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Best Dog Food for Havanese: Top 10 Picks (2024)

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best dog food for havaneseWith its silky coat, long curved tail, and expressive eyes, the Havanese is an enchanting little bundle of joy. This toy breed often serves as a companion to busy families and retirees alike due to their social nature and low-exercise needs.

To ensure your Havanese remains healthy, it’s important you provide them with nutrient-rich dog food that meets their nutritional needs – but which should you choose? From Merrick Grain Free Puppy Beef Sweet Potato to Royal Canin Small Adult Dog Food, we’ve rounded up our top 10 picks for the best dog food for Havanese so that they can live a happy life filled with energy!

With this list of trusted products in hand (or paw!), you’ll be able to make sure your pup gets all the nourishment they need without compromising on flavor or quality.

Key Takeaways

  • Age, activity level, and health are important factors to consider when choosing dog food for Havanese.
  • Real meat should be the first ingredient in the dog food.
  • Fillers, by-products, and artificial ingredients should be avoided.
  • Consult a vet for breed-specific health concerns.

Top 10 Best Dog Food for Havanese

Choosing the right dog food for your Havanese is essential for their well-being. Consider these top 10 choices, including Merrick Grain Free Puppy Beef Sweet Potato, Blue Buffalo Puppy Chicken Dinner, Orijen Puppy Dog Food, and more to ensure optimal nutrition and health benefits.

Each option has its own unique qualities that cater to the nutritional needs of small breeds like Havanese puppies or adults with specific dietary requirements.

1. Merrick Grain Free Puppy Beef Sweet Potato

Merrick Grain-Free Dry Puppy FoodView On Chewy
You can give your pup a nutrient-rich diet with Merrick Grain Free Puppy Beef Sweet Potato. It’s made with real deboned beef as the first ingredient and features DHA, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin for optimal growth.

This puppy food is free of by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives, so you know it’s good nutrition without any nasties.

Suitable for all puppy breeds and special diets such as no corn, no wheat, no soy, grain-free, or natural, this meal is sure to keep your little one happy while giving them essential nutrients to develop properly.

User feedback is mixed; however, many praise its natural ingredients, lack of negative reactions, improved appetite, stool quality, coat quality, digestion, and energy levels in their pups, as well as overall health benefits too! But some have had difficulty with auto delivery, contacting customer service, unpleasant odors, digestive issues, or even puppies that refuse to eat it altogether, so be aware when making the switch!

Pros
  • Natural ingredients & absence of fillers/byproducts
  • Nutrient-rich formula designed specifically for puppies
  • Improved appetite, stool & coat condition
Cons
  • Unpleasant odor reported by some users
  • Difficulties with contactless deliveries/customer service reported
  • Digestive issues experienced by a few dogs

2. Blue Buffalo Puppy Chicken Dinner

Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe PuppyView On Chewy
For a delicious, nutritious meal for your pup, try Blue Buffalo Puppy Chicken Dinner – like the one that kept Sarah’s Havanese puppy full of energy during her first year. This 12-pack of 12.5-ounce cans is filled with real chicken as the primary ingredient and DHA to support brain, eye, and cognitive development in growing puppies.

Customers have generally positive reviews about this product; many love their dogs having more energy after eating it, while others experience fewer issues with gas and soft stools due to its high fiber content.

Some customers also note difficulty contacting customer service when canceling autoship orders due to wrong items being sent out, which could be an issue if you’re relying on auto delivery services regularly.

But overall, this food can provide both taste and nutrition benefits that will keep your pup energized throughout his first months!

Pros
  • Real chicken as the main protein source
  • DHA for brain health
  • No byproducts nor fillers added
Cons
  • Wrong item might arrive through autodelivery
  • May cause digestive upset in some dogs

3. Orijen Puppy Dog Food

ORIJEN Amazing Grains Puppy DryView On Chewy
Orijen Puppy Dog Food is packed with high-quality proteins and non-GMO grains for a robust diet that helps your pup grow healthy and strong. Its formula contains up to 90% poultry and fish ingredients, plus WholePrey inclusions, which mimic the natural diet of wild canines.

Plus, it comes with added omega fatty acids for improved skin health, DHA for brain development support, as well as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to maintain joint health.

