11 Best Dog Foods for Vizslas in 2022

Sleek and supple, graceful with gleaming coats, Vizslas are known for their skills as hunting dogs as well as for the close bonds they form with their owners. According to the American Kennel Club, whether they are running in the field or running alongside you on a jog, Vizslas are a breed thatā€™s growing in... The post 11 Best Dog Foods for Vizslas in 2022 appeared first on Pet Reviews.

11 Best Dog Foods for Vizslas in 2022
Sleek and supple, graceful with gleaming coats, Vizslas are known for their skills as hunting dogs as well as for the close bonds they form with their owners.

According to the American Kennel Club, whether they are running in the field or running alongside you on a jog, Vizslas are a breed thatā€™s growing in popularity, ranking 31st out of 196 breeds.

First bred in Hungary as a gundog, the red-coated Vizsla has an athleteā€™s lean build. With long, silky ears and a tranquil face until focused when at work, Vizslas are a beautiful breed.

Also known as a Hungarian Pointer, the first Vizsla came to America in 1950 when it was smuggled from communist Hungary with a U.S. State Department employeeā€™s help. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1960 as its 116th breed.

Vizslas are as endearing as they are beautiful. Because they were bred to hunt alongside their masters, Vizslas loved human contact and hated being alone. Separation anxiety can be a problem for this breed, so provide your Vizsla with plenty of attention.

Vizslas at one time were chasing game, but today, their athletic prowess makes them fun to bring along as a companion when biking or running. A Vizsla needs a minimum of 30 minutes a day of walking or other physical activity, and some Vizslas may need more.

A lean, athletic dog requires the best in dog food. Vizslas can enjoy a healthy diet, whether the food is manufactured commercially or made at home with your veterinarianā€™s approval. Vizslas eat heartily, but their caloric needs can vary by age and level of activity. A younger, more active Vizsla may burn more calories than an older, more sedentary Vizsla.

Since the health of your Vizsla depends on the quality of its food, weā€™ve reviewed a wide range of widely available dog food options and have determined the best choices for your pet.

What is the Best Dog Food for Vizsla Dogs?

To choose the best dog food options for Vizslas, we researched the market to find the highest quality food for this unique and beautiful breed. Their athleticism, as well as their coat, skin, and metabolism, were taken into consideration. Here is a quick look at our recommendations:

Five Nutritional Needs of Vizslas

To keep your Vizsla happy and healthy, you need to provide them the best dog food for their nutritional needs. Vizslas are genetically predisposed to certain conditions, but the dog food you choose for your Vizsla could make them less likely.

The right dog food choices mean a longer, healthier life for your Vizsla and more energy. Your Vizsla has needs unique to its breed, so consider these components to your dogā€™s healthy diet.

Protein

A Vizslaā€™s lean body needs protein to fuel its muscles. Your Vizslaā€™s protein needs will change throughout its life. A Vizsla puppy will need a diet with no less than 23 percent protein to boost its growth and give it the best start possible. As your Vizsla reaches adulthood, it needs no less than 18 percent protein.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are a vital part of your dogā€™s diet, as they provide additional fuel for energy as well as vitamins and minerals. However, be careful in choosing your Vizslaā€™s carbohydrates.

Some Vizslas have food allergies to carbohydrate sources such as grains, so avoiding possible allergens can keep your Vizsla healthy and keep your veterinary bills lower.

Fats

Fat is necessary for your Vizslaā€™s diet to ensure fuel is available for its high energy needs. Vizslas love to run, so fat gives them the boost needed to be your running buddy. Puppies need no less than 8 percent fat in their diet to fuel their growth, while adult Vizslas need no less than 6 percent.

Fruits and Vegetables

Vizslas are known to fuel their energy stores with hearty eating, and they also enjoy fruits and vegetables, either as part of their dog food or as a supplement from your kitchen. Vegetables, which have plenty of fiber and vitamins yet are lower in sugar, are a healthy treat. Try offering your Vizsla broccoli, carrots, or spinach.

