Best dog food for Dalmatians (2024)
The best dog food for Dalmatians (2024) is Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food.
But check our below top picks to find the best food for your Dalmatian specifically.
Because when buying dog food for your Dalmatian, you need to consider your dog’s:
- Age
- Activity level
- Health
Also, Dalmatians can’t process purines (protein) the way other dog breeds can.
Unfortunately, too many purines in your Dalmatian’s diet can lead to serious health problems.
But worry not.
Our top picks will quickly help you find the right dog food for your Dalmatian.
Your Dalmatian will soon be enjoying the best meals of its life!
Best dog food for Dalmatians – QUICK PEEK
Here is a quick peek at our top 10 picks for the best dog food for Dalmatians.
Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food
Fresh, human-grade ingredients for the most optimal health and nutrition for your Dalmatian. Real ingredients only. Contains 15 superfoods!
Open Farm
All the nutrients your Dalmatian puppy needs for optimal growth, health, and development. Prebiotic fiber for healthy digestion. Human-grade ingredients!
Open Farm
Complete and balanced nutrition for the specific nutritional needs of senior dogs, including Dalmatians. Enhanced with Chondroitin and Glucosamine to aid with cartilage wear and tear.
Sundays
Dry dog food but with the taste and benefits of fresh food and the convenience of kibble. Made from human-grade ingredients. No artificial preservatives or flavors.
JustFoodForDogs
Fresh, tasty, and nutritionally balanced wet dog food that is shelf-stable for up to 2 years. Plus, 100% human-grade ingredients!
Hill’s
Added prebiotics for a balanced microbiome and healthy digestion for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Natural ingredients and real chicken!
Royal Canin
Hydrolyzed proteins for adult dogs with skin allergies and food sensitivities. And provides a natural protective barrier for your dog’s skin!
Open Farm
Formulated specifically for dogs with allergies and sensitivity to grain. Non-GMO fruits and veggies provide a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals!
Instinct
For dog owners who want to feed their Dalmatians with quality raw food that is nutritious and tasty. 85% meat and organs and no fillers!
Blue Buffalo
For dog owners looking for budget-friendly but quality dog food. Rich in nutrients and vitamins. Added glucosamine for joint health and mobility support.
Best dog food for Dalmatians – FULL REVIEWS
Here are full reviews of our top 10 picks for the best dog food for Dalmatians.
- Best overall: Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food
- Best for puppies: Open Farm
- Best for seniors: Open Farm
- Best dry food: Sundays
- Best wet food: JustFoodForDogs
- Best for sensitive stomach: Hill’s
- Best for allergies: Royal Canin
- Best grain-free: Open Farm
- Best raw food: Instinct
- Best value: Blue Buffalo
Every dog food review is based on:
- AAFCO nutrient guidelines
- Specific nutritional needs of Pomskies
- Health benefits and special considerations
- Life stage suitability
- Ingredients quality
- Customer feedback and reviews
- Price and value
- And more
Best overall food for Dalmatians
Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food
- Life stage: Adult
- Food type: Dry food
- Ingredients: Human-grade
- Flavors: Chicken, lamb, and salmon
- Nutrition standard: AAFCO
- Manufactured: USA
WHY WE RECOMMEND IT
- Protein-rich formula with real chicken as the first ingredient
- Contains 15 superfoods, such as coconut, kale, chia, and blueberries
- Real ingredients only!
- Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables
- Naturally sourced glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints and mobility
- No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors
- No chicken byproduct meal
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- Non-GMO ingredients
CONS
- Slightly more expensive than some competitors
Best dog food for Dalmatian puppies
Open Farm
- Life stage: Puppies
- Food type: Fresh
- Ingredients: Human-grade
- Flavors: Blend of chicken, pork, and salmon
- Nutrition standard: AAFCO
- Manufactured: USA
WHY WE RECOMMEND IT
- Designed for puppies to provide key nutrients for optimal growth and healthy development
- Special cooking process that removes bacteria while retaining full flavor and nutrients
- Human-grade ingredients
- 100% animal welfare certified chicken and pork
- Wild-caught salmon
- 100% traceable ingredients from certified family farms
- Non-GMO veggies and superfoods
- Free of antibiotics, hormones, and steroids
- Chicken broth for joint health
- Prebiotic fiber for healthy digestion
- Complies with AAFCO standards
- Pre-portioned
- Free shipping over $50
CONS
- More expensive than some meals for puppies
Best dog food for senior Dalmatians
Open Farm
- Life stage: Senior
- Food type: Dry
- Ingredients: Fresh
- Flavors: Chicken, turkey, and fish
- Nutrition standard: AAFCO
- Manufactured: USA
WHY WE RECOMMEND IT
- Crafted specifically to help maintain healthy weight and joints in senior dogs
- Enhanced with Chondroitin and Glucosamine to aid with cartilage wear and tear as your dog ages
- Fresh chicken, turkey, and fish provide your dog with a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals
- Uses the most succulent parts of the prey for rich nutrients
- Freeze-dried coated for perfect flavor
- Contains up to 85% animal ingredients
- No added soy, wheat, corn, or tapioca
CONS
- Slightly more expensive than some competitors
Best dry dog food for Dalmatians
Sundays
- Life stage: Adult
- Food type: Dry
- Ingredients: Human-grade
- Flavors: Chicken or turkey or beef
- Nutrition standard: AAFCO
- Manufactured: USA
WHY WE RECOMMEND IT
- Made from human-grade ingredients
- Made with USDA meat proteins, fruits, and vegetables
- No artificial preservatives or flavors
- Comes with naturally occurring probiotics for a healthy microbiome
- Crunchy texture
- Cheaper than fresh food
CONS
- Slightly more expensive than traditional kibble
Best wet food for Dalmatians
JustFoodForDogs
- Life stage: All ages
- Food type: Wet
- Ingredients: Human-grade
- Flavors: Turkey, lamb, beef, chicken, and more
- Nutrition standard: AAFCO
- Manufactured: USA
WHY WE RECOMMEND IT
- 100% human-grade ingredients
- No preservatives
- Cooked at low heat for the perfect taste and to protect nutrients
- Nutritionally balanced
- Whole food ingredients
- Tetra Pak® packaging for easy storage and travel
- Shelf-stable for up to 2 years
CONS
- Slightly more expensive than traditional wet dog food
Best food for Dalmatians with sensitive stomach
Hill’s
- Life stage: Adult
- Food type: Dry
- Ingredients: Natural
- Flavors: Chicken & barley
- Nutrition standard: AAFCO
- Manufactured: USA
WHY WE RECOMMEND IT
- Created specifically for sensitive stomachs and skins
- Easily digestible ingredients, such as brown rice, beet pulp, and barley
- No artificially flavored, preserved, or colored
- No wheat or soy to avoid stomach upset
- Prepared with natural ingredients
- Real chicken
- Prebiotic fiber to support a balanced microbiome for healthy digestion
- Contains Vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids to ensure healthy skin and coat
CONS
- Not recommended for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs
- Up to 15% of dogs may still be sensitive to this food
Best food for Dalmatians with allergies
Royal Canin
- Life stage: All ages
- Food type: Dry
- Ingredients: Hypoallergenic
- Flavors: Natural
- Nutrition standard: AAFCO
- Manufactured: USA
WHY WE RECOMMEND IT
- Made especially for adult dogs with food sensitivities
- Contains highly digestible hydrolyzed soy protein for optimal gastrointestinal and dermatological health
- Provides your Dalmatian’s skin a natural protective barrier
- Enhanced with EPA and DHA fatty acids to ensure healthy skin and digestion
- Helps regulate the intestinal passage
- Supports a balanced digestive flora
CONS
- Slightly more expensive than some competitors
- Requires vet authorization