The product has generally positive user reviews. Many report improved appetite along with better stool quality in their pups after introducing this food into their diets. Others praise Orijen’s contribution towards shiny coats on their dogs’ fur – an indicator of overall wellness.

Some have also noticed fewer gas issues compared to other brands they’ve tried previously. However, not all puppies may enjoy its taste or agreeable effects on digestion, so proper transitioning is advised when switching from one brand of dog food to another.

Pros:

  1. Contains high-quality proteins & non-GMO grains
  2. Promotes healthy digestion & coat condition
  3. Includes omega fatty acids
  4. Supports brain development
  5. Glucosamine & Chondroitin Sulfates help maintain joint health
  6. Freeze-dried coating adds flavor
  7. Generally good user reviews
  8. Suitable for small, medium, and large breeds

Cons:

  1. Not suitable/preferred by all puppies
  2. May cause digestive issues if the transition isn’t gradual
  3. Some users reported aggravation allergies

4. Stella Chewys Puppy Food

Stella & ChewyView On Chewy
Next up is Stella Chewy’s Puppy Food, which will tantalize your pup’s taste buds like a sweet symphony. This all-natural, grain-free food contains 95% cage-free poultry, organs, and ground bone for an optimal balance of nutrients to support their growing bodies.

It also boasts zero added hormones, antibiotics, or fillers, as well as superfoods such as chia seed and New Zealand green mussels for increased vitality.

Formulated with probiotics and antioxidants plus DHA for healthy teeth and gums, it’s the perfect choice if you want superior quality ingredients in one delicious package! User feedback is generally positive, with reports of improved coat condition and energy levels, along with palatability even among picky eaters.

However, some puppies may experience digestive issues or reject this option altogether, so caution should be taken when introducing new foods into your pet’s diet regime.

Pros
  • Made from 95% cage-free poultry and organ meat
  • Contains no added hormones, antibiotics, or fillers
  • Enriched with superfoods like chia seed and NZ green mussels
  • Probiotic and antioxidant blend plus DHA supports digestion and dental health
Cons
  • May not be suitable for puppies with sensitive stomachs
  • Some dogs may refuse to eat it

5. Wellness Complete Health Puppy Dog Food

View On Chewy
Wellness Complete Health Puppy Dog Food offers a nutritionally balanced formula to ensure your pup’s whole-body health and growth. It is developed without GMOs, meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives.

This food contains premium proteins like chicken as the first ingredient for strong muscles and healthy hearts. It also includes wholesome grains for energy, omega fatty acids for skin and coat condition, essential vitamins to support immune function, and antioxidants to protect cells from damage caused by oxidation of free radicals.

User feedback is mixed. Some report improved skin conditions with increased energy in their dogs, while others experience digestive issues or puppy diarrhea/soft stools when transitioning onto it. It is important to note that this food may not be suitable for puppies with sensitive stomachs.

Furthermore, the large kibble size may not be preferred by all dogs, especially smaller breeds.

Despite these drawbacks mentioned above, many breeders and pet nutritionists recommend Wellness Complete Health Puppy Dog Food due to its natural ingredients.

Pros
  • Contains premium proteins like chicken as the first ingredient
  • Wholesome grains provide energy
  • Omega fatty acids help promote healthy skin & coat
Cons
  • May cause gastrointestinal upset on transition
  • Not suitable for puppies with sensitive stomachs
  • Large kibble size may not be preferred by all dogs

6. Instinct Raw Beef Dog Food

Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Grain-FreeView On Chewy
Instinct Raw Beef Dog Food is a protein-packed, grain-free diet that satisfies your pup’s wild side with its natural beef and non-GMO veggies – like manna from heaven! This frozen food preserves nutrients to help promote lean muscles, dental health, digestion, and energy.

It comes in a 6-pound bundle suitable for all breeds of dogs. Customers report positive experiences with the product; their pups love it and have no GI issues, as well as improved coat conditions.

The downside is that some puppies may not enjoy the taste or experience digestive issues due to abrupt food changes when transitioning from another type of dog food.

