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, these dogs always seem to be smiling with upturned lips and kind eyes.
They are quick learners and readily adapt to training. And 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 and help you decide the right kind of food for your Samoyed. Our top choices are based on our detailed 40-point inspection list.
Compare your top options mentioned below.
The Best Dog Foods for Samoyed Reviewed
Top Picks | Rating | Top Ingredients |
#1. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dog Food (Editor’s Choice) | 4.9 | Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas |
#2. Purina ONE SmartBlend Healthy Puppy Formula Dog Food | 4.9 | Chicken, Rice Flour, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Whole Grain Corn |
#3. Merrick Grain-Free Senior Chicken + Sweet Potato Dog Food | 4.8 | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes |
#4. Purina ONE True Instinct Real Turkey & Venison Canned Dog Food | 4.8 | Poultry Broth, Turkey, Chicken, Wheat Gluten, Liver |
#5. Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Dog Food | 4.8 | Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat, Tapioca |
#6. American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Dog Food | 4.7 | Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes |
#7. Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Salmon Freeze-Dried Dog Food | 4.7 | Salmon, White Fish Meal, Peas, Menhaden Fish Meal, Canola Oil |
#8. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Turkey & Chicken Dog Food | 4.6 | Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Peas |
#1. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dog Food
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
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 32% | Fat (min.) 18% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- 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.
#2. Purina ONE SmartBlend Healthy Puppy Formula Dog Food
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
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 28% | Fat (min.) 17% | Fiber (max.) 3% | Moisture (max.) 12%
- 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 adapting to this recipe.
#3. Merrick Grain-Free Senior Chicken + Sweet Potato Dog Food
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
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 30% | Fat (min.) 12% | Fiber (max.) 3.5% | Moisture (max.) 11%
- Form: Dry
Being old doesn’t have to make your Samoyed less energetic or prone to illnesses. 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.
#4. Purina ONE True Instinct Real Turkey & Venison Canned Dog Food
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
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 11% | Fat (min.) 3.5% | Fiber (max.) 1.5% | Moisture (max.) 80%
- Form: Wet Food
Fussy eating habits in Samoyeds can be a result of a sensitive stomach or a stale diet. However, 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.
#5. Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Dog Food
Ratings:
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
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 37% | Fat (min.) 20.5% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 9%
- 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.
#6. American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Dog Food
Ratings:
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
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 32% | Fat (min.) 14% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- 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.
#7. Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Salmon Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Ratings:
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
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 37.5% | Fat (min.) 20% | Fiber (max.) 3.5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- 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.
#8. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Turkey & Chicken Dog Food
Ratings:
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
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 32% | Fat (min.) 12% | Fiber (max.) 12% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- 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.
#9. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Rewards Crunchy Biscuits
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Potatoes, 2. Potato Protein, 3. Sweet Potato, 4. Cane Molasses, 5. Canola Oil
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,340 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 17% | Fat (min.) 4% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
Introducing Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Rewards Crunchy Biscuits with Real Venison, the perfect treat for your furry friend! These delicious biscuits are made with high-quality, limited ingredients, making them an excellent choice for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Real venison is the star ingredient, providing a mouthwatering flavor that dogs simply can’t resist.
These crunchy biscuits are not only tasty but also provide essential nutrients for your dog’s overall well-being. They are free from common allergens like grains, soy, and artificial additives, ensuring a wholesome and easily digestible snack for your pet.
#10. Zignature Trout & Salmon Meal LID Grain-Free Dog Food
Ratings:
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
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 30% | Fat (min.) 14% | Fiber (max.) 6% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
If you’re in search of a nutritious yet gentle-on-the-stomach option for your Samoyed, look no further than Zignature Trout & Salmon Meal Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This specialized diet offers the necessary nutrition your Samoyed requires without causing any digestive discomfort.
Plus, it’s designed to cater to your dog’s dietary needs by eliminating common allergens such as chicken, corn, wheat, soy, and potatoes. With Zignature, you can provide your beloved Samoyed with a balanced and allergen-free meal they’ll love.
#11. Stella & Chewy’s Chicken Dinner Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Ratings:
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
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 48% | Fat (min.) 28% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 5%
- Form: Freeze-dried
If you’re on the quest to provide your furry friend with a well-rounded and nutritious meal, Stella & Chewy’s Chewy’s Chicken Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food is a top pick. This recipe is crafted using 100% cage-free, hormone-free chicken, along with an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Inspired by a dog’s ancestral diet, it’s formulated without any grains, gluten, fillers, artificial preservatives, or coloring. This makes it an excellent choice, particularly for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Give your canine companion the taste of wholesome goodness with Stella & Chewy’s.
#12. Nom Nom Chicken Cuisine
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
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 8.5% | Fat (min.) 6% | Fiber (max.) 1% | Moisture (max.) 77%
- 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.
#13. Go! Solutions Carnivore Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey + Duck Dog Food
Ratings:
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
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 32% | Fat (min.) 16% | Fiber (max.) 3% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- 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.
How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick
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
Best Dog Food for Samoyed – A 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 101 – What You Need to Know About this Adorable Breed
Samoyeds generally reach a height of between 19 to 23 inches. Their weight can range between 35 and 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.
Samoyeds are medium to large dogs and eat quite a bit each day. Feeding them twice daily is usually enough, but check the food label for guidance. Puppies need to eat more often, around 3-4 times a day, because they have smaller stomachs. Feeding them right is crucial for their health and happiness.
The most important thing to remember is that a dog’s 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 for Samoyeds
Protein
Proteins are essential in a dog’s diet, and they’re best when they come from meat sources. Meat-based proteins are healthier and easily absorbed by the body. You can get these amino acids from various animal sources like chicken, beef, mutton, venison, turkey, salmon, and more. Vegetable amino acids are also acceptable as long as there’s a good source of meat in the diet.
Fats and Fatty Acids
Fatty acids and fats are the ones that provide your samoyeds 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 crucial for your dog’s digestive health and helps with proper stool passage. It’s important to provide your Sammy with a moderate amount of fiber in their diet.
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 Food
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 samoyed 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing the best dog food for your Samoyed is crucial for their health. Whether you prefer high-protein, grain-free, or limited ingredient options, focus on quality ingredients and consult your vet for the perfect choice. With the right diet, your Samoyed can stay happy and healthy for years.
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