Best grain-free dry food for Dalmatians
Open Farm
- Life stage: All ages
- Food type: Dry
- Ingredients: Premium
- Flavors: Beef, chicken, turkey, salmon, lamb, venison, and more
- Nutrition standard: AAFCO
- Manufactured: USA
WHY WE RECOMMEND IT
- No grain, corn, soy, or wheat
- Comes with superfoods, such as non-GMO pumpkin, leafy greens, coconut oil, and carrot
- Non-GMO fruits and veggies for a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- No added hormones, antibiotics, or artificial preservatives
- Sourced locally with 100% traceable ingredients
- Only uses ethnically sourced and humanely raised meats
CONS
- Slightly more expensive than some competitors
Best raw food for Dalmatians
Instinct
- Life stage: All ages
- Food type: Raw
- Ingredients: Raw
- Flavors: Chicken, lamb, and beef
- Nutrition standard: AAFCO
- Manufactured: USA
WHY WE RECOMMEND IT
- The ingredients are frozen (never cooked) in their prime to maintain the highest level of nutrients
- Cold-pressured to create a delicious raw meal
- Minimally processed and never cooked for that real nutrition quality
- 85% meat and organs
- 15% of non-GMO vegetables, fruits, vitamins, and wholesome ingredients
- No fillers like grain, wheat, corn, soy, artificial colors or preservatives
CONS
- Needs to be kept frozen until it’s used
- Less convenient than feeding your dog dry dog food
Best cheapest food for Dalmatians
Blue Buffalo
- Life stage: Adult
- Food type: Dry
- Ingredients: Natural
- Flavors: Beef, chicken, lamb, and fish
- Nutrition standard: AAFCO
- Manufactured: USA
WHY WE RECOMMEND IT
- Really great value for money
- All formulas start with real meat, whole grains, garden veggies, and fruits
- Includes phosphorus, calcium, and essential vitamins for strong and healthy bones and teeth
- Added glucosamine for optimal joint health and mobility support
- Supports the immune system with added vitamins, chelated minerals, and antioxidants
- No wheat, corn, soy, or chicken byproducts
- L-carnitine helps your dog burn fat while preserving lean muscles
- Added omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids promote healthy skin and great coat
CONS
- It may not be suitable for dogs with serious food sensitivities or allergies
- The added brown rice and sweet potatoes are not ideal for overweight or diabetic dogs
Why you should trust us
Choosing the right dog food is essential for your pet’s health and happiness. But with so many dog food options available on the market, it can be challenging to know which dog food is the best for your pet. This is where we come in. To help you find the best dog foods for Dalmatians, we follow a strict set of criteria for ranking the best dog food products. These criteria are based on scientific research, expert opinions, and extensive personal experience.
Specifically, we examine all the following when reviewing dog food:
- Nutritional balance
- Ingredients quality
- Absence of fillers and artificial additives
- Meat meal vs fresh meat
- Digestibility
- Allergens consideration
- Life stage suitability
- Transparency and sourcing
- Health benefits and special considerations
- Customer feedback and reviews
- Price and value
- Recall history and safety
Please refer to our Editorial Process for details on how we research and review dog products and topics.
And don’t forget to visit our About page for more details about our editorial team.
VIDEO: Everything you need to know about Dalmatians
What to consider when buying dog food for your Dalmatian
Here are the most important factors you should consider when buying dog food for your Dalmatian:
- Age
- Activity level
- Health
A Dalmatian has specific nutritional needs at different stages of its life.
So it’s critical that you give your Dalmatian the right food based on your pup’s age.
Puppy
Puppyhood is the most critical stage in your dog’s life when it comes to nutrition.
A Dalmatian puppy needs a diet high in protein and calories. This will support your puppy’s healthy growth and development. Choose a dog food that contains between 22% and 25% protein.
Also, look for foods with balanced quantities of calcium and phosphorus to ensure healthy bone growth in your doggy.
And don’t forget to feed your puppy with food containing docosahexaenoic (DHA) and arachidonic (ARA) acids. These acids support healthy cognitive and eyesight development as well as nourish the beautiful coat of Dalmatians. Fish, fish oils, meat meals, and eggs are great sources of both DHA and ARA.