Pros
  • Contains 85% meat protein & organs
  • Promotes lean muscle growth & dental health
  • Enhanced palatability – even picky eaters will love it
Cons
  • Not suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs or specific allergies
  • Some puppies may refuse to eat it
  • May cause digestive issues if transitioned too quickly

7. Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein HP Dog Food

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet HydrolyzedView On Chewy
Royal Canin’s Hydrolyzed Protein HP Dog Food is packed with powerful ingredients to help your pup get the nutrition they need for healthy digestion and dermatological health. This dry food comes in a 25.3-pound bag, perfect for adult dogs of any size, from small breeds to large breeds suffering from food sensitivities or digestive issues.

The primary ingredient is hydrolyzed soy protein, which helps support gastrointestinal health and the skin’s natural protective barrier. It also balances intestinal transit and digestive flora, thanks to EPA/DHA fatty acids included in the formula.

Customers have reported positive experiences, such as improved skin conditions, coat quality, energy levels, and appetite regulation. Even picky eaters love it! However, some may find that their allergies are aggravated by this diet or experience difficulty getting their pup to finish meals due to it not being palatable enough, depending on individual taste preferences.

Pros
  • Supports gastrointestinal and dermatological health
  • Enriched with EPA/DHA fatty acids
  • Highly digestible ingredients
Cons
  • May aggravate existing allergies
  • Some dogs may not like the flavor
  • Relatively high cost

8. Hills Science Diet Dog Food

View On Chewy
Hills Science Diet Dog Food has the perfect balance of nutrients to keep your furry friend healthy and happy. It contains real chicken as the primary ingredient, along with prebiotic fiber for healthy digestion, vitamin E, and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.

This premium dog food is recommended by veterinarians due to its scientifically researched blend of ingredients that support muscle growth in adult dogs while helping them maintain a balanced microbiome.

Users report improved energy levels among their canine friends after switching to Hills Science Diet Dog Food. Regular solid bowel movements are also commonly seen results from this diet change! Additionally, there have been reports that it can be effective for sensitive stomachs or resolving digestive issues experienced with other brands in some animals too! Its suitability extends beyond just adults.

Hills Science Diet Dog Food is a great choice regardless of breed size or special dietary needs such as those associated with grain sensitivities.

Pros
  • Contains real chicken as the first ingredient
  • Enriched with Vitamin E & Omega-6 fatty acids for skin & coat health
  • Prebiotic fiber supports digestion
  • Suitable for all breeds & special diets (e.g., no grains)
  • Backed by decades of research
Cons
  • Not suitable/appealing to all dogs
  • May cause allergies/digestive issues in some cases
  • Recent changes led to discomfort/skin problems

9. Purina ONE SmartBlend Chicken Rice Dog Food

Purina ONE Natural SmartBlend ChickenView On Chewy
Purina ONE SmartBlend Chicken Rice Dog Food offers a high-protein, natural recipe with real chicken as the #1 ingredient to help your Havanese stay healthy and energized. This kibble is designed for adult dogs and contains prebiotic fiber for digestion, vitamin E & omega-6 fatty acids for skin & coat health, glucosamine to support their joints, plus essential vitamins and minerals.

Customers report positive experiences with this food – improved coat conditions along with increased energy in their pups have been reported. However, it may not be suitable if your pup has sensitive digestion or specific allergies due to its grain content.

Pros
  • High protein formula featuring real chicken as the first ingredient
  • Prebiotic fiber aids in healthy digestion
  • Vitamins E and Omega 6 fatty acids aid in skin & coat health
  • Glucosamine supports hip/joints health
Cons
  • Not recommended for puppies
  • Grain content could aggravate digestive issues or allergies

10. Royal Canin Small Adult Dog Food

Royal Canin Size Health NutritionView On Chewy
The last on our list, Royal Canin Small Adult Dog Food is specially formulated to meet the needs of smaller breed dogs aged 10 months to 8 years and weighing between 9–22 lb. This kibble contains L-carnitine, which helps maintain a healthy weight while providing the necessary energy for adult dogs.

It also features optimal fatty acids such as EPA and DHA that help support their skin and coat health.

