A Vizsla is a strong, energetic and affectionate breed of dog. These athletic dogs make great additions to active families. If you’re looking for a running partner, this is the breed for you. Vizslas require a good amount of exercise to get out their energy.
They make great partners for runners, hikers, and bikers thus you must feed then the appropriate dog food for Vizsla. They are also great hunting dogs.
Vizslas will do well with families with children. They like to stay busy and don’t like being left alone. You should expect to give at least 30-minutes of exercise to your Vizsla a day. They love to run on and off their leash. They’ll do well with games of fetch and regular mental stimulation and training.
Male Vizslas typically weight 44-64 pounds and are 22-25 inches tall. Female Vizslas weigh 40-55 pounds and are 21-24 inches tall. A Vizslas lifespan will be between 11 and 14 years.
Why Quality Food Matters for Your Vizsla
High-quality food will help your Vizsla live a long and healthy life. Proper nutrients will help with digestion, energy, coat health, and longevity.
Dog foods made with artificial fillers and ingredients won't add any nutritional value and they can often do more harm than good.
Best Dog Food For Vizsla
Your smart, athletic Vizsla will need high-quality food to keep them sharp and active. They have a lot of energy and a lot of love to give.
These loyal companions and workout partners will love joining you outdoors, playing games, hunting, running and walking.
The foods discussed below are great options to help them keep doing those activities with you for many years to come.
First 5 Ingredients: Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas
Special Diet: Grain-free
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS Protein: 8.0% min Fat: 4.0% min Fiber: 1.0% max Moisture: 77.0% max
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, sweet potatoes, squash, water sufficient for processing, spinach
Special Diet: Grain-free
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS Protein: 8.5% min Fat: 6.0% min Fiber: 1.0% max Moisture: 77.0% max
First 5 Ingredients: Ground pork, russet potatoes, green beans, squash, kale
Special Diet: Grain-free
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS Protein: 7.0% min Fat: 55.0% min Fiber: 2.0% max Moisture: 75.0% max
First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS Protein: 10.0% min Fat: 5.0% min Fiber: 1.0% max Moisture: 72.0% max
Nom Nom makes dog food that is delivered to your front door. Their recipes are designed with your specific pet in mind and they can be ordered individually or on a regular schedule.
The food comes perfectly portioned for your pooch and it can be stored in your freezer or refrigerator until 24 hours before you’re ready to serve it.
You begin by setting up an online profile describing your dog's size, age, weight, breed, and any allergies or restrictions. Nom Nom will then recommend recipes and portion size for you. You can receive regular deliveries of food so you’ll always have some on hand and not have to run to a store last minute.
Their recipes are made with wholesome ingredients so you know exactly what is in your pet’s food.
Pros
Gently cooked food
All-natural
Portion control
Delivered to your door
Cons
Expensive
You need to store it in the freezer and refrigerator
Takes 12 hours to unfreeze your food fully
2. American Journey Chicken & Brown Rice Active Life Recipe
First 5 ingredients:
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Rice Bran, Peas
As a responsible dog owner, you want to do what’s best for your dog, but you have to operate within your own limitations. If you’re concerned about the cost of your dog’s food, choose a brand that is known as much for the quality of their products as for their affordability – American Journey.
From Chewy’s in-house brand, this American Journey Chicken & Brown Rice Protein First Recipe is a great choice if you’re looking for a quality dog food. It features fresh chicken as the primary ingredient, a rich source of protein and taurine.
This recipe also contains chicken meal and chicken fat for supplemental protein and digestible whole-grain carbohydrates like brown rice.
This formula contains fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources of essential vitamins with chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption.
Overall, this formula provides 25% crude protein and 15% crude fat with a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Taste of the Wild has produced a brilliant dog food formula a that we are not sure can be beaten at this price point. Using lamb & lamb meal as its two animal protein sources, this dog food takes its inspiration from the ancestral diet of prehistoric canines.
It contains 25% protein and 15% fat. These numbers are brilliant and far above average. A high amount of protein and fat will do wonders for supporting the growth and maintenance of your dog's muscles and bones. High-fat content is also necessary for your dog to maintain a healthy immune system.
