Best Dog Food for Standard Schnauzers : 15 Healthy Recipes Reviewed by Budget, Diet and Life Stage
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In This Article...
- What is the Best Schnauzer Dog Food?
- Understanding a Standard Schnauzer’s Diet Requirements
- Special Dietary Considerations for Standard Schnauzers
- Standard Schnauzer Feeding Chart
- The Best Dog Food for Standard Schnauzers: Our Top 15 Picks
- Holistic Select Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Adult Recipe
- American Journey Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Food
- Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Adult Dry Food
- NomNomNow Fresh Food Delivery
- Canidae PURE Grain-Free Ancestral Avian Formula Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Adult Recipe
- Go! Sensitivity + Shine LID Grain-Free Duck Recipe
- 3 more Top Rated (5 Star) Standard Schnauzer Adult Foods
- 3 More Top Rated (5 Star) Standard Schnauzer Puppy Foods
- 2 More Picks for Standard Schnauzer Senior Foods
- Our FAQ and Standard Schnauzer Feeding Guide
- Standard Schnauzer Dog Food – A Final Word
The Standard Schnauzer is the oldest of the Schnauzer breeds, developed by German farmers as a versatile hunting dog, ratter, and watchdog. The breed still excels in these roles today, though he is more commonly kept as a show dog and family companion. These dogs are highly intelligent and easy to train. Combined with the fact that they are good with children and friendly with dogs and other pets, they make a wonderful choice for families.
Not only is the Standard Schnauzer one of the smartest dogs around, but he is also extremely healthy as a breed. These dogs have a long lifespan of 13 to 15 years. Though they are generally unaffected by serious health problems, it is still important to feed your dog a high-quality diet.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this article:
What is the Best Schnauzer Dog Food?
Understanding a Standard Schnauzer’s Diet Requirements
Though all dogs have the same basic nutritional requirements, there are some variations based on breed size. The Standard Schnauzer is a medium-sized breed that requires lean protein to maintain lean muscle mass with moderate levels of fat to meet his energy requirements. He is not particularly prone to food allergies, so whole grains and vegetables are digestible sources of carbohydrates.
Protein provides the foundation for lean muscle mass in dogs and should come from high-quality animal sources like meat, poultry, and fish. Fat provides a concentrated source of energy for dogs and should also come from animal products like chicken fat and salmon oil. Carbohydrates provide energy, fiber, and nutrients. In terms of fiber, your dog should do well with 3% to 5% crude fiber in his diet.
Puppy Standard Schnauzers – As a puppy, your Standard Schnauzer needs a minimum of 22% protein and 8% fat in his diet for healthy growth and development. These ingredients should come from high-quality animal sources to ensure digestibility.
Adult Standard Schnauzers – When your Standard Schnauzer reaches his full size, switch him to an adult diet that provides at least 18% protein and 5% fat. These dogs have moderately high energy levels, so your dog may need slightly higher than average fat content in his diet.
Senior Standard Schnauzers – As your Standard Schnauzer gets older, your dog may slow down a bit and so could his metabolism. If your Schnauzer starts to gain an unhealthy amount of weight, try feeding him a little less or switch to a senior diet.
A good dog food will meet your dog’s basic requirements for protein, fat, and carbohydrates but your Standard Schnauzer 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 Standard Schnauzers
As a medium-sized breed, the Standard Schnauzer has a long lifespan of 13 to 15 years. Though many breeds of this size boast a long lifespan, few are as healthy as the Standard Schnauzer. This breed rarely suffers from serious health problems. In fact, a 2008 study revealed that only 1% of dogs had any serious health problems at all. Even so, some dogs are prone to health issues.
Here is a quick list of the health problems to which the Standard Schnauzer may be prone:
- Bladder Stones
- Cataracts
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Hemophilia
- Pulmonic Stenosis
Let’s take a closer look at some of these health problems.
Many of the health problems to which the Standard Schnauzer is prone can be categorized in groups such as eye problems and inherited health problems.
Some of the eye problems to which the Standard Schnauzer may be prone include cataracts and retinal dysplasia. A cataract is an opacity that forms in the lens of the eye, causing a partial or complete obstruction of vision. This condition is not painful or life-threatening, though it may require surgical treatment if the cataract luxates. Retinal dysplasia is a condition in which the tissue of the retina forms folds or clumps and it is a hereditary condition.
