The Best Dog Food for Cane Corso in 2022
- The Best Dog Food for Cane Corso
- 1. Wellness Core Natural Dry Dog Food For Large Breed
- 2. Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food for Cane Corso
- 3. Fromm Adult Gold Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- 4. Blue Buffalo Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- 5. CANIDAE Premium Dog Food for Cane Corso
- 6. Holistic Select Natural Dog Food for Cane Corso
- 7. Fromm Family Foods Large Breed Puppy Dry Food
- 8. CANIDAE PURE Dog Food for Cane Corso
- 9. Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food For Large Breed
- 10. ORIJEN Puppy Large Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food
The Cane Corso, also known as the Italian Mastiff, is an ancient, large breed dog originating from Southern Italy. Bright, strong, affectionate and confident, this canine is the definition of a powerful, fearless protector. If you’re a proud owner of a Cane Corso, it’s good to know that to be healthy and happy this giant breed requires high-quality nutrition – a diet that is rich in animal protein and low in fillers. Finding the best dog food for Cane Corso can be challenging though, as there aren’t many formulas that satisfy the particular nutritional needs of the Corsi. Luckily, you’re in the right place. In this buying guide, we review 10 of the best dog foods for the Cane Corso, plus talk about all the things you need to know about the breed’s nutrition and health and how you can help your pet stay healthy and active for years to come.
The Best Dog Food for Cane Corso
1. Wellness Core Natural Dry Dog Food For Large Breed
Key Features
Calorie content: 3,540 kcal/kg or 346 kcal/cup
Minimum protein: 34%
Minimum fat: 12%
Maximum fiber: 6%
Maximum moisture: 10%
With probiotics, Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate, Beta-Carotene
First three ingredients: deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal
Specifically formulated to meet the nutritional and energy needs of large breed dogs like the Cane Corso, Wellness Core Large Breed Original dry dog food is one of the best recipes on the market. It contains a high level of protein, which helps dogs build and maintain their muscle mass, as well as plenty of glucosamine and chondroitin, both of which support joint health (super-important for large breed canines!). The food is natural and simple, containing quality animal protein sources, complex carbohydrates, and some healthy fats.
The main protein sources – chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal – are the first ingredients, so the formula is rich in overall protein (34%). For vitamins, minerals, and fiber, the recipe contains veggies, fruits, and legumes like potatoes, peas, flaxseed, spinach, broccoli, apples, blueberries, kale, and more. It’s a powerhouse of ingredients, all of which play an important role in dog health. As a bonus, the recipe contains probiotics that help improve gut health, plus aid in nutrient absorption. Importantly, there are no artificial additives or fillers of any sort, so the food is suitable even for sensitive dogs. For more information on the brand, check out our Wellness Core Dog Food Review.
2. Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food for Cane Corso
Key Features
Calorie content: 4700 kcal ME/kg or 267 kcal/scoop
Minimum protein: 45%
Minimum fat: 23%
Maximum fiber: 2%
Maximum moisture: 14%
With Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate, Taurine
First three ingredients: venison, venison tripe, venison heart
If your Cane Corso struggles with food sensitivities or allergies, single-protein dog foods such as Ziwi Peak Venison may be the best option. This dry formula contains one quality animal protein source, venison, sourced from New Zealand Farms. This guarantees excellent quality and safety as the animals are free-ranging and grass-fed. The recipe is made up of 96% fresh animal protein, including meat, organs and bones, all of which provide essential nutrients for canine health.
This is a simple and limited ingredient dog food, perfect for a healthy Cane Corso diet, as it contains only the most essential ingredients, plus kelp, a good source of vitamins and minerals, and Green Mussel, which contains glucosamine and chondroitin.
If you’re looking for healthy, simple and high in protein Cane Corso dog food, this is it. The recipe does not contain any artificial additives, and is even free from grains, making it perfect for sensitive dogs. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our article on dog foods for sensitive stomachs.
3. Fromm Adult Gold Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 3,561kcal/kg or 377 kcal/cup
Minimum protein: 23%
Minimum fat: 12%
Maximum fiber: 5.5%
Maximum moisture: 10%
With Taurine and probiotics
First three ingredients: chicken, chicken meal, chicken broth
Crafted for breeds with adult weights exceeding 50 pounds, Fromm Family Large Breed Adult dry dog food is a good choice for most Cane Corso. Containing a nice balance of protein, fat and carbohydrate sources, this kibble offers everything adult large breed dogs need. That said, the recipe is not particularly high in protein, so it may not be suitable for highly active Corsi; for moderately active dogs though, it’s an excellent choice. So, what does this kibble contain? Quite a few protein sources, including chicken and chicken meal, chicken liver, Menhaden fish, duck and lamb.
