Best Dog Food for Corgis : Top Puppy, Adult & Senior Recommendations for May 2023

It may be a surprise to some that corgis are exceptionally agile, incredibly intelligent and can run really fast on those tiny legs.

To keep your corgi feeling happy and healthy, it is essential that their diet consist of high-quality dog food, made from high-quality ingredients.

Thanks to social media the now famous corgi butt has garnered Corgis a cult following of owners, and internet fans alike. Corgi owners are very protective and determined to feed their little companion only the best dog food they can find.

OUR TOP 3 PICKS FOR DOG FOODS FOR CORGIS

Best Dog Food for Corgis

The dog foods featured here are the best dog foods for corgis because they contain the healthy proteins, fats, fruits and vegetables that corgis need to sustain a healthy lifestyle.

Unlike other dog food brands, these brands contain zero filler and no animal meal, so you can be sure your corgi is getting the nutrition its body needs to remain healthy and happy.

Whichever dog food you decide is right for your corgi be sure to buy a camera and an internet connection; corgis are notoriously funny and clumsy when they eat.

For a quick round up, the products reviewed are as follows: 

1. Nom Nom Fresh Pet Food
2. Wellness CORE Original Deboned Turkey
3. Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites Natural Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe
4. Ollie Fresh Pet Food
5. Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Duck
6. Merrick L.I.D. Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
7. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe
8. Canidae Under the Sun Chicken Recipe Puppy
9. Nutro Ultra Small Breed Senior

 

1. Nom Nom Fresh Pet Food Delivery

First five ingredients (Turkey Fare): Turkey, Eggs, Brown Rice, Carrots, Spinach

Nom Nom is a gourmet dog food delivery service that provides fresh meals that have been custom made for your dog's dietary needs. You simply give Nom Nom your dog's breed, age, weight, and activity level, and they will provide you with a quote.

This means they will give you a specific portion of food to feed your dog at every meal. For convenience and ease of mind, Nom Nom can't be beaten.

The Tasty Turkey Fare is just one of the four different vet-crafted recipes on offer, and the one that we would personally recommend for your Labradoodle.

This food combo contains a variety of ingredients and vitamins, incorporating whole turkey meat cuts with legumes, starches and vegetables to provide a flavor and texture that promotes health and enjoyment for your Labradoodle.

The food is grain-free, with the meat sourced from farms that provide vegetable-fed and hormone-free turkey. You will not find a more organically sourced dog food on the market today.

At over 60% moisture, your dog will be adequately hydrated whilst eating the meal. It will also mean that the transition is easier if your dog is currently eating canned dog food as he's digestive system will need less adjustment than changing to dry dog food.

Pros

• Convenient
• Guaranteed to meet your dog's nutritional needs
• Maximum dog enjoyment
• Customizable
• Free Shipping
• No grains

Cons

• A bit pricey
• Food comes frozen and needs to be refrigerated

2. Wellness CORE Original Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Chicken Meal Recipe

First five ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Potatoes

Wellness CORE Original Deboned Turkey & Chicken Meal Recipe returns to the basics of the K9 diet to provide your corgi with all the nutrients it needs and nothing it doesn't.

Your corgis is a descendant of wolves, which means it will never need any grain, soy, corn, or wheat. Unfortunately, that is what most dog food brands stuff into their product. It replaces unhealthy filler ingredients with the high-quality animal protein and healthy fruits and vegetables.

This kibble is protein-focused and contains only the best-deboned turkey and chicken and no animal byproduct ingredients like meat by-products or artificial preservatives.

Corgis are prone to a host of medical conditions and are sometimes in need of special considerations, especially regarding their diet. It contains glucosamine and chondroitin which support bone and joint health and improve mobility.

The Wellness CORE recipe also includes omega-3 fatty acids specially derived from salmon oil to support skin and coat health. Additionally, the Wellness CORE kibble is coated in probiotics to support digestive health.

Pros

• High-protein and grain-free recipe
• Contains glucosamine and chondroitin
• Contains Omega-3 fatty acids

Cons

• Not ideal for sedentary dogs

3. Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites Natural Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe

First five ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Dried Peas, Soybean Meal, Whole Ground Corn

The little Bites lines is crafted for small breeds. This chicken and vegetable dry dog food recipe by Rachael Ray is created simply, with natural ingredients that include chicken farm-raised in the U.S., peas, carrots, and brown rice to provide a flavor that will satisfy your pup.