It is worth pointing out, however, that some of the protein in this formula is vegetable-based, with pea protein and potato protein featuring on the ingredients list.
Vegetable proteins are harder for your dog's stomach to break down, but it shouldn't be too much of a concern if your dog does not have any digestive problems.
Pros
Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids
Notable difference in pet's coat and skin health
Picky eaters eat this
Cons
Contains pea protein and eggs (may be a source of allergy)
First 5 Ingredients: Beef, carrots, beef kidneys, potatoes, peas
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS Protein: 9.0% min Fat: 7.0% min Fiber: 2.0% max Moisture: 72.0% max
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, rice, carrots, chicken livers, peas
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS Protein: 8.0% min Fat: 3.0% min Fiber: 2.0% max Moisture: 74.0% max
First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, butternut squash, turkey livers, oats, lentils
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS Protein: 10.0% min Fat: 7.0% min Fiber: 2.0% max Moisture: 72.0% max
First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, chickpeas, kale
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS Protein: 9.0% min Fat: 7.0% min Fiber: 2.0% max Moisture: 74.0% max
Ollie is a pet food company that was founded in 2016 by Gabby Slome, Alex Douzet, and Randy Jimenez. This New York-based pet food company set out to turn the pet food industry on its head by offering fresh, custom meals for dogs similar to meal-prep services like Maple and Sprig for humans.
Ollie’s fresh food is made and hand-packed in the USA. They are partners with a veterinary nutritionist to formulate their nutritionally-balanced recipes in accordance with AAFCO standards. All of their food is cooked in small batches in their USDA-regulated kitchen.
They carefully source their ingredients from reputable farms in the U.S and Australia. Each partner must go through an extensive certification process to become a supplier. All of their food is made only with whole, fresh ingredients.
Pros
Each recipe is vet-formulated
Made from fresh, natural ingredients
Met AAFCO nutritional standards
Improved oral/dental health
You can customize your subscription
Cons
Price a bit expensive
Fresh pet food has a shorter shelf life compared to kibbles and canned goods
This product is a large breed specific formula designed to help keep weight at appropriate levels and support bone and joint health. It uses freeze-dried bits of meat for texture and flavor plus premium kibble to promote overall health and nutrition.
It uses deboned chicken as the first ingredient to provide whole, stable proteins. Chicken and turkey meal provides further protein and caloric support.
It does contain potatoes but not in the first three ingredients. Whole veggies and fruits give proper nutrients and vitamins for a healthier immune system, and Merrick uses no artificial colors or preservatives. It’s soy, corn, and wheat free as well.
Glucosamine and chondroitin provide additional joint support while omega fatty acids from salmon help keep the skin healthy and the coat soft. There is no gluten, so very sensitive dogs should be fine.
This recipe uses deboned beef, lamb, and venison for a complete and varied protein source. It includes essential omega fatty acids to promote coat health and has complex carbohydrates to help maintain energy levels and a healthy weight. Blue’s trademark LifeSource bits provide an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins.
It’s totally grain free, so sensitive Vizslas should still be able to digest it well. It uses fruits and veggies primarily to provide nutrient and antioxidant support for a healthier immune system among other things plus probiotics for further digestive and immune support.
Pros
Three protein sources
Gluten, soy, corn, and wheat free
Probiotics for digestive and immune health
Cons
Only one size bag available
Dogs may not like the taste or texture of LifeSource Bits
Designed for dogs with food sensitivities, featuring real grass-fed lamb as the single animal protein source to minimize potential allergens.
This limited ingredient diet includes a carefully selected blend of easily digestible ingredients like lamb and peas, providing balanced nutrition without common irritants.
Enhanced with essential vitamins and minerals, it supports overall health while promoting a healthy coat and digestive system. Free from grains, dairy, and artificial additives, this recipe offers a wholesome, simple diet for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
Pros
Great for dogs with specific food sensitivities
Notable improvement with skin allergies
Helpful for dogs with GI issues
Less expensive than a prescription food required for some allergies
Cons
Kibble size may not be suitable for all breeds
Expensive
Best Puppy Food
Puppy Vizslas need a lot of high-quality fuel to keep them going. Energetic Vizsla puppies will have a hearty appetite. They’ll need to be fed a few times a day.
