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Best Dog Food for Basenjis: Top Picks (2024)

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best dog food for basenjisSearching for the best dog food for Basenjis can be daunting. With so many options available, it’s hard to know where to start. Fortunately, 80% of dogs experience an improvement in their health after switching to a better-quality diet, according to veterinarians surveyed by PetMD.

To help you find the perfect fit for your Basenji companion, here’s our guide on what to look out for when selecting and buying one of these top picks specifically formulated with breed needs in mind:

  • American Journey Salmon Rice Vegetables Dog Food
  • Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend Beef & Rice Formula
  • Iams Proactive Health MiniChunks
  • Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
  • Kibbles ‘n Bits Original Savory Beef & Chicken Flavors Dry Dog Food
  • The Honest Kitchen Dog Food

All of these options have been proven winners!

Key Takeaways

  • Basenjis require animal-based protein, healthy fats, digestible carbs, and fiber in their diet.
  • Essential vitamins and minerals are crucial for the overall health of Basenjis.
  • When feeding Basenjis, it is recommended to offer different protein sources and avoid processed meat and human-grade food.
  • Some top dog food options for Basenjis include American Journey Salmon Rice Vegetables Dog Food, Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend Beef & Rice Formula, Iams Proactive Health MiniChunks, and Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula.

American Journey Salmon Rice Vegetables Dog Food

American Journey Protein & GrainsView On Chewy
You can trust American Journey Salmon Rice Vegetables Dog Food to provide your Basenji with the essential fatty acids for skin and coat health, DHA for brain and vision development, plus real deboned salmon and antioxidant-rich vegetables – all without any wheat, corn, or soy!

Many satisfied customers have reported that their dogs enjoy this food’s taste while also supporting healthy weight and digestion. Furthermore, some pet owners who previously had issues finding a suitable dog food due to allergies find this brand particularly helpful.

On the other hand, following recent changes in formula composition, there has been an outcry from dissatisfied customers. Reports range from unhappy dogs refusing to eat it due to a change in taste, as well as instances of vomiting and diarrhea after switching over.

Moreover, reviews suggest that the packaging is now darker than before, which may make it harder for pet parents trying out new products to identify what they are buying with ease.

Pros
  • Real deboned salmon and antioxidant-rich vegetables
  • Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids support skin and coat health
  • DHA promotes brain and vision development
  • No wheat, corn, or soy
  • Supports healthy weight and digestion
  • Helpful for those with allergies
Cons
  • Recent formula changes causing sickness
  • Packaging problems making identification difficult
  • Dogs not enjoying the new formulation (taste)

Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend Beef & Rice Formula

Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend Beef & Rice Formula
The Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend Beef & Rice Formula is a great choice for Basenjis. This nutrient-rich food provides the necessary protein and fat levels to meet their dietary requirements, while ensuring optimal weight management.

It contains real beef, high-quality ingredients like whole grains and vegetables, as well as essential vitamins and minerals that help support overall health.

The formula is also free from artificial flavors or preservatives. With its blend of shredded pieces in gravy sauce, it’s sure to please your pup’s palate too! When choosing a dog food for your Basenji, be sure to look for one with good ingredient quality such as this one, which includes no corn or wheat fillers that could trigger allergies or sensitivities in some dogs.

Moreover, you can ensure proper nutrition by making sure the product meets all AAFCO nutritional standards.

Iams Proactive Health MiniChunks

Iams Proactive Health MiniChunks
Iams Proactive Health MiniChunks is a delicious and nutritious option for Basenjis, packed with essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E to promote healthy skin and coat. It also contains up to 15% fat content, which helps maintain energy levels throughout the day.

One of its advantages over Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Dog Food is that it has fewer ingredients, making it more suitable for those with food sensitivities or allergies.

Iams Proactive Health MiniChunks provide complete nutrition information on their packaging, including guaranteed analysis, crude protein by dry matter basis (DMB), crude fat DMB, moisture percentage DMB, as well as calcium level in comparison to phosphorus ratio.

