This (updated) guide lists the best dog foods for Samoyed this year.
Samoyeds are some of the friendliest, gentlest, and cutest dog breeds that you may come across. Commonly referred to as Sammies, they always seem to be smiling with upturned lips and kind eyes.
They are quick learners and readily adapt to training.
Because they give us so much joy, Samoyed owners want to do everything they can to provide a nutritious diet for their beloved Sammie.
The consensus is that commercially produced food is often the best option because it contains a well-balanced diet rich in everything your pet may need.
I’ve researched a lot of dog food to create this review to help you decide the right kind of food for your Samoyed.
Here is my list of best dog foods for Samoyed and why you should pick them.
The Best Dog Foods for Samoyed
| Top Picks | Top Ingredients |
| 1. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dog Food (Best For Adults) | Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas |
| 2. Purina ONE SmartBlend Puppy Dog Food (Best For Puppies) | Chicken, Rice Flour, Corn Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Whole Corn |
| 3. Merrick Senior Chicken + Sweet Potato Dog Food (Best For Seniors) | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes |
| 4. Purina ONE True Instinct Canned Dog Food (Best Wet Meal) | Poultry Broth, Turkey, Chicken Wheat Gluten, Liver |
| 5. Nom Nom Chicken Cuisine (Best Fresh Food) | Diced chicken, sweet potatoes, squash, spinach, sunflower oil |
| 6. Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Dog Food (Best Premium Option) | Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat, Tapioca |
| 7. American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Dog Food (Best Budget Option) | Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes |
How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dog Food
Best Overall, Best For Adults
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Buffalo, 2. Lamb Meal, 3. Chicken Meal, 4. Sweet Potatoes, 5. Peas
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,719 kcal
- Form: Dry
Nothing is more satisfying than watching your dog at its happiest and healthiest. And this is only possible when your dog gets all the nutrients it needs.
Taste of the Wild has a balance of proteins, fiber, and fats so that your Sammy gets what it needs. The grain-free formula consists of proteins obtained from buffalo, fiber from sweet peas, and carbohydrates from potatoes.
No matter what age bracket your dog falls into, Taste of the Wild is the perfect commercially produced food for them. It is grain-free without common allergens like corn, wheat, fillers, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. This diet is a good choice for Sammies with allergies.
Analysis: Protein min. 32% | Fat min. 18%, | Fiber max. 4% | Moisture max. 10%
Purina ONE SmartBlend Healthy Puppy Formula Dog Food
Best For Puppies
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Rice Flour, 3. Corn Gluten Meal, 4. Chicken By-Product Meal, 5. Whole Grain Corn
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 4,135 kcal
- Form: Dry
Real chicken, gluten-free grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables make this diet from Purina One the right one for your Samoyed puppy. It is a complete meal that contains all the essential nutrients required for their growth and development.
The recipe contains DHA, a nutrient in mother’s milk that aids brain development. It also contains antioxidants, calcium, and phosphorus to ensure that your puppy has a durable immune system and provides for healthy bones and teeth. All this nutrition comes with no compromises on taste. Your Samoyed should have no difficulty in adapting to this recipe.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 28.0%, Fat (min.) 17.0%, Fiber (max.) 3.0%, Moisture (max.) 12.0%
Merrick Grain-Free Senior Chicken + Sweet Potato Dog Food
Best For Seniors
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Sweet Potatoes, 5. Potatoes
- Life Stage: Senior
- Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,492 kcal
- Form: Dry
Being old doesn’t have to make your Samoyed less energetic or illness prone. Merrick Grain-Free Senior Dog Food supplies 77% animal protein content with reduced calories to keep your Sammy fit and muscular. The easily-digestible sweet potatoes won’t cause diarrhea or bloating, making them a great energy source.
Senior dogs also tend to develop joint problems, which is why the formula is enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin to build new cartilage. Omega fatty acids are present in the food to keep your Samoyed’s fluffy coat healthy and shiny. Most importantly, the food is free from corn, wheat, grain, and gluten, so your old pal is unlikely to experience digestive problems.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 30% | Fat (min.) 12% | Fiber (max.) 3.5% | Moisture (max.) 11%
Purina ONE True Instinct Real Turkey & Venison Canned Dog Food
Best Wet Meal
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Poultry Broth, 2. Turkey, 3. Chicken, 4. Wheat Gluten, 5. Liver
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 1,021 kcal
- Form: Wet Food
Fussy eating habits in Samoyeds can be a result of a sensitive stomach or a stale diet. However, a tasty and nourishing wet food like Purina One SmartBlend can get your dog’s appetite back in no time. This recipe uses juicy turkey and venison chunks to supply amino acids contributing to muscle creation and ligament repair.
