredients like pasture-raised lamb and other whole foods. It also provides holistic vegetables and fruits, including coconut, papaya, garbanzo beans, and peas.
Not only will your little tail-wagger love the flavor, but this complete and balanced diet has everything your dog needs.
Related:
- Dog Foods with Grains – Buyer’s Guide
- Senior Dog Foods Complete Guide & List
- Wet Dog Foods Reviews & Complete list
How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick
Best Dog Food for Dobermans – A Buyer’s Guide
Have you ever come across a blend that seems like it’s the best dog food for your Doberman?
If not, you may still have a lot to learn about your breed’s nutritional requirements. To help you learn everything about your Doberman and his food. I am going to share my experiences and knowledge here to help you make an informed decision about your Doberman’s diet.
Keep reading!
Understanding a Doberman’s Diet Requirements
Large-breed dogs like your Doberman Pinscher indeed have distinct nutritional requirements to support their health and vitality. Your majestic companion necessitates ample high-quality protein to nurture and maintain lean muscle mass, as well as moderate levels of fats to provide the necessary energy. These crucial nutrients should be sourced from real, top-quality animal meats, encompassing poultry, beef, and fish.
Dogs don’t require specific carb levels, but including some digestible carbs and fiber can offer extra energy. Healthy carb sources include vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and beans.
Puppy
Experts suggest providing at least 22% protein and 8% fat in a Doberman puppy’s diet. These nutrients are important for developing strong muscles. Choose a recipe that offers the right balance of fat and protein to fuel the healthy growth of your pup.
Adult
Transitioning to an adult dog food formula is crucial once your Doberman reaches their full size. Adult large-breed dog food provides the ideal balance of protein and fat to sustain lean muscle and energy levels. Additionally, choose a diet enriched with joint-supporting nutrients like chondroitin and glucosamine for your Doberman’s overall well-being.
What Should a Doberman’s Balanced Nutrition Look Like?
Before you start shopping for dog food, it’s essential to understand your Doberman’s specific nutritional requirements. Dobermans are medium to large-sized dogs with high energy levels, so they need a balanced diet that provides:
- Protein: Dobermans require a protein-rich diet, ideally from high-quality animal sources like chicken, beef, or fish. Look for dog foods with at least 25-30% protein content.
- Fat: A moderate amount of healthy fats is essential to maintain your Doberman’s energy levels. A fat content of around 12-15% is suitable.
- Carbohydrates: While dogs don’t need as many carbohydrates as humans, they still benefit from a source of easily digestible carbohydrates like brown rice or sweet potatoes.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Ensure the food contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, to support bone and joint health.
Dry Food or Wet Food – The Right Choice
Dobermans can thrive on both dry and wet dog food. The choice largely depends on your dog’s preference and specific needs. Some factors to consider:
- Dry Food: Convenient and often more affordable, dry dog food can help maintain dental health. Look for options with high protein content and minimal fillers.
- Wet Food: Wet dog food can be more appealing for picky eaters and provide extra hydration. Ensure it contains sufficient protein and essential nutrients.
Doberman Health Concerns
Dobermans are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Offering a healthy diet can play a significant role in managing and preventing some of these issues. Some common health problems to watch out for are;
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
DCM is a heart condition that can affect Dobermans. Choose a dog food that contains taurine, an amino acid that supports heart health. Some Doberman owners opt for diets with added taurine or consult a veterinarian for guidance.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that affects joint health. Feeding a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, can help reduce inflammation and support joint health. Look for dog food with added fish or flaxseed.
Von Willebrand’s Disease
This is a bleeding disorder that can affect Dobermans. While diet alone won’t treat it, it’s crucial to avoid foods with ingredients that interfere with blood clotting, such as excessive garlic or onions.
Skin Issues and Allergies
Some Dobermans are prone to skin allergies. Choose a dog food with limited ingredients to pinpoint potential allergens. Novel protein sources like venison or duck may be beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay special attention to my Doberman pup’s diet?
