Best Dog Food for Weimaraners : 15 Healthy Options + Helpful Answers to Feeding FAQs

The Weimaraner is a large-breed dog known for his athletic build and his blue-grey coat.

These dogs were developed in the 19th century for hunting, used by royalty to hunt large game such as deer, boar, and even bear. As big-game hunting declined in popularity, the breed became adapted to hunting smaller game like fox and rabbit. Today, the Weimaraner is an all-purpose gundog but he also makes a wonderful family companion for his intelligence and friendly personality.

Though the Weimaraner is a large breed, he has a surprisingly long lifespan of 12 to 15 years. These dogs stand 23 to 27 inches tall and weigh 55 to 90 pounds at maturity. They are also a very healthy breed with few serious health problems. Even so, they require a high-quality diet to maximize their longevity.

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

Understanding a Weimaraner’s Diet Requirements

The Weimaraner’s dietary requirements are much the same as any other breed. All dogs require a diet rich in protein to support lean muscle mass with fat as a concentrated source of energy. Both protein and fat are best when it comes from animal-based sources because your dog’s body is evolved to digest and metabolize animal products better than plant products.

Some of the best sources of protein for your Weimaraner are meat, poultry, and fish because they are complete proteins. A complete protein is simply one that contains all 10 of the essential amino acids your dog needs in his diet. For fats, look for animal sources like chicken fat and salmon oil as these are the easiest for your dog’s body to metabolize. Plant fats can be used as supplemental sources of energy and to balance out the omega-3 and omega-6 content of your dog’s diet.

Dogs don’t have a nutritional need for carbohydrates, but things like whole grains and vegetables can provide supplemental energy in addition to fiber and essential nutrients. Fiber supports your dog’s healthy digestion, but too much of it can upset his stomach. Look for a recipe that contains between 3% and 5% crude fiber.

• Puppy Weimaraners Diet– As a puppy, your Weimaraner needs a minimum of 22% protein and 8% fat in his diet to support his growth and development. Because he is prone to musculoskeletal issues, however, you want to prevent him from growing too fast – choosing a large-breed puppy recipe will help.
• Adult Weimaraners Diet – When your Weimaraner reaches his full size, switch to a large-breed adult recipe that provides a minimum of 18% protein and 5% fat. He needs plenty of protein to maintain lean muscle mass but may require higher levels of fat than other large breeds due to his high energy levels.
• Senior Weimaraners Diet – As your Weimaraner gets older, he might start to slow down. If your dog starts gaining weight, consider switching to a large-breed senior or a healthy weight recipe.

A good dog food will meet your dog’s basic requirements for protein, fat, and carbohydrates but your Weimaraner 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 Weimaraners

The Weimaraner is a large-breed dog, so his 12- to 15-year lifespan is surprisingly long. Generally speaking, this is a very healthy breed, though all dogs are prone to some health problems.

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

• Corneal Dystrophy
• Entropion
• Gastric Dilation
• Hip Dysplasia
• Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
• Hyperuricosuria
• Hypothyroidism
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Tricuspid Dysplasia
• Von Willebrand Disease

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

Most of the problems to which the Weimaraner is prone can be divided into groups for eye problems, musculoskeletal problems, and inherited health disorders.

Some of the eye problems to which the breed is prone include corneal dystrophy, entropion, distichiasis, and progressive retinal atrophy. Entropion is a condition in which the eyelid rolls inward, causing irritation to the eye and distichiasis is when eyelashes grow abnormally from the eyelid. Corneal dystrophy occurs when a collection of lipids creates an opacity in the cornea and progressive retinal atrophy is a condition in which the retina slowly degenerates.

In terms of inherited health problems to which the Weimaraner is prone, hip dysplasia, tricuspid dysplasia, hyperuricosuria, and von Willebrand disease are a few. Tricuspid dysplasia is a congenital heart disease and von Willebrand disease is a bleeding disorder. Hyperuricosuria is a condition in which the dog has elevated levels of uric acid in the urine which increases their risk for bladder and kidney stones, some of which may require surgery.

