This updated guide lists all of the Best Dog Foods for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers this year.
Do you happen to own the ‘Greatest Duck Dog in the World’?
That is a fitting title for your Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
Chessies are known as the ‘All-American Dog’ because they are one of the first breeds to originate in the US. They have the resilience to survive the extreme cold of the northern states and the summers of the south.
Besides resilience, Chessies are also known for their intelligence. This breed is smart, active, playful, and obedient. But as I always say, if you want your dog to stay true to its breed, watch what you feed.
Keeping your Chessie’s specific dietary requirement in mind, I have created a list of the best dog foods for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. These choices are based on our detailed 40-point inspection list.
Let’s dive in…
The Best Dog Foods for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers Reviewed
| Top Picks | Rating | Top Ingredients |
| #1. American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Dog Food (Editor’s Choice) | 4.9 | Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes |
| #2. Merrick Puppy Chicken & Sweet Potato Dog Food | 4.8 | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Salmon Meal |
| #3. Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food | 4.8 | Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Oats, Whole Grain Brown Rice |
| #4. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken Dinner Canned Food | 4.8 | Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Peas |
| #5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Grain-Free Dog Food | 4.7 | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch |
| #6. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dog Food | 4.7 | Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas |
| #7. Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Dog Food | 4.7 | Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat, Tapioca |
| #8. Purina ONE Natural Weight Control +Plus Dog Food | 4.7 | Turkey, Rice Flour, Soybean Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Oatmeal |
#1. 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
This American Journey Salmon recipe has a balanced ratio of fat and protein to keep your Chessie healthy, active, and strong. Plus, you get additional fatty acids from flaxseed and sunflower oil to keep your dog’s coat in top condition.
Sweet potatoes and peas provide digestible carbohydrates for energy. This recipe is known as a LID or Limited Ingredient Diet. That means it has fewer ingredients and wouldn’t cause allergies or stomach and digestive upset in your dog.
#2. Merrick Puppy Chicken & Sweet Potato Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Sweet Potatoes, 4. Potatoes, 5. Salmon Meal
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,680 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 28% | Fat (min.) 16% | Fiber (max.) 4.5% | Moisture (max.) 11%
- Form: Dry
Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppies thrive on this grain-free chicken recipe by Merrick. With potato and sweet potato as the primary ingredients, your little Chessie will get a lot of healthy carbs essential for energy and healthy growth.
This formula also contains a healthy dose of DHA, which is essential for the cognitive development of puppies.
#3. Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Whole Grain Sorghum, 4. Whole Grain Oats, 5. Whole Grain Brown Rice
- Life Stage: Senior
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,385 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 26% | Fat (min.) 13% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
Nutro Ultra Holistic Superfood Blend is exactly what it sounds like; a great recipe full of superfoods. Superfoods are an excellent source of antioxidants that kill free radicals. That is what your dog needs to prevent health problems that come with aging.
This recipe is a good blend of micro-ingredients and healthy fiber that ensure proper absorption. No wonder, it is one of our favorite recipes for any Chessie.
#4. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken Dinner Canned Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Broth, 3. Chicken Liver, 4. Carrots, 5. Peas
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 1,190 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 10% | Fat (min.) 7.5% | Fiber (max.) 1.3% | Moisture (max.) 78%
- Form: Wet
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe is another delicious option to get your Chessie’s tail wagging at every meal. This nutrient-rich recipe ensures healthy physical and mental growth of your Chessie pup. Free of fillers like corn and soy, each can of this diet provides powerful poultry proteins.
Other ingredients, such as carrots, peas, barley, and brown rice, add all the minerals and vitamins your puppy needs, while superfoods like cranberries supply antioxidants for a healthy immune system.
#5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Grain-Free Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Pea Protein, 5. Tapioca Starch
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,599 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 34% | Fat (min.) 15% | Fiber (max.) 6% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
This is another great recipe by Blue Buffalo that I couldn’t miss. It includes tons of animal protein based on a dog’s ancestral diet. If your Chessie leans towards a large-sized breed and is very active, this one is my top recommendation.
What I love about Blue Buffalo is the patented LifeSource Bits, i.e., a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Your baby will stay strong, active, and healthy. I also love that it has plenty of glucosamine, which is essential for large-sized Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, who are more prone to joint issues.
#6. 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
There can’t be the best dog foods list without at least one Taste of the Wild recipe. And High Prairie is generally an option I trust the most. Even for large-breed Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, High Prairie has the perfect ratio of fat and proteins.