It’s fortified with essential micronutrients, including minerals and antioxidants, that support the immune system and various body functions. Chicken broth gives the food an even juicier taste and mouth-watering aroma. And because the recipe is free from artificial additives, you can confidently buy it for allergic canines.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 11% | Fat (min.) 3.5% | Fiber (max.) 1.5% | Moisture (max.) 80%
Nom Nom Chicken Cuisine
Best Fresh Option
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Diced chicken, 2. sweet potatoes, 3. squash, 4, spinach, 5. sunflower oil
- Life Stage: All
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 1,255 kcal
- Form: Frozen
Preparing fresh or raw food for your dog daily is unpractical for most owners. Nom Nom solves this issue with their homemade fresh meals conveniently sent to your doorstep. The meals contain choice meats and veggies like chicken, squash, and sweet potatoes, along with essential oils and micronutrients.
After choosing one of their four recipes, board-certified nutritionists tailor the food to your dog’s dietary needs in compliance with AAFCO standards. This formula improves digestion, increases energy, and eliminates stomach-related issues. Although the price is also slightly higher than regular dry food, it’s worth the premium considering the long-term benefits to your Samoyed’s health.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 8.5% | Fat (min.) 6% | Fiber (max.) 1% | Moisture (max.) 77%
Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Dog Food
Best Premium Option
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Chicken Fat, 5. Tapioca
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 4,427 kcal
- Form: Dry
This raw diet by Instinct provides excellent nutrition, which is why it is such a hit with owners. It is freeze-dried food and contains essential proteins, fats, fiber, supplements, and antioxidants needed to strengthen the immune system, improve gut health, and promote strong bones and teeth.
The first ingredient of this recipe is cage-free chicken, the primary source of protein. It includes probiotics to help strengthen the gut flora, and it’s free of grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, artificial colors, or preservatives.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 37% | Fat (min.) 20.5% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 9%
American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Dog Food
Best Budget Food
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Salmon, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Turkey Meal, 4. Peas, 5. Sweet Potatoes
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,740 kcal
- Form: Dry
Besides being something your dog wants to eat, there is nothing more important about a dog’s food than ensuring it meets all its nutritional requirements.
Since Sammies are a medium to large breed, they need the appropriate recipe for their size and activity level. This grain-free formula has everything from omega 3 & 6 acids to DHA, beneficial fiber, phytonutrients, and antioxidants.
The primary protein source is salmon combined with sweet potato, kale, blueberries, rice, and oatmeal. There are no artificial additives like wheat, corn, soy, coloring, flavoring, or preservatives. Start feeding your Samoyed this American Journey favorite and look for the changes it brings.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 32%, Fat (min.) 14%, Fiber (max.) 5%, Moisture (max.) 10%
Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Salmon Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Best For Weight Gain
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Salmon, 2. White Fish Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Menhaden Fish Meal, 5. Canola Oil
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 4,450 kcal
- Form: Dry
If your dog is underweight — you figure out how to help them gain healthy weight instead of fat. And there’s no better recipe for this than Instinct Original Real Salmon Dog Food.
It’s one of the most calorie-dense formulas on the market, with a staggering 523 kcal per cup.
With 37.5% protein from wild-caught salmon meat, this formula will help your dog put on healthy weight, not fat. The food is also rich in good fats and contains a variety of fruits and vegetables, including apples, cranberries, and carrots. We also loved that the food is free from grains, gluten, corn, wheat, and soy, making it a perfect choice for sensitive Samoyeds.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 37.5% | Fat (min.) 20% | Fiber (max.) 3.5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Turkey & Chicken Dog Food
Best For Weight Loss
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Turkey, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Chicken Meal, 4. Lentils, 5. Peas
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,300 kcal
- Form: Dry
Few recipes can induce weight loss while being safe to eat for sensitive dogs. Wellness Core Reduced Fat Formula does that without using grains, gluten, corn, wheat, or soy to keep your dog’s stomach in good shape. It has a hefty 33% protein content made out of turkey meat to promote lean muscle growth and a lean physique.
To further help your dog lose weight, Wellness has cut down on fat content. However, it still contains essential fatty acids for coat and skin nourishment. An active dog like the Samoyed also needs plenty of energy, which the food provides with fiber-rich lentils and ground potatoes. Glucosamine, probiotics, and antioxidants are added to the food to support your dog’s joints and digestive system.