As a large-breed dog, the Weimaraner is prone to certain musculoskeletal issues like hip dysplasia. This is a malformation of the hip joint which allows the femoral head to slip in and out of place. Joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin can help manage this condition. Weimaraners are also prone to 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 too much air while he is eating.

Weimaraner Feeding Chart

When it comes to feeding your Weimaraner, there are different things to focus on in different life stages. As a puppy, your Weimaraner needs a protein-rich diet to grow strong muscles with plenty of fat as a concentrated source of calories to fuel his growth. You want to prevent him from growing too fast, however, so look for a large-breed puppy recipe with controlled levels of calcium and phosphorus. Feed your puppy two or three meals a day, according to his activity level.

Once your Weimaraner reaches about 75% of his adult size or 12 months of age, switch to a large-breed adult recipe. He still needs plenty of protein to maintain lean muscle mass with moderate fat content for energy. You should also look for a recipe that contains added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. Feed your adult or senior Weimaraner two meals a day, one in the morning and one at night.

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

Now that you have a better understanding of your Weimaraner’s nutritional needs, you’re ready to start shopping for dog food! Remember, the best Weimaraner food will be made from wholesome natural ingredients including premium animal proteins, healthy fats, and digestible carbohydrates like whole grains or vegetables. You should also look for fresh fruits and veggies, probiotics, and joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin. Here are our top 15 picks:

Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Overall Best	Holistic Select Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Large & Giant Breed Recipe	$1.89/lb	A+
Most Affordable	American Journey Salmon & Brown Rice Large-Breed Adult Recipe	$1.12/lb	A+
Most Popular	Taste Of The Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Food	$1.55/lb	A+
Super Premium	NomNom Fresh Food Delivery	Varies	A+
Allergies	FirstMate Grain-Free Pacific Ocean Fish Meal LID Large-Breed Recipe	$2.56/lb	A
Sensitive Stomachs	Nutro Wholesome Essentials Lamb And Brown Rice Large Breed Recipe	$1.54/lb	A

Holistic Select Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Large & Giant Breed Recipe

Overall Best Food for Weimaraners: If you want to provide your Weimaraner with a high-quality dry food, try this Holistic Select Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Large & Giant Breed Recipe. This recipe features all-natural ingredients in a holistic formula designed specifically for large breeds. It contains chicken meal as a concentrated source of lean protein and natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. It features digestible whole-grain carbohydrates and plenty of omega fatty acids. This recipe is supplemented with taurine and L-carnitine for proper heart function as well as natural fibers and probiotics for digestion.

• Pros: Formulated for large and giant breeds, high-quality digestible ingredients, chicken meal for lean protein, grain-free carbohydrates, calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and joints
• Cons: Expensive to feed as a staple diet

American Journey Salmon & Brown Rice Large-Breed Adult Recipe

Most Affordable Food: You don’t have to spend a lot to get a decent quality dog food for your Weimaraner. This American Journey Salmon & Brown Rice Large-Breed Adult Recipe is affordable and made with wholesome natural ingredients like real, deboned meat and brown rice. It contains ideal levels of protein and fat for large-breed dogs with controlled levels of calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones and joints. This recipe is rich in omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, plus a nutritious blend of fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources for key nutrients.

• Pros: Wholesome natural ingredients, real deboned salmon as first ingredients, digestible whole grains, calcium and phosphorus for bones and joints, omega fatty acids, fresh fruits and veggies
• Cons: Contains some plant protein (pea protein), may be a little high in fiber for some dogs

Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Food

Most Popular Food: When you can’t decide what to feed your Weimaraner, you can always go with a popular choice like this Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Food. This recipe is loaded with wholesome and digestible ingredients like real roasted meats and grain-free carbohydrates. It features salmon, ocean fish meal, and salmon meal for healthy proteins and sweet potatoes and peas for digestible carbohydrates. There are plenty of beneficial supplements as well, including prebiotic fibers and probiotics for healthy digestion as well as chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption as well as nutritional balance.

