What’s the best dog food for Weimaraners?
The Weimaraner (or silver ghost) is a large breed of dog originating from Germany.
These dogs are known for their strikingly sleek silver-gray coat and light amber, blue-gray or gray eyes, framed by long-velvety ears.
They were historically used as hunting dogs but over the years have grown in popularity as household pets – according to figures from the American Kennel Club, Weimaraner Dogs are ranked as the 40th most popular dog in the US.
Weimaraner dogs 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.
Gastric torsion, also called bloat, affects large chested breeds such as Weimaraner Dogs, it 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 an hour either before or after meals.
A Weimaraner’s diet should be formulated for a large-sized breed with high energy and exercise needs. However, remember each dog is an individual, and their nutritional requirements may vary. It’s always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to create a personalized and balanced diet plan.
Below, you can see our recommendations of the best foods for Weimaraner dogs.
You’ll also learn the answer to each of the most frequently asked questions we get about Weimaraner Dogs
Best Dog Food for Weimaraners
September 2023
Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best dog food brands for Weimaraners for September 2023.
Raised Right
Raised Right Original Turkey Adult Recipe is one of 11 fresh recipes included in our review of the Raised Right Fresh product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Turkey thigh, turkey heart, turkey liver, carrots, blueberries
- Type: Grain-Free
- Profile: Adult Maintenance
- Best for: Dogs
Raised Right Original Turkey Adult Recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from turkey. 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%.
Limited ingredient recipes that are high in protein and low in carbs. No high carb fillers like potato, rice, oats, yam, squash, pasta, barley, parsnips, corn, or wheat.
Sample buyer review… “Our dogs love it. We are in the veterinary field and feed high quality fresh food but Raised Right has been the best for their GI health.”
Wellness CORE
Wellness CORE Large Breed Formula is one of 12 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness CORE product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal (source of glucosamine), turkey meal (source of chondroitin sulfate), lentils, peas,
- Type: Grain-Free
- Profile: Adult Maintenance
- Best for: Dogs
Wellness CORE Large Breed Formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37.8% protein, 13.3% fat and 40.9% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 35%.
This recipe has the higher levels of protein, glucosamine and chondroitin to support the specific needs of Large Breed dogs. The grain-free, protein-rich dry dog food is packed with premium protein along with nutrient-rich superfoods and nutritional supplements.
Sample buyer review… “I switched to this Wellness CORE food and they go crazy for it. I don’t have to mix hamburger with it just to get them to eat it. Their eyes are glossy and their coats are amazing! I won’t ever change now. It’s worth it and so are the Wellness CORE dog treats. I now have super happy pups!”
Blue Buffalo
Blue Wilderness Large Breed Adult Salmon with Wholesome Grains Recipe is one of 12 dry recipes included in our review of the Blue Wilderness product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned salmon, salmon meal (source of omega 3 fatty acids), chicken meal, oatmeal, barley
- Type: Grain-Inclusive
- Profile: Adult Maintenance
- Best for: Dogs
Blue Wilderness Large Breed Adult Salmon with Wholesome Grains Recipe derives the bulk of its protein from fish. 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%.
This protein-rich recipe contains deboned salmon, with wholesome grains like oats, barley, and brown rice, plus glucosamine and chondroitin to support your large breed dog’s joint health and mobility.
Sample buyer review… “Our dogs really liked this food. It wasn’t very fishy smelling like some fish food can be.”
A Pup Above
A Pup Above Chicka Chicka Bow Bow is one of 4 fresh recipes included in our review of the A Pup Above Fresh product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken liver, sweet potatoes, chicken bone broth, rice
- Type: Grain-Inclusive
- Profile: Adult Maintenance
- Best for: Dogs
The Chicka Chicka Bow Bow recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 41.6% protein, 16.9% fat and 33.6% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 41%.
Human grade ingredients, single source of protein, nutritious bone broth that is rich in collagen and healthy amino acids.
Sample buyer review… “My dog absolutely loves all of the flavors so far. I haven’t tried pork for her yet but I am sure she will gobble it down like all the others.”