Other hereditary conditions that can affect the Standard Schnauzer include hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and pulmonic stenosis. Hip dysplasia is an abnormality of the hip joint that allows the femoral head to slip in and out of place. Over time, this leads to inflammation of the joint and can progress to lameness. Hypothyroidism is characterized by an underactive thyroid gland and pulmonic stenosis is a congenital heart defect characterized by the narrowing of the pulmonary valve which, in mild cases, can cause arrhythmia or, in severe cases, heart failure.
Standard Schnauzer Feeding Chart
When it comes to feeding your Standard Schnauzer, know that his needs will change over the course of his life. When your dog is a puppy, he will need a high-quality source of protein to support healthy muscle development with high levels of fat for energy to fuel his growth. Again, the minimum requirements for puppies are 22% protein and 8% fat but your Standard Schnauzer may need even more of both. Look for a high-quality puppy food that contains plenty of protein and fat to meet these needs.
In terms of how much you’ll be feeding your Standard Schnauzer, your puppy will need three meals a day for at least the first six months. If he starts to approach his adult size around 6 to 8 months, you might go down to two meals a day unless he is still highly active. When he hits 12 months, however, you should definitely go down to two meals a day and switch to adult recipe as well. Keep in mind that highly active dogs may need more calories, so make adjustments to your dog’s diet as needed.
When your Standard Schnauzer becomes a senior dog, around 8 or 9 years, his metabolism may slow down and his needs for calories with it. Consider switching to a senior dog food recipe or simply adjust his diet according to the feeding recommendations on the package. You should be checking these recommendations throughout your dog’s life and making changes as needed based on his age, body weight, and activity level.
Here are our top 15 picks:
| Our 2023 Picks: Schnauzer Food Recommendations: | |||
| Rank | Dog Food | Price | Rating |
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Overall Best | $1.90/lb |
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Most Affordable | $1.24/lb |
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Most Popular | $1.75/lb |
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Super Premium | Varies |
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Allergies | $3.99/lb |
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Sensitive Stomachs | $2.72/lb |
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The Best Dog Food for Standard Schnauzers: Our Top 15 Picks
Now that you have a better understanding of your Standard Schnauzer’s nutritional needs, you’re ready to start shopping for dog food! Remember, the best Standard Schnauzer food will be made from wholesome natural ingredients and free from fillers, by-products, and artificial additives. It should be founded on lean proteins with plenty of healthy fats for energy and digestible carbohydrates. Here are our top 15 picks:
Holistic Select Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Adult Recipe
Overall Best Food for Standard Schnauzers: When it comes to the best dog food for Standard Schnauzers, a holistic recipe like this Holistic Select Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Adult Recipe hits the spot. It features wholesome natural ingredients like protein-rich chicken and digestible brown rice to support lean muscle mass and a healthy metabolism. It is easy to digest and rich in essential fatty acids, plus it contains fresh fruits and vegetables like pumpkin and papaya for a boost of fiber and natural nutrition. This recipe contains antioxidant-rich superfoods for immune support as well as probiotics for healthy digestion.
Pros: Holistic all-natural recipe, real chicken as the main ingredient, digestible whole-grain carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, rich in omega fatty acids, probiotics
Cons: Some dogs may be sensitive to grains, could be higher in fat for some dogs
American Journey Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Food
Most Affordable Food: If you’re looking for a more affordable option in dog food for your Standard Schnauzer, you can’t go wrong with this American Journey Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Food. This recipe contains an ideal balance of healthy whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and quinoa to meet your dog’s needs for energy and fiber. Protein-rich chicken provides a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support while fresh fruits and vegetables supply natural sources for vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This recipe is supplemented with probiotics for healthy digestion and is bursting with natural flavor.
Pros: Several sources of animal protein, rich in essential fatty acids, digestible carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, chelated minerals, contains 25% protein and 15% fat
Cons: Contains some plant protein (pea protein), may be too high in fiber for some dogs
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Adult Dry Food
Most Popular Food: If you can’t decide what to feed your Standard Schnauzer, try a popular recipe like this Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Adult
Dry Food. This recipe features premium roasted meats to support your dog’s lean muscle mass with healthy fats for energy and skin and coat support. It contains prebiotic fibers and probiotics for healthy and regular digestion, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources for key nutrients. This recipe provides 32% protein and 18% fat with 4% crude fiber to ensure digestibility. Overall, it is a protein-packed recipe your dog is sure to love.