It’s also a great idea to feed your puppy food that is formulated explicitly for a Dalmatian puppy. This will ensure your pup receives the right quantity and quality of the necessary nutrients. Also make sure your puppy is not trying to hide food for later. Hoarding food for later may greatly reduce your dog’s daily nutritional intake. You can check here to see why your puppy may be trying to hide or bury food for later.
Dalmatian puppies should be weaned off their mother’s milk by the age of six weeks. This means that by the time a Dalmatian comes under your care, the dog will be ready to eat dog food.
When looking for dog food for Dalmatian puppies, make sure to choose dog foods made for large-breed dogs. These foods will provide your dog with optimal levels of calcium and phosphorus, which will decrease the risk of your dog developing skeletal issues in adulthood.
Fortunately, there are dog food brands that make quality food specifically designed for puppies (see our above review of the best dog food for Dalmatian puppies).
But dog food companies also focus on puppies from other dog breeds. For example, we recently rated Open Farm as the best dog food for Doberman puppies.
Adult
You should slowly transition your Dalmatian to adult dog food between the ages of 12 and 15 months. To be sure, your Dalmatian won’t be fully mature until around 2 years old, but the dog will do most of the growing by the age of 12 to 15 months.
An adult Dalmatian requires a diet that is lower in protein and calories, compared to food for puppies. This will help your adult Dalmatian avoid weight problems.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends that adult dogs receive around 18% protein in their food. But note that a muscular dog like Dalmatian needs a bit more protein. We recommend that you provide your adult Dalmatian with a diet containing between 18% and 26% protein, depending on your dog’s specific needs and activity level.
Furthermore, ensure that your adult Dalmatian’s meals contain a higher level of glucosamine, which supports joint health. Glucosamine can be found in green-lipped mussels, meat meals, and supplements.
Overall, adult Dalmatians require a balanced diet of proteins, omega fats, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Senior
You should slowly transition your Dalmatian to senior dog food at around 7 to 8 years. Every dog is different, but you can tell that your Dalmatian is entering its senior phase by increasing weight, decreasing activity levels, and slowing down cognitive functions.
A senior Dalmatian requires even lower levels of calories, protein, and fats, compared to an adult Dalmatian.
Senior Dalmatians also need more fiber to support their digestive health. Fiber foods are also low in calories and will keep your dog fuller for longer.
Senior dogs should also consume plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This will boost your aging dog’s weakening immune system.
Also, look for foods with added supplements, fruits, veggies, and higher levels of glucosamine and chondroitin.
And don’t forget to include some joint supplements to help your senior Dalmatian maintain good mobility and joint health.
Luckily, there are dog food companies that make first-class food specifically designed for senior dogs (see our above review of the best dog food for senior Dalmatians).
But dog food brands also focus on senior dogs from other dog breeds. For example, we recently rated Orijen as the best dog food for senior Poodles.
Switching to a new dog food
When switching your Dalmatian to a new dog food, do it gradually to avoid digestive issues.
Based on our experience and advice from vets, we recommend that you switch your dog to a new dog food over the course of 10 days:
- Day 1: 10% new food and 90% old food
- By day 5: 50% new food and 50% old food
- By day 10: 100% new food
Make sure to only increase the weekly food percentage when your Dalmatian is doing well during each food transition. If you notice any adverse reactions to the new food, stop giving the new food to your dog.
You can also check here in case your dog starts guarding its food but not eating.
Dalmatians are highly active and energetic dogs.
In fact, thanks to their exceptional endurance and agility, Dalmatians were often employed as carriage dogs in the past.
To power their energetic nature, Dalmatians need a diet rich in high-quality protein and carbohydrates.
Protein will provide all the amino acids for muscle development and repair. And the carbohydrates will provide much of the energy needed to support your Dalmatian’s energetic lifestyle.
But make sure to feed your Dalmatian small but frequent meals throughout the day.
