Best Dog Food for Vizslas : 15 Healthy Recipes Reviewed by Budget, Diet and Life Stage

If you’ve never heard of the Vizsla before, you’re not alone. This breed originated in Hungary, used primarily for hunting. After nearly going extinct several times, they came to the United States at the end of World War II and have been making a name for themselves ever since.

The Vizsla is a medium- to large-sized breed with a short red coat and a lean build. These dogs are similar in size and build to the Weimaraner and are often mistaken for other red-coated breeds such as the Rhodesian Ridgeback. What makes them unique is the fact that their eye and nose colors match the color of their coat.

As a large breed, the Vizsla has a lifespan between 10 and 14 years. For the most part, these dogs are fairly healthy – this may, in part, be due to their ancient origins. They are, however, prone to several diseases which could limit their lifespan. Feeding your dog a healthy diet is the key to maximizing his health and wellness for the long-term.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this article:

Understanding a Vizsla’s Diet Requirements

All dogs require protein, fat, and carbohydrates in their diet. Protein provides the foundation learn muscle mass while fat provides a concentrated source of energy. Both of these nutrients are most biologically valuable for dogs when they come from animal sources. Look for premium animal proteins like meat, poultry, and fish as well as healthy fats like chicken fat and salmon oil.

Your dog has no specific requirements for carbohydrates but these foods provide additional energy as well as fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. Whole grains are a nutritious source of carbohydrates but because Vizslas have a higher risk for food allergies, you may want to stick with grain-free options like vegetables, beans, and legumes. Look for a fiber content around 3% to 5%.

• Puppy Vizslas Diet – As a puppy, your Vizsla needs a minimum of 22% protein and 8% fat in his diet to fuel his growth and development. Feed him a large-breed puppy food to make sure he grows properly but not so fast that he has an increased risk for musculoskeletal issues as an adult.
• Adult Vizslas Diet – When your Vizsla reaches his full size, switch to a large-breed adult recipe that provides at least 18% protein and 5% fat. More protein is better for lean muscle maintenance and moderate-to-high fat content should support your dog’s high energy needs.
• Senior Vizslas Diet – As your Vizsla gets older, his metabolism might slow down and his risk for food allergies increases. A high-quality and digestible diet is important, as is a lower calorie content.

A good dog food will meet your dog’s basic requirements for protein, fat, and carbohydrates but your Vizsla can also benefit from fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy supplements. Fresh fruits and veggies provide natural sources for key nutrients and they are more biologically valuable than synthetic supplements. Chelated minerals are mineral supplements that have been chemically bound to protein molecules which increases their absorption. Your dog can also benefit from prebiotics and probiotics for healthy digestion, and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support.

Special Dietary Considerations for Vizslas

Generally speaking, the Vizsla is a fairly healthy breed but all dogs are prone to certain health problems. Most of the conditions commonly seen in the Vizsla are eye problems, musculoskeletal issues, skin problems, or inherited health problems.

Here is a quick list of the health problems to which the Vizsla may be prone:

• Allergies
• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Hip Dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Sebaceous Adenitis
• Von Willebrand Disease

Let’s take a closer look at some of these health problems.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in this breed and there are several types to look out for. Lymphosarcoma is the third most common type of cancer seen in dogs and it is fairly common in Vizslas. This cancer can affect multiple parts of the body including the liver, spleen, GI tract, and bone marrow. These dogs are also prone to mast cell tumors and hemangiosarcoma.

As a large breed, the Vizsla has a high risk for musculoskeletal conditions like hip dysplasia. This is a condition in which a malformation of the hip joint causes the femoral head to pop in and out of the socket. Hip dysplasia is often an inherited disorder, as is epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, and von Willebrand disease. These dogs are also prone to a skin problem called sebaceous adenitis.

You might also want to be aware of a condition called gastric dilation or bloat. This is a condition in which the stomach fills with air and twists on its axis, cutting off blood flow and causing a life-threatening condition. It happens when your dog eats too much, eats too fast, or swallows air while he is eating. This condition primarily affects deep-chested breeds, but all large-breed dogs are at risk.

Another health problem to keep in mind is food allergies. All dogs have the potential to develop food allergies or sensitivities, but the Vizsla has a higher risk than most breeds. Some of the most common food allergens for dogs include low-quality grains like wheat, corn, and soy as well as common proteins like chicken, beef, and pork. Feeding your dog an all-natural diet made with a limited number of ingredients can reduce the risk for triggering food allergies.