You’ll want to wait to give them adult food until they are at least 12 months old. Here are a few great food options for your precious pup.
8. Nutro Puppy Tender Beef, Pea & Carrot Recipe Bites In Gravy
This wet puppy food from Nutro is a great choice for your growing Vizsla. The all-natural food is made for dogs for all sizes.
It is a high-quality wet dog food designed specifically for puppies. Made with real beef and packed with essential vitamins and minerals, this recipe supports healthy growth and development. The addition of peas and carrots adds fiber and antioxidants, while the rich gravy makes each bite irresistible.
Pros
Taste puppies love
Convenient packaging
Real beef is the very first ingredient
Premium grain-free wet food
Made with non-GMO ingredients
Cons
Quite messy at times
Intense smell
9. Solid Gold Wolf Cub Bison & Oatmeal Puppy Formula
This holistic food uses fresh ingredients including bison, calcium and a variety of super foods. They use a holistic method of sourcing ingredients and cooking to help your pup feel their best.
This dry kibble is designed for medium and large dogs. There is real bison included as well as carrots, pumpkin, almond oil, cranberries, and lentils.
No artificial flavors, wheat, soy or corn are used in this recipe. These are all allergen triggers that can be harmful to Vizslas with food allergies.
Pros
Holistic
Great for GI issues
Helps with coat health
Meant for large breeds
Cons
Expensive
Large kibble
Best Dog Food for Senior
Senior dogs require a special diet to help them through their golden years. When a dog ages, they tend to require fewer calories. Older dogs become less active and won't need as much food as they once did.
Vizslas are very active dogs. Don't expect them to slow down too much before they reach 10 years old. You should switch to a senior food around this time to help them get the extra nutrients they need.
A diet that is lower in calories and high in calcium is important for their joint and bone health and weight management. Here are a few of the best foods for your senior Vizsla.
This kibble is carefully crafted to meet the unique nutritional needs of senior dogs, helping them stay happy and healthy as they age.
It features real chicken as the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein for strong muscles, along with wholesome oatmeal for gentle digestion.
The easy-to-chew bites are specially designed for older dogs, making mealtime enjoyable and accessible. With controlled levels of fat and protein, this formula supports a balanced diet, promoting sustained energy and an active lifestyle.
Additionally, it contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate sourced naturally from fresh chicken, supporting joint health and mobility to keep your senior dog comfortable and moving with ease.
Free from artificial fillers and made with care, it is the perfect choice to nourish your furry companion in their golden years.
Pros
Controlled fat & protein
Enriched with K9 specific probiotics
Helps with weight management
Loaded with Omegas 3 & 6
Cons
Many crumbles in bag
Picky eaters are not fond
Common Health Issues
Vizslas are generally a healthy, active breed that can have lifespans of up to 14 years. There are some common health issues within the breed to be aware of.
Epilepsy – Epilepsy is the common cause of seizures in some dogs. Dogs who suffer from seizures can have them randomly, every couple of years or several times a year.
There are treatments and medication that can help your dog live a normal life between seizures. With the proper medication, even dogs with severe epilepsy can continue to live as normal and not have any change in life expectancy.
Many times, after sporadic seizures, dogs can recover almost immediately and go back to normal. These dogs can often do so without any medication at all.
Blood Clot Disorders – When a vein or artery is blocked, and blood can't flow through the blood vessel this is known as a blood clot or thrombus.
Like in people, dogs can have blood clots in their heart or arteries. A dog with blood clot disorders will have a disease that causes blood not to clot properly.
A sign of a blood clot can be difficulty breathing, coughing up blood or blood in a dog's urine. If it's determined your dog has a blood clot disorder, they will be given a prescription medication that will help the clots from forming.
Hypothyroidism – In most dogs, Hypothyroidism is caused by the immune system. The immune system reacts to the thyroid as a foreign object and will begin attacking it.
A dog with hypothyroidism will suffer from weight gain, thinning hair and hair loss, lethargy, a slower heart rate, and high cholesterol. They will often be lethargic and have a decrease in appetite despite their weight gain.
A blood screening can be done if you suspect your dog is having issues. Since it’s a common health problem among Vizslas, breeders are required to run this test before breeding a dog and their results must be made public.