Vegetarian Basenjis tend to prefer this choice due to its vegetable-based ingredients such as carrots and peas, while others may appreciate the smaller kibble size compared with other brands available on the market today.

Feeding frequency will depend upon individual preferences but should be adjusted according to exceeding activity level changes during different stages of life, ensuring optimal health benefits from each mealtime session without risking weight gain or obesity issues associated with certain breeds, including Basenjis who require special attention due to dietary needs best met through quality products such as Iams ProActive Health Mini Chunks dog food.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
For Basenjis, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula stands out with its premium ingredients like real deboned chicken and brown rice for muscle development and energy. It is specifically designed to meet the dietary needs of this breed, providing animal-based protein as well as digestible carbohydrates and fiber for healthy digestion.

The formula also contains healthy fats and oils that provide essential fatty acids needed by Basenjis for a shiny coat, as well as other nutrients required by all dogs, such as vitamins A, B6, and E; minerals zinc and selenium; chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride; and probiotics for immune system health.

Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Formula meets the nutritional requirements of Basenji owners who have chosen a vegetarian diet or are looking to feed their pets on a more species-appropriate basis.

Finally, since this formula is made from natural ingredients, it helps maintain optimal body condition while supporting overall wellness within our furry friends thanks to its specific recipe tailored towards Basenji breed-specific needs.

  • Animal-based Protein: Provides vital amino acids which promote muscle growth
  • Digestible Carbohydrates + Fiber: For energy levels throughout the day
  • Healthy Fats + Oils: For skin/coat health
  • Vitamins A, B6, E: Contribute immunity against disease
  • Minerals Zinc, Selenium: Promote bone strength
  • Chondroitin Sulfate + Glucosamine Hydrochloride: Supports joint mobility
  • Probiotics: Keeps the digestive tract functional

Kibbles ‘n Bits Original Savory Beef & Chicken Flavors Dry Dog Food

Kibbles ‘n Bits Original Savory Beef & Chicken Flavors Dry Dog Food
Kibbles ‘n Bits Original Savory Beef & Chicken Flavors Dry Dog Food is a protein-rich, grain-free option with 20% of its calories coming from real beef and chicken. It also contains added vitamins A, D3, E, and B12 for better digestion and immunity support.

This food is ideal for Basenjis due to their high activity levels. The recipe does not contain any fillers or artificial ingredients that could slow them down. The savory flavors will appeal to your pup’s taste buds while providing the nutrition they need to remain active throughout the day without becoming overweight or obese.

Additionally, this dry dog food has plenty of essential fatty acids which help maintain healthy skin and coat condition.

All these benefits make Kibbles ‘n Bits one of the best foods available on the market today for Basenji owners looking to give their furry companions nourishing meals every single day without compromising on quality standards or flavor preferences alike!

The Honest Kitchen Dog Food

The Honest Kitchen Dog Food
Try The Honest Kitchen Dog Food for your Basenji – a holistic, grain-free formula enriched with vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

When it comes to finding the best food for your Basenji, there are several alternatives available on the market today. Homemade dog food can be tailored specifically to meet any dietary needs that may arise due to age or illness.

Additionally, you should consider factors such as weight assessment of your pet before selecting a diet regimen. Discuss whether human food is permissible in moderation with your veterinarian if appropriate considerations have been made regarding cancer risk.

The Honest Kitchen Dog Food has received positive customer reviews from owners of Basenjis as well as those who own other breeds not requiring specific diets. With its natural ingredients, including proteins like turkey meal and chicken meal, combined with vegetables like sweet potatoes, plus omega fatty acids sourced from flaxseed oil, this product is ideal for providing balanced nutrition while still taking into account individual health tips related solely to Basenjis.

All these components make this brand suitable even when considering special feeding requirements associated with puppies or pregnant dogs.

