Question: Do you know what is the best dog food for Cane Corso? Cane Corsos need the same things that all dogs need: a strong nutritional foundation built from richly nourishing, species-appropriate ingredients – ingredients like real high-quality meat and vitamin-packed nutritious vegetables. They need balanced levels of protein, fat and carbs.
Like every other dog, they benefit from a minimally-processed diet. As foods are processed, they lose their nutritional gusto, necessitating the use of more and more synthetic vitamins and supplements. It’s best for dogs to get these nutrients the natural way- through fresh, wholesome ingredients that have been processed as little as possible.
Cane Corsos, like every other dog, can thrive on a balanced home-cooked or raw diet. If you’re interested in taking this route, here is a selection of recipes that will help you to get started creating a nutritionally complete homemade diet for your dog.
When choosing a commercial food, you should always look for one that’s free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives and seek recipes that feature meat (not byproducts or worse, corn or other filler grains) as the first ingredient.
Let’s find the Best Dog Foods for Cane Corso
Large, muscular, and born with a strong desire to work, Cane Corsos are descendants of Canis Pugnax, a breed that served as Roman war dogs during the first century.
These mastiff-type dogs have served as hunters, guardians, and warriors for centuries in Italy, but prior to 1988, they were virtually unknown outside of the southern part of the country and considered rare.
The American Kennel Club didn’t recognize the breed until 2010, and since then Cane Corsos have seen a notable rise in popularity, becoming the 40th most popular dog breed in the United States by 2016.
Their intimidating appearance, devotion to family, responsiveness to training, and unusual strength make them popular guard dogs and family protectors.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the unique health needs of the Cane Corso and how these affect their dietary requirements, establishing a criteria for a great food for this breed.
Following this framework for choosing the right food for your Cane Corso, you’ll find a list of the ten best foods on the market for this breed.
Cane Corso puppies should consume a food formulated for large breed puppies – these diets are designed to encourage a moderate growth rate and healthy bone development, which is exactly what your Cane Corso needs.
Foods designed for adult maintenance or even all life stages don’t always deliver the perfect balance of nutrients and minerals that your rapidly-growing pup requires. Below are our picks for the two best puppy foods for your Cane Corso.
Best Overall – Ollie is a meal delivery service for your beloved pets. The company provides “care-grade” or “restaurant-quality” meals for your pets, which means that each dish they serve is made with quality, fresh, wholesome ingredients that is fit for your dog's caloric needs.
The company is committed to deliver the best nutrition possible for your four-legged companion. They offer made-to-order recipes that is formulated by a board certified veterinary nutritionists and other nutrition experts. All meals have no fillers, by products or any artificial preservatives plus don't forget their door to door delivery service.
All recipes are complete, balanced and meet AAFCO & USFDA standards. These certificates are actually not needed if you want to sell pet food in the US- but it is nice to know that the company is willing to go the extra mile just to ensure that their meals are nutritious and safe.
Pros
Exceeds AAFCO quality standards
USFDA registered
Simple packaging (pre-portioned)
All meals are delivered fresh, not frozen, and are kept ice-cold with dry ice
Sometimes it can be difficult to choose a dog food because there are so many options out there. When you just can’t make a choice, consider a trusted brand like Acana.
Formulated with tasty proteins including chicken, herring and turkey, this grain-inclusive recipe includes oats and millet that deliver the highly-digestible energy your active pup needs, along with natural antioxidant support from real fruits and veggies plus dried chicory root for prebiotic support and healthy digestion.
This brand doesn’t have the largest selection (especially compared to big names like Blue Buffalo), but their recipes are complete and balanced and loaded with premium meats and other whole-food ingredients.
Overall, this recipe is an excellent source of natural nutrition and is highly digestible thanks to the inclusion of prebiotic fibers. If this recipe doesn’t seem like the right fit, they have several more to offer, including wet food recipes & treats.
Pros
65% animal protein
Made in USA
Antioxidant-rich plus Vit. E
Especially made for large dogs
Promotes healthy skin and shiny coat
Cons
Expensive
Kibbles are quite small in size
3. Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Formula
First 5 ingredients:
Deboned Salmon, Peas, Potatoes, Pea Starch, Salmon Meal
This is a kibble that's specially crafted to support your dog's overall health and well-being.