There are several easily digestible carbohydrate sources too, such as oats, barley, brown rice, flaxseed, carrots, potatoes and more. The formula is also rich in healthy fat, all thanks to chicken fat and salmon oil, which provide a good balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. This makes the food particularly suitable for dogs with coat and skin issues.
The Fromm Large Breed Adult recipe contains both probiotics and prebiotics to aid in digestion and nutrient absorption, and it’s free from all artificial additives, including colors, flavors and preservatives.
4. Blue Buffalo Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 3,571 Kcals/kg or 386 Kcals/cup
Minimum protein: 32%
Minimum fat: 14%
Maximum fiber: 6%
Maximum moisture: 10%
With Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, Taurine, L-Carnitine
First three ingredients: deboned salmon, chicken meal, pea protein
Containing a good balance of macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbs) and a precise blend of micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, and other supplements), Blue Buffalo Adult Large Breed dry dog food is a fantastic choice for all Corsi. The food is made with quality ingredients, including animal protein, easy to digest carbohydrate and fat sources, and no grains, so it’s a good option for dogs with grain sensitivities. Some of the ingredients include salmon, chicken meal and Menhaden fish meal, peas, potatoes, carrots, blueberries, cranberries, and many more.
There is also glucosamine for healthy joints, taurine for heart health, and L-Carnitine for lean muscle development. All in all, the formula is rich in protein and moderately rich in fat, which means it’s a fine choice for active Corso.
The Blue Wilderness Salmon dog food doesn’t contain any grains or poultry by-products, making it suitable for canines with food sensitivities. Thankfully, the formula is also free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, so it shouldn’t irritate even the most sensitive Cane Corsi out there.
5. CANIDAE Premium Dog Food for Cane Corso
Key Features
Calorie content: 3600 kcal/kg or 468 kcal/cup
Minimum protein: 24%
Minimum fat: 14.5%
Maximum fiber: 4%
Maximum moisture: 10%
With probiotics, Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate
First three ingredients: chicken meal, turkey meal, lamb meal
If you have multiple dogs at home and you want optimal nutrition for all of them, CANIDAE’s All Life Stages Multi-Protein dry dog food is a great option. This recipe is crafted from four animal protein sources – chicken, turkey, lamb and fish – and several nutritious grains, veggies and fruits. It’s also supplemented with probiotics, which help support healthy digestion, as well as vitamins and minerals needed for canine health. The first three ingredients are animal protein sources, which are followed by grains like brown and white rice, oatmeal and barley, veggies like peas and potatoes, and fruits such as cranberries, papaya and more.
It’s nicely balanced dog food, but despite containing four protein sources, it’s not very high in protein (24%). This means that while perfect for moderately active Cane Corso, it’s not ideal for highly active dogs. To provide complete nutrition, the recipe is enriched with all essential vitamins, minerals and other supplements, including probiotics for better nutrient absorption. And, like all CANIDAE pet foods, this one too is free from artificial additives. If you want to find out more about their company, product lines, and recall history, read our review of Canidae Dog Food.
6. Holistic Select Natural Dog Food for Cane Corso
Key Features
Calorie content: 3,804 kcal/kg or 453 kcal/cup
Minimum protein: 24%
Minimum fat: 14%
Maximum fiber: 4%
Maximum moisture: 10%
With probiotics, prebiotics, L-Carnitine, Taurine, Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate
First three ingredients: chicken meal, rice, oatmeal
Formulated to meet the unique needs of large and giant breed dogs (50+ pounds), especially their digestive and immune health, Holistic Select’s Large & Giant Breed Adult Health is perfect for most Cane Corso. The food contains natural, easy to digest ingredients, plus supplements to support joint health, as well as prebiotics and probiotics for gut health. Importantly for adult Corsi, the recipe also has optimal levels of calcium and phosphorus for bone strength and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint and hip support. For joint support, take a look at our review of the leading dog joint supplements.
But what about the ingredients? There are two animal protein sources – chicken meal and pork meal – so the formula is moderately rich in overall protein. Besides these, there are also grains, vegetables and fruits present, including rice, oatmeal, flaxseed, pumpkin, apples, cranberries, blueberries, kelp and more. Overall, it’s a fantastic blend of ingredients, making the recipe one of the best food for Cane Corso. This formula doesn’t contain any fillers or artificial additives, so it’s a good choice for most dogs, including sensitive adult canines.