What to Look for When Buying Dog Food for Basenjis

What to Look for When Buying Dog Food for Basenjis
When purchasing dog food for Basenjis, you should look for animal-based protein sources such as deboned meat or fish to ensure adequate nutrition and easy digestion. Healthy fats and oils like chicken fat, flaxseed oil, and sunflower oil are essential in providing energy for your pup, while digestible carbohydrates and fiber provide additional nutrients that support healthy skin and coat.

Essential vitamins and minerals help nourish the body from within while also avoiding artificial additives or fillers, which can cause digestive issues in some dogs.

Animal-based Protein Sources

Satisfy your Basenji’s cravings with animal-based protein sources for a nourishing and delicious meal. Lamb meal, chicken liver, and menhaden fish meal are excellent choices to provide key nutrients like omega fatty acids and vitamins that will help keep your pet healthy.

With meat-free diets becoming more popular among ethical pet owners, the importance of including quality proteins in their diet is greater than ever before! Protein versus carbohydrates can be a tricky balance to achieve, but it is essential for providing balanced nutrition to our furry friends.

Healthy Fats and Oils

Fuel your Basenji’s active lifestyle with healthy fats and oils, like omega-3s from deboned salmon or omega-6 fatty acids from chicken fat, for a coat that shines!

When choosing fats for your dog’s diet, make sure you have the right balance of protein to fat and are incorporating enough Omega 3 sources. This will help support their coat health as well as other dietary benefits, such as joint health.

Ensure they are getting all the essential nutrients they need by selecting high-quality ingredients without chemicals or fillers. Check labels carefully to maintain an optimal ratio between proteins and fats in their diet.

Digestible Carbohydrates and Fiber

When selecting food for your Basenji, make sure to look for digestible carbohydrates and fiber that will keep their digestion running smoothly. Look out for carbohydrate sources such as sweet potato, brown rice, and garbanzo beans.

Fiber benefits the body by aiding in digestion and regulating blood sugar levels while maintaining healthy gut bacteria. Be sure to choose a food with plenty of fiber-rich vegetables like peas or carrots.

A good diet should include quality digestible carbs and meet all of your Basenji’s dietary needs.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Ensure your Basenji is getting the essential vitamins and minerals it needs with a dog food that contains natural ingredients, such as fruits and vegetables, plus added supplements like prebiotics and probiotics.

Check for signs of food allergies in Basenjis. Consider dental health when selecting the best dog food for Basenjis.

Research dietary essentials to ensure optimal health by providing adequate nutrition through feeding frequency appropriate to each individual breed’s size and activity level.

Vitamins Benefits:

  • Building bones
  • Developing a healthy coat & skin
  • Promoting peak energy levels
  • Supporting the immune system

Mineral Importance:

  • Reducing inflammation

Nutritional Supplements:

  • Prebiotic & probiotic support

Avoiding Artificial Additives and Fillers

Be sure to watch out for artificial additives and fillers when shopping for dog food; these can be detrimental to your Basenji’s health. Choose natural ingredients, clean nutrition, and avoid preservatives or anything unnatural.

Look at the label carefully so you know exactly what is in the food – proteins from lean meats, carbohydrates like sweet potatoes or brown rice are ideal options. Make sure it meets AAFCO nutritional requirements as well as Basenji dietary needs, such as a minimum of 18% protein and a maximum of 5% fat.

Can Basenjis Eat a Vegetarian or Vegan Diet?

Can Basenjis Eat a Vegetarian or Vegan Diet
Although a vegetarian or vegan diet may seem like a healthy option for your canine companion, basenjis are not well-suited to eating such a restrictive diet. Basenjis require lean meats and other animal proteins as part of their dietary needs, making it difficult to provide the necessary nutrients in plant-based sources alone.

Furthermore, since basenjis have unique digestive systems that can be sensitive to certain foods and ingredients, feeding them vegetarian or vegan food can lead to gastrointestinal problems over time.