This is because giving your doggy a large meal can lead to digestive issues if your Dalmatian starts running right after eating.
And remember that overfeeding your Dalmatian pup or providing it with a diet too high in calories can lead to weight problems, especially if your Dalmatian dog is not getting enough exercise.
As you may know, the caloric requirements of dogs are based on their weight. Considering that an adult Dalmatian weighs between 33 and 71 pounds, an adult Dalmatian needs between 852 and 1,514 calories per day.
Interesting
Due to their high level of activity, Dalmatians benefit from foods containing a higher level of glucosamine, which supports joint health. Also, if your Dalmatian needs extra stamina for high-level activities such as tracking or obedience trials, feed your pup slow-releasing carbohydrates.
You should be aware of the symptoms of the potential health problems that may affect your Dalmatian. This is because early diagnosis and treatment are critical to your dog’s health and happiness.
Dalmatians are generally healthy dogs.
Still, Dalmatians are susceptible to some serious health issues, including urinary stones, skin allergies, and deafness.
To be sure, some health problems are beyond your control. But there are health issues that can be avoided or minimized with the right diet.
Here are some of the most common health problems that can affect a Dalmatian.
Urinary stones (urolithiasis)
Dalmatians are at higher risk than other dogs to develop urinary stones (urolithiasis).
In fact, Dalmatians are the only dog breed born with a defect that increases their vulnerability to urinary stones.
Urinary stones can lead to the formation of bladder and kidney stones, which can cause serious health issues and even death.
Male Dalmatians are more susceptible to urinate stones than females – this is due to anatomical differences.
Symptoms of urinary stones may include:
- Straining to urinate
- Blood in the urine
- Urinating small amount frequently
- Urinary accidents
- Abdominal discomfort
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
Note that urinary stones can physically block the urine flow causing urinary obstruction, severe pain, and the risk of kidney failure. This will require immediate emergency treatment.
Look for low-purine foods to minimize the risk of your Dalmatian developing urinary stones (more on this later).
Interesting fact: Breeders are doing their best to breed Dalmatians with low uric acid levels to minimize the risk of urinate stones.
Skin allergies
Dalmatians are known for their susceptibility to skin allergies.
The allergies can be triggered by food as well as by shampoos, blankets, ticks, fleas, and mites.
Skin allergies in Dalmatians can cause skin rashes and irritations.
To minimize the risk of skin allergies, look for hypoallergenic dog food and avoid common canine allergens in your Dalmatian’s diet.
Luckily, there are dog food brands that make quality food specifically designed for dogs with allergies (see our above review of the best food for Dalmatians with allergies).
But dog food manufacturers also focus on dogs with allergies from other dog breeds. For example, we recently rated Royal Canin as the best food for German Shorthaired Pointers with allergies.
Deafness
A large number of Dalmatians are born deaf in one or both ears. In fact, one in twelve Dalmatians are fully deaf, while one-fifth can only hear with their left ear.
Deafness in Dalmatians is associated with the gene that gives this breed their distinctive white coat.
Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to keep your Dalmatian safe from deafness. This is a genetic condition. But note that breeders can test dogs for deafness.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia is another health issue that can affect your Dalmatian.
This condition is a form of chronic joint disease that can be caused by genetics, environment, or inadequate nutrition.
Hip and elbow dysplasia occurs when a dog’s joints don’t develop properly, causing inflammation, pain, lameness, and eventually arthritis.
If your Dalmatian is affected by hip or elbow dysplasia, feed your poor pup with a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which you can find in fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and support joint health. Just look for dog food that contains fish or flaxseed.
Also, best food for Dalmatians contain glucosamine and chondroitin. These ingredients will support your Dalmatian’s joint function and reduce inflammation.
Note that a Dalmatian affected by dysplasia may require surgery.
Dalmatian bronzing syndrome
Dalmatian bronzing syndrome, also known as “Dal crud,” is a skin condition that causes Dalmatians to develop pink or bronze coloration in their coat.