This limited-ingredient, grain-free dog food is ideal for dogs with food sensitivities, featuring lamb as the single animal protein source to help minimize potential allergens.
Paired with easily digestible potatoes and pumpkin, this recipe promotes gentle digestion. Enhanced with glucosamine and chondroitin, it provides essential joint support tailored for large breeds, helping them maintain mobility and comfort.
With its wholesome ingredients and focus on sensitive stomachs, this formula delivers balanced nutrition your dog will love.
This is a nutrient-packed option for your dog, made from cage-free, hormone-free duck to provide a wholesome and natural diet.
Carefully formulated by a PhD nutritionist, this patty ensures your dog receives complete and balanced nutrition with every bite.
The recipe is rich in protein and essential nutrients to support overall health, while the duck's natural flavor makes it irresistible for even the pickiest eaters.
To make switching to raw feeding simple and stress-free, We Feed Raw provides a detailed START’r kit and step-by-step instructions to guide you through the transition process.
This thoughtful approach ensures your dog adapts comfortably while enjoying the numerous benefits of a raw diet. Perfect for dogs of all life stages, it offers the nutrition your pet deserves in a convenient, easy-to-serve form.
Pros
Easy on the tummy
Free cold shippoing nationwide
Zero antibiotics and hormones
Great source of amino acids
Made from USDA, human-grade meat
Cons
Needs large storage space
5. Health Extension Gently Cooked Beef & Potato Recipe
This carefully hand-crafted, nutrient-dense recipe is designed to provide optimal nutrition for your pet, offering the convenience of a shelf-stable formula.
It features a unique blend of whole-food ingredients, gently cooked in nourishing bone broth to preserve maximum flavor and nutrients.
Packed with superfoods like goji berries, coconut oil, sage, thyme, kelp and turmeric, this recipe is rich in prebiotics that support healthy digestion while delivering functional benefits for overall wellness.
The inclusion of essential vitamins and minerals ensures that your dog receives comprehensive support throughout all life stages.
Conveniently packaged in ready-to-feed pouches, there's no need for freezing or refrigeration—simply pour into your pet's bowl for a wholesome, hassle-free meal.
Perfect for pet owners seeking high-quality nutrition with ease, this recipe combines natural ingredients with powerful health benefits to keep your furry friend thriving.
Pros
Picky eater approved
Convenient packaging
Made from whole food ingredients
Loaded with natural prebiotics
Hand-made, cooked gently in broth
Freezing or refrigeration not needed
Cons
Consumers wished it comes in smaller bags
6. Addiction Wild Islands Forest Meat
First 5 ingredients:
Venison, Venison Heart, Venison Tripe, Fish Meal, Fava Beans
This kibble offers a high-quality, nutrient-packed meal that caters to your dog's primal instincts.
Made with free-range New Zealand venison, a novel protein, this formula is rich in protein and free from grains like potato, corn, soy and wheat, making it an excellent choice for dogs with sensitivities or food allergies.
The addition of green-lipped mussel provides natural joint support, while manuka honey offers soothing properties and immune system benefits.
Crafted in New Zealand, known for its pristine, unspoiled landscapes, this food reflects the natural, wild diet of canines, providing your dog with the nourishment they need to thrive.
This recipe is designed to support your dog's overall health, from their shiny coat to their digestive well-being, all while offering a flavor your pet will love.
Whether for active dogs or those needing a high-protein diet, this is an ideal choice for a balanced and healthy meal.
This food is designed for large breed dogs like the Cane Corso and meets their needs in several ways. On the surface, it has a large kibble size that’s perfect for larger mouths. To encourage joint health throughout your dog’s adult life, this food contains glucosamine and chondroitin.
All Wellness CORE foods use grain-free, protein rich recipes infused with botanicals and supplements for optimal health. Unlike some other high-protein foods, the brand avoid excessive fat.
They contain probiotics for digestive health, are enriched with antioxidants, and contain Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Like all of their other recipes, this is a grain-free, protein-rich recipe that uses botanicals and supplements for the complete health of the dog, including probiotics and prebiotics for improved digestive health and immune support.