Orijen
Orijen Senior is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Orijen Dry product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, turkey, salmon, whole herring, chicken liver
- Type: Grain-Free
- Profile: Adult Maintenance
- Best for: Dogs
This recipe for senior dogs derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43.2% protein, 17% fat and 31.8% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
Orijen Senior is tailored to help support maintaining a healthy weight and joint function in senior dogs. Packed with whole-prey animal ingredients like organs and bone. With quality animal ingredients like free-run chicken, turkey, wild-caught fish, and a freeze-dried coating.
Sample buyer review… “My dog just loves this Origen Senior dog food. I love that it is made with fresh ingredients from free-run chicken and turkey and wild-caught fish as well as eggs. She quickly devours it. This food is made from fresh, raw, or dehydrated animal ingredients. High quality dog food!”
JustFoodForDogs
Just Food For Dogs Chicken & White Rice is one of 9 fresh recipes included in our review of the JustFoodForDogs Fresh product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken breast, chicken thighs, long-grain white rice, carrots, spinach
- Type: Grain-Inclusive
- Profile: All Life Stages
- Best for: Puppies & Dogs
Just Food For Dogs Chicken & White Rice derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32.6% protein, 10.9% fat and 48.5% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 33%.
This recipe is for puppies and adult dogs and is made with chicken breast, chicken thighs, long-grain white rice, carrots, spinach, and apples. It is high in calcium and phosphorus, making it perfect for growing puppies, and nutritionally balanced for the long-term feeding of puppies, adult dogs, and pregnant and lactating dogs.
Sample buyer review… “Zoey loved it. It was perfect when we were on vacation with no refrigeration and the single serving meant we could take it to the restaurants and feed her while we ate”
The Honest Kitchen
The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Gourmet Grain Beef & Salmon is one of 8 dehydrated recipes included in our review of The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Dehydrated beef, organic barley, organic oats, flaxseed, dehydrated eggs
- Type: Grain-Inclusive
- Profile: All Life Stages
- Best for: Puppies & Dogs
The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Gourmet Grain Beef & Salmon derives the bulk of its meat protein from beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32.8% protein, 16.4% fat and 42.8% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
This recipe is made from ranch raised beef, wild caught salmon, organic oats and quinoa—all dehydrated to retain nutrients and taste. Bone broth and leaves out the potatoes, peas, lentils, corn, wheat and soy.
Sample buyer review… “All three of my dogs love this food! They love all of the flavors and formulas but this one seems especially great for their digestive systems. I have a range of sizes, breeds and ages in the pup family and they all drool for The Honest Kitchen!”
Now Fresh
Now Fresh Large Breed Adult Recipe With Turkey, Salmon And Duck is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Now Fresh Dry product line.
- First 5 ingredients: De-boned turkey, whole dried egg, potatoes, peas, potato flourDe-boned turkey, whole dried egg, potatoes, peas, potato flour
- Type: Grain-Free
- Profile: Adult Maintenance
- Best for: Dogs
Now Fresh Large Breed Adult Recipe With Turkey, Salmon And Duck derives the bulk of its meat protein from turkey. 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%.
With large ridged kibble to help slow chewing, this tasty recipe for large breed dogs offers moderate protein and fat to help maintain a healthy weight, plus controlled minerals and added glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint support.
Sample buyer review… “I’ve been feeding my dog Now Fresh Large Breed Turkey Salmon & Duck & he loves it. His coat is thick and shiny.”
More Top Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about feeding Weimaraners:
How big are Weimaraner Dogs?
Weimaraners are large-sized dogs weighing from 55 to 90 pounds (24 to 40 kilograms). A male Weimaraner is 25 to 27 inches (63 to 69 cm) at the shoulder; females are smaller at 23 to 25 inches (58 to 63 cm) tall.
What is the temperament of Weimaraner Dogs?
Weimaraners are friendly, fearless, alert, and obedient, all traits that make them an excellent companion and watchdog. On the flip side, they are assertive, smart, restless, and willful. They do well with children of all ages and yearn to be part of the family.
How much exercise do Weimaraner Dogs need?
Weimaraners have high exercise requirements. They need consistent exercise for their physical and mental well-being. They love a good run.
What health conditions can affect Weimaraner Dogs?
Like many large breeds, Weimaraners are susceptible to certain health problems, including hip dysplasia and gastric torsion (bloat). Weimaraners are also prone to cardiac conditions, and thyroid disease.
Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet are important for maintaining their health and well-being.
A Final Word
The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.
However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.
For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.