Vizsla Feeding Chart

The Vizsla walks the line between being a medium and a large breed, standing 21 to 24 inches tall and weighing 50 to 65 pounds. These dogs were developed for hunting, so they have very high exercise needs which also equates to high needs for energy. This breed is lithe and lean, but he does have a fair bit of muscle, so he requires a protein-rich diet with plenty of fat for energy. Feeding your Vizsla a large-breed dog food is a good idea to get the right balance of nutrients but look for one that is a little higher in fat to provide for the breed’s high energy needs.

Generally speaking, your Vizsla will eat between 3 and 4 cups of dry food per day. As a puppy, your dog may need additional calories and protein to fuel his growth and development, but he should be switched to a large-breed adult recipe at 12 months. Your adult Vizsla should be fed two meals per day, one in the morning and one in the evening. Refer to the feeding directions on the package according to your dog’s age and weight to determine exactly how much to feed him.

The 2023 Best Dog Food for Vizslas: Our Top 15 Picks

Now that you have a better understanding of your Vizsla’s nutritional needs, you’re ready to start shopping for dog food! Remember, the best Vizsla food will be made from wholesome natural ingredients, rich in protein with moderate to high fat content with digestible carbohydrates. He can also benefit from joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin. Here are our top 15 picks:

Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Overall Best	Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Lamb Recipe	$3.79/lb	A+
Most Affordable	American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Large-Breed Adult Recipe	$1.12/lb	A+
Most Popular	Taste Of The Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Food	$1.55/lb	A+
Super Premium	NomNom Fresh Food Delivery	Varies	A+
Allergies	Nutro Grain-Free LID Lamb & Sweet Potato Large Breed Recipe	$2.50/lb	A
Sensitive Stomachs	Nutro Ultra Duck, Lentil & Pear Grain-Free Adult Recipe	$2.63/lb	A

Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Lamb Recipe

Overall Best Food for Vizslas: If you want to give your dog the nutritional benefits of raw food without sacrificing the convenient benefits of dry food, try this Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Lamb Recipe. This recipe features high-protein kibble to support your dog’s lean muscle mass with freeze-dried raw pieces for a boost of nutrition and flavor. It contains grass-fed lamb as the first ingredient with grain-free carbohydrates like peas and tapioca. It is rich in essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coat and provides 37.5% protein and 19% fat – an ideal ratio for an active large breed like your Vizsla.

• Pros: High-protein kibble and freeze-dried raw bites, made with real lamb, grain-free carbohydrates, rich in omega fatty acids, chelated minerals, probiotics for digestion, 37.5% protein and 19% fat
• Cons: May be too high in fat for some dogs, expensive to feed as a staple diet

American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Large-Breed Adult Recipe

Most Affordable Food: If you don’t want to spend a fortune on dog food, you can still give your Vizsla a high-quality diet with this American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Large-Breed Adult Recipe. Made with protein-rich salmon as the main ingredient, this recipe is rich in omega fatty acids and helps support your dog’s lean muscle mass. It features grain-free carbohydrates like peas and sweet potatoes with flaxseed for supplemental fiber. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide a natural source of key nutrients while vitamin supplements and chelated minerals ensure optimal nutrient absorption. It also contains probiotics for digestion.

• Pros: High-quality sources of animal protein, rich in essential fatty acids, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, chelated minerals, no artificial additives
• Cons: main source of fat is plant-based (canola oil)

Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Food

Most Popular Food: If you don’t know what to feed your Vizsla, you can’t go wrong with a popular choice like this Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Food. This recipe features a single source of novel protein with grain-free carbohydrates to ensure digestibility. It contains plenty of essential fatty acids including omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide rich natural sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants with vitamin supplements and chelated minerals to ensure nutritional balance. Plus, it is rich in protein and fat with 25% crude protein and 15% fat.

• Pros: Novel source of animal protein, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, rich in omega fatty acids, chelated minerals, prebiotics and probiotics
• Cons: Main source of fat is plant-based (canola oil)

NomNom Fresh Food Delivery Service

Super Premium Food: To maximize your Vizsla’s nutrition, consider a fresh food like NomNom. This is a fresh food delivery service that prepares custom meals for your dog and delivers them fresh to your door in automatic monthly shipments. With several recipes to choose from, you can select the best option for your Sheltie and you can customize it if he has unique dietary requirements. Every package is properly portioned for your dog and arrives fresh, never frozen. Simply pour it into your dog’s bowl and save the other packages in the fridge or freezer.