Degenerative myelopathy
Degenerative myelopathy can lead to paralysis of the dog’s hind limbs. Early signs of degenerative myelopathy may include weakness, stumbling, knuckling of the toes, worn nails, trembling of the hind legs, and muscle loss in the hind limbs.
Hyperactivity
Dalmatians can become hyperactive. Luckily, this can be controlled with proper exercise.
You can also reduce hyperactivity in Dalmatians by carefully adjusting (reducing) the level of protein in the dog’s diet.
Recommended dietary changes based on health of your Dalmatian
Changes in coat color | Increase the amount of amino acids (can be found in protein) |
Chronic dermatitis and itching | Add B Vitamins, Vitamin E, Zinc, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids (can be found in fish oil – also consider adding probiotics) |
Dull coat and scaling | Adjust the levels of EPA and DHA (can be found in fish oil, but also try foods with added zinc) |
Crustiness and dandruff | Add Vitamin A and zinc |
Dalmatians and purines
Dalmatians struggle to eliminate waste protein (purines) from their body.
Most dogs break down purines into allantoin, which is a soluble chemical that is easily excreted in the urine. But when purines are broken down in Dalmatians, the produced waste chemical is uric acid instead.
Dalmatians and urinary stones
What makes matters even worse, Dalmatians’ liver cells can’t absorb uric acid. So Dalmatians must excrete uric acid in their urine. The problem is that uric acid is not very water-soluble. This makes Dalmatians susceptible to acid stone formation.
The formation of solid urate stones in the dog’s bladder and kidneys can block the drainage of urine, which can cause severe pain and the risk of kidney failure and death.
What is purine?
Purine is a type of protein found in some red meats and some poultry. But also in game, yeast products, and offal.
What foods are highest in purines?
The foods highest in purines include ox spleen, calf’s liver, sardines in oil, brewer’s yeast, and pig’s heart.
What other foods increase the risk of urinary stones?
Foods high in animal proteins and low in veggies, fruits, whole grains, and fiber can increase the risk of urinary stones in Dalmatians.
What can you do?
Look for complete low-purine foods for your Dalmatian. You can buy low-purine foods without a prescription from your vet.
Note that some dog owners choose low-purine foods only after a vet diagnosed and treated their Dalmatian for urinate stones.
So it’s a decision of every Dalmatian owner whether to feed your dog normal, high-purine dog food – and see what happens – or whether to feed your Dalmatian low-purine diet from puppyhood.
It’s worth noting here that low-purine foods are more expensive than normal dog food.
It’s also worth noting that most Dalmatians who have not been diagnosed with urinate stones are able to tolerate some of the lower-protein, non-specialized dog food formulas.
What low-purine foods we recommend
Chicken and turkey have the lowest amounts of purine.
This is why we recommend for most Dalmatians foods with the protein source of chicken and turkey. These foods should contain between 20% and 24% protein.
Specific food qualities for your Dalmatian
Here are the most important qualities to look for in dog food for a Dalmatian:
Low-purine diet
As discussed earlier in this article, Dalmatians struggle to eliminate from their body waste protein called purines. This can lead to the formation of urinary stones, which can cause serious health problems.
To reduce the risk of urinary stones, feed your Dalmatian low-purine food. Note that chicken and turkey have the lowest amounts of purine.
Avoid foods high in purine, such as some red meats, some poultry, game, yeast products, and offal.
Here is a quick list of foods highest in purines:
- Ox spleen
- Calf’s liver
- Sardines in oil
- Brewer’s yeast
- Pig’s heart
Urinary health
Look for dog foods that support a balanced urinary pH. Also, choose foods that contain natural sources that support urinary tract health. Cranberries are a great choice here.
Avoid common allergens
Certain ingredients in your Dalmatian’s food can cause allergies.
Food allergies in Dalmatians can manifest as dry and itchy ears, skin, and paws.
The most common allergens you should be aware of are beef, lamb, chicken, rabbit, pork, fish, wheat, dairy, eggs, and soy.