It includes peas and potatoes to meet the needs of a highly active or athletic Chessie. What’s more: Each bag of High Prairie has a strain of K9 probiotics – a proprietary blend to take care of your baby’s tummy.
#7. 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 is another raw food option on the list by Instinct, with a perfect ratio of fat to protein. Instinct Raw Boost recipe is a grain-free option that is best for active Chessies with an athletic build.
It has everything your baby needs to look gorgeous and stay healthy. It is full of omega fatty acids and antioxidants. Moreover, there is a boost of probiotics to ensure smooth and trouble-free digestion. Not to mention, it is free of additives, grains, soy, corn, and peas.
#8. Purina ONE Natural Weight Control +Plus Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Turkey, 2. Rice Flour, 3. Soybean Meal, 4. Corn Gluten Meal, 5. Oatmeal
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,346 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 27% | Fat (min.) 8% | Fiber (max.) 12% | Moisture (max.) 5.5%
- Form: Dry
If your Chesapeake retriever has gained excess weight and refuses to eat a new diet, perhaps the Purina One Natural Weight Control Dog Food is a good choice. One of the reasons this food appeals to picky eaters is that it contains freeze-dried meat bites and regular kibble. These meaty morsels taste delicious and give your dog a boost of amino acids.
The recipe is designed with fibers like oatmeal and whole wheat to promote weight loss. These fibers offer loads of energy and pass through the system without accumulating as fats. It also provides glucosamine to reduce the risk of joint complications and antioxidants to make your Chessie more resilient against diseases. It’s also rounded off with essential vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients.
#9. Natural Balance LID Sweet Potato and Venison Dog Food
Ratings:
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
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 20% | Fat (min.) 10% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
This sweet potato and venison recipe is a bowl full of health and happiness for your Chessie. It is a limited ingredient grain-free formula with healthy proteins and carbs.
Plus, there are plenty of fatty acids because of the flaxseed in this recipe. It is indeed one of the lightest foods for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers with sensitive tummies. Plus, it is free of all known allergens, including grains and additives.
#10. Nutro LID Sensitive Support Real Lamb & Sweet Potato Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Lamb, 2. Lamb Meal, 3. Chickpeas, 4. Dried Potatoes, 5. Dried Sweet Potato
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,635 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 20% | Fat (min.) 14% | Fiber (max.) 3.5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
Even though the oily coat of a Chessie rarely triggers allergies in humans, the breed itself is susceptible to food allergies. We recommend Nutro LID Sensitive Support Dog Food for such canines. The food combines lamb meat and sweet potatoes, both excellent sources of amino acids and sugars that promote muscle repair and high energy levels.
It’s free from all foods known to cause allergy in canines, including grains, dairy protein, chicken, beef, corn, wheat, and soy. This recipe contains essential vitamins and minerals for strengthening immunity and optimal bone health. After switching, your dog will develop a softer and shinier coat and experience improved quality of life.
#11. Primal Chicken Formula Nuggets Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Livers, 3. Organic Carrots, 4. Organic Squash, 5. Organic Kale
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per oz): 127 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 47% | Fat (min.) 25% | Fiber (max.) 3% | Moisture (max.) 6%
- Form: Freeze-Dried
Chesapeake retrievers are sporting dogs to their core, and it’s only deserving that they eat a diet crafted for hunting breeds, such as Purina Pro Plan 30/20 Dog Food. The formula features a 30% protein to 20% fat ratio, ideal for athletic dogs that need a muscular physique and more-than-average energy.
To develop this macronutrient ratio, the company uses premium-quality ingredients such as deboned chicken and beef fat that add a ton of flavor. Apart from that, the recipe provides probiotics to promote healthy gut bacteria and reduce instances of diarrhea. It features DHA and omega fatty acids to give your Chessie a healthy coat and skin.
#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
Nom Nom is the perfect choice for owners who strive to feed their Chessie a pure and nutritious diet. The brand offers ready-to-serve fresh food meals tailored to your dog’s age, breed, activity levels, and health history. Each meal plan is prepared according to AAFCO standards using human-grade ingredients, such as diced chicken, sweet potatoes, squash, and spinach.
Nom Nom is highly nutritious, yet it appeals to the fussiest eaters while keeping your dog at an ideal weight. Your dog will also experience improved digestion, have more energy throughout the day, and no longer have allergies or sensitivity problems. Even though the food costs significantly more than dry food, it’s perfect for owners who want Chesapeake Bay Retrievers to reach peak athleticism.