• Pros: Made with the freshest ingredients, custom meals for your dog, delivered fresh to your door, perfectly portioned pouches, automatic shipments
• Cons: Limited number of recipe options, very expensive to feed, delivery restrictions in some areas

Nutro Grain-Free LID Lamb & Sweet Potato Large Breed Recipe

Best Food for Vizslas with Allergies: If your Vizsla suffers from food allergies, you need to limit the number of ingredients in his food to reduce the risk for triggering those allergies. This Nutro Grain-Free LID Lamb & Sweet Potato Large Breed Recipe is a great option because it contains just 10 main ingredients with a novel source of protein and grain-free carbohydrates. It is completely free from corn, wheat, and soy as well as other common allergens like dairy and beef. It features an ideal blend of essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coat with chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption.

• Pros: Made with a limited number of ingredients, single source of lean protein, grain-free carbohydrates, supplemental sources of fiber, chelated minerals, rich in essential fatty acids
• Cons: Contains some plant protein (potato protein), most fat is plant-based

Nutro Ultra Duck, Lentil & Pear Grain-Free Adult Recipe

Best Food for Vizslas with Sensitive Stomachs: Another excellent option from Nutro, this Nutro Ultra Duck, Lentil & Pear Grain-Free Adult Recipe is a grain-free recipe which is perfect for Vizslas with sensitive stomachs. This recipe is highly digestible because it is made with a single source of novel animal protein as well as grain-free carbohydrates. It features a wealth of beneficial supplements including a blend of omega fatty acids, dietary fiber, and chelated minerals. While it may not be formulated for large breeds specifically, it has high protein content and high fat content for your Viszla. It provides 30% protein and 16% fat with 4% fiber.

• Pros: Highly digestible, wholesome natural ingredients, single source of novel protein, grain-free carbohydrates, rich in fiber, chelated minerals, 30% protein and 16% fat
• Cons: Contains some plant protein (pea protein), no probiotics

3 more Top Rated (5 Star) Vizsla Adult Foods

Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Adult Food	Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe	$1.58/lb	A+
Adult Food	Wellness CORE Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Large Breed Recipe	$2.52/lb	A
Adult Food	Merrick Grain-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Large Breed Recipe	$2.27/lb	A

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple source of balanced nutrition, try this Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe. This recipe features digestible natural ingredients with an ideal blend of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It contains L-carnitine for lean muscle development as well as calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and joints.

Wellness CORE Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Large Breed Recipe

For digestibility and quality ingredients, this Wellness CORE Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Large Breed Recipe is a good choice for your Vizsla. This recipe features deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal to provide a rich source of lean protein as well as glucosamine and chondroitin. This recipe is supplemented with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and probiotics but free from artificial additives.

Merrick Grain-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Large Breed Recipe

If you’re looking for a highly digestible recipe made from premium ingredients, try this Merrick Grain-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Large Breed Recipe. This recipe is naturally grain-free and loaded with premium animal protein from deboned chicken. It is a rich source of healthy fats and supplemented with glucosamine and chondroitin, plus it contains guaranteed levels of EPA for joint health.

3 More Top Rated (5 Star) Vizsla Puppy Foods

Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Puppy Food	Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Turkey & Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe	$2.62/lb	A+
Puppy Food	Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Chicken Large Breed Puppy Recipe	$2.17/lb	A
Puppy Food	Solid Gold Wolf Cub Bison & Oatmeal Large-Breed Puppy Recipe	$2.36/lb	A

Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Turkey & Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe

If you’re looking for a highly digestible recipe for your Vizsla puppy, try this Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Turkey & Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe. This recipe features a novel source of chicken-free protein with digestible grain-free carbohydrates. It is low-glycemic and contains added calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth. It also contains fresh fruits and vegetables for immune health.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Chicken Large Breed Puppy Recipe

To make sure your Vizsla puppy gets the protein he needs to develop strong muscles, try this Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Chicken Large Breed Puppy Recipe. This protein-rich recipe features deboned chicken as the main ingredient with digestible grain-free carbohydrates. It contains calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth with omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.

Solid Gold Wolf Cub Bison & Oatmeal Large-Breed Puppy Recipe

Formulated for medium and large-breed puppies, this Solid Gold Wolf Cub Bison & Oatmeal Large-Breed Puppy Recipe is a holistic natural recipe. It features real bison as the main ingredient and contains a unique blend of 20 nutrient-rich superfoods to provide biologically valuable sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It also contains ideal levels of calcium for controlled growth.