We recommend that you check if your Dalmatian has food allergies. You can do this by using a food allergy test such as the 5Strands kit. This allergy test kit can test for up to 255 ingredients to help you determine which ones can cause food intolerance in your pup.
Digestibility
Dalmatians are prone to digestive issues. So look for high-quality dog food that is minimally processed.
This is because essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals are best absorbed and digested by Dalmatians when consumed in their natural state, such as minimally-processed meats, fruits, and vegetables.
In other words, if you give your pup a minimally processed food, your doggy will be able to digest it easily and absorb all the essential nutrients.
The level of digestibility is especially relevant to dogs like Dalmatians who are prone to sensitive stomachs and other digestive issues. So avoid lower-quality dry dog food (e.g. kibble) that contains fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that are harder to digest.
You can check this article about lamb dog food to see which dog foods are the easiest to digest for dogs.
Probiotics
As discussed above, Dalmatians have sensitive digestive systems.
Adding probiotics to your pup’s food can help support digestive health.
Probiotics will also help maintain your dog’s immune system and can reduce inflammatory responses to allergens.
So yes, talk to your vet to see if probiotic supplements can improve your pup’s digestive health. You can check here to see how long it takes for probiotics to work in dogs.
Joint support
Since Dalmatians are susceptible to degenerative myelopathy and hip and elbow dysplasia, look for dog food that contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids.
These ingredients will support your dog’s joint health and will minimize the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia.
Essential fatty acids and omegas
Essential fatty acids and omegas will help support your dog’s skin health and manage conditions like Dalmatian bronzing syndrome. These ingredients will also support your pup’s heart health, which can benefit Dalmatians with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
Overall, choose dog foods that contain properly balanced saturated and unsaturated fats.
Saturated fats come from animal sources and will help your pup absorb the fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K. Saturated fats will also improve the taste and texture of Dalmatian food.
Unsaturated fats are the essential fatty acids that include omega-3 and omega-6+9. Unsaturated fats are critical to the proper development and function of your Dalmatian’s body cells. These fats support a healthy coat, skin, eyes, and nervous system. They also fuel your pup’s brain, control hormones, and reduce inflammation.
Antioxidants
Choose dog food that contains antioxidant-rich ingredients, such as spinach, cranberries, and blueberries.
Antioxidants will help support your Dalmatian’s immune system and reduce the risk of cancer.
Controlled iodine levels
Since Dalmatians may be susceptible to hypothyroidism, look for foods with controlled levels of iodine. This is crucial for proper thyroid function.
What’s hypothyroidism? It’s an abnormality of the thyroid gland which leads to a reduction in the dog’s metabolic state.
Low in sodium
Sodium is often added to dog food to extend its shelf life and to improve flavor.
But too much sodium is bad for dogs and especially for Dalmatians. This is because Dalmatians are prone to kidney disease.
Carbohydrates from vegetables, herbs, and berries
A small number of carbohydrates from plant-based sources will provide your Dalmatian fiber, prebiotics (food for beneficial bacteria), and antioxidants, which are absent in meat.
Wet, dry, or fresh dog food?
Great news: Wet, dry, and fresh foods are all suitable for Dalmatians.
Quick tips:
- Wet food is easier to digest than dry kibble
- Dry food doesn’t spoil as quickly as wet food – and is easier to portion out
- Fresh food usually contains more nutrients per calorie compared to wet and dry dog food – and is the easiest to digest
Plenty of fresh water!
Make sure your Dalmatian has access to fresh water at all times.
As mentioned earlier in this article, Dalmatians are prone to urinary stones.
Fresh water will keep your dog’s urine neutral and dilute, helping to prevent urinary issues.
Raw bones
A raw bone will support your Dal’s dental health.
But make sure to select a bone that is the right size for your Dalmatian.
A set of ribs is suitable for a puppy. Your puppy may struggle to get its teeth around larger bones.
Puppies are also prone to tear stains. You can check here to see what dog food won’t cause tear stains in your puppy.
Also, avoid giving a small bone to a Dalmatian adult. The dog may swallow it.
