1. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 363 kcal/cup
Minimum protein: 20%
Minimum fat: 11.5%
Maximum fiber: 4%
Maximum moisture: 10%
Omega 6 and vitamin E for skin and coat
Added natural fiber for a healthy digestion
First five ingredients: chicken, cracked barley, whole grain wheat, corn and sorghum
For an all-round meal for smaller dogs with higher energy needs, you can’t go wrong with Hill’s Science Diet’s Small Bites. The tasty chicken and barley kibble will satisfy their appetite without adding unnecessary weight if eaten to the guidelines. And thanks to the natural ingredients, this dry dog food not only tastes great, it’s packed with goodness. With a minimum of 20% high quality protein for lean muscles and energy release, you also get healthy fats, including omega 6 and fiber for a healthy digestion. Plus, there’s enough added vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E to boost their coat, immune system and vitality, for a well-fed dog that is satisfied and active.
2. Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Premium Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 325 kcal/cup
Minimum protein: 20%
Minimum fat: 13%
Maximum fiber: 4%
Maximum moisture: 10%
Lamb as the number one protein source
B vitamins, amino acids, glucosamine and chondroitin
First five ingredients: Lamb meal, brown rice, ground rice, beet pulp, chicken fat
As the name gives it away, this dry dog food from Rachel Ray Nutrish contains only six high quality ingredients but packs a nutritious boost for the energetic corgi that relishes his mealtime. You get lamb meal as the main protein, along with brown rice, ground rice, dried beet pulp, chicken meal and poultry fat, all packed into easily digestible, grain free kibble. The lamb provides your pooch with all the protein and amino acids as well as B vitamins he needs for lean muscle and organs. The pulp provides the fiber while the rice is a digestible carb for that essential energy release. Plus, there’s no by-products, artificial flavors or preservatives. This corgi dog food can also be beneficial for more sensitive or pooches with food allergies. For more information on the brand, check out our Rachael Ray Dog Food Review.
3. Canidae All Life Stages Premium Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 468 kcal/cup
Minimum protein: 24%
Minimum fat: 14.5%
Maximum fiber: 4%
Maximum moisture: 10%
Soy, wheat and filler free
Added probiotics for digestive health
First five ingredients: chicken meal, turkey meal, lamb meal, brown rice, white rice
Created for all life stages of adult dogs, including senior pooches or those with health conditions, this natural, high animal protein dry dog food from Canidae is a great food cupboard staple for your Welsh corgi. Wheat and soy free, it’s also good for sensitive stomachs or food allergies as it only contains whole grains, such as brown rice. The bumper sized bag is an economical choice for multi-corgi families and can be served dry or as a mixer with a wet or raw food diet. Filler-free, you also get added probiotics to aid digestion as well omegas, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for all round health. The crude protein is decent – 24% – with delicious chicken, lamb and turkey meal so prepare to step back and watch your energetic corgis happily chow down. Read our in-depth Canidae Dog Food review here.
4. Rachael Ray Nutrish Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 368 kcal/cup
Minimum protein: 26%
Minimum fat: 16%
Maximum fiber: 4%
Maximum moisture: 10%
Whole chicken as main protein
Added omegas, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals
First five ingredients: chicken, chicken Meal, dried peas, soybean meal, whole ground corn
With lean whole chicken as its number one protein, Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites has a tasty formula to sustain your little corgi dynamo, without any artificial nasties. Each kibble is sized for the smaller dog who need a healthy boost without packing on any weight. You get 26% protein, to keep him full and satisfied while the highly digestible carbs, such as brewers rice and peas, give him the fiber he needs for a happy digestion. Antioxidant-rich fruits and omega fatty acids alongside essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, B12 and potassium top up the nutrient level to give your pet a balanced, crunchy meal that can also help to keep those corgi teeth clean.
5. Cesar Small Breed Dry & Wet Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 348 kcal/cup
Minimum protein: 26%
Minimum fat: 13%
Maximum fiber: 4.5%
Maximum moisture: 12%
H-shaped kibble to clean teeth and gums
26 essential vitamins and minerals
First five ingredients: beef, chicken by-product meal, ground yellow corn, ground wheat, brewers rice
With a recipe that reads like a menu in a high-end restaurant, Caesar’s beef mignon dry dog food has a beefy flavor to tempt your food-loving corgi, without upsetting your bank balance. Our best value pick is a tried and tested pet food formula that has real beef as its number one protein source, with added spring onions for a unique but tasty twist. The ‘H-shaped’ kibble helps to keep their teeth clean and is also easy to chew and digest, so a good choice for older dogs, or pooches that may have lost some of their appetite. It ‘s nutritious too, with 26 essential nutrients your corgi needs to stay energetic, satisfied and healthy and there are also no artificial fillers or preservatives.
6. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 393 kcal/cup
Minimum protein: 30%
Minimum fat: 18%
Maximum fiber: 3.6%
Maximum moisture: 10%
Targeted vitamin, mineral and antioxidant blend
Shaped kibble for effective chewing
First five ingredients: chicken by-product meal, chicken fat, brewer’s rice, corn, wheat
Getting the right diet for your corgi pup is essential to ensure they have all the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. And with Royal Canin, you get an excellent puppy food for corgis. Formulated for the high energy needs of a medium-sized breed puppy, you get 30% protein from chicken meal, with added chicken fat to sustain rapid puppy development and growth. For pups up to one year old, this corgi puppy food also has a targeted antioxidant and vitamin blend to support their developing immune system, bone growth and strong joints. We also like the kibble design, with its shape, texture and aroma intended to help your corgi puppy chew their food properly. Plus, there’s enough fiber and prebiotics to keep their little corgi puppy tums settled and happy and their stool formation on track.
7. Purina ONE SmartBlend Adult Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 320 kcal/cup
Minimum protein: 26%
Minimum fat: 16%
Maximum fiber: 3%
Maximum moisture: 12%
Glucosamine, antioxidants and omega 6
Protein blend for heart and muscles
First five ingredients: chicken, rice flour, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal
Mixing up meaty morsel bites with crunchy kibble, this protein-packed dry dog food offers different textures for your pooch, all with a great chicken taste. Ideal for adult corgis, Smartblend is easy to digest, with no fillers so it shouldn’t upset their stomach and will sustain the energy levels corgis are renowned for. To keep your dog healthy, you get glucosamine, needed for healthy joints and an antioxidant blend formulated to support a strong immune system. Add in omega 6 fatty acids for coat and skin as well as proteins combined to support their heart and muscles, and Smartblend corgi food is nutritionally balanced to support their all-round health.
8. ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 449 kcal/cup
Minimum protein: 38%
Minimum fat: 18%
Maximum fiber: 4%
Maximum moisture: 12%
Made up from 85% animal ingredients
Grain-free formula
First five ingredients: deboned chicken, deboned turkey, flounder, eggs, whole Atlantic mackerel
If your corgi is prone to allergies or a sensitive digestion, a grain free diet is a good move, and with Orijen Originals, you can be sure you are getting premium ingredients. Made up from 85% animal products, it is also works to nourish your dog in the most natural, optimum way. You get a tasty combination of protein to whet your corgi’s appetite, including free-range chicken, cage-free eggs and wild-caught fish. The grain free formula also includes cartilage and bone for a powerful pack of nutrients to maintain energy, support strong bones and joints, boost their immune system and support their all-round condition and health. The high protein levels may not be suitable for smaller dogs, but as a natural meal, this is a healthy grain free food choice for medium to larger-sized adult corgis. For a full list of our favorite options, see our round-up of Orijen Dog Food.
9. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Senior Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 317 kcal/cup
Minimum protein: 23%
Minimum fat: 12%
Maximum fiber: 4%
Maximum moisture: 10%
Non-GMO chicken protein for healthy muscles
Antioxidants, vitamins and omega 3 & 6
First five ingredients: chicken, brewer’s rice, whole rice, chicken meal, split peas
Older corgis still need their appetite satisfied, but care needs to be with the calories as they will be less active than younger pets. And they also need targeted nutrients in their senior years. To meet those specific needs, Nutro have produced Wholesome Essentials especially for your senior dog. With 317 calories per cup, the Essentials for Seniors formula has farm-raised chicken as the number one protein source, enhanced with brown rice and sweet potato, for a sustained energy release, as well as nourishment for their muscles. And to keep your senior dog happy and on the ball, there’s antioxidants for cognitive and immune system health, as well as omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat. The kibble biscuits are a little hard but easily digestible and the chewing action will also work to keep their teeth and gums healthy and clean. If you want to find out more about their company, product lines, and recall history, read our review of Nutro Dog Food.
10. Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 414 kcal/cup
Minimum protein: 34%
Minimum fat: 15%
Maximum fiber: 7%
Maximum moisture: 10%
Grain free, non-GMO formula
Added vitamins, probiotics, omega fatty acids and taurine
First five ingredients: white fish, herring meal, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, peas
Our premium pick is this protein-packed, grain free formula designed to fuel your active corgi dog and support their good health. Yes, you do pay a premium price, but the bag is a decent size so it should last you a while. High quality fish is the main protein source, leaving the kibble with a rich, delicious taste your dog will lap up. And the grain free formula means it’s ideal for tum-sensitive or allergy prone corgis. Thanks to the high proportion of oily fish, there’s an impressive level of omega fatty acids needed to support a healthy skin and coat. And the whole formula is fortified with added vitamins, antioxidants and minerals as well as taurine for hearth health and probiotics for a smooth-running digestion. GMO-free, this is a good investment for your corgi’s health.