Prebiotics and Probiotics

Supplements such as prebiotics and probiotics have been trendy for humans, so you may wonder if these are needed to keep your Vizsla healthy. Because these biotics provide good bacteria in the gut of your pup, they can significantly improve digestion.

Before you start adding prebiotic or probiotic supplements to your Vizslaā€™s diet, consult your veterinarian. You may also find that higher quality dog foods already include these, making supplementation unnecessary and possibly harmful to your pup.

9 Special Health Considerations of Vizslas

Vizslas have needs that are unique to their breed. Their lean muscle mass, love of running, silky coats, and the tendency to have food allergies are among considerations when you select the best dog food for your Vizsla.

Health Issues

Carefully bred, Vizslaā€™s have quite a small gene pool, and they can be at an increased risk for several illnesses and conditions. Keeping these conditions in mind can affect the choices you make for the best dog food for your Vizsla.

Dental Disease

Having dental problems affects as many as 80 percent of dogs by age 2, but Vizslas are more likely to be affected. Tartar buildup is the start of these conditions, so keeping your Vizslaā€™s teeth clean is essential. Dogs who suffer from dental disease can go on to see gum infections and even related damage to their heart, liver, and joints.

Blood Diseases

Vizslas are predisposed to several rare blood diseases, including hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia, which occur when the dogā€™s immune system begins to attack its red blood cells. The dog will become anemic, and if its immune system destroys its platelets, its blood wonā€™t clot properly, which leads to abnormal bleeding and bruising.

Von Willebrandā€™s Disease is another common health issue for Vizslas. Itā€™s a clotting disorder that can be extremely dangerous. Diagnostic testing for these disorders is recommended prior to any surgical procedures.

Epilepsy

Idiopathic seizures, or seizures with no known cause, can frequently be a problem for some Vizslas. If your pet is diagnosed with epilepsy, its seizures may be controlled with medication. If your pup experiences a seizure, contact your local vet immediately.

Eye Conditions

Glaucoma, a disease that can affect humans, is also a problem for Vizslas, so you will want to make sure your veterinarian screens your pet for glaucoma. Cataracts can result in vision problems in older Vizslas. This breed is also more likely to develop distichiasis, a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside the eyelid and rub against the eyeā€™s surface. If left unchecked, this can cause irritation as well as corneal ulcers.

Bones and Joints

The lean, lanky Vizsla can be at increased risk for hip dysplasia and arthritis, and sometimes the Vizslaā€™s kneecap can slip out of place. This can be extremely painful for your furry friend. The earlier your dog is diagnosed, the earlier treatment can take effect.

Allergies

Since Vizslas can have food allergies, so choosing grain-free dog food is a smart decision. No one wants to see their pet Vizsla go through the itchiness and irritation of having an allergic reaction to their diet. Keeping your Vizslaā€™s diet grain-free can keep skin healthy and your pet happy.

Skin Conditions

In addition to allergy-related skin conditions, Vizslas can be more apt to suffer sebaceous adenitis, an inflammatory disease affecting the skinā€™s sebaceous glands. This can result in scaly lesions on the dogā€™s trunk, ears, and neck.

Separation Anxiety

Bred to be hunting dogs, it should come as no surprise that Vizslas want to stick close to their owners. With their boundless energy, Vizslas are the best fit for active owners and households that can give them plenty of attention.

When Vizslas are away from their owners, they may have bouts of separation anxiety, resulting in destructive behavior, howling, and bathroom accidents.

Ways to help your Vizsla include taking them to work, if allowed at your office, or hiring a pet sitter or canine daycare service. You can also spend as much time as possible with your pet, so the times when youā€™re away are more bearable.

Vizsla Feeding Schedule

Adult Vizslas should be fed twice daily, while young puppies should be fed about three to four times a day to support their growth and development.

Adult Vizsla: 55 pounds: 3-4 cups of dog food per day, or about 1,400 calories

Young Vizsla: 40 pounds: 2 Ā½-3 cups of dog food per day, or about 1,100 calories

Daily Calorie Intake

A full-grown 55-pound Vizsla should consume about 1,400 calories per day to maintain a healthy weight. A 35-pound puppy will need about 1,100 calories per day for healthy growth.