Your Doberman pup is a large breed dog and requires special nutrition that helps with optimal growth and health maintenance. In addition to choosing a diet that’s suitable for large and giant puppies, you should also focus on your Doberman pup’s special dietary requirements. These are discussed in detail later in this article.
What characteristics should I look for in my Doberman’s food?
The basic characteristics of a healthy and rich Doberman’s food are:
- Healthy protein
- Animal fat
- Minerals
- Vitamins
- Natural ingredients
- Antioxidants
- High-quality animal-based nutrient
- Free from fillers and artificial ingredients
How often should I feed my Doberman puppy?
For young Doberman puppies, the food should be divided into 3 to 5 meals per day for the first six to eight weeks. After eight weeks, give your pup a maximum of three meals per day. Consider it like breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As your Doberman gets older, adjust the mealtimes based on his activity level and metabolism.
What should I feed my Doberman for weight gain?
Since Dobermans have a lean structure, maintaining their ideal weight is a challenge for most pet owners. Add real meat, vegetables, rice, and fruits to your dog’s diet. Add food that’s filling and includes all the essential nutrients that would help your dog gain and maintain their ideal weight.
How much exercise does my Doberman need?
Dobermans are athletic and energetic dogs. They need more exercise to stay fit and healthy. A longer walk of an hour to an hour or two is great for your dog. For younger dogs, start slow and gradually build up their exercise and walk time. On average, a healthy Doberman needs at least two hours of exercise every day.
My Doberman gets quite gassy. What’s going on?
A little gas is normal and harmless for dogs. Excessive gas during meals can happen if your dog:
- Eats too quickly and swallows air.
- Switches to a new food.
- The current food doesn’t agree with them.
If it’s due to a diet change, give your dog time to adjust. If it’s the food causing issues, find a better diet and consider a kibble size that reduces gas.
My Doberman has a chicken intolerance. What options do I have?
Intolerance to chicken is directly associated with stomach issues. I have reviewed several chicken-free options in this article that are nutritionally rich at the same time. You can compare and check out the option that best suits your dog’s specific needs.
What vegetables are healthy to feed my Doberman?
While you can pick a prepared diet that’s rich in wholesome vegetables, you can also feed fresh vegetables to your dog for added fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Vegetables make a great addition to a dog’s overall diet. Here are some of the best options to start with:
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
- Carrots
- Brussels sprouts
- Peas
- Green beans
- Cauliflowers
- Zucchini
- Sweet potato
- Spinach
- Pumpkin
- Cucumber
Providing these vegetables as a healthy snack to your Doberman is also a great idea.
Should I feed a grain-free diet to my Doberman?
A grain-free diet can be a suitable choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Fortunately, Dobermans generally have a relatively low propensity for digestive issues compared to some other large breeds.
Nonetheless, some Dobermans may be susceptible to food allergies, making it prudent to avoid specific ingredients, including grains, to promote their overall digestive well-being.
What are the most common health issues for Dobermans?
The following are the most common health problems that you may witness:
- Dental disease
- Food allergies
- Other allergies
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Hair loss
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease – including dilated cardiomyopathy
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Wobbler Disease
What should I feed my Doberman to gain lean muscle?
You need to focus on feeding a balanced diet to your Doberman. Look for a diet that has an appropriate amount of protein, fat, carbs, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. In this article, we’ve helped you with the research bit by listing down the best available options to feed your Doberman. All you need to do now is compare your options and choose a diet that perfectly matches your dog’s specific needs.
How much fat does my Doberman need?
There’s no need to be overly concerned if your Doberman’s diet contains slightly higher fat content. Larger dogs typically require a bit more fat for energy, but it’s crucial to ensure that this fat primarily comes from animal-based sources for their optimal nutrition.
How much protein should I ideally feed my Doberman?
Ensure your Doberman gets enough protein, especially as puppies. Aim for at least 25% protein to support growth and muscle development. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog food for your Doberman is crucial for their well-being. Understanding their needs, selecting quality ingredients, and consulting your vet are key. With the right food, your Doberman can enjoy a happy, healthy life by your side.