Best Dog Food for Corgis Buying Guide & FAQ
Understanding a Corgi’s Nutritional Needs
As a small to medium dog, the Welsh corgi is active for their size and can have a big appetite. But due to their stout build, too much in their food bowl can lead to weight issues, especially as they get older. To sustain the corgi energy levels without letting them get chunky, you need to feed a high quality diet that's appropriate to their life stage.
For energy as well as weight maintenance, you should be feeding your corgi around 780 calories per day, with puppies needing no more than 700-730. A corgi's diet should also include sufficient amounts of protein and fat, with carefully chosen whole grains, vegetables and fiber. A good guide is a minimum of 18% quality protein and a minimum of 5% fat for adults, and 22% protein and 8% fats for growing pups.
What to Look for In a Dog Food for Corgis
Quality ingredients and meat-based proteins are an essential formula for your corgi. Here are the main ingredients to look for when it comes to the corgi's nutritional needs:
- Protein – animal protein is essential for your high-energy Welsh corgi as it will provide the fuel he needs, as well as support strong, lean muscles. But it does need to be from a quality meat source, so check the label for chicken, beef, fish, lamb or turkey meal. Find out more about high protein dog food here.
- Beneficial fats – good fats are essential for your dog’s all-round health as well as supporting systems such as the heart and eyes. But it needs to be the right type to prevent weight becoming an issue. With corgis also prone to allergies and skin conditions, look for essential fatty acids such as omega 3 and 6 which are beneficial for their joints as well as their skin and coat. Salmon, fish oil and flaxseed are excellent sources of these omegas. Take a look at our reviews of salmon oil for dogs and fish oils for dogs for more info.
- Fiber – while your corgi needs fiber to keep their digestive system in good working order, you need to limit the amount they eat, as they can be prone to a sensitive gut. No more than 5% is a good amount to look for.
- Carbohydrates – carbs may be a good source of energy, but it can be short-lived and eaten in quantity, can cause your pet to put on weight. Use protein as their main energy source, and supplement with managed amounts of carbs in their diet. If your corgi has a sensitive digestion, grain or gluten-free dog food are also a good choice. For a wider selection of choices, check out our dog food for weight loss and grain free dog food guide.
- Supplements – look for added vitamins and minerals that can help with any specific health issues your corgi may have, as well as boost their overall health. Glucosamine and chondroitin are also good, as they can help to strengthen and support their joints and bones. Added probiotics are beneficial too. For more options, check out our detailed review of dog joint supplements.
Ingredients to Avoid
With corgis, it's wise to avoid certain ingredients:
- Human food! Corgis can be food driven and your plate is a real temptation. But it's best to avoid giving them table scraps as they can upset their tum as well as potentially pile on unwanted pounds.
- Corn syrup – this is often used as a sweetener in some dog foods but is not good for corgis as it can contribute to obesity and diabetes.
- Gluten and soy – especially if your pooch has a sensitive tum or is prone to allergies, it's best to avoid wheat gluten and soy as they can be hard to digest and can irritate their system. Grain free rice, barley and oats are gentler alternatives.
- Fillers – intended to bulk out your dog’s meal, there's no nutritional value to fillers, and they can often be gluten based, which can irritate your dog’s digestive system.
- Preservatives – intended to extend the shelf life of pet food, artificial preservatives have no benefit to your corgi and can actually cause allergies and reactions in your dog..
Corgi Health Problems & Issues
With an average age span of 12-14 years, corgis are generally healthy, robust dogs, but can be prone to certain health conditions. As well as obesity and allergies, the main conditions look out for include:
- Eyes
Corgis are prone to cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and retinal dysplasia. A balanced diet, with protein and essential fats such as omega fatty acids, can help to support and protect their overall eye health.
- Musculoskeletal
The corgi's stout skeletal frame means can be prone to issues with their spine, hips and joints, including hip dysplasia and intervertebral disc disease. Adding joint-supporting supplements such as chondroitin and glucosamine to their diet may help.
- Inherited conditions
While rare, there are some conditions your Welsh corgi can inherit, so it's essential you buy your pet from a reputable breeder. Potential conditions include epilepsy, bleeding disorder, Von Willebrand Disease and the neurological condition, degenerative myelopathy.
- Gastric torsion
Due to their deep chest, some corgis can also be prone to a condition called gastric torsion, or ‘bloat’, which is more common in Pembroke Welsh Corgis. This can be a serious, so if your dog is prone, it is important to avoid feeding him large meals or exercising him too soon after his meal.
Our Top Pick
For smaller dogs with big appetites, you should check out our top pick, Hill's Science Diet's Small Bites. A delicious kibble with chicken and barley, Small Bites is targeted at dogs such as corgis that need an energy boost and packs a host of nutritious goodness. With protein for lean muscle, omegas for healthy skin and coat as well as fiber for a smooth-running digestion, Small Bites is a quality everyday formula at a good price you and your dog will love.