Note that bones may prove unsuitable for older dogs with weakening teeth.
Important
Because of Dalmatians’ sensitivity to purines, avoid giving your doggy bones rich in red meat. For best results, supplement your Dalmatian with other hard chewy treats and give your pup a bone every other week.
Snacks
Your Dalmatian will love you even more if you occasionally feed it snacks.
Here are some of the Dalmatian-friendly snacks:
- Smooth peanut butter (must be free of Xylitol)
- Apples (red not green, no core or pips)
- Carrots (raw or cooked, but raw are better for dental health)
- Watermelon (fresh or frozen, no pips)
- Blueberries
- Bananas (not overripe, as these have too much sugar)
- Cheese (plain cheddar is best)
- Cooked chicken bits
Additional food considerations for Dalmatians in 2024
All commercial pet food should be labeled to certify that it meets AAFCO standards.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), dog food that meets AAFCO standards provides all the nutrients dogs need for a complete diet.
Furthermore, AAFCO recognizes the following life stages for dogs, including Dalmatians:
- Growth (puppy stage)
- Maintenance
- Gestation-lactation
- All life stages
Also, FDA requires dog food brands to label ingredients in order of declining weight.
The first ingredient on the list will contribute the most to the dry weight of the food. The second ingredient will contribute less than the first. And so on.
What ingredients to avoid?
Here are the most important ingredients you should avoid in your Dalmatian’s diet.
High-purine ingredients
- Red meats – beef, lamb
- Organ meats – heart, kidneys, liver, brain
- Seafood – sardines, mackerel, mussels, scallops
- Game meats – turkey, venison, kangaroo
- Vegetables – broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms, peas, kidney beans and legumes
Ingredients that can cause skin or digestion issues
- Raw meat (especially raw chicken)
- Low-quality meats
- The fatty portions of meat
- Greasy foods
- Foods with artificial flavors or additives
- Rotten foods
- Grains
- Processed foods meant for human consumption
Artificial flavorings, preservatives, and additives
Artificial preservatives, such as ethoxyquin, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) can cause major allergic reactions in dogs, including Dalmatians.
Also avoid food colorings, such as food dyes Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6. These can cause cancer in dogs. Also, food colorings like Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 can cause hypersensitivity in dogs.
It’s worth noting that many great dog food manufacturers consider additives to be safe for dogs. Still, we suggest that you consider replacing additives with natural ingredients whenever you can.
Fillers
Avoid cheap fillers, such as soy, wheat, and corn.
Fillers provide very little nutritional value.
Also, your Dalmatian may struggle to process fillers, which may lead to gastrointestinal upset and bloat.
Toxins
Avoid toxins in your pup’s food, such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic.
Also avoid feeding your Dalmatian tropical fruits and nuts, such as cashews, macadamia nuts, papayas, and mangoes.
Furthermore, ensure your dog’s food doesn’t contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is used in sugar-free candy and gum.
By the way, I have extensive personal experience with hungry Dalmatians. My good friend has six adorable Dalmatians. Yes, six!
I visit my friend’s house often, where it’s impossible not to talk about Dalmatians in a house full of Dalmatians.
We talk and research a lot about the right food for Dalmatians. And we practice what we discover. As a result, all six Dalmatians are happy and healthy – and even more adorable!
Consequently, this article in not only based on scientific research and expert opinions but also on my extensive personal experience with real Dalmatians.
Best dog food for Dalmatians (2024) – CONCLUSION
As shown in this article, the best dog food for Dalmatians (2024) is Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food.
But check our below top picks to find the best food for your Dalmatian specifically.
- Best overall: Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food
- Best for puppies: Open Farm
- Best for seniors: Open Farm
- Best dry food: Sundays
- Best wet food: JustFoodForDogs
- Best for sensitive stomach: Hill’s
- Best for allergies: Royal Canin
- Best grain-free: Open Farm
- Best raw food: Instinct
- Best value: Blue Buffalo
Our team wishes your Dalmatian good appetite!