• Pros: Several premium animal proteins, 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), could be higher in fiber

NomNom Fresh Food Delivery Service

Super Premium Food: If you want to provide your Weimaraner with premium-quality nutrition, consider NomNomNow. NomNomNow is a fresh dog food delivery service that sends fresh, custom meals right to your door on a monthly basis. Signing up takes just a few minutes and all you have to do is type in some basic information about your dog. From there, you can select your recipe from the collection and they will automatically be customized according to your dog’s nutrient and calorie needs. Every recipe is made with the freshest natural ingredients to guarantee the highest quality nutrition and plenty of flavor.

• 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

FirstMate Grain-Free Pacific Ocean Fish Meal LID Large-Breed Recipe

Best Food for Weimaraners with Allergies: If you’re worried that your Weimaraner has food allergies, you need to switch to a high-quality diet made with a limited number of ingredients and, ideally, a novel source of protein. This FirstMate Grain-Free Pacific Ocean Fish Meal LID Large-Breed Recipe fulfills all of these requirements and more as a wholesome sources of grain-free nutrition. It features wild herring as the main ingredient and a single source of animal protein with grain-free carbohydrates like potatoes for easy digestion. There are plenty of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, plus beneficial supplements like chelated minerals and glucosamine for joint support. It contains 25% protein and 12% fat.

• Pros: Single source of novel protein, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, rich in essential fatty acids, limited number of main ingredients, chelated minerals, glucosamine, large kibble size
• Cons: May be too high in fiber for some dogs, expensive to feed as a staple diet

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Lamb and Brown Rice Large Breed Recipe

Best Food for Weimaraners with Sensitive Stomachs: For dogs suffering from sensitive stomach, the digestibility of the dog food you choose is extremely important. This Nutro Wholesome Essentials Lamb and Brown Rice Large Breed Recipe is a great option because it features wholesome natural ingredients including farm-raised chicken and whole-grain brown rice. This recipe is formulated specifically for large breeds with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support as well as plenty of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It is completely free from by-products, fillers, and artificial additives that might upset your dog’s stomach and is supplemented with plenty of natural fibers for healthy digestion.

• Pros: Wholesome natural ingredients, highly digestible, farm-raised chicken as main ingredient, whole-grain carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, glucosamine and chondroitin
• Cons: Some dogs may be sensitive to chicken ingredients, not a grain-free recipe

3 more Top Rated (5 Star) Weimaraner Adult Foods

Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Adult Food	Nutro Ultra Large Breed Dry Food	$1.60/lb	A+
Adult Food	Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Fish & Oatmeal Recipe	$1.64/lb	A
Adult Food	Eagle Pack Large & Giant Breed Adult Dry Food	$1.50/lb	A

Nutro Ultra Large Breed Dry Food

Made with three lean sources of premium animal protein, this Nutro Ultra Large Breed Dry Food is a great option for your Weimaraner. It features farm-raised chicken, pasture-fed lamb, and fresh salmon for the ideal balance of protein and omega fatty acids. This recipe contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support and is completely free from artificial additives.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Fish & Oatmeal Recipe

Formulated specifically for large breeds, this Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Fish & Oatmeal Recipe is a great option for your Weimaraner. It features whitefish and menhaden fish meal as the top two ingredients to provide optimal levels of protein and omega fatty acids. It also contains prebiotic fibers and probiotics for healthy digestion as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.

Eagle Pack Large & Giant Breed Adult Dry Food

For a simple source of digestible nutrition for your Weimaraner, consider this Eagle Pack Large & Giant Breed Adult Dry Food. This recipe features the ideal balance of protein and fats for large breeds with plenty of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It contains digestible whole-grain carbohydrates as well as beneficial supplements like chelated minerals, glucosamine, and probiotics.

3 More Top Rated (5 Star) Weimaraner Puppy Foods

Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Puppy Food	Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken & Brown Rice Large-Breed Puppy Recipe	$1.51/lb	A+
Puppy Food	Nutro Ultra Large-Breed Puppy Recipe	$1.76/lb	A
Puppy Food	Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Chicken Large Breed Puppy Recipe	$2.84/lb	A

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

If you want a high-quality puppy food that you can easily transition into an adult diet, try this Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken & Brown Rice Large-Breed Puppy Recipe. This recipe features real deboned chicken and digestible brown rice as two of the primary ingredients with nutritional support from fresh fruits and vegetables, vitamin supplements, chelated minerals, and probiotics.