Pros
Large kibble size is perfect for big dogs
Contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health
Grain-free with no corn, soy, or wheat
Probiotics for digestive health
Contains omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Cons
Contains tomato pomace for added fiber – this is a byproduct of tomato processing
Contains potatoes, which metabolize quickly and can contribute to weight gain
This unconventional air-dried food is made a bit like jerky for dogs and contains 98% venison meat, organs, and bone, plus seafood. It delivers the nutritional integrity and digestibility of raw food and the convenience of dry kibble.
It includes natural glucosamine and chondroitin from green-lipped mussels, supporting long-term joint health- a critical concern for large dogs.
To fuel your Cane Corso’s burly body and athletic lifestyle, this food is exceptionally rich in protein and high in calories while keeping carbohydrates to an absolute minimum.
This means that it’s an optimally satiating, nourishing food that will keep your dog energized for hours while discouraging unwanted fat deposits.
This is particularly exceptional if your dog has food sensitivities or allergies. It has one of the simplest ingredient lists you’ll find on a commercial dog food, featuring a single novel protein and zero common problem ingredients like wheat, corn, and soy.
Pros
Made from fresh New Zealand
Free from fillers, byproducts, and artificial ingredients
Limited ingredient food
Perfect for dogs with food sensitivities
Cons
An expensive brand, especially for large dogs like Cane Corsos
Best Senior Foods for Cane Corsos
As Cane Corsos enter their senior years, they tend to slow down a little bit. Weight gain can be particularly detrimental for these already large dogs, compounding joint problems and leading to severe pain.
It’s important that your dog’s food matches their activity levels and metabolism. The best foods for senior Cane Corsos continue to support joint health while discouraging weight gain and offering highly-digestible animal protein.
While Miniature Schnauzers aren’t particularly prone to immunity problems, the inclusion of vitamins A & E is always a welcome one in senior dog foods.
Designed specifically for dogs aged seven years and up, this delicious meal supports aging pets with high-quality chicken and lamb to help maintain muscle mass.
The velvety mousse texture makes it easy for older dogs to enjoy, while the flavorful broth keeps them hydrated and satisfied. Each single-serving pouch is effortless to use—just tear, serve and watch your pup indulge! Plus, with the added goodness of pumpkin, this grain-free recipe helps support healthy digestion.
With its limited calorie content, minimal carbohydrates and lean fat content, this food helps to keep your dog slim as they move through their senior years.
Perfect for picky eaters and senior pups who need a gentle, nourishing meal, it is the ideal way to keep tails wagging!
By using fresh freeze-dried or dehydrated muscle meat, cartilage, bones, and organs, Orijen senior food delivers complete, biologically appropriate nourishment.
This food features an impressive 85% animal content – the most biologically available form of protein for dogs. The remaining 15% of this food is comprised of nutritious, low-glycemic fruits and vegetables.
To suit the needs of senior dogs and their decreased metabolism, this food is rich in healthy protein but relatively low in calories.
It contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. This recipe is free of anything artificial and doesn’t contain by-products, fillers, or grains.
The inclusion of glucosamine and chondroitin helps to support joint health throughout your dog’s senior years.
Pros
Supports a healthy senior weight
Unusually rich in real animal protein
No fillers, by-products, or artificial ingredients
Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
Cons
On the expensive end of the spectrum
What are the unique needs of the Cane Corso?
In general, the health demands that make Cane Corsos different from other dogs are the same issues that affect other large breeds.
Orthopedic Health Issues – Because their large bodies place such greater strain on their developing joints and skeletal structure, these dogs are predisposed to orthopedic issues throughout life, demanding diets that both encourage healthy bone growth and nurture joint health as the dog ages.
Particularly common is hip dysplasia, which affects a staggering 39-58% of the Cane Corso population. Elbow dysplasia is similarly prevalent, affecting 16-22% of these dogs. These are developmental joint problems resulting from malformation of the joints.
This malformation leads to excessive wear of the joint cartilage and eventually leads to osteoarthritis. These complications are hereditary, but can be controlled through proper nutrition in puppyhood and beyond.
How can diet help your Cane Corso’s orthopedic health? – As puppies, it’s important to ensure healthy bone development by moderating their growth rate through slight calorie restriction, while providing appropriate levels of calcium and phosphorus.
AAFCO recommends the following levels: 1.2 to 1.8% calcium, 1.0 to 1.6% phosphorus, and a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 1:1 to 1.8:1. You can calculate the percentages of these minerals in your dog’s food here.