Activity Level

Bred to be active, Vizslas needing to run should come as no surprise. Your Vizsla will need a minimum of 30 minutes of active exercise daily. The best dog food for Vizslas will be one that provides them with fats, grain-free carbohydrates, and protein to fuel their energy and support their muscles.

Overall Best Dog Food for Vizslas

A breed like the Vizsla, with its high energy, lean looks, and silky coat, needs high-quality food to be at its very best. There are many dog foods on the market, so weā€™ve narrowed down the choices to make your selection easier. After researching the best dog foods available, we have chosen our top pick, along with a runner-up and nine other premium choices for your Vizsla.

Best Dog Food: Merrick Grain-Free

  • All-natural
  • Free from grains, corn, soy, and artificial preservatives
  • Ingredients support Vizsla health

The number one ingredient in Merrick Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food is beef sourced from trusted farmers. This made-in-America choice is formulated with 65 percent protein and healthy fat.

The other 35 percent of this choice is sourced from fruits and vegetables, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other natural ingredients, including Omega-3 and ā€“6 fatty acids for healthy skin and a gleaming coat. Included are glucosamine and chondroitin to support your Vizslaā€™s hips and joints.

Pros:

  • Beef is the number one ingredient
  • Glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health
  • Omega-3 and ā€“6 fatty acids promote healthy skin and coat

Cons:

  • Merrick is among the higher-priced dog foods on the market
  • Some reviewers reported their Vizslas didnā€™t want to eat the Texas Beef and Sweet Potato variety

Runner-up: The Farmerā€™s Dog

  • Delivered to your doorstep
  • Blended and portioned by nutritionists
  • Consultants available to help adjust food to dogā€™s tastes

Our runner-up for best dog food for Vizslas is from the growing fresh dog food genre. The Farmerā€™s Dog offers human-grade food blended by veterinary nutritionists, portioned for your dogā€™s optimum health, and delivered to your home.

The result is healthy dog food for your Vizsla. Conveniently, the food is brought to your doorstep and is already portioned for your pet. If your Vizsla isnā€™t a fan of The Farmerā€™s Dog, consultants are available to adjust recipes to your petā€™s preferences.

Pros:

  • Made with fresh ingredients
  • Portioned so no need to worry about over-feeding
  • Delivered to your home

Cons:

  • Fresh food can be more expensive
  • Refrigeration needed

10 More Top-Rated Dog Foods for Vizslas

The following dog foods for Vizslas were chosen as the best for specific canine needs and as the best in their variety.

Fresh/Super Premium: NomNom

  • Blended and portioned for premium health
  • Delivered to your home
  • Chicken and beef jerky treats are also available

NomNom is among the growing selection of fresh dog food delivery services, but NomNom is more personalized than some options. NomNom food is prepared in their own facilities, and they answer their own phones for added personal service. Youā€™ll talk to a human and fellow pet lover when you give them a call.

NomNom is so confident of the benefits of its premium quality food for your dogā€™s health that they offer a ā€œCare-Free Guarantee.ā€ If you donā€™t see the difference their blends make in your Vizslaā€™s health after 30 days, NomNom will pay for your Vizslaā€™s next diet, up to $40.

Pros:

  • Personal service tailored to your dogā€™s needs
  • Premium ingredients
  • Home delivery

Cons:

  • Among the most expensive options on the market
  • Canā€™t choose your shipping date

Most Popular: Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free

  • Grain-free with buffalo as the first ingredient
  • Fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants
  • Carbohydrates from peas and sweet potatoes provide energy

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is popular with Vizslas and their owners for a good reason. This high-protein, grain-free dog food has buffalo as its first ingredient, giving your dog the muscular support it needs. Natural antioxidants come from real fruits and vegetables, and prebiotic support comes from dried chicory root, promoting healthy digestion.

Available online at chewy.com as well as from other retailers, this healthy dog food choice can be delivered to your doorstep and is reasonably priced for a premium dog food. Also, most Vizslas love it!