7. Fromm Family Foods Large Breed Puppy Dry Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 3,625kcal/kg or 384 kcal/cup
Minimum protein: 26%
Minimum fat: 14%
Maximum fiber: 5.5%
Maximum moisture: 10%
With probiotics and taurine
First three ingredients: chicken, chicken meal, chicken broth
Looking for the best dog food for Cane Corso puppy? Check out Fromm Family’s Large Breed as it’s specifically crafted for puppies of breeds with adult weights exceeding 50 pounds. The formula contains several tasty and healthy animal protein sources, plus wholesome grains and veggies for maximum antioxidant content. Some of the ingredients are chicken, oats, brown rice, Menhaden fish, cheese, duck, lamb, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
There is also salmon oil for a healthy coat, as well as added probiotics for gentle digestion. Overall, a great combination of ingredients that makes the recipe the most nutritious Cane Corso puppy food on the market. Naturally, Fromm Family is free from all artificial additives, including flavors, colors, and preservatives, so it’s a fine choice for sensitive, developing puppies.
8. CANIDAE PURE Dog Food for Cane Corso
Key Features
Calorie content: 3880 kcal/kg or 496 kcal/cup
Minimum protein: 32%
Minimum fat: 18%
Maximum fiber: 4%
Maximum moisture: 10%
With probiotics, Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate
First three ingredients: salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal
If you need a high-quality, rich in protein but limited in ingredients diet for your Cane Corso, CANIDAE Pure Salmon and Sweet Potato recipe is a fantastic choice. Thanks to salmon, the food is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and high in fiber and antioxidants thanks to sweet potatoes and a few other wholesome carbohydrates. The other ingredients include menhaden fish, peas, potatoes and alfalfa. Importantly for grain-sensitive dogs, there are no grains included.
To support healthy digestion and immune system, the formula also contains added probiotics and naturally occurring antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Overall, this is a simple but wholesome and highly nutritious dry dog food that is ideal for the Corsi who struggle with food sensitivities and allergies. Find out more about dog vitamins here.
Needless to say, this recipe is free from all artificial additives, as well as fillers such as by-products, corn and soy. This Pure line by CANIDAE offers multiple different flavors and types, but our favorite is Real Salmon & Sweet Potatoes because it offers a great balance of both macro- and micro-nutrients, especially omega-3 fatty acids needed for healthy skin and coat.
9. Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food For Large Breed
Key Features
Calorie content: 3,766 kcal/kg or 433 kcal/cup
Minimum protein: 25%
Minimum fat: 16%
Maximum fiber: 4.5%
Maximum moisture: 10%
With probiotics, Taurine, Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate
First three ingredients: lamb meal, chicken meal, oatmeal
If you’re looking for healthy, delicious, and overall best Cane Corso puppy food, you need to try the Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Puppy Health recipe as it’s specifically crafted to satisfy the nutritional needs of larger breed puppies. The formula contains real, natural ingredients, including quality animal protein, grains, vegetables, seeds, and fruits, providing everything a growing Corso puppy needs and then some. There are two main animal protein sources – lamb meal and chicken meal – making the formula moderately rich in protein.
Other ingredients include foods like oatmeal, brown rice, peas, pumpkin, cranberries, peas, and more. To provide a balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, especially DHA needed for healthy brain and eye development, the recipe also contains plenty of salmon oil, as well as chicken fat and flaxseed.
To ensure your Cane Corso puppy can digest all the nutrients from their diet, this Holistic Select food includes natural fiber, prebiotics, probiotics, live yogurt cultures, and digestive enzymes. There are no by-products, fillers, or any artificial additives, so top-quality is guaranteed.
For more options, check out our detailed review of Organic Dog Food.
10. ORIJEN Puppy Large Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 3940 kcal/kg or 449 kcal/cup
Minimum protein: 38%
Minimum fat: 16%
Maximum fiber: 6%
Maximum moisture: 12%
With probiotics, Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate
First three ingredients: deboned chicken, deboned turkey, flounder
Finally, we come to the best puppy food for Cane Corso on the market– Orijen Large Breed Puppy recipe. This food is absolutely packed with nutritious, wholesome ingredients, including high-quality animal protein which makes up 85% of the recipe, healthy vegetables, fruits and botanicals, which make up 15% of the recipe. That’s it – no fillers of any kind, not even grains or potatoes! So, what is in this formula? Let’s start with the meat and fish – chicken, turkey, flounder, Atlantic mackerel, Atlantic herring and a host of super-nutritious chicken, turkey and fish organs.