#13. Purina Pro Plan 30/20 Chicken & Rice Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Corn Gluten Meal, 3. Rice, 4. Beef Fat, 5. Whole Grain Corn
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 4,390 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 30% | Fat (min.) 20% | Fiber (max.) 3% | Moisture (max.) 12%
- Form: Dry
Chesapeake retrievers are sporting dogs to their core, and it’s only deserving that they eat a diet crafted for hunting breeds, such as Purina Pro Plan 30/20 Dog Food. The formula features a 30% protein to 20% fat ratio, ideal for athletic dogs that need a muscular physique and more-than-average energy.
To develop this macronutrient ratio, the company uses premium-quality ingredients such as deboned chicken and beef fat that add a ton of flavor. Apart from that, the recipe has probiotics that promote gut bacteria and reduce instances of diarrhea. It features DHA and omega fatty acids to make your Chessie brighter and appear healthier.
How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick
Related:
- Reviews & Guide — Wet Puppy Foods
- Senior Dog Foods Buyer’s Guide
- Best Puppy Foods – The Best Ones on the market
The Best Dog Foods for Chesapeake Bay Retriever – A Buyer’s Guide
Now that you’ve learned about your top options for Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s food let’s get into a little more detail. As I always say, the more you know your dog’s needs, the better you can choose for them.
So, let’s start with their needs.
Your Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s Dietary Needs
Even though Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are considered a medium-sized breed, their hearty appetite often makes them seem more like a large breed. Adult males, in particular, can consume up to five bowls of food a day. To maintain a healthy feeding routine, it’s advisable to divide their daily intake into two to three meals. While females may eat slightly less, they still require around three bowls of food per day.
Puppies, due to their increased activity levels, require high-quality puppy food provided at least three times a day. They need a higher calorie intake compared to adults. An adult typically needs around 1500 daily calories, whereas puppies require approximately 2000 calories. It’s essential to ensure that these calories primarily come from meat sources for their optimal growth and development.
Ingredients to Look for
As I said, you need to look for healthy balanced dog food for your Chessie. First and foremost, you need to look for a healthy balance of fat and proteins. Depending on how active your dog is, the fat content should be between 8 to 10 percent, while proteins should be more than 20 percent.
More on Fat and Proteins
Sources of fats and proteins are more important than the ratio. Make sure the proteins come from real meat. Novel protein sources such as chicken, rabbits, kangaroos, venison, and buffalo are just a few examples. While these options come with a heftier price tag, they provide all the essential nutrients along with supplemental ingredients that can prevent common diseases in your Chessie.
Glucosamine
Although there are plenty of healthy ingredients besides the essential ones, glucosamine is the one I mainly look for in any best dog food for Chesapeake Bay Retriever. That is because this one ingredient can take care of my baby’s joints and bones better than any other component.
Omega 3 and Omega 6
Your Chessie is susceptible to a few diseases related to skin and coat. Their curly coat, if too dry, can get tangled and will make your baby look messy. It is also a cause of discomfort for the dog, and it becomes difficult to keep a tangled coat clean.
Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are like magic potions for your dog’s coat and skin. They also keep skin allergies at bay. Fish like cod and salmon are good sources of fatty acids.
DHA
Docosahexaenoic Acid, or DHA, is another supplemental ingredient that is good for your Chessie’s well-being. Since the breed is susceptible to certain eye-related diseases, such as progressive retinal atrophy, a healthy balance of DHA in the diet will keep the risks low for your pal.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics help you keep your baby’s tummy free of troubles. They maintain healthy gut bacteria to ensure easy digestion and better metabolism. You can find dog food with prebiotics or sprinkle a prebiotic supplement on regular food.
Ingredients to Avoid
The first thing that you need to avoid for your Chesapeake Bay Retriever is bad carbs. Bad carbs come from sources such as soy, corn, wheat, and ingredients that have little nutritional value otherwise. These ingredients are also common allergens and can cause digestive problems.
Here I would like to mention that carbohydrates are still important to your dog. So look for healthier sources such as potatoes and sweet potatoes instead.
Other ingredients you need to avoid are additives – be it artificial color or artificial flavor.
Lastly, try to avoid any dog food that is overly processed or doesn’t have real animal meat as the first ingredient. That is why I usually recommend raw diet options such as freeze-dried dog food for Chessies. But you have to make sure you are following the proper method to help your baby transition from processed to raw.
Watching Weight
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are active, but many aren’t busy enough to burn all the calories they consume. It is not exactly uncommon to find a Chesapeake Bay Retriever slightly on the heavier side. A study conducted in 2016 stated that nearly 45 % of adult dogs suffer from obesity.
