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Best Dog Food for Irish Setters: Top 8 Picks (2024)

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best dog food for irish settersDon’t know what to feed your Irish Setter? With so many dog food brands available, it can be hard to pick the perfect one for your pup. To make things easier on you, we’ve compiled a list of 8 top-rated dog foods made specifically with Irish Setters in mind.

We’ll discuss their nutritional needs at different life stages and teach you how to choose the best kibble for your pup’s health and wellbeing.

So let’s dive right into our guide on choosing the best food for Irish Setters!

Key Takeaways

  • Victor Active Dog Puppy Formula, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Dog Food, American Journey Large Breed Puppy Food, and Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed are some of the top-rated dog foods for Irish Setters.
  • Irish Setters require 30-60 minutes of daily exercise, split into segments, and positive reinforcement training methods.
  • Swimming, agility courses, and protein-rich diets are recommended for Irish Setters’ fitness activities.
  • Fresh, high-quality food like The Farmer’s Dog provides optimal nutrition for Irish Setters, and customized meal plans can offer health benefits.

8 Best Dog Foods for Irish Setters

If you’re looking for the best dog food for your Irish Setter, consider these 8 top choices: Victor Active Dog Puppy Formula, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin Stomach Salmon Rice Dog Food, American Journey Large Breed Puppy Food, Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed, Wellness CORE Puppy Chicken Dry Dog Food, Merrick Grain Free Large Breed Chicken Sweet Potato, Blue Buffalo Basics Turkey Potato, and Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food Beef Pea Rice.

Each of these foods has been specially formulated to provide optimal nutrition and health benefits tailored specifically to the needs of Irish Setters.

1. Victor Active Dog Puppy Formula

VICTOR Purpose Active Dog &View On Chewy
You can trust Victor Active Dog Puppy Formula to provide your Irish Setter with premium-quality ingredients, a grain-free recipe for sensitive stomachs, and the VPRO blend for superior digestibility.

Fortified with vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, protein, and amino acids, this formula is suitable for growing puppies in need of balanced nutrition, as well as pregnant or lactating females or dogs with high physical demands.

Customers have reported positive experiences, such as relief from allergies and itchy skin, along with improved stool consistency and growth in puppies.

While some dogs may be picky about the food’s smoked flavor, there are generally favorable reviews regarding its quality ingredients sourced locally within the USA.

Transitioning from other brands has elicited good results, making Victor Active Dog Puppy Formula a reliable choice when caring for your pup’s health needs!

Pros
  • All-natural grain-free recipe made in the USA
  • Provides balanced nutrition
  • Relief from allergies & itchy skin observed
  • Positive customer feedback on transition to brand
  • High-quality locally sourced ingredients
Cons
  • Some pups don’t enjoy the smoked flavor
  • Reports of foaming & vomiting after eating
  • Not available internationally

2. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin Stomach Salmon Rice Dog Food

View On Chewy
Experience the benefits of high-protein Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin Stomach Salmon Rice Dog Food with its rich fish oil for joint health and sunflower oil for skin and coat, plus natural prebiotic fiber to support digestive wellness.

This food is made in the USA using real salmon as the main source of protein, fortified with vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and amino acids.

Customers have reported positive experiences such as relief from allergies and itchy skin or good results for sensitive stomachs.

There have been some cases of adverse reactions, however, including vomiting, diarrhea, or other health problems due to a formula change, which has caused concern among customers who recommend switching brands like Hill’s Science Diet or Taste Of The Wild instead.

Despite this issue, though, many find that their dogs enjoy this food greatly.

So if you’re looking for an adult dog food option that fits your budget, then give Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin Stomach Salmon Rice Dog Food a try!

Pros
  • Made in USA
  • Real salmon as the first ingredient
  • Rich fish oil & sunflower oil
  • Natural prebiotic fiber
Cons
  • Some reports of adverse reactions
  • Formula change causing issues
  • Recommendation to switch brands

3. American Journey Large Breed Puppy Food

American Journey Large Breed PuppyView On Chewy
American Journey Large Breed Puppy Food is a grain-free option, formulated with real salmon as the first ingredient to provide optimal nutrition for puppies of large and giant breeds. This food contains Arachidonic (ARA) and Docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids for brain and vision development.

It also has balanced minerals for strong bones and teeth. Additionally, it has omega fatty acids which help support healthy skin and coat growth in puppies.

Overall, this puppy food has been well received by customers who report improved coat texture and healthy growth in their pups. No stomach issues have been reported either! On the downside, some dogs don’t seem keen on the smoked flavor, while there have been reports of loose stools from others.

Pros
  • Dogs enjoy taste and especially like the salmon flavor
  • Supports healthy growth with one pup growing 2 inches taller
  • No stomach issues reported
Cons
  • Some dogs don’t seem keen on the smoked flavor
  • Reports of loose stools in some cases
  • Suggestion made by one vet regarding addition of grains

4. Hill Science Diet Puppy Large Breed

HillView On Chewy
You’ll feel like you’ve hit the puppy jackpot when feeding Hill Science Diet Puppy Large Breed to your Irish Setter! This specially formulated food is designed for large breed puppies, so it’s perfect for growing and active Irish Setters.

It contains real lamb as the main protein source, plus optimal calcium levels and balanced minerals for strong bones, teeth, and muscles. Fish oil provides DHA for eye and brain development, while natural ingredients provide essential nutrients with no artificial flavors or preservatives.

Customers report great results from this product, including improved energy levels, healthy growth in their pups, coat texture improvements, and empty bowls after meals due to enjoyment of taste – all with no stomach issues reported so far!

Pros
  • Real lamb as the main protein source
  • Formulated specifically for large breeds
  • Contains fish oil providing DHA for eye & brain development
  • Natural ingredients only; no artificial flavors or preservatives
  • Improved energy levels & healthy growth in pups reported by customers
Cons
  • Not suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs (e.g. German Shepherds)
  • Price increase & smaller bag size led to some dissatisfaction
  • Mixed results experienced depending on the puppy

5. Wellness CORE Puppy Chicken Dry Dog Food

Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large BreedView On Chewy
Discover the power of Wellness CORE Puppy Chicken Dry Dog Food, designed for large and giant breed puppies with advanced natural nutrition that supports whole-body health. This grain-free formula is made from premium protein sources and nutrient-rich superfoods to meet your pup’s needs.

It contains calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones, DHA to support growth and development, omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, antioxidants to strengthen their immune system, glucosamine & chondroitin for joint support, as well as probiotics & taurine for digestive balance.

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive with many customers noting improved coat texture in their pups after switching over to this food! Sheepadoodles have thrived on it while transitioning away from another brand.

Akitas love the kibble mixed with cooked muscle meat or organ meat. German Shepherds had diarrhea, but others experienced no stomach issues whatsoever – plus enhanced energy levels too! Golden Retrievers were initially keen but started taking longer time than usual finishing meals.

A 5-month-old Cane Corso loves it when mixed in fresh grains, preventing heart disease.

Pros
  • Contains calcium & phosphorus for healthy bones
  • Formulated using advanced natural nutrition
  • Rich source of Omega fatty acids
  • Fortified with antioxidants
  • Glucosamine & Chondroitin promote joint health
Cons
  • Oily kibbles reported by some customers
  • Not suitable if allergic/sensitive

6. Merrick Grain Free Large Breed Chicken Sweet Potato

Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed DryView On Chewy
One of the top-rated dog foods for Irish Setters, Merrick Grain Free Large Breed Chicken Sweet Potato is packed with 60% protein sourced from real deboned chicken. It also contains healthy fats, 40% produce and fiber plus vitamins and minerals to support a complete diet.

Omega fatty acids are included to help keep skin and coat healthy while glucosamine and chondroitin promote strong hips and joints.

Made in the USA with no artificial colors or preservatives, this product has been specially designed for large breed puppies.

Many customers have had positive experiences when feeding their dogs Merrick Grain Free Large Breed Chicken Sweet Potato – the kibble size has proven satisfactory even for larger breeds; picky eaters enjoy it; allergies have improved along with reduced scratching due to better skin health; odors have decreased too!

However, there are some downsides: kibbles can be too small in size compared to what’s expected from such a big bag of food which means more frequent orders may be required if you own multiple dogs; additionally, some users report an unpleasant smell upon opening that doesn’t seem popular among all pups either!

Pros:

i) Satisfactory Kibble Size – suitable even for large breeds

ii) Picky Eaters Enjoy It

iii) Allergies Improved – reduce scratching & improve Skin Health

iv) Reduced Odor

v) Made In The USA

vi) No Artificial Colors Or Preservatives

Cons:

i) Kibbles Too Small For Multiple Dogs Households

ii) Unpleasant Smell On Opening

iii) Slow Acceptance By Some Pups

7. Blue Buffalo Basics Turkey Potato

Blue Buffalo Basics Skin &View On Chewy
Blue Buffalo Basics Turkey Potato is a large-breed dog food made with turkey as the protein source, plus potatoes, peas, and pumpkin for gentle digestion. This grain-free formula has no chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, or eggs added to it.

Instead, it contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support your pup’s immune system. It also includes glucosamine and chondroitin, which help keep their joints healthy.

Customers have reported improved coat texture after feeding this product to their pups, as well as reduced itchiness due to its allergen-free ingredients. The natural prebiotic fiber also supports sensitive stomachs while providing balanced nutrition for large breed dogs of all ages.

Pros
  • Improved coat texture reported by customers
  • Allergen-free ingredients reduce itchiness
  • Natural prebiotic fiber supports sensitive stomachs
Cons
  • Some dogs don’t enjoy the smoked flavor
  • A few cases of loose stools have been reported
  • Bag size can be an issue for multiple dog households

8. Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food Beef Pea Rice

Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium NaturalView On Amazon
Try Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food Beef Pea Rice and see if it proves to be the missing piece of the puzzle for your pup, as they say good things come in small packages! This natural dry dog food is made with real beef as its protein source, plus potatoes, peas, and pumpkin.

It’s also gluten-free and made without chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, or eggs. Plus, it has added vitamins, minerals, taurine, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, antioxidants, and probiotics for a balanced diet that supports overall health.

A portion of proceeds goes to The Rachael Ray Foundation too!

Users have enjoyed this product due to its high nutritional value and consistent quality. Dogs love it as a treat, while cats eagerly beg for this food once they develop a liking towards it. This food can also help relieve skin allergy symptoms, and even picky eaters enjoy the flavor.

However, some kibbles were found to be oily enough to cause digestive issues, such as loose stools. There have also been complaints about the bag size not being suitable for multi-dog households. Additionally, difficulties with ordering internationally have made availability an issue outside of the USA borders, resulting in customer dissatisfaction at times.

Pros
  • High nutritional value & consistent quality
  • Supports overall health & wellbeing
  • Natural ingredients; free from common allergens (chicken/beef/corn, etc.)
  • Omega fatty acids; glucosamine, chondroitin; antioxidants & probiotics
Cons
  • Oily kibbles may cause digestive issues
  • Bag size not suitable for multi-dog households
  • Difficulties ordering internationally

How Much Exercise Does an Irish Setter Need?

How Much Exercise Does an Irish Setter Need
Irish Setters are an active breed and require a good amount of exercise every day. This includes regular walks, playtime, training sessions, and other physical activities.

Here’s what you need to know about their exercise requirements:

  • Playtime Schedule: Aim for 30-60 minutes of strenuous activity each day split into two or three separate segments depending on your dog’s age/energy level.
  • Training Needs: Start basic obedience classes early on as Irish Setters are highly intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement methods like clicker training.
  • Canine Fitness: Swimming is great for improving muscle tone while also providing mental stimulation.
  • Protein-Rich Diet: Make sure you’re feeding them a high-quality protein-rich diet formulated specifically for their size (large breeds). This should include omega fatty acids along with essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus needed by growing puppies or senior dogs alike.

All these components combined create an ideal fitness routine crafted specifically around the needs of this beautiful red canine companion, whether it’s puppyhood, adulthood, or old age!

What Should I Feed My Irish Setter?

What Should I Feed My Irish Setter
When it comes to feeding your Irish Setter, you’ll want to find a balanced diet that meets their nutrient needs and is approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Popular dog food brands such as Blue Buffalo, Purina Pro Plan, Taste of the Wild, and Rachael Ray Nutrish provide Irish Setters with essential nutrients.

Consider foods specifically designed for large breed puppies like Victor Active Dog Puppy Formula or Hill Science Diet Puppy Large Breed. For adults, look into options like Wellness CORE Puppy Chicken Dry Dog Food or Merrick Grain-Free Senior Formula, which have higher glucosamine levels ideal for joints.

Homemade meals are also an option but should be tailored considering canine nutrition requirements in order to avoid deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake. If allergies are present due to certain ingredients, opt for limited ingredient formulas such as Blue Buffalo Limited Ingredient Formula available at most pet stores.

Choosing the Best Dog Food for Your Irish Setter

Choosing the Best Dog Food for Your Irish Setter
It is essential to provide your Irish Setter with balanced nutrition to ensure their overall health and well-being. Choosing the best food for your pup can be challenging, so it’s important to understand what nutrients they need at different life stages of growth and development.

Importance of balanced nutrition

It is essential for your Irish Setter to have balanced nutrition in order to maintain their active lifestyle and ensure optimal health.

  1. Follow nutritional guidelines from a vet or pet nutritionist.
  2. Choose high-quality protein sources such as real meat ingredients.
  3. Incorporate nutrient-rich ingredients like omega fatty acids and antioxidants into meals.
  4. Create custom meal plans that address individual needs.

    Feeding an Irish Setter the right food with proper nutrients will help keep them healthy, strong, energetic, and happy throughout all life stages of their lives!

Consideration for life stages

When considering the best food for your Irish Setter, it’s important to consider their life stage and adjust nutrition accordingly. Puppies need a high protein content of at least 22%, while adults should have 18%.

Dietary transitions must be done slowly to prevent digestive issues. Consider tailored meal plans or premium fresh foods for optimal health benefits, especially if your pup is active or has special needs due to allergies or sensitivities.

Consult a vet regarding feeding amounts based on weight and activity level. Follow nutritional guidelines closely with an eye towards quality ingredients in order to achieve the highest quality poops!

Fresh food options available

Invest in your pup’s health with fresh, high-quality food tailored to their age, weight, activity level, and body condition. The Farmer’s Dog offers premium human-grade ingredients like real meat and omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation for joint issues.

Plus, digestible diets lead to better muscle growth and less smelly poop! Customized meal plans provide convenience without sacrificing nutrition while avoiding overfeeding, which can cause unwanted weight gain or diseases.

Fresh foods generally cost more than kibble, but the benefits make it worth considering when planning a healthy diet for your Irish Setter.

What to Feed an Irish Setter

What to Feed an Irish Setter
Feeding your Irish Setter the right food helps them stay healthy, active, and happy. The breed has specific dietary needs depending on their age. Puppies require higher protein levels, while adults need lower fat content in their meals to maintain a healthy weight.

Fresh foods are recommended for Irish Setters since they contain Omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation and help with joint issues. Kibble options include Victor Active Dog Puppy Formula, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin Stomach Salmon Rice Dog Food, American Journey Large Breed Puppy Food, Hill Science Diet Puppy Large Breed, Wellness CORE Puppy Chicken Dry Dog Food, Merrick Grain Free Large Breed Chicken Sweet Potato, or Blue Buffalo Basics Turkey Potato.

These options provide balanced nutrition as well as vitamins and minerals for overall health support.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Beef Pea & Brown Rice Recipe is also an excellent choice for adult dogs with added taurine for heart health benefits.

For a fresh food option, consider The Farmer’s Dogs tailored meal plans based on the pup’s age, weight, activity level, and body condition.

Investing in good quality nutrition today will keep your furry companion feeling great tomorrow!

How Much Should You Feed an Irish Setter?

How Much Should You Feed an Irish Setter
To ensure your Irish Setter has the energy and nutrition they need, it’s important to feed them the right amount. To do so, consult a vet for daily feeding recommendations. Adjust food quantity based on weight and activity level.

Feed twice a day for stable energy levels, more if the puppy is growing rapidly or a highly active adult dog.

Invest in good quality kibble with age-specific ingredients and Omega fatty acids to support joint health. Consider a Fresh Food option tailored specifically towards your pup’s needs, such as digestion and the condition of the coat/skin.

This can help reduce inflammation issues like allergies or itchiness caused by grain sensitivities.

Portion control is essential when feeding an Irish Setter. Overfeeding leads to obesity, which increases the risk of diabetes, hip dysplasia, heart disease, etc. A balanced diet approved by AAFCO should provide all necessary nutrients without excessive calories, resulting in healthy growth throughout life stages – from puppyhood into adulthood through senior years.

For convenience, you may opt for customized meal plans. However, paying attention to the nutrient balance between wet and dry food options remains a key component of a successful canine diet plan, regardless of whether commercial products are used or meals are prepared at home from scratch.

Considerations for Pet Parents

Considerations for Pet Parents
As a pet parent of an Irish Setter, it is important to ensure your pup’s nutritional needs are met by providing them with age-appropriate food. A balanced diet is key to maintaining optimal health and energy levels in these active and intelligent dogs.

To get the best nutrition for your furry friend, consider selecting dog foods specially formulated for their life stage.

Age-specific nutritional requirements

Treat your pup like royalty with age-specific nutritional requirements tailored to Irish Setters! Puppies need high-quality food, rich in omega fatty acids, real meat ingredients, and at least 22% protein.

Adult dogs require lower protein content, around 18%, while seniors need low fat and energy content.

Consider fresh food options that contain Omega 3s for joint health. Balance the nutrient intake according to weight and activity level, as well as custom meal plans for convenience and health benefits.

Importance of balanced diet

Ensuring your Irish Setter’s diet is balanced and tailored to their needs can be the key to a healthy, happy life. A well-balanced nutritional plan should include all the essential nutrients for optimal health at any stage of life.

Nutrient importance varies by age, activity level, and other factors like allergies. Customer reviews provide product information helpful in choosing food accordingly.

The 95 Percent Rule helps ensure products meet requirements while avoiding filler ingredients that offer no nutritional value.

Consideration for dietary sensitivities

When selecting a food for your Irish Setter, it’s important to consider dietary sensitivities such as allergies and stomach issues. Look for ingredients with no artificial preservatives or flavors that can trigger reactions.

Check the nutrient balance of recipes, weekly price tags, B12 supplementation recommendations, and purchase commissions before buying the product.

Allergies are usually indicated by itching, scratching, or licking at paws. These reactions may be caused by certain proteins in food, like beef or dairy products, so always check labels carefully.

Conclusion

Finding the best dog food for Irish Setters can be a challenge, as they require specific nutrition for their size and energy levels. There are a variety of options on the market, but it’s important to look for foods that provide balanced nutrition with added joint and immune support.

With over 14 years of expected life expectancy, Irish Setters need the right diet during each life stage: puppy, adult, and senior. Our top 8 picks for Irish Setter food are all high-quality, nutritious options that have been positively reviewed by customers.

With the right diet, an Irish Setter can lead an active, healthy life for many years to come.

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.