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What’s the best dog food for Vizslas?
Vizslas (meaning pointer) are a medium sized breed of dog originating from Hungary.
They are easily recognised by their sleek-golden rust coat and long silky ears that frame their face.
They were historically used for hunting by the Magyar people, who settled in Hungary more than 1,000 years ago. Vizslas were used by nobles and warlords to hunt game birds and hares. Eventually, the dogs were developed to both point and retrieve.
According to figures from the American Kennel Club, Vizslas are ranked as the 33rd most popular dog in the US.
Vizslas are prone to skeletal issues such as hip dysplasia. It’s, therefore, crucial to choose a dog food that has appropriate and balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus to support healthy bone growth. Look for recipes which contain glucosamine and chondroitin.
Healthy fats provide a concentrated source of energy and are essential for maintaining a healthy coat and skin. Look for foods with moderate levels of healthy fats, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
They benefit from a diet rich in high-quality animal protein sources such as chicken, beef, or fish, so look for a dog food with named meat protein sources at the top of the ingredient list.
Below, you can see our recommendations of the best foods for Vizslas to help you choose the right food for your pet.
You’ll also learn the answer to each of the most frequently asked questions we get about Vizslas.
Best Dog Food for Vizslas October 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for Vizslas for October 2024.
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1. Ollie
Ollie Turkey Dish with Blueberries is one of five fresh recipes included in our review of the Ollie Fresh product line.
Ollie Turkey Dish with Blueberries derives the bulk of its meat protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 35.7% protein, 25% fat and 31.3% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 70%.
All-natural food perfectly portioned for your dog to provide the nutrients they need resulting in, shiny coats, great energy, and better digestion.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, butternut squash, turkey livers, oats, lentils Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 35.7% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and Dogs Sample buyer review...
"Lily has food sensitivities and needed to lose 2 pounds. Ollie’s fresh turkey recipe, with Lily’s calories counted and portions predetermined, are just what we needed."
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2. Taste Of The Wild
Taste of the Wild Ancient Wetlands with Roasted Fowl is one of four dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains product line.
Taste of the Wild Ancient Wetlands with Roasted Fowl derives the bulk of its meat protein from duck. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 35.6% protein, 20% fat and 36.4% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
A diet rich in highly digestible protein. Ancient grains provide an additional source of protein, fiber and other essential nutrients.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Duck, duck meal, chicken meal, grain sorghum, millet Type Grain-Inclusive Protein Percentage 35.6% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and Dogs Sample buyer review...
"Variety of flavors, probiotics, my pet loves the taste, grain-inclusive, unique protein sources, trusted brand, affordability"
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3. Steve’s Real Food
Steve’s Real Food Beef Diet is one of seven raw recipes included in our review of the Steve’s Real Food product line.
Steve’s Real Food Beef Diet derives the bulk of its meat protein from beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 48% protein, 32% fat and 12% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.
A low-fat, nutrient-dense muscle meat. Beef is particularly high in zinc and copper–two nutrients that work together to support metabolism. Added ingredients such as New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel, coconut oil, and raw goat milk that provides everything to promote strong bones, muscles, and organ function.
Read our review of the full Steve’s Real Food Dog Food (Raw Frozen) range here
Main Ingredients Ground beef, beef heart, beef liver, beef kidney, broccoli Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 48% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and Dogs Sample buyer review...
"Absolutely love this recipe! Great whole ingredients and my dog loves it! She eats it right up and licks the bowl clean!"
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4. Raw Wild
Raw Wild Dog Food product line includes one raw frozen recipe in our review.
Raw Wild Dog Food derives the bulk of its meat protein from elk. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 60% protein, 33.3% fat and 0% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
A complete raw dog food diet. Raw Wild is nothing but raw elk and venison meat with a mixture of essential vitamins and minerals.
Read our review of the full Raw Wild Dog Food (Raw Frozen) range here
Main Ingredients Elk, deer, organic sunflower seed oil, wild caught alaskan pollock fish oil, potassium Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 60% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and Dogs Sample buyer review...
"Quality food makes a big difference for your dogs overall health. I would highly recommend Raw Wild for your dog."