This formula offers balanced nutrition without any fillers, artificial ingredients, or poultry by-product meal. The brown rice packs each meal with fiber and healthy carbohydrates and added beet pulp delivers prebiotics to support digestive health.

Plus, the small kibble shape is perfect for smaller teeth, and helps keep teeth and gums clean and healthy. So fill up his bowl and keep your tiny but mighty pup healthy with every bite.

Pros

• Contains real USA farm-raised chicken
• Helps support stress control
• Complete and balanced diet for small dogs
• Support higher energy levels
• Petite-sized, crunchy kibbles

Cons

• Not grain free (may trigger allergies)
• Picky eaters may not like it

4. Ollie Fresh Pet Food

First five ingredients (Lamb Recipe): Lamb, lamb liver, butternut squash, kale, chickpeas

Ollie is a company that specializes in providing customized, healthy food based on a pup’s profile (age, breed, weight, activity level, and allergies). It’s a relatively new brand that was founded only last 2016, but it has grown into an in-demand fresh dog food delivery service with a large following.

The company recommends precise portions based on how much calories your dog needs then ships it to you on a flexible but regular schedule. All you have to do is store each meal pack in the freezer and only thaw out what you need when your doggo needs it. It’s easy because it’s ready to serve.

Not only are Ollie recipes made of top grade ingredients, they’re also all crafted by canine nutritionists to ensure your dog gets the proper nutrition and diet that’s designed just for his requirements.

The ingredients depend on whole foods that are cooked gently to retain the nutrients inside of them. There are no artificial flavors because the brand believes that fresh food tastes amazing on its own (and we agree). There are no fillers like wheat, soy, or corn, and best of all, it’s restaurant grade food that you can taste for yourself.

Currently, Ollie offers four flavors in its dog food line: beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb. Each recipe is centered around meat with superfoods to add all the nutrients each individual pup requires, from minerals and vitamins to fibers and antioxidants.

Pros

• Each recipe is vet-formulated
• Made from fresh, natural ingredients
• Met AAFCO nutritional standards
• More solid stools, reduced stool volume
• Improved oral/dental health
• Increased vitality and energy levels

Cons

• Bit expensive
• Only has 4 variants for now – if your pet has serious sensitivities or allergies, shop carefully
• Fresh pet food has a shorter shelf life compared to kibbles and canned goods

5. Instinct Raw Boost Recipe with Real Duck

First five ingredients: Duck, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chicken Eggs

If you are looking for a better way to provide your corgi with a healthy diet than look no further than Instinct by Nature's Variety Raw Boost Recipe with Real Duck.

It contains high protein and boosted nutrition so your corgi intakes all of the vitamins and minerals they need, regardless of age.

Your corgi will love the taste of Instinct because it is made with real cage-free duck, turkey, chicken and loads of vegetables and freeze-dried raw.

Instinct with Real Duck is minimally processed and contains zero grain, soy, potato, corn, or wheat, nor does it contain artificial preservatives or by-product meal.

Additionally, this product from Instinct is a great choice for corgis with sensitive stomachs. It Includes a probiotic boost to support digestive health. This Raw Boost recipe also includes a high level of omega-3 and 6 to support healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Pros

• Contains zero grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal
• Probiotic boost for digestive health
• Contains high-protein kibble

Cons

• Does not contain glucosamine and chondroitin

6. Merrick L.I.D. Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe

First five ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley

Merrick L.I.D. Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe is the healthy choice for corgis with sensitive stomachs.

The specially designed recipe contains a  limited selection of high-quality ingredients that supply a complete and balanced diet, packed with nutrition.

This Salmon recipe from Merrick utilizes a single protein recipe. Thus, it contains zero soy, corn, wheat, dairy or eggs.

This recipe is loaded with important vitamins like calcium and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, and glucosamine to support healthy skin, joint function, a rich coat, and strong bones.

Pros

• Simple ingredient panel
• Grain-free recipe with no gluten ingredients
• No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives

Cons

• No prebiotics or probiotics

7. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch

Corgis are small dogs with a lot of energy, but they are also susceptible to a number of medical conditions.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe is the best way to ensure your companion receives all of the essential ingredients it needs to live a happy, healthy life. This nutrient-rich recipe contains zero grains and no artificial colors or preservatives.