The exclusive kibble design makes it easier for small jaws to chew, while its enhanced palatability ensures even picky eaters will enjoy every meal! With 14 pounds in a bag, this dog food is ideal for tiny breeds looking for nutrition tailored specifically towards them.

Customers have reported positive results since switching their pups over from puppy formula – firmer stools included – with increased pep and playfulness plus luxurious coats being common reports by owners of all types of small breeds including Pugs! Some customers found it solved picky eating problems due to its smaller size pieces being easy enjoyable bites; others mentioned that despite how expensive it was they were very happy with the results they saw in their Husky mix pup’s health so would definitely recommend trying out if you own any type of small breed pooch!

Unfortunately, some pets experienced an allergic reaction or negative reactions due to corn content within – something worth bearing in mind before purchase too as always when considering your pet’s dietary needs.

Pros
  • Graduated from puppy formula instantly took
  • Firmer stool
  • Dogs with increased pep & playfulness & luxurious coats
  • Perfect size pieces suitable even for fast eaters without slow feeder
  • Highly recommended by vet
Cons
  • Allergic reaction possible depending on individual pup’s sensitivities/allergies levels
  • Negative reactions possible because corn content present (check ingredients)
  • Pricey compared to other brands available

Why You Should Trust Us

Why You Should Trust Us
You can trust us to deliver honest advice on what kind of food your Havanese needs for a lifetime of good health. We consider user testimonials, expert reviews, and ingredient analysis when determining the best dog foods for Havanese.

Our team also looks at Havanese-specific qualities such as nutritional balance and health benefits from quality ingredients. To ensure you’re giving your pup optimal nutrition, we examine the nutrient density in each product to make sure it meets their needs in terms of energy level and digestion support.

With our picks, you can rest assured that they have been thoroughly vetted by experts with years of experience working with small dogs like the Havanese breed. This way, your furry friend gets all the necessary nutrients without any unnecessary fillers or additives.

Choosing the Best Food for Havanese

Choosing the Best Food for Havanese
When it comes to choosing the best food for Havanese, it is important to consider their unique nutritional needs. This breed requires a balanced diet that supports their overall health and energy levels, taking into account factors such as age, activity level, and weight.

Nutritional needs of Havanese

It’s important to consider your Havanese’s unique nutritional needs when selecting their food. Factors like age, activity level, and health should be taken into account. Puppies require higher calories and protein, while adults need a balanced diet for weight maintenance.

Senior dogs may need lower calories with joint supplements added in. Look for allergen-free, probiotic-rich options that are easy to digest too! For dental health support, opt for foods with antioxidants as well as special formulas if needed due to sensitive stomachs or allergies.

Considerations for puppy food

When selecting puppy food for your Havanese, remember that puppies need up to three times more calories and protein than adult dogs. A study by the National Research Council found that they require an average of 20% more energy per pound of body weight.

Focus on nutrient balance, ingredient quality, and transitioning foods properly. It’s also important to consult with your vet to ensure a healthy diet for your pup. Look out for common allergies like wheat or soy in meat sources, as well as vitamins like calcium, which can be over-supplemented in some products designed specifically for puppies.

Consider these factors when choosing the best dog food suitable for your Havanese’s needs!

Special dietary adjustments

Adjusting your Havanese’s diet for special health needs can help ensure they stay happy and healthy. Coat health, GI health, and allergy management should all be top priorities when considering a diet change.

Puppy requirements are typically higher in calories and protein than adult or senior diets; joint care is important too to prevent hip dysplasia later on. Special formulas may also be needed if the pup has atopic dermatitis or other skin conditions that require careful management of ingredients like Omega-3 fatty acids or antioxidants.

Senior nutrition requires lower calorie intake as well as supplements designed specifically for aging joints – probiotics are great here too! Keeping an eye out for these factors ensures your Havanese enjoys their food while staying nourished with optimal nutrition tailored to their individual needs.

Havanese-Specific Qualities to Look for in Dog Food

Havanese-Specific Qualities to Look for in Dog Food
When choosing the best dog food for your Havanese, it’s important to consider their unique needs. High-quality protein should be at the top of your list when selecting a food. Look for real meat as the first ingredient and avoid fillers, byproducts, or artificial ingredients.