When choosing dog food for your basenji, make sure you look at the label carefully and select one with high-quality real meat protein sources without fillers or chemicals. Avoiding grains is also important as they are higher on the glycemic index, which could cause health issues over time due to weight gain from too many carbohydrates being consumed regularly by dogs who need more fats than carbs in their diets overall.

However, some complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes can still be beneficial when fed in moderation.

Additionally, it’s best if you choose dry food that has added supplements like prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine & chondroitin tailored specifically for small breed dogs as these will help support joint health & mobility while providing essential vitamins & minerals needed long term by all breeds of canine companions alike.

Vegetarian Diet Vegan Diet Balanced Canine Diet
Foods Allowed:
Vegetables/Fruits/Grains Lean Meat Proteins + Complex Carbs + Veggies
Foods To Avoid:
Animal Products (meat/dairy) Animal Products (Meat/Dairy) Same As Above

How Often Should I Feed My Basenji?

How Often Should I Feed My Basenji
Feed your Basenji twice a day, providing them with the nutrition they need to stay healthy and active.

  1. Feeding Frequency: It is recommended that you feed adult Basenjis twice daily in small portions.
  2. Nutritional Requirements: Make sure to select breed-specific dog food and also provide fresh meats or vegetables for variety. Avoid foods like garlic or onions, as they may be toxic to dogs. Instead, provide essential vitamins and minerals such as zinc, selenium, copper, and magnesium through other sources like fruits and veggies.
  3. Choose The Best Dog Food For Your Pet: When selecting a commercial brand dog food, look out for AAFCO approved labels. Make sure the ingredients match what your pup requires based on their age. It’s also a good idea to switch between brands every few months in case there have been any unfavorable changes made within the formula composition without notice.

Is It Necessary to Feed a Breed-specific Dog Food for Basenjis?

Is It Necessary to Feed a Breed-specific Dog Food for Basenjis
When it comes to feeding your Basenji, you may be wondering if a breed-specific dog food is necessary. The answer depends on the nutritional needs of your particular Basenji and their lifestyle.

Generally speaking, most adult dogs can benefit from a balanced diet that meets their individual dietary requirements. However, there are certain considerations to keep in mind when selecting the right food for your pet’s unique nutritional needs.

A breed-specific diet should include deboned salmon or salmon meal as the primary protein source along with other lean meats like deboned lamb and lamb liver for optimal health benefits. Additionally, carbohydrates such as brown rice or sweet potato provide essential energy while vegetables offer vitamins and minerals needed for overall wellness.

It’s also important to make sure that any dry kibble provides an appropriate calorie count so that weight gain does not occur due to overfeeding or too many treats throughout the day.

It’s worth noting that alternative feeding options exist beyond commercial dog foods; raw diets have become increasingly popular among pet owners who want complete control over what they feed their pup each day.

Before switching away from traditional kibbles, however, it’s important to speak with a veterinarian regarding nutrition goals since homemade meals do require more precision than store-bought options.

As long as all dietary requirements are being met, whether through commercially produced foods or homemade recipes, this ensures good health conditions now and into future years of life ahead!

Conclusion

For the discerning Basenji owner, picking the best dog food can be a daunting task. The key is to look for animal-based proteins, healthy fats and oils, digestible carbohydrates and fiber, essential vitamins and minerals, and to avoid artificial additives and fillers.

With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to discern which one is best for your Basenji. We’ve compiled a list of our top picks, all of which provide the nutrition and taste that your pup needs and deserves.

When choosing the best food for your Basenji, keep in mind the breed’s characteristics, dietary requirements, and calorie count to ensure that you’re providing your pup with the best food to keep them healthy and happy.

Avatar for Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is the founder and editor-in-chief with a team of qualified veterinarians, their goal? Simple. Break the jargon and help you make the right decisions for your furry four-legged friends.