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), contains some plant proteins (potato and pea protein)
NomNomNow Fresh Food Delivery
Super Premium Food: If you’re looking for a high-quality diet for your Standard Schnauzer, NomNomNow may be the way to go. This company offers fresh food custom-made for dogs and delivers it right to your door. Simply fill out a profile online with basic information about your dog, choose a recipe from the collection, and you’ll start receiving monthly deliveries. Every recipe is prepared fresh from high-quality ingredients and perfectly portioned for your dog. You can even make adjustments according to your dog’s calorie needs or any special dietary requirements.
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
Canidae PURE Grain-Free Ancestral Avian Formula Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Adult Recipe
Best Food for Standard Schnauzers with Allergies: If your dog has food allergies, a premium-quality recipe made with digestible natural ingredients is a must. This Canidae PURE Grain-Free
Ancestral Avian Formula Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Adult Recipe is a great option because it contains over 3 pounds of regionally sourced game birds for a lean source of premium-quality protein. This recipe is free from low-quality grains, fillers, and by-products but rich in essential fatty acids. It is also supplemented with Health PLUS solutions, a trifecta of probiotics, antioxidants, and omega oils for healthy digestion, immunity, and skin and coat support. Plus, the kibble is coated with freeze-dried raw pheasant for a boost of flavor and nutrition.
Pros: High-quality natural ingredients, several novel animal proteins, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, freeze-dried raw coating, protein-rich, chelated minerals
Cons: Could be higher in fat for some dogs, some dogs are sensitive to chicken ingredients
Go! Sensitivity + Shine LID Grain-Free Duck Recipe
Best Food for Standard Schnauzers with Sensitive Stomachs: If your Standard Schnauzer has a sensitive stomach, a limited ingredient diet will help reduce the risk for a reaction. This Go! Sensitivity + Shine
LID Grain-Free Duck Recipe is a great option because it features a low number of main ingredients including a single source of novel protein. Duck provides a rich source of protein while grain-free carbohydrates like peas, lentils, and chickpeas provide usable energy and dietary fiber. This recipe is rich in omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, plus optimal levels of calcium and protein for strong bones and teeth. Plus, it is supplemented with chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption.
Pros: All-natural ingredients, limited number of ingredients, duck as single source of novel protein, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, plenty of omega fatty acids, chelated minerals
Cons: Main source of fat is plant-based (canola oil), could be higher in fat for some dogs
3 more Top Rated (5 Star) Standard Schnauzer Adult Foods
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Lamb & Brown Rice Adult Recipe
If you’re looking for a highly digestible source of quality nutrition for your Standard Schnauzer, this Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Lamb & Brown Rice Adult Recipe is a great option. Made with high-quality protein for healthy muscles and essential fatty acids for energy and coat support, this recipe has it all. It also contains natural sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for nutritional balance.
Canidae All Life Stages Multi-Protein Formula Dry Food
Formulated for dogs in all life stages, this multi-protein recipe could be a good choice for your dog. This Canidae All Life Stages Multi-Protein Formula Dry Food features chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish for a nutritionally dense recipe that also contains plenty of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. IT also contains HealthPLUS solutions, a trio of probiotics, antioxidants, and omega oils.
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Salmon, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Adult Recipe
For a wholesome source of nutrition for your Standard Schnauzer, consider this Nutro Wholesome Essentials Salmon, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Adult Recipe. This recipe features protein-rich salmon which is also an excellent source of omega fatty acids. Plus, it contains digestible carbohydrates including whole-grain and grain-free options with supplemental fiber and probiotics for digestion.
3 More Top Rated (5 Star) Standard Schnauzer Puppy Foods
| Our 2023 Picks: Schnauzer Food Recommendations: | |||
| Rank | Dog Food | Price | Rating |
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#1 | $1.73/lb |
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#2 | $2.91/lb |
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#3 | $3.99/lb |
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Buffalo Life Protection Formula Lamb & Oatmeal Puppy Recipe
If you’re looking for a puppy food that will easily transition into an adult diet, try this Buffalo Life Protection Formula Lamb & Oatmeal Puppy Recipe. This recipe features real lamb as the main ingredient with digestible whole-grain oatmeal for carbohydrates. It is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat with DHA and ARA for healthy brain and eye development.