Grain-free options are ideal since they don’t contain common allergens like wheat and corn that can trigger digestive issues in some dogs. Probiotics are also beneficial for Havanese health. These friendly bacteria help support healthy digestion and boost immunity levels while promoting overall wellbeing.

Joint health is another key factor. Look for supplements such as glucosamine to keep bones strong with age while providing essential nutrients like omega fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce joint pain if needed due to arthritis or hip dysplasia in older pups.

Finally, antioxidants can promote immune system strength, which helps ward off infection from viruses and infections commonly seen in breeds prone to allergies such as yours!

How to Switch Havanese Dog Food

How to Switch Havanese Dog Food
Switching your Havanese’s food should be done gradually to ensure their digestive system can adjust properly. It is important to take into account the preferences and health issues of your pup before switching diets.

Transitioning over several weeks, while increasing new food percentages only if they tolerate it well, helps prevent upset stomachs or vomiting from abrupt changes.

Consider dietary adjustments for coat color changes, concurrent GI signs, chronic itching, and dermatitis as needed. Start by selecting small bites that are allergen-free with probiotics or easy-to-digest options like wet foods for sensitive stomachs.

  • Gradual change
  • Transition tips
  • Havanese preferences
  • Dietary adjustments

For senior dogs needing joint supplements, look out for antioxidants which support immune systems too! Consult a vet if you need personalized guidance on what’s best suited to your dog’s individual needs.

Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Dog Food for a Havanese

Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Dog Food for a Havanese
Choosing the right dog food for a Havanese can be difficult, as there are many options available. Knowing your pet’s health needs and dietary preferences is key to selecting the best possible product. In this buyer’s guide, we will discuss factors to consider when choosing a suitable diet for your pup as well as our top picks of dog food for Havanese.

Nutritional needs and considerations

You’ll want to make sure that your Havanese is getting all the nutrition they need, so consider factors like age, activity level, and health before picking out their food. Look for foods with real meat as the first ingredient, avoiding fillers and by-products.

Puppies may require higher calories, while senior dogs should have lower calorie options with joint supplements. Allergen-free options are essential for those prone to allergies, and probiotics can benefit sensitive stomachs or dull coats.

Make sure there’s enough dental support included in their diet too. Antioxidants will help keep immune systems healthy throughout life stages.

When it comes to the special dietary needs of Havanese puppies or adults, consult a vet for personalized guidance tailored specifically towards your pup’s needs!

Choosing the right type of dog food

Considering your Havanese’s nutritional needs and lifestyle, selecting the right type of dog food is a vital part of keeping them healthy. Dry kibble or canned food are popular options. Look for real meat as the first ingredient and avoid fillers and by-products.

Puppy formulas should contain DHA and omega fatty acids to support growth. Senior dogs may need lower calories and joint supplements for aging joints. Consider wet, dry, or fresh foods based on pup preference, as well as special diets if they have allergies or sensitive stomachs.

Read labels carefully for AAFCO standards to ensure balanced nutrition and always transition gradually when introducing new foods.

Special dietary adjustments

When it comes to special dietary adjustments for your Havanese, make sure you select the right food to meet their individual needs and health concerns. It’s important to consider age-specific nutrition requirements, such as those of senior Havanese or puppies with cherry eye or liver shunt.

A nutrient-dense food that is tailored towards allergies and other medical issues can help manage these conditions better. Talk to a veterinarian about specific dietary modifications needed for your pup, like adding joint supplements or probiotics into meals for improved overall health.

Choose foods rich in antioxidants, which will benefit their immune system too! As always, consult a vet before making any major changes in diet – they are best placed when it comes to tailoring nutritional considerations just right!

Conclusion

When it comes to feeding your Havanese, it’s essential to make sure you’re selecting the best dog food for them.

To make the selection process easier, consider factors like health, activity level, age, and weight. Look for allergen-free, probiotics, and easily digestible options. Emphasize breed-specific health concerns and nutritional needs.

Ollie’s Beef Dish with Sweet Potatoes and Purina ONE SmartBlend are both great options for Havanese. Whichever food you choose, ensure it’s appropriate for your pup’s age and activity level, and that it contains the necessary nutrients for their health and longevity.

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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.