Pros:

  • Natural recipe that provides vitamins, antioxidants, and prebiotics
  • No grain, corn, wheat, or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
  • Lean buffalo is the first ingredient

Cons:

  • While 91 percent of reviews raved over Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free, some dog owners reported that their dogs did not like the flavor
  • While Taste of the Wild is reasonably priced for premium dog foods, it is higher than some dog foods on the market.

Best Value: American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

  • Premium dog food at a lower price
  • Nutritious ingredients provide phytonutrients, antioxidants, and Omega fatty acids
  • Grain-free choice

American Journey, priced as much as 10 percent or more below some premium dry dog foods on the market, offers a great value when it comes to fueling your Vizslaā€™s adventures. Their salmon and sweet potato recipe offers real deboned salmon for protein and amino acids.

Sweet potatoes and fiber-filled chickpeas provide for your dogā€™s energy needs, and fruits and vegetables such as carrots, dried kelp, and blueberries provide Omega-3 fatty acids that support a healthy brain and eyes as well as a shiny coat.

Pros:

  • Lower price than many premium dog foods on the market
  • Grain-free dog food without fillers
  • Quality ingredients provide nutrition to support Vizsla health

Cons:

  • Can cause an upset stomach
  • Most Vizslas enjoy American Journey, but some do not

Pea Free: American Natural Premium Original Recipe Dry Dog Food

  • Pea-free for maximum digestibility
  • Quality ingredients
  • High protein for lasting energy

American Natural Premium Original Recipe offers your Vizsla quality nutrition thatā€™s easily digested. Chicken meal, pork meal, fish meal, and whole eggs bring protein to this dry dog food, and carbohydrates come from brown rice, barley, and oat flour.

A premium formula, American Natural offers long-lasting energy as well as probiotics in a dog food that is gentle on your Vizslaā€™s stomach.

Pros:

  • Probiotics and a pea-free formula help aid digestion
  • Complex carbohydrates offer fiber and long-lasting energy
  • No wheat, soy, or corn

Cons:

  • Some dog owners donā€™t want their Vizslas eating chicken meal and similar protein sources
  • American Natural is significantly higher in price than other premium dry dog foods we reviewed

Best for Puppies: Ollie

  • Fresh food delivered to your home
  • Blended by canine nutritionists
  • Whole foods that are minimally processed

The growing trend of fresh food for your pet being delivered to your home is popular for several reasons. Delivered to your doorstep, itā€™s easy to take a pre-portioned pouch out of the refrigerator to prepare your Vizslaā€™s dinner, and fresh food is a healthy option. If you have a new

Vizsla puppy, why not start with the best nutrition to promote its growth and development?

Ollie brings healthy nutrition from whole foods, including beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, and blueberries to your door. Starting your puppy off with the best of nutrition is an investment in its health today and for years to come.

Pros:

  • Human-grade whole foods promote healthy growth and development
  • Puppies and adult Vizslas love the flavors
  • Home delivery is convenient and easy

Cons:

  • Like all fresh dog food delivery services, Ollie is more expensive than purchasing premium dry dog food
  • Also, like some other options on the market, Ollie is available by subscription only

Best for Seniors: Victor Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

  • Nutrient-dense and grain-free
  • Glucosamine and chondroitin help keep joints healthy
  • L-carnitine helps Vizslas convert fat to energy

As Vizslas age, they face some of the same challenges we do ā€“ a slower metabolism and aches and pains in joint areas. Victor Purpose Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food offers a nutrient-dense formula that gives your older Vizsla the macronutrients and vitamins it needs without excess calories.

Glucosamine and chondroitin promote long-term joint health, which is vital for senior Vizslas, and L-carnitine will help your pet convert fat to energy to stay lean. Its grain-free formula is easy to digest and wonā€™t trigger food sensitivities.