Analysis: Protein min. 32% | Fat min. 12%, | Fiber max. 12% | Moisture max. 10%
Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet Potato & Venison Grain-Free Dog Food
Best For Sensitive Stomach
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Sweet Potatoes, 2. Venison, 3. Pea Protein, 4. Potato Protein, 5. Canola Oil
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,340 kcal
- Form: Dry
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato & Venison Dry Dog Food contains a limited amount of healthy ingredients without adding anything artificial. It is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
The delicious venison meal provides a single protein source and the goodness of Omega-3 acids from flaxseeds. The recipe also is grain-free, with no soy, wheat, or corn.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 20% | Fat (min.) 10% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
Zignature Trout & Salmon Meal LID Grain-Free Dog Food
Best For Allergies
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Trout, 2. Salmon Meal, 3. Chickpeas, 4. Peas, 5. Sunflower Oil
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,725 kcal
- Form: Dry
If you want to try something nutritious but not heavy on the stomach, then opt for Zignature Trout & Salmon Meal Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This limited ingredient diet is easy on the stomach but contains the essential nutrition your Samoyed needs. It’s free of common allergens like chicken, corn, wheat, soy, and potatoes.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 30%, Fat (min.) 14%, Fiber (max.) 6%, Moisture (max.) 10%
Stella & Chewy’s Chicken Dinner Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Best For Picky Eaters
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken With Ground Bone, 2. Chicken Liver, 3. Chicken Gizzard, 4. Pumpkin Seed, 5. Organic
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 4,420 kcal
- Form: Freeze-dried
Stella & Chewy’s Chewy’s Chicken Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food is a good choice for those trying to cover all the nutritional bases. The recipe includes 100% cage-free and hormone-free chicken and fresh fruits and vegetables. This formula is based on a dog’s ancestral diet and contains no grains, gluten, fillers, artificial preservatives, or coloring. It is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 48% | Fat (min.) 28% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 5%
Go! Solutions Carnivore Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey + Duck Dog Food
Best For Active Dogs
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Salmon Meal, 4. De-Boned Chicken, 5. De-Boned Turkey
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,951 kcal
- Form: Dry
It’s well-known that Samoyeds demand tons of physical activity. For such canines, the only appropriate diet is the high-calorie multi-protein Go! Solutions Carnivore. The food maximizes energy and muscle mass, containing 435 kcal per cup with at least 34% protein.
Most of this protein comes from trout, salmon, chicken, and turkey meat to ensure optimal absorption of amino acids. Antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies like cranberries, bananas, broccoli, and papayas cleanse the body of toxins and make the food taste even better. Samoyeds with sensitive stomachs are also in luck as the food contains probiotics and digestive enzymes that build gut bacteria and enhance digestive efficiency.
Analysis: Protein min. 32% | Fat min. 16%, | Fiber max. 3% | Moisture max. 10%
Related:
- Guide & Reviews: Wet Dog Foods
- Reviews — Large Breed Dog Foods
- Ultimate Guide to Small Breed Dog Foods
- Best Foods For Dogs With No Teeth Buyer’s Guide
Buyer’s Guide
It’s easy for pet owners to become confused with the variety of pet food available. Should they opt for grain-free? Whole chicken or deboned chicken? Beef or venison? Vegetables or fruits, or maybe a mix of both?
The answers depend entirely on your dog. Here is what you should look for when reading the labels on your dog food.
Samoyeds generally reach a height of between 19 to 23 inches. Their weight can be from 35-65 pounds depending on the gender of the dog. Since these dogs are pretty active and bred for working hard alongside their human companions, you need to provide them with 45-60 minutes of quality exercise a day. Remember, Sammies need exercise so that their muscles and bones can grow strong. As an owner, you will need to ensure that they get enough exercise without overexerting themselves.
Sammies are a medium to large breed, which means that they consume good amounts of food per day. It is enough to feed them twice a day, but make sure you follow the instructions written on the label. Puppies should be fed 3-4 times daily because their smaller tummies can only hold so much.
The most important thing to remember is that the dog diet depends on their age.
- Samoyed puppies under the age of 4 weeks need to be on their mother’s feed. They can then graduate to solid food items like kibble
- Once the puppies have grown to adulthood, they can either have a raw diet that is based on fruits, bones, meat, eggs, and vegetables or commercially produced dry dog food. It is best to ask the vet about when to make this transition from kibble
- Samoyeds in their senior years need a highly nutritious diet as their bones and bodies are more fragile than they used to be.
Key Nutritional Needs
Proteins
There is nothing as important in a dog’s diet as proteins, particularly ones that obtained from meat sources. Not only are they healthier, but they are also easily absorbed by the body. These amino acids can come from any whole animal source like chicken, beef, mutton, venison, turkey, salmon, etc. As long as there is good meat source, vegetable amino acids are also good.
Fats and Fatty Acids
Fatty acids and fats are the ones that provide your Sammy with energy and other bodily functions like hormone regulation. It is also the fats that help in developing a brilliant coat and keep the skin free from allergic reactions.
Carbs
Too many carbohydrates can be hazardous but they are required in moderate amounts for energy to work and play. Keep in mind though that if your dog has some medical conditions like hypothyroidism, diabetes, or obesity, you will need to monitor the number of carbs they ingest.
Fiber
Fiber is another very important aspect of a dog’s diet. It’s what keeps the digestive system healthy and also helps in passing stool properly. Moderate amounts of fiber are what your Sammy needs.