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5. Merrick
Merrick Grain-Free Small Breed Chicken & Sweet Potato is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Merrick Grain-Free dry product line.
Merrick Grain-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 18% fat and 38.1% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
Deboned chicken is always the first ingredient. High quality protein helps build and maintain healthy muscle tissue, features 81% of protein from animal sources, omega fatty acids support healthy skin and coat, and packed with glucosamine and chondroitin to foster joint health. Whole foods like apples and blueberries full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, plus easily digestible carbohydrates like potatoes and sweet potatoes offer the benefit of sustained energy.
Read our review of the full Merrick Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Dogs Sample buyer review...
"After trying Merrick’s Grain Free Chicken + Sweet Potato dog food, Bella now loves it more than the wet food she was previously eating with a mix of her old dog food. She seems to have no desire to go back to her old food. Her new favorite!"
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6. Nom Nom
Nom Nom Beef Mash is one of four fresh recipes included in our review of the Nom Nom Fresh product line.
Nom Nom Beef Mash derives the bulk of its meat protein from beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 34.8% protein, 17.4% fat and 39.8% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
Made with fresh, whole ingredients, every meat and veggie is gently cooked individually, then mixed in batches to seal in vital nutrients and maximize digestibility.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 34.8% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and Dogs Sample buyer review...
"Tula gets so excited when it’s mealtime. She no longer has skin issues, her coat looks wonderful and her stools are the best they’ve ever been. I can’t imagine ever feeding her anything but Nom Nom!"
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7. Natural Balance
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato is one of 21 dry recipes included in our review of the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient product line.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato derives the bulk of its protein from salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26.7% protein, 11.1% fat and 54.2% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 42%.
Limited Ingredient Grain Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs. With omega-rich salmon as the first ingredient and sweet potatoes for fiber, this grain free formula is made with easily-digestible ingredients and supports full-body health.
Read our review of the full Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, tapioca starch, potatoes Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 26.7% AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Dogs Sample buyer review...
"This food limits ingredients with no excess fillers. Yet tastes so great to my dog that she follows her bowl to the bin and then back to her feeding station because she loves it so."
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8. Instinct
Instinct Raw Boost With Real Beef is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Instinct Raw Boost product line.
Instinct Raw Boost With Real Beef derives the bulk of its meat protein from beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38.5% protein, 23.1% fat and 30.5% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.
Grain-free, high protein kibble + freeze-dried raw. USA-raised beef is the first ingredient – packed with animal protein for strong, lean muscles. Probiotic boost, higher omegas and more antioxidants for digestive health, healthy skin & coat, and immune health.
Read our review of the full Instinct Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Beef, white fish meal, herring meal, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), peas Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 38.5% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and Dogs Sample buyer review...
"When I first started buying Instinct dog food, I did a test with my dog. I put down three different brands and my dog chose Instinct. She’s been on it ever since and she loves all the flavors. I definitely recommend this brand to all my friends and their pets."
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about feeding Vizslas:
Frequently Asked Questions
How big are Vizslas?
Vizslas are lightly built, medium-size dogs, with males standing 22 to 24 inches (55 to 61 cm), females 21 to 23 inches (53 to 58 cm). The weight range for the breed is 45 to 65 pounds (20 to 29 kg), with females being smaller.
What is the temperament of Vizslas Dogs?
The Vizsla is described as lively, gentle, and affectionate, they have a strong desire to be with people building tight bonds with their owner. Because of their playful nature, they get along really well with older children they can play with.
How much exercise do Vizslas Dogs need?
Vizslas were bred to be active hunting dogs, they need both mental and physical exercise. Individual dog’s needs vary but in general they need a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise a day.
In addition to walks and games of fetch, most Vizslas need opportunities to run hard off-leash on a regular basis.
Mental exercise is as important as physical activity, so training should be part of their routine. Vizslas can be excellent running or jogging companions.
What health conditions can affect Vizslas Dogs?
Vizslas are generally a healthy breed. A typical lifespan is about 12 to 15 years. A responsible breeder would have the following screen checks done: hip, ophthalmologist and thyroid evaluation.
Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet are important for maintaining their health and well-being.
Final word
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