It also includes Life-source-bits which are packed with calcium, phosphorus, and omega-3 and 6 to support strong bones and teeth, a shiny coat and healthy skin. Also it promotes healthy joints and mobility, which especially important to corgis who commonly suffer from arthritis.

This kibble contains only high-quality animal proteins, fruits and vegetables like chicken, duck, and salmon, apples, spinach, blueberries, and pumpkin.

Pros

• Contains calcium, phosphorus, and essential vitamins
• Promotes strong bones and teeth
• Support joint function and overall mobility

Cons

• No prebiotics or probiotics for digestive health

8. Canidae Under the Sun Chicken Puppy Recipe

First five ingredients: Chicken Meal, Yellow Peas, Green Peas, Garbanzo Beans, Chicken Fat

Under the Sun Puppy Recipe is the wholesome, healthy choice for choosy corgi parents. Your corgi will love the taste of this formula because it contains zero chicken by-product meal, potato, corn, wheat or soy.

You’ll love that it is fortified with vitamins and minerals that promote healthy skin, and shiny coat and strong bones and teeth.

Also, it supports digestive health with a wide array of high-quality fruits & vegetables, including peas, carrots, pumpkin, blueberries, apples.

It is a single protein dog food and limited to only 7-10 key ingredients, which don't include preservatives or artificial ingredients. This is a great dietary choice for corgis of all ages.

High-quality protein paired with essential vitamins ensures a growing corgi puppy receives the nutrition it needs to build healthy bones and a strong immune system. Older corgis will look and feel young again as it supports healthy joints, hips, and bones.

Pros

• Ideal for the puppy with food allergies
• Fortified with vitamins and minerals
• Grain-free formula

Cons

• Doesn’t contain chondroitin or glucosamine

9. Nutro Ultra Small Breed Senior

First five ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran

Nutro Ultra is a Superfood Blend made for small breed, senior dogs. You’ll find proteins, amino acids, vegetables, fruit and essential oils in this jam packed food. This recipe is also made without preservatives, artificial colors and flavors. This is specially crafted with the perfect blend of wholesome ingredients that promote healthy bones and joints.

Nutro's premium small breed dog food contains a blend of sun-ripened blueberries, cranberries, and pomegranates to help ensure your smaller dog’s immune system remains strong.

Nutro makes all of their foods in their own facility centers with recipes catered to the age of your dog. The make foods for adults, puppies and seniors. Their all-natural ingredients are also sourced from local suppliers.

Pros

• Loaded with superfoods
• Great source of protein
• Digests well
• Natural diet made for senior dogs

Cons

• Dogs with a poultry allergy can’t eat this food

 

Fast Facts

The corgi breed is descendent of the spitz family of dogs which includes breeds such as the Siberian husky, the akita and the chow-chow.

The spitz breed is characteristically large and muscular with long, thick fur. One look at a corgi is enough to determine that those characteristics do not describe the little pooch.

How did the corgi lose its height? The short answer is; experts aren't sure. The Spitz family of dog is native to Siberia, though the exact origins of the breed is not known.

The welsh corgi is very similar to the swedish vallhund  which leads experts to suggest that modern corgi may have been brought to Wales by Scandinavian settlers during the Viking age of exploration.

However; If you ask the Welsh how the corgi came to inhabit Britain, you will hear a different tale.

The name “corgi” is derived from the Welsh words for “dwarf” (cor) and “dog” (ci, pronounced “gi”) Welsh myth and lore attribute the noble corgi to a gift from the fairies who inhabit the Isle of Britain.

Medieval Wales considered the corgi a valuable commodity and enforced a heavy punishment an any who stole or mistreated the gentle breed. In fact, it was considered a shame and a waste of talent in medieval wales not to train your corgi to perform a myriad of tricks.

Corgis are exceptional herd dogs. Believe it or not, there's a surprising amount of speed, agility, and intelligence packed into the corgis diminutive frame.

When combined with the corgis disproportionately large bark the slow and lumbering cows and sheep are quite willing to obey the thundering little ball of fur. Corgis also make phenomenal watchdogs due to their attentive nature and loud bark.

In the time since the corgi was introduced to Britain it has evolved into two distinct breeds; The Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

The Corgi has also become the unofficial mascot of the British Royal Family and the favored dog of Queen Elizabeth II who has owned more the 30 during her reign.