Pros:

  • This blend is high in protein from premium quality beef, chicken, pork, and fish
  • Designed to help senior dogs turn fat into energy
  • Glucosamine and chondroitin promote joint health

Cons:

  • Higher priced than some premium dog food brands on the market
  • Some Vizslas did not like the taste

Best for Overweight Vizslas: Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Dry Dog Food

  • 25 percent less fat than Wellness COREā€™s original version
  • Turkey flavor Vizslas love
  • Taurine to promote heart health

Vizslas who donā€™t burn off the calories they consume may need a less calorie-dense food option. We recommend Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Dry Dog Food. This blend has 25 percent less fat than Wellness COREā€™s original formula, plus Vizslas enjoy its turkey flavor.

Vegetables, including broccoli, spinach, and kale, provide fiber and vitamins.

This grain- and gluten-free option shouldnā€™t bring on allergic reactions from your Vizsla, and taurine is included to promote heart health. Wellness CORE and maybe a few more outings on a leash should keep your Vizsla at a healthy weight.

Pros:

  • Premium, all-natural ingredients
  • Formula promotes heart health and a healthy weight
  • Grain- and gluten-free blend should not cause allergic reactions

Cons:

  • A small percentage of reviews reported that their dogs didnā€™t like the taste of Wellness COREā€™s Reduced Fat version
  • Some dog owners reported allergic reactions

Best for Sensitive Stomachs: A Pup Above

  • Fresh food that can be purchased with or without a subscription
  • Blended from human-grade whole foods
  • Formulations without fillers make for more comfortable digestion

Some Vizslas can have sensitivities and allergies to food products that include grains and gluten, making for unhappy dogs and unhappy owners. We recommend A Pup Aboveā€™s options for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

A fresh dog food option available online, A Pup Above can be purchased without a subscription. However, subscribing to automatic deliveries does lower the price of this premium fresh dog food. Reviewers have reported that switching to A Pup Above has made their dogsā€™ food sensitivity issues disappear.

Pros:

  • A Pup Above can be ordered without a subscription, perfect for a first try
  • Made from human-grade whole foods without fillers
  • Reduces or eliminates symptoms of food sensitivities

Cons:

  • Fresh dog foods can be more expensive
  • Food comes in 1-pound patties and is not portioned

Best for Vizslas with Allergies: Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food

  • Limited list of ingredients
  • Easy to digest
  • LifeSource Bits vitamins support immunity

Some Vizslas can be allergy-prone, which makes the selection of their dog food essential to their health. If your pet has allergies to one ingredient or many, finding a dog food option with as few ingredients as possible might be a solution to sensitivities.

Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food has a single protein source ā€“ turkey ā€“ for easy digestion. Pumpkin and potatoes provide carbohydrates for energy. The formulation is gluten-free, and it is also made without soy, dairy, eggs, corn, wheat, and other allergy-causing ingredients. Blue Buffalo Basics also includes LifeSource Bits, a vitamin supplement to support immunity.

Pros:

  • A shortlist of ingredients keeps chances of food sensitivity low
  • Made without eggs, dairy, soy, and other possible allergens
  • Vitamins included will boost your dogā€™s immunity

Cons:

  • Some dog owners reported that their pets didnā€™t like the taste
  • Price is on the higher end for premium dry dog food

How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Your Vizsla

The wide variety of foods available in todayā€™s marketplace can confuse Vizsla owners as to which dog foods are the best for their breed. We hope that this round-up of the best quality foods available can make your decision easier. You may also want to take these steps to make sure you are choosing the best dog food for your Vizsla.

Consult With your Veterinarian

Your veterinarian knows you Vizsla as well as you do, and perhaps better, so discuss your dogā€™s diet during your next check-up or visit. Smart diet choices for your Vizsla will help your pet stay healthy, and your veterinarian will know the foods that may prevent some illnesses or conditions.

Consider Weight and Activity

An active Vizsla will need more fuel than a sedentary Vizsla that may have a slower metabolism. If your Vizsla tends to put on extra weight, consider the number of calories your pet is consuming, and consider switching to a food that is lower in fat and calories.

Does your Vizsla Like it?

The healthiest dog food wonā€™t help your Vizsla if it refuses to eat it. When trying a new dog food for your Vizsla, consider making a smaller purchase first to see if the new choice is a hit.