Nutro Ultra Large-Breed Puppy Recipe

Formulated for large-breed puppies with the ideal balance of protein and fat, this Nutro Ultra Large-Breed Puppy Recipe is a highly nutritious option for your Weimaraner. This recipe features three lean sources of animal protein with plenty of omega fatty acids and digestible carbohydrates. It also contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy bones and joints.

Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Puppy Recipe

If you’re concerned about food allergies or sensitivities for your Weimaraner puppy, this Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Puppy Recipe could be a good option. Made with no by-products or rendered meats and naturally grain-free, this recipe is highly digestible. It contains deboned turkey as well as digestible carbohydrates like potatoes and peas with fresh fruits and vegetables for nutritional balance.

2 More Picks for Senior Weimaraner Foods

Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Senior Food	Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken & Brown Rice Large Breed Senior Recipe	$1.55/lb	A
Senior Food	Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Healthy Weight Adult Recipe	$1.59/lb	A

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

As your Weimaraner gets older, the quality of his diet matters even more. This Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken & Brown Rice Large Breed Senior Recipe is a great option because it is made from wholesome natural ingredients for digestibility and balanced nutrition. It features real chicken as a lean source of protein and natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin with whole-grain brown rice and plenty of omega fatty acids.

Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Healthy Weight Adult Recipe

If you’re worried about your Weimaraner gaining weight as he gets older, consider this Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Healthy Weight Adult Recipe. This recipe features high-quality proteins and all-natural ingredients for lean, highly digestible source of balanced nutrition. It contains no fillers, by-products, or artificial additives and it is rich in protein with low fat content to control calories.

Our FAQ and Weimaraner Feeding Guide

In addition to choosing a healthy and high-quality diet for your Weimaraner, you also need to think about the practical aspects of feeding him and keeping his food fresh. When it comes to keeping your dog food fresh, you want to limit exposure to air as much as possible. When exposed to air, your dog food will start losing some of its nutritional quality over time. The best thing to do is place the open bag in an airtight container – this may mean buying your dog food in smaller bags. Don’t just pour it into a container because the bag itself is treated to preserve the food and you’ll lose that benefit.

When shopping for dog food bowls, consider the size as well as the quality of the materials. You’ll need something that can fit at least a cup of food at a time without being too large. Stainless steel is a good material because it is nearly impossible to break and easy to clean. Ceramic is another good option, though it might break if your dog tips it over. If your dog tends to eat very fast, you might consider a slow-feed bowl. Just don’t use a raised bowl because it could increase your dog’s risk for bloat.

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

How much food should I feed my Weimaraners?

The exact amount of food you give your Weimaraner 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 Weimaraner between 2 ½ and 3 ½ cups of food per day. 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 Weimaraners?

Most Weimaraners do well with two meals per day, one in the morning and one in the evening. If you train your dog for hunting or other dog sports, however, the increased energy expenditure may necessitate a third meal or snacks between meals. Growing puppies may also require three meals a day during their first six months or so.

What kind of food do Weimaraner 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 Weimaraner because it offers excellent digestibility as well as unmatched nutritional quality. As a large breed, however, your Weimaraner will eat a lot so a fresh food diet may not be affordable. Dehydrated dog food and freeze-dried dog food offers similar nutritional quality at a somewhat lower price point. If none of these options is in the cards, look for a high-protein kibble made with all-natural ingredients including plenty of healthy fats.

What vegetables are good in a Weimaraner 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 Weimaraners:

• 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 Weimaraners 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. This being the case, you may not want to feed your Weimaraner a grain-free diet unless he is actually allergic or sensitive to grains. Frequent ear infections and recurrent skin problems are often a sign of food allergies which could be caused by grains.

Weimaraner Dog Food – A Final Word

Now that you know the basics about your Weimaraner’s nutritional needs, you’re ready to start shopping for the best Weimaraner food. Remember to look for a product that is made from wholesome natural ingredients including premium animal proteins, healthy fats, and digestible carbohydrates like whole grains or vegetables. You should also look for fresh fruits and veggies, probiotics, and joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin.

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