Your dog must be given medication for life to treat this condition. Although there is no cure, through medication, your dog can continue to live a healthy life.
What To Look For In A Quality Dog Food
There are several key ingredients to look for in high-quality dog food. You should always want to see quality protein, natural fibers, vegetables and fruit listed among the top ingredients in your dog food. Oils and minerals for heart and coat health, probiotics for digestion and whole grains are also key ingredients to look for.
Food made from all-natural ingredients is always going to be your best bet. Don't be alarmed if you see meat meal listed as one of the ingredients in your dog's food.
Meat meal is actually a great source of protein. During the cooking process, the protein such as beef, for example, is cooked by removing all of the moisture. This will increase the protein concentration making it a great source of protein for your pup.
When reading a dog food label, note that the first five ingredients are usually the most important. Ingredients go in order of quantity as well, so the ingredient listed first has the most quantity.
Ingredients To Avoid
Although there are hundreds of dog foods on the market. It can be a difficult decision choosing which one is best. When reading food labels, there are a few ingredients you should always try and avoid. Artificial preservatives and artificial flavors add no nutritional value and are just fillers.
Too many starches and fibers can also be harmful to your pet. You’ll often see large amounts of potatoes in a grain-free food. Dogs without grain allergies or intolerances don’t necessarily need to be fed a grain-free diet.
It can actually be just as harmful when they are fed too much starch to replace grains. The FDA has made some correlations between certain diets and heart disease. Read more about their findings on fda.gov.
If you suspect your dog does have a food allergy or food intolerance, however, talk to your vet. They'll often suggest an elimination diet to rule out which foods your dog is sensitive to. Chicken, grain, dairy, and eggs are often the most common food allergens.
Ingredients to avoid include, meat by-products, corn, large quantities of grain, and preservatives. These are all low-cost fillers used to keep costs down and replace more expensive meat proteins.
Brands that use large amounts of these ingredients are Purina Beneful, Kibbles ‘n Bits, Iams, Purina Dog Chow, Muenster Natural, Ol’Roy from Walmart, and Pedigree. The Daily Dog Stuff goes into great detail about the ingredients used in these foods and why they are so harmful.
Worst Food For Vizslas
Vizslas often have sensitive stomachs. Some of the worst foods for them include foods with common allergy triggers such as eggs, dairy, wheat, and chicken.
While not all Vizslas have food intolerances, keep on the lookout for excessive paw licking, itching, and hair loss if you suspect your pooch is allergic to something.
Artificial fillers and preservatives can also be harsh on your dog’s stomach. Avoid these ingredients when shopping for food for your Vizsla.
Feeding Chart
Typically, an adult Vizsla will eat around four cups of dry dog food daily. Vizslas have a healthy appetite and will usually eat well when they are young and active. Be sure to adjust your Vizslas food as they age.
A Vizsla puppy may still eat four cups a day but they will often need to eat more frequently. Their stomachs are smaller and a smaller more frequent meal will help disperse their energy and help with digestion.
You should keep feeding your Vizsla puppy food until they are fully grown. For a Vizsla, this is around 12 months. From that point, you can start to introduce adult food and decrease the frequency of their meals to two times a day.
An aging Vizsla may drop down to two cups of dry food a day as they get into their senior years. They may also start to only eat once a day as they get older. Vizslas are an energetic and athletic breed so don’t be surprised if they don’t show signs of slowing down until they reach double digits.
Always have plenty of fresh water available to your dog and watch out for too many treats and human table food. These can cause obesity and other health problems.
Since Vizslas do well with training and positive reinforcement just keep their treats smaller and all natural. They are still great motivation for their active minds.
Tail End
Selecting the best dog food for a Vizsla involves meeting their specific dietary needs for optimal health and performance. Look for high-quality protein sources to support their active lifestyle and lean muscle development.
Healthy fats, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are crucial for maintaining a healthy coat and skin. Additionally, including ingredients that promote joint health and overall well-being can be beneficial, especially given their energetic nature.
Whether choosing grain-inclusive or grain-free options, always consider your Vizsla's age, activity level, and any specific health concerns.
Consulting with a veterinarian can help ensure the chosen diet supports their long-term health and vitality.
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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.