Our 2022 Vizsla Feeding Guide Questions

To wrap up this guide to choosing the best dog food for your Vizsla, weā€™ll answer some frequently asked questions about feeding this breed.

When should I transition my Vizsla from puppy food to adult dog food?

Puppy food is best for puppies because it is formulated to be easily digested and contains the nutrients needed to support healthy growth and development. Once your Vizsla is 12 months old, it is time to transition your pet to adult food.

Sudden changes are never good for your dogā€™s tummy. The best way to transition to adult dog food is to slowly include adult food in your petā€™s diet, adding increasing amounts until your Vizsla is eating adult food.

Which dog food is best ā€“ fresh or dry?

With the growing trend of home-delivered fresh dog foods, as well as fresh dog foodā€™s availability in your local pet stores and supermarkets, you may be wondering if this is something you should offer your Vizsla.

The needs of your Vizsla call for high-quality, natural ingredients, and you should also make sure your pet gets the right amount of calories for its age, stage of life, and activity level.

Fresh dog food made from whole foods is of better quality and provides your Vizsla with the best nutrition.

However, fresh food is not in every dog ownerā€™s budget. It can be expensive, and it also will only last about two to three days in the refrigerator. Dry dog food has a much longer shelf life, is easier to bring along on your travels, and has the added advantage of helping keep your dogā€™s teeth clean.

You could try fresh food by cooking for your Vizsla, being careful to use ingredients that will not trigger any sensitivity. This can be time-consuming and inconvenient at the end of a long day.

Another option is to try the best of both worlds, mixing fresh food purchased online or in a retail store and mixing it with high-quality dry dog food.

Are raw food diets safe for my Vizsla?

Raw food diets have been a recent trend among pet owners, who say the diet gives their dogs shinier coats, more energy, and smaller stools. This diet includes raw organ meats and muscle meat, raw eggs, whole or ground bones, dog-safe fresh vegetables and fruits, and some dairy, such as yogurt.

Veterinarians caution against a raw food diet, though. The American Veterinary Medical Association, as policy, has stated that the organization discourages feeding raw foods to dogs because they can contain pathogens and would put animals and humans at risk for illness.

Can I supplement my Vizslaā€™s diet with fruits and vegetables?

Vegetables and fruits are as good for your Vizsla as they are for you, or at least some of them are. Some of the best vegetable choices include sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, and zucchini. Dogs can also eat sliced apples, blueberries, pears, peaches, bananas, and cranberries safely, among other fruits.

However, there are some vegetables and fruits that can be harmful to Vizslas and other canine breeds. Eating these plants can result in reactions from relatively mild to life-threatening.

Avocado is yummy on your toast, but donā€™t share it with your pet. Avocados contain persin, which is toxic to dogs and can cause diarrhea.

Onions are also a veggie to avoid. Dogsā€™ red blood cells can rupture as a reaction to eating onions or other leek family members. Other reactions include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and nausea.

Never feed your dog grapes. Grapes and raisins can be very toxic to canines, and eating them can result in your dogā€™s kidneys failing.

Conclusion

Vizslas are lovable and loyal pets who love spending time with their owners. They have loads of energy, love going on long walks and runs, and have beautiful, sleek reddish coats. Their grooming is trouble-free.

As long as you give your Vizsla plenty of attention and activity and feed it well with quality ingredients, youā€™ll have many years of fun and friendship.

Owners of Vizslas need to be aware of the breedā€™s unique health and nutritional needs as they choose the food theyā€™ll be feeding their pets. The proper nutrition for your pet can make some of the ailments your Vizsla may be more prone to have less likely to occur.

Choosing the best dog food for your Vizsla means that your pet will be healthier and have more energy to run and play. With the best dog food for your Vizsla, your pet will most likely have a longer and happier lifespan.

As a pet owner, you will have many considerations to make in the care of your Vizsla. We hope that this study of the best dog food for Vizslas helps you decide whatā€™s best for your best friend. After our careful research, you can trust that these dog food options are healthy, high-quality options for your Vizsla.

The post 11 Best Dog Foods for Vizslas in 2022 appeared first on Pet Reviews.