Other ingredients include eggs, red and green lentils, pinto and navy beans, chickpeas, pumpkin, spinach, apples and more. In essence, the recipe is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants needed for the well-being of large breed canines.
Like all Orijen’s foods, this one too is free from all fillers and unnecessary additives, but it does contain probiotics for better digestion. The only downside? Orijen comes with a steep price, but at least superior quality and safety is guaranteed. Here’s a detailed look at Orijen Dog Food.
Best Dog Food for Cane Corso Buying Guide & FAQ
To help you in your quest for the best dog food for Cane Corso, we put together this short but comprehensive buying guide in which we cover everything you need to know about the health of your pet. This includes the proper diet for the Cane Corso, common health issues, foods you should avoid feeding your dog, and more.
What To Look For In A Good Cane Corso Food
The best large breed dog food, and by extension, the best Cane Corso dog food should tick the following boxes:
- Animal Proteins First
The most important thing to pay attention to when buying Cane Corso dog food is the first three ingredients. So, look for recipes that contain animal protein as the first ingredient because it’s crucial that your dog not only gets enough protein in their diet, but also the complete essential amino acids which can come only from animal proteins. While plant protein is welcome, it should never be the first ingredient. Check out our guide on the best high protein dog food for more info.
- Easily Digestible Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates should be a part of any dog’s diet – just not the main one as they don’t provide all the necessary nutrients for canine health and can lead to bloating if consumed in large quantities. When looking for the best kibble for Cane Corso, focus on easily digestible but nutritious carbohydrates such as whole grains and wholesome vegetables, legumes, and fruits. Ideally, the food should also contain added probiotics as they support digestion, plus help in nutrient absorption.
You may also like our article on Grain Free Dog Food.
- Plenty of Healthy Fats
Fat is essential for canine health, but you should always look for foods that contain healthy fat sources. These include fish oil, salmon oil, chicken fat, canola oil and flaxseed, and flaxseed oil. Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid low-fat kibbles as they can negatively affect your pup’s health, especially their skin and coat. However, if your dog is old and leads a mostly sedentary lifestyle, a lower-fat diet may be appropriate.
- Cane Corso Diet & Nutrition
Like all large breed dogs, the Cane Corso should eat a healthy, nutritious diet that isn’t excessively high in calories, unless the dog is highly active. Because some Corsi are prone to obesity, it’s important to watch your pet’s calorie consumption and weight level. Choose quality dog food by reputable companies, or consult with your vet about what the appropriate diet for your Cane Corso is.
Head over to our review of the Best Wet Dog Foods.
Food to Avoid Feeding Your Cane Corso
Avoid feeding these people foods to your Cane Corso as they can be toxic and even deadly in some situations:
- Chocolate
- Coffee and caffeine
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions and garlic
- Xylitol (candy, gum, etc.)
- Macadamia nuts
- Raw and undercooked meat, bones and eggs.
Common Health Problems in Cane Corso - How Diet Can Help Them
The Cane Corso are generally healthy dogs, but like all canines, are prone to certain health problems. These include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Democ mange
- Idiopathic epilepsy
- Eye problems
- Bloat
You can avoid most of these issues by feeding a high-quality diet that is enriched with certain supplements, including probiotics, Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate, taurine and antioxidants.
Our Top Pick
If you’re looking for the best dog food for Cane Corso at a reasonable price, it’s hard to find better than Wellness Core Large Breed Original Formula. This food contains plenty of quality animal protein, easily digestible carbs, healthy fats, plus all the necessary supplements needed for canine health, including probiotics, antioxidants and Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate. Overall, a fantastic dog food that is sure to support the health of your Cane Corso!
FAQ
Q: How can diet help your Cane Corso’s orthopedic health?
To avoid orthopedic issues, feed your Cane Corso the right amount of calories for their age. Being overweight is the main reason why some Corsi develop orthopedic problems, so never over-feed your dog. Also, choose foods that are high in quality protein and relatively low in carbs.
Q: How can diet help to prevent your Cane Corso from developing bloat?
Because some Cane Corso are prone to bloating, it’s crucial to choose dog foods that contain easily digestible ingredients and added probiotics. Equally important, it’s vital that you serve smaller meals several times a day (at least two, up to four), instead of one big meal which can lead to your dog gulping their food as fast as possible.
Q: How can your Cane Corso’s diet help to prevent a demodectic mange outbreak?
High-quality dog foods that are rich in antioxidants can boost and strengthen your dog's immune system. Beta-carotene, vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids as well as probiotics are all welcome in dog food.