2 More Picks for Senior Vizsla Foods

Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Senior Food	Solid Gold Young At Heart Chicken, Sweet Potato & Spinach Senior Recipe	$2.17/lb	A
Senior Food	Nature’s Variety Raw Boost Grain-Free Senior Chicken Recipe	$3.79/lb	A

Solid Gold Young at Heart Chicken, Sweet Potato & Spinach Senior Recipe

If you want to ensure that your senior dog gets the nutrients he needs as he ages, this Solid Gold Young at Heart Chicken, Sweet Potato & Spinach Senior Recipe is a good option. Made with high-protein chicken as the main ingredient, it also features grain-free carbohydrates like peas, sweet potatoes, and spinach. This recipe contains 20 superfood as well to provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Nature’s Variety Raw Boost Grain-Free Senior Chicken Recipe

Just because your Vizsla is slowing down in his old age doesn’t meant that his needs for quality nutrition are going to change. This Nature’s Variety Raw Boost Grain-Free Senior Chicken Recipe is a great option because it features high-protein kibble to sustain lean muscle mass with freeze-dried raw bites for a boost of nutrition and flavor. Plus, it is grain-free to ensure high digestibility.

Our FAQ and Vizsla Feeding Guide

In addition to choosing a healthy and high-quality diet for your Vizsla, you also need to think about the practical aspects of feeding him and keeping his food fresh. Practically speaking, your Vizsla will eat about 1 ½ to 2 cups of food at each meal, so you may need a fairly large dog bowl. Look for durable materials like stainless steel and ceramic because they hold up well and are easy to clean. Avoid things like plastic which can become scratched because bacteria can grow in the scratches. If your dog tends to eat too quickly, consider a slow-feed bowl.

When it comes to storing your dog’s food, you want to prevent exposure to air as much as possible. As soon as you open the bag, the food will start to lose some of its nutritional value. Fortunately, the inside of the bag is treated to help preserve the food and, if you place the whole bag in an airtight container, you can maximize the shelf life of the product.

And now, here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about feeding a Vizsla:

How much food should I feed my Vizsla?

The exact amount of food you give your Vizsla each day will depend on his age, weight, and activity level as well as the calorie content of the dog food you choose. Generally speaking, however, you’ll be feeding your Vizsla between 3 and 4 cups of food per day. Highly active dogs may need more food than older and less active dogs. Start with a large-breed dog food and refer to the feeding recommendations according to your dog’s age and weight to determine his daily portion.

How many times a day should I feed my Vizsla?

The Vizsla generally does well with two meals per day, one in the morning and another in the evening. If your Vizsla is a growing puppy or a highly active adult dog, he may need a third meal or some healthy snacks between meals. Just keep an eye on his body weight and condition to make sure you’re not feeding him too much.

What kind of food do Vizslas eat?

The best dog food for any dog is made from high-quality, natural ingredients and formulated to meet his nutritional needs. Fresh food is a great option for Vizslas because it is made from wholesome ingredients to ensure digestibility and nutritional quality. Because the Vizsla is prone to allergies, the quality and digestibility of his dog food is extremely important. If you can’t afford fresh food, dehydrated or freeze-dried food is another great option. You can also purchase a high-quality kibble if that is what you can afford, just make sure it is all-natural and made for large breeds.

What vegetables are good in a Vizsla food?

Fresh vegetables provide your dog with dietary fiber as well as natural sources for vitamins and minerals. As such, they are a valuable addition to any high-quality dog food. Here are some of the best vegetables for Vizslas:

• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Cucumber
• Green beans
• Peas
• Pumpkin
• Spinach
• Sweet potato
• Zucchini

Providing your dog with fresh vegetables as a healthy snack is a good idea even if the dog food you choose contains fresh vegetables. Just make sure that the vegetables you choose are safe for dogs to eat and that you clean them well before feeding. You should also feed small amounts to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach from an overload of fiber.

Do Vizslas need grain-free dog food?

There is a great deal of controversy surrounding the long-term safety of grain-free recipes for dogs, but the fact remains that there is no conclusive evidence as of yet. Keep in mind, however, that the Vizsla has a higher risk for food allergies and sensitivities than other dog breeds. Because grains are a common trigger for food allergies, you may want to consider a grain-free or limited ingredient diet for your Vizsla. If your dog can tolerate grains, there is no reason to.

Vizsla Dog Food – A Final Word

Now that you know the basics about your Vizsla’s nutritional needs, you’re ready to start shopping for the best Vizsla food. Remember to look for a product that is made from wholesome natural ingredients, rich in protein with moderate to high fat content with digestible carbohydrates. He can also benefit from joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin.

If you’re still not sure where to start in choosing the best Vizsla dog food, try one of our top 15 picks reviewed above!