Other Considerations
There are also certain other factors that you need to understand when you are the parent of a samoyed. Read on to find out.
Raw Foods
Samoyeds thrive on raw foods, be it fresh fruits or vegetables, eggs, and freeze-dried raw meat. These can either be given at mealtime or as treats for their good behavior or work. Of course, the number of treats that you feed your pooch will depend on the activity level of your dog. Just make sure you don’t end up overfeeding because that can easily lead to excess weight gain, which in turn can cause many other medical conditions.
Health Conditions
Samoyeds can experience a few health problems like hip dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, Cardiac conditions (like aortic and pulmonary stenosis), and a variety of allergies. You may prevent some of these conditions by giving them a proper, nutritionally balanced diet. Similarly, avoiding fillers and other artificial additives in the diet of your beloved pet can reduce the chances of allergies.
What to Avoid
Some that can cause allergies among Samoyeds are corn and wheat. It is best to avoid foods that contain them. Good grains like rice, oats, and barley are not only safe but healthy. Know what ingredients your dog’s food contains and watch your dog and gauge their reaction to it, both physically and mentally. If it’s nutritious, and your Sammy enjoys it without any ill effects, it’s the right food for them.
So long as your Sammie is getting good quality food, they will thrive and remain healthy. These dogs are easy keepers and do not give their parents a hard time when it comes to food. You can feed them twice a day, and they will continue to grow and keep you happy with their kindness, antics, and an all year round happy aura.
FAQs
So we’ve looked in our crystal ball to come up with this list of frequently asked questions. Once you got through them, we hope you will have most of your answers. And please, when in doubt, make sure you consult with your veterinarian if there is anything you don’t understand, or you suspect that something is wrong with your dog.
When to transition to senior food from adult food?
Even though Samoyed can live up to 12-14 years, most of them are considered seniors at around 8 or 9 years old. This is the age generally considered the best time to transition your dog to a food formulated for seniors. As always, if you have questions, please consult with your veterinarian.
Should I be feeding my Samoyed a grain-free diet?
If you’re feeding your Samoyed a diet containing grains, and they don’t seem to be doing well on it, a grain-free diet may be something you want to consider. Signs of grain intolerance in dogs include skin irritation, frequent ear infections, digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea, and behavioral issues. You may want to consult with your vet if your dog has any of these symptoms.
Are raw foods essential in a Samoyed’s diet?
Samoyeds thrive on a raw diet, which is why many owners give them commercially produced food and supplement it with raw foods like fruits, veggies, and freeze-dried meats as treats in between the meal times. Many store-bought foods are based on a raw or BARF diet.
How many times a day should I feed my Samoyed?
It depends on the individual dog. Some need more food than others because of their activity level. But in most cases, feeding them two evenly spaced meals per day is enough for adults, while puppies need three or four evenly spaced meals a day.
Is it okay to free feed samoyed?
While you may meet some people who swear by free feeding, it is often a disaster waiting to happen. Free feeding means that you leave food out for your dog to eat any time it wants. The problem is that most dogs have a problem with impulse control, and overeating can quickly turn them into obese and unhealthy dogs.
How much food does a samoyed need?
In general, the food labels contain decent feeding instructions, but for Samoyed, you will need to be vigilant because of their metabolism. Dog nutrition experts advise that you feed them a little less than the recommendation because they are prone to gain weight quickly. Any dog that rapidly gains or loses weight should be taken to a veterinarian for a thorough workup.
Do Samoyeds need a special diet?
Most Samoyeds don’t need a special diet unless, of course, they are suffering from allergies or disease. Feed them quality dog food with proper nutrition and match the amount you feed them with their size and activity level. Choosing one from this list is a good place to start.
Is canned food or dry food better for my Sammy?
The short answer is whichever he likes best. Some like the taste of wet food better while others like the texture and crunch of kibble. Many owners feed a mix of the two for the best of both worlds.
What foods should I avoid feeding to my Samoyed?
You’ll want to stay away from foods with excessive salt, fatty and sweet treats, raw yeast dough, milk, citrus fruits, like oranges, limes, lemons, and grapefruits, garlic, and onions, chocolate. Some of these, like chocolate, are toxic and can be fatal.
How much water should my samoyed have?
In general, Samoyeds have about 8.5 to 17 ounces of water per 10 pounds of their body weight. But this can vary according to their weight, weather, and activity level. A dog drinking a lot of water may simply be thirsty. However, a sudden increase in water intake that lasts more than a day or so can signal problems, and you should consult with your veterinarian.
How much water does a Samoyed puppy drink?
It may come as a surprise, but puppies drink more water than adults. If you feel that they are drinking a lot more than they should, it could be a sign of some internal problem. It is best to consult with your veterinarian.
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