Merrick Classic Puppy Recipe Dry Food
For a simple source of balanced nutrition, give your Standard Schnauzer puppy this Merrick Classic Puppy Recipe Dry Food. This recipe features deboned chicken as the main ingredient with plenty of fresh fruits and veggies for nutritional support. It is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, plus it is fortified with DHA to support your puppy’s healthy brain development.
Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Chicken Puppy Recipe
For maximum health and longevity, start your Standard Schnauzer puppy off right with this Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Chicken Puppy Recipe. This recipe features protein-rich kibble infused with freeze-dried raw pieces and packed with essential fats for energy. It also contains DHA for brain and eye development and is free from low-quality fillers, by-products, and artificial additives.
2 More Picks for Standard Schnauzer Senior Foods
| Our 2023 Picks: Schnauzer Senior Food Recommendations: | |||
| Rank | Dog Food | Price | Rating |
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#1 | $2.29/lb |
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#2 | $1.65/lb |
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Solid Gold Young at Heart Grain-Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Spinach Senior Recipe
As your Standard Schnauzer reaches his golden years, this Solid Gold Young at Heart Grain-Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Spinach Senior Recipe could be a good idea. Made with high-protein chicken, this recipe will support his lean muscle mass, but it still provides ample fat for energy. It is supplemented with 20 superfoods for vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants with highly digestible carbohydrates for fiber.
Wellness Complete Health Deboned Chicken & Barley Senior Recipe
To provide your Standard Schnauzer with the optimal blend of lean protein and healthy fats, consider this Wellness Complete Health Deboned Chicken & Barley Senior Recipe. This recipe features deboned chicken as a lean source of protein with added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. It also contains plenty of taurine for heart health with green tea extracts to fight free-radical damage.
Our FAQ and Standard Schnauzer Feeding Guide
In addition to choosing a healthy and high-quality diet for your Standard Schnauzer, 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 avoid exposing it to air as much as possible. As soon as you open the bag, the food will start losing some of its nutritional quality over time. This means using an airtight container and storing the food in a cool, dry place. Take the whole bag and place it in the container instead of pouring the food in. The insides of dog food bags are treated to help preserve the product, so you don’t want to lose that benefit.
In terms of choosing a dog food bowl for your Standard Schnauzer, consider the size as well as the materials. Your dog will be eating between 2 and 3 cups of food per day, so choose a bowl that can hold at least a cup of food. Choose one made from durable materials like stainless steel or ceramic so it lasts. These materials are also easy to clean and less likely to harbor bacteria than materials that scratch easily, like plastic. Just make sure you wash the bowl often to prevent bacteria from growing.
And now, here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about feeding a Standard Schnauzer:
How much food should I feed my Standard Schnauzer?
The exact amount of food you give your Standard Schnauzer 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 Standard Schnauzer between two and three cups of dry food per day. Start with a high-quality adult 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 Standard Schnauzer?
Most Standard Schnauzers do well with two meals per day, one in the morning and another in the evening. As a puppy, your dog may need three meals while he is still growing but you might need to scale back to two meals around 6 months or so. If your Standard Schnauzer is highly active as a puppy or adult dog, he may need a third meal or a snack between meals.
What kind of food do Standard Schnauzers 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 Standard Schnauzers because it offers excellent quality and digestibility. If you can’t afford fresh food, dehydrated or freeze-dried food is also good. For a more affordable option, a high-quality dry food is good or, if you can afford it, one infused with freeze-dried raw pieces so you get the nutritional benefits of raw food with the convenience of dry food.
What vegetables are good in a Standard Schnauzer 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 Standard Schnauzers:
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Cucumber
- Green beans
- Peas
- Pumpkin
- Spinach
- Sweet potato
- Zucchini
Do Standard Schnauzers 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. The Standard Schnauzer is no more prone to allergies than any other breed. This being the case, there is no reason to feed your dog a grain-free diet if he can tolerate grains. If your dog suffers from recurrent ear infections or skin problems, however, it could be due to a food allergy. Switching to a grain-free diet or a limited ingredient diet could help resolve the issue.
Standard Schnauzer Dog Food – A Final Word
Now that you know the basics about your Standard Schnauzer’s nutritional needs, you’re ready to start shopping for the best Standard Schnauzer food. Remember to look for a product that is made from wholesome natural ingredients and free from fillers, by-products, and artificial additives. It should be founded on lean proteins with plenty of healthy fats for energy and digestible carbohydrates.
If you’re still not sure where to start in choosing the best Standard Schnauzer dog food, try one of our top 15 picks reviewed above!