To ensure that your Cane Corso’s joints remain healthy throughout life, choose a food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin along with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which can help to reduce inflammation and keep your dog feeling comfortable.
Because obesity is a risk factor for these joint problems as your dog ages, it’s doubly important that you keep your Cane Corso svelte. A satisfying low-glycemic diet with moderate fat and calories can help to keep additional weight off of your dog’s joints.
Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) – This life-threatening condition involves the stomach filling with air, a condition that places pressure on other organs and the diaphragm, making it difficult for the dog to breathe.
Pressure on the veins prevents blood from returning to the heart. In some cases, this gastric dilatation is followed by a second, even more serious stage – volvulus.
Once the stomach fills with air, it can easily rotate on itself, cutting off the blood supply to the stomach and ultimately leading to the rapid decline of the affected dog.
Bloat has a number of different and unknown causes, but we do know that large, deep-chested dogs like Cane Corsos are at a higher risk than their small-breed cousins such as Boston Terriers and Chihuahas.
How can diet help to prevent your Cane Corso from developing bloat? – Dogs who eat one meal daily are at a considerably higher risk of developing bloat than those who consume multiple meals per day.
There’s also a correlation between developing bloat and eating too quickly or exercising immediately after a meal and dogs who eat out of a raised dish are at a higher risk of bloat.
For the most part, preventing this condition through diet is more a matter of controlling how your dog eats than what they eat.
That said, dry food moistened with water and foods that contain fat or oil as one of the first four ingredients are both associated with an increased risk of bloat.
Demodectic Mange – While all normal dogs have a few demodex mites on their skin, some with underdeveloped immune systems may become overwhelmed by a demodex mite infestation, leading to demodectic mange and the patchy or widespread hair loss that goes along with it.
Cane Corsos are particularly common candidates for this condition. While the exact cause of demodectic mange is unknown, hereditary immune deficiencies are thought to put dogs at risk.
This immune deficiency allows the demodex mites to proliferate and wreak havoc on the dog's coat. As the infestation takes hold, it can further inhibit the immune system and perpetuate the problem.
How can your Cane Corso’s diet help to prevent a demodectic mange outbreak? Gut health and an effective immune system are intimately and dynamically connected – the GALT (gut associated lymphoid tissue) is the largest immune organ in the body.
Diet is your first and most important point of access to your dog’s gut and overall immune health.
Foods made with prebiotics and probiotics help to support healthy populations of gut flora, which impacts almost every aspect of your dog’s health, including the immune system.
Final Words
The Cane Corso, a remarkable and imposing breed, boasts unique needs and colors that set it apart in the canine world. These magnificent dogs require careful attention to their exercise, training, and socialization to ensure their well-being and harmonious integration into family life.
Moreover, their coat colors, which include variations like black, fawn, brindle, white and more, showcase the breed's diversity and individuality.
Understanding and catering to the specific needs and colors of Cane Corsos is the key to fostering a loving and rewarding relationship with these loyal and majestic companions.
How much do you feed a Cane Corso?
The amount of food a Cane Corso eats depends upon the size, age, sex and activity level of your dog. Generally they will eat between 5 and 10 pounds of quality kibble a week. That would generally be between 4 and 8 cups of kibble divided into two feedings each day.
How can I fatten up my Cane Corso?
A nutrient-rich diet will be mandatory so your dog’s body can replace lost muscle, get back to a normal weight, and achieve better health in general. Offer Frequent Small Meals. Instead of two large meals daily, give your dog four or five smaller portions throughout the day. This will provide a steady flow of nutrients, fat, and protein all day long and aid in weight gain.
Can I feed my Cane Corso raw meat?
Raw meaty bone is one of the best contents of a raw diet to balance their diet. To convert your dog's diet needs proper adherence to instructions. The Cane Corso needs a systematic approach rather than instant changes. For example, you may restrict the dog to only water on the first day.
Why is my Cane Corso so skinny?
A visit to your veterinarian is highly recommended. Most issues can be easily corrected, but some may be more serious; don't delay in consulting your vet. Common causes for weight loss include: A poor-quality diet.
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An individual with a profound affection for animals, who was brought up in an environment surrounded by dogs, cats, and chickens. A self-taught enthusiast in the realm of pet care. At present, the proud caretaker of two rescued felines and two lovely mixed-breed canines.