Corgi Attributes & Appearance

Corgis are characteristically short and stocky. Male corgis rarely surpass 12” in height or more 28 pounds, while female corgis typically no more than 25 pounds and 10” in height.

The corgi head is considered “foxlike” with large pointed ears, dark oval-shaped eyes, and short muzzle. Corgis are unique due to their double coat of fur which comes in a wide variety of patterns and fur colors including red, sable, fawn, black and tan.

Corgis are generally considered to have an average level of energy and lifespan for small dogs, approximately 13-14 years. However, when it comes to intelligence, the corgi is far from average.

Corgis can learn commands in less than ten minutes and obey commands more than 85% of the time. Experts consider the corgi to be the 11th smartest breed. Due to their intelligence corgis are known to be stubborn and even a little bit bossy when not socialized.

These pups are affectionate and gentle, though it is not uncommon for corgis to be territorial when it comes to other dogs and cats. Corgis are great with children, if not overprotective. In fact, it is not uncommon for corgis to herd small children.

Arguably, the corgis most adorable feature is evident when they are puppies. Corgis have pointed, foxlike ears that are floppy and pointed down when they are born.

As corgi puppies grow up their ears flip straight upright, but at different times. It is very common to see a corgi puppy with one ear pointing straight up, with the other pointing down.

How Much Exercise Does A Corgi Need?

Corgis, though often energetic are known to be couch potatoes. Corgis need approximately 20 to 40 minutes of activity per day and are known to accumulate excess weight when not properly exercised.

Obesity is common in the corgi breed and detrimental to the dog's health in more ways than one. The corgi spine is longer than most small dogs. Excess weight carried around a corgis midsection asserts additional strain on the spine which can develop into serious spinal issues.

Corgis are willful, intelligent dogs who need regular physical activity and mental stimulation to keep from boredom. Corgis who are not regularly exercised have a tendency to chew furniture or dig up the yard.

Experts recommend that corgi owners provide their companions with at least two outings of 30-60 minutes per day. Corgi puppies, like all puppies, require more exercise and mental stimulation than adult corgis.

How Much Do Corgis Need to Eat?

The average corgi weighs approximately 25 pounds and requires 780 calories per day to maintain healthy body weight. Corgis are carnivores, and as such do not require any starch or complex carbohydrates like grains and wheat.

The Corgi diet should consist primarily of high-quality animal protein, fruits, and vegetables.

For optimal health corgi owners should avoid dog foods that contain:

• BHA/BHT
• White Flour
• Artificial Colors
• MSG
• Gluten
• Corn Syrup
• Xylitol and Other Sugar Alcohols
• Nitrites or Nitrates (Sodium Nitrite)
• Soy
• Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP)
• Salt
• Rendered Fat
• Propylene Glycol
• Vegetable Oil
• Animal By-Products
• Cellulose
• Brewers Rice
• Corn
• Sodium Hexametaphosphate
• Animal Digest

What’s in the Best Dog Food for Corgi

The best dog food for corgis includes ingredients that are rich in animal protein (no animal by-products like hooves and tendons) and healthy sugars like fresh fruits and veggies.

• Green peppers
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Carrots
• Green Beans
• Cantaloupe
• Watermelon
• Turkey
• Chicken
• Beef
• Salmon
• Tuna

It is common for dog food brands to include ingredients such as brewers rice, and animal meal byproducts. These ingredients provide the dog food product with filler and are never recommended in any K9 diet.

Instead, seek out dog food brands that contain zero grains, processed flour, or artificial ingredients like dyes and preservatives.

Conditions Unique To Corgis

Corgis are unique dogs. Corgi bodies seem almost contradictory, yet somehow, they remain energetic, agile and mobile well into their senior years.

Unfortunately, the corgi's unique bodily characteristics predisposed to medical conditions like:

• Dental Disease
• Infections
• Parasites
• Heart Disease
• Bleeding Disorders
• Back Problems
• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
• Degenerative Myelopathy
• Eye Problems
• Epilepsy
• Liver & Renal Problems
• Dermatomyositis
• Hernia
• Lymphoma
• Obesity

While some of the medical conditions that can affect a corgi are treatable, others are far more debilitating, while others are fatal.

The best way to ensure that your corgi lives the happiest, healthiest life it can it is essential that it be provided with sufficient activity, and a diet that consists of the best dog food.