Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Premium Option: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food
“Giant breeds will benefit from the protein and fat levels in this food, and it contains joint supplements and LifeSource Bits for extra immunity.“
Best Value for Money: Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dry Dog Food
“If your dog is already on a glucosamine supplement, Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dry Dog Food will give them everything else they need to thrive.”
Best for Cane Corso Seniors: ORIJEN Senior Dry Dog Food
“ORIJEN Senior Dry Dog Food contains all-natural ingredients that are easily digestible and taste good too.”
Cane Corsos are eye-catching dogs, with their muscular frames and intimidating stares. They’re tough working dogs, and make for great guard dogs too.
They may not be the snuggliest of dogs, but they are fiercely loyal.
To keep your big guy or girl as healthy as possible, make sure they’re eating the best dog food for Cane Corso and getting enough exercise.
Apart from meeting his dietary needs, your Cane Corso needs constant stimulation otherwise he may become destructive!
Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- Best Dog Food for Cane Corso (2022 Reviews)
- 1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food
- 2. Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dry Dog Food
- 3. ORIJEN Senior Dry Dog Food
- 4. American Journey Active Life Formula Dry Dog Food
- 5. Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- 6. Zesty Paws Skin and Coat Omega 3 Supplement
- 7. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties
- 8. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- 9. Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Dog Food
- 10. Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food
- 1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food
- Things You Need to Consider When Buying the Best Cane Corso Food
- Cane Corso Health Problems
- Questions & Answers
- What are the Unique Needs of Cane Corso Dogs?
- How Much Should I Feed My Cane Corso?
- Can Diet Help My Cane Corso’s Orthopedic Health?
- Can Diet Prevent Bloating in My Cane Corso?
- Can Diet Help Prevent a Demodectic Mange Outbreak in My Cane Corso?
- How Can I Fatten Up My Cane Corso?
- Can I Feed My Cane Corso Raw Meat?
- What Dog Food is the Healthiest for My Dog?
- What are the Unique Needs of Cane Corso Dogs?
Best Dog Food for Cane Corso (2022 Reviews)
1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food
Premium Option: All a giant breed needs to stay healthy
PROS
- High protein and moderate in fat
- Good calorie count for a giant breed (415 per cup)
- Contains 400mg glucosamine
- LifeSource Bits for immune support
CONS
- Contains chicken meal, so not suitable for dogs with a chicken allergy or sensitivity
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food is our top choice as the best dog food for Cane Corso dogs. It covers everything one of these giant breeds needs – a high calorie count, high in protein and moderate in fat, joint supplements, Omegas, and a special little immune booster. We recommend this grain-free recipe for Cane Corsos who are fairly active.
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Comprehensive Dog Food Recipe
With 34% protein and 15% fat, this large breed dog food is best for those who are active during the day. If your big fellow isn’t getting regular exercise, we recommend adding at least a daily walk.
There are 415 calories in a cup of this dog food, which should be enough to give your big dog the energy he needs. None of those are empty calories, either!
The ingredient list contains real meat (as the first ingredient), meat meal, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. There’s also a nice splash of glucosamine and chondroitin, Omegas, and L-carnitine.
Blue Buffalo LifeSource Bits are a huge plus, providing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to boost the immune system.
2. Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dry Dog Food
Best Value for Money: Very high in fat for active dogs
PROS
- Affordable but high quality dog food option
- High fat content for very active dogs
- Contains high Omega fatty acid levels
- Ingredient list filled with superfoods
CONS
- No flavor variety – not suitable for dogs who can’t handle chicken
Cane Corsos eat a lot! If you’re looking for a dog food that won’t cost you an arm and a paw, Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dry Dog Food is our choice.
It’s definitely best for dogs who get exercise, as the fat count is high. But it contains everything a healthy, active dog needs to get through his day.
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High Fat, High Protein
If your big guy or girl is energetic, they’ll appreciate the 25% fat in this dog food. If he’s on the lazy side, it’s a good idea to take him for a daily run when he’s eating this.
The 32% protein will help to maintain muscle mass. It comes from chicken and chicken meal, so be aware that there are no flavor variations.
The Omegas are unusually high, which will benefit your dog’s fur and skin. Glucosamine and chondroitin keep their joints tough, added probiotics make digestion easier, and the ingredient list even contains L-carnitine (although it’s not on the guaranteed analysis list).
Your dog will get a whole lot out of this dog food, and it won’t cost you as much as the top-of-the-range options.
3. ORIJEN Senior Dry Dog Food
Best for Cane Corso Seniors: DHA and EPA keep aging eyes and brain strong
PROS
- High protein and moderate fat perfect for still-active seniors
- DHA and EPA are good additions for aging brain and eye health
- High levels of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- Fresh and raw ