What’s the best dog food for a Cane Corso?
The Cane Corso is a large, muscular dog bred for its strength, intelligence and loyalty.
They were historically used as working dogs to guard property, herd livestock and hunt game, but over the years have grown in popularity as household pets.
The American Kennel Club (AKC), which tracks the popularity of dog breeds based on registration statistics, ranked the Cane Corso as the 32nd most popular breed out of more than 190 recognized breeds in the US.
Cane Corsos are high-energy dogs, however due to their size, they do not zoom around as much as other working breeds so can be prone to obesity. Choose a dog food that is formulated specifically for large breed dogs but practice portion control to ensure you do not overload them with excessive calories. Alternatively, consider a formula labeled for “weight management” or “low fat foods”.
Look for a product that lists meat as the primary ingredient and avoid foods that contain fillers and artificial additives.
Protein is crucial for the growth and maintenance of your Cane Corso’s muscles and overall health, so aim for a dog food that contains around 25-30% protein content.
Fats provide essential fatty acids that are beneficial for your dog’s skin, coat, and overall well-being. Look for dog food with a moderate fat content of around 10-15%.
While dogs do not require carbohydrates in large amounts, they can provide a source of energy. Look for dog foods that use whole grains or vegetables as a carbohydrate source.
Cane Corsos are also susceptible to hip dysplasia, so the food you choose should contain ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin which can help support joint health and mobility.
Cherry eye is also common in this breed so to support eye health choose food that contains omega-3 (DHA and EPA from algal or fish oils).
The large, deep chests of the Cane Corso make them susceptible to bloat, which can trigger gastric dilatation and volvulus, or GDV, a potentially deadly condition where the stomach rotates and twists on itself. Feeding two or three smaller meals throughout the day and using a slow feeder bowl, which forces your dog to eat only a few pieces of food at a time, will help prevent this condition. It’s also important not to exercise your dog within an hour of eating, either before or after meals.
Below, you can read our recommendations of the best dog food for Cane Corsos.
You’ll also learn the answer to each of the most frequently asked questions we get about Cane Corsos.
Best Dog Food for a Cane Corso
September 2023
Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best dog food brands for Cane Corsos for September 2023.
Dr. Tim’s
Weight Management Metabolite Formula is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Dr. Tim’s Dry product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, brown rice, oats, peas, powdered cellulose
- Type: Grain-Inclusive
- Profile: Adult Maintenance
- Best for: Dogs
Dr. Tim’s Weight Management Metabolite Formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33.3% protein, 18.8% fat and 39.9% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Sample buyer review… “I’ve been struggling to find a low-cal food that my dog doesn’t mind, and Dr Tim’s made the cut! He has lost about a pound and has stood at a healthy weight since. Def going to recommend this to anyone I know whose dog needs to cut the cals”
Ollie
Fresh Chicken with Carrots is one of 5 fresh recipes included in our review of the Ollies Fresh product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, rice, carrots, chicken livers, peas
- Type: Grain-Free
- Profile: All Life Stages
- Best for: Puppies and Dogs
Ollie Fresh Chicken With Carrots derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30.8% protein, 11.5% fat and 49.7% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 38%.
Sample buyer review… “My vet said this is one of the best dog foods you can buy. My dog Tess likes all varieties for a good balance. I like that she is getting good quality food that she loves.”
American Journey
Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato is one of 17 dry recipes included in our review of the American Journey Grain-Free product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned salmon, chicken meal (a source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), turkey meal, peas, sweet potatoes
- Type: Grain-Free
- Profile: All Life Stages
- Best for: Puppies and Dogs
American Journey Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato derives the bulk of its protein from salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 35.6% protein, 15.6% fat and 40.9% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
Sample buyer review… “Absolutely a fantastic well balanced dog food. My dog loves it.”
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
Chicken Soup for the Soul
Chicken Soup For The Soul Puppy Large Breed is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Chicken Soup for the Soul product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, turkey, chicken meal (natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), turkey meal, cracked pearled barley
- Type: Grain-Inclusive
- Profile: All Life Stages
- Best for: Puppies and Dogs
Chicken Soup For The Soul Puppy Large Breed derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 14.4% fat and 47.6% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.
Sample buyer review… “When we got our puppy we thought he would max out around 60 lbs . . . at 6 months, he is 65 lbs and growing. He absolutely loves this food! Dinner time is absolutely his favorite time of day. He has learned how to sit and wait, specifically because this food is his motivation. His coat is gorgeous, he has tons of energy, and he is even more well behaved because of this food. Thanks chicken soup!”
Holistic
Large & Giant Breed Adult Health is one of 5 dry recipes included in our review of the Holistic Select product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), rice, oatmeal, oats, chicken fat, pork meal,
- Type: Grain-Inclusive
- Profile: Adult Maintenance
- Best for: Dogs
Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Health derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26.7% protein, 14.4% fat and 50.9% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 54%.
Sample buyer review… “Bitzy and her sister Minnie are big girls at 227lbs. Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Health Chicken Meal & Oatmeal dry dog recipe keeps them happy and healthy since puppyhood. Thanks for keeping my girls in great shape!”
Eagle Pack
Large & Giant Breed Adult is one of 7 dry recipes included in our review of the Eagle Pack Dry product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, pork meal, ground brown rice, oatmeal, rice
- Type: Grain-Inclusive
- Profile: Adult Maintenance
- Best for: Dogs
Eagle Pack Large & Giant Breed Adult derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27.8% protein, 13.3% fat and 50.9% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.
Sample buyer review… “As a breeder and concerned pet owner, I am passionate about the health of my animals. All of my mastiffs are raised and maintained on Eagle Pack products.”
Read Our Full Brand Review
Wellness Core Grain Free Weight Management is one of 5 wet recipes resulting in our review of the Wellness Core product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, turkey broth, pork liver, whitefish
- Type: Grain-Free
- Profile: Adult Maintenance
- Best for: Puppies and Dogs
Wellness Core Grain Free Weight Management derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 50% protein, 15.9% fat and 26.1% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 32%.
Sample buyer review… “We tried various diets which included kibble and dehydrated patties to help our dog lose weight. None worked for long. Wellness Core has worked the best. She has lost 3 lbs. (now 21#), looks great, has real energy, and now walks 3 miles a day. She gobbles it down. Thanks for a great product.”
Read more buyer reviews at WellnessPetFood.com
More Top Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about feeding Cane Corsos:
The Cane Corso is a powerful and ancient Italian dog breed known for its strength, intelligence, and loyalty. The breed’s name comes from the Latin term “Cohors,” which means “guardian” or “protector.”
What does a Cane Corso look like?
The Cane Corso is a large and muscular dog with a broad head and a strong, imposing presence. They have a short, dense coat that can come in various colors, such as black, gray, fawn, and red.
How big is a Cane Corso?
Adult male Cane Corsos typically stand between 24 to 28 inches (61 to 71 cm) at the shoulder and weigh around 100 to 110 pounds (45 to 50 kg). Females are slightly smaller, usually measuring 23 to 26 inches (58 to 66 cm) and weighing 88 to 99 pounds (40 to 45 kg).
What is the temperament of a Cane Corso?
Cane Corsos are known for their loyalty, protectiveness, and intelligence. They are generally reserved and aloof with strangers, making them excellent guard dogs. With proper socialization and training, they can be gentle and affectionate with their family members. Early socialization is crucial to ensure they are well-adjusted and have good behavior around other animals and people.
Are Cane Corsos easy to train?
Due to their intelligence and willingness to please, Cane Corsos are generally trainable. However, they can also be strong-willed, so consistent and positive reinforcement training methods are essential. Early training and socialization are vital to ensure they grow into well-behaved and obedient adults.
How much exercise does a Cane Corso need?
Cane Corsos are active and energetic dogs that require regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Daily walks, play sessions, and opportunities to run in a secure area are important to prevent boredom and potential behavioral issues.
What health conditions can affect a Cane Corso?
Like many large dog breeds, Cane Corsos are susceptible to certain health problems, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain heart conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet are important for maintaining their health and well-being.
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