You need to make sure you aren’t listening to your dog when it comes to the quantity of their food. Instead of measuring bowls, keep an eye on the calories consumed.
Keep a regular check on your dog’s weight. Place your hands on your dog’s belly while it’s standing and see if you can feel the ribs. If yes, then there is nothing to worry about. If not, then you need to make your baby work out a bit while switching to different dog food with more protein and less fat.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers Common Health Problems
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Proper nutrition can play a significant role in preventing or managing some of these health problems.
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop correctly. Feeding your Chesapeake Bay Retriever a diet formulated for large breed dogs can help manage their growth rate and reduce the risk of hip dysplasia.
- Obesity: Chessies have hearty appetites, and overfeeding can lead to obesity. Controlling portion sizes and selecting a high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs while maintaining a healthy weight is essential.
- Allergies: Some of these dogs may have food allergies or sensitivities. Switching to a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet can help alleviate allergy symptoms.
- Eye Conditions: Regular eye check-ups are essential for Chessies, as they can be prone to eye conditions. A diet rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, can support eye health.
It’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian to choose the best diet for your Chesapeake Bay Retriever based on their specific needs and health concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I feed my Chesapeake Bay Retriever?
Like most dogs, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers do well on meat proteins. While chicken and lamb are good options, novel proteins like duck, venison, and salmon are better for their overall health. Ideally, their meal should have at least 20 percent protein and 10 percent fat.
Does a Chesapeake Bay Retriever need a large-breed dog food?
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers can be classified into middle or large breed dog depending on how big they grow. Some remain under 22 inches while others can grow up to 27 inches. However, most do well on large-breed dog foods as they need more protein to stay healthy and energetic.
How much should a Chesapeake Bay Retriever eat?
Chessies have a good appetite. A female requires around three bowls of quality dog food a day while an adult male Chessie will eat approximately five bowls. It is fine as long as your pet isn’t getting fat. However, this meal should be divided into three meals a day.
Can Chesapeake Bay Retriever become obese?
Yes, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever loves to eat, and it can eat more than it should. If their routine does not involve regular exercise, they won’t be able to burn all those calories. Obesity can lead to numerous other health issues.
How many calories does Chesapeake Bay Retriever need in a day?
Young Chesapeake Bay Retrievers need around 2000-2500 calories a day, but as their activity level decreases with age, 1500 calories are enough for them. Seniors can become even less active, and they might need 1200 calories or fewer.
Is Chesapeake Bay Retriever hypoallergenic?
No, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are not hypoallergenic because they shed a lot. They may not shed as much as fluffier large breed dogs, but they still shed enough to cause allergies.
Do Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have a sensitive tummy?
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are just as sensitive as other breeds. While they do not particularly have sensitive tummies, they are susceptible to bloating, indigestion, and stomach infections – if their food isn’t of the best quality.
Can food make my Chesapeake Bay Retriever lose hair?
According to a study, Chesapeake Retrievers are prone to hair loss as they grow old. However, the problem has little to do with diet as it is a hormonal issue. Ingredients such as additives and GMOs can often aggravate the problem.
Is a raw diet good for Chesapeake Bay Retriever?
Yes, Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a reasonably large breed that requires the right balance of protein and fat. Raw diets offer the best balance of these two essential nutrients. Just make sure you are getting the best raw dog food for your pet.
Is grain-free dog food good for Chesapeake Bay Retriever?
Dogs are omnivores by nature, and their diet does include some grains. However, most dog foods have low-quality grains that can cause allergies and trigger sensitivities. So, either choose grain-free for your Chesapeake Bay Retriever or go for food with quality grains such as brown rice.
Which ingredient is bad for Chesapeake Bay Retriever?
Avoid ingredients that have little or no nutritional value for your Chessie, which includes any kind of artificial additives such as coloring and flavor. Also, avoid filler ingredients such as soy, corn, and husk.
Does Chesapeake Bay Retriever need a lot of fat in the diet?
Depending on the activity level, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever may need dog food with around 8 to 10 percent fat from quality sources. Fat is what converts into energy your dog needs to enjoy an active lifestyle.
How long does Chesapeake Bay Retriever live?
A healthy Chesapeake Bay Retriever on a balanced diet can live up to 12 years. The breed is susceptible to hip dysplasia in later years but proper diet and supplements can help them enjoy a good life despite health issues.
Conclusion
Remember that every Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an individual, and their dietary requirements may vary. Regular veterinary check-ups, a watchful eye on their weight, and a diet tailored to their specific needs will keep your loyal companion happy, healthy, and ready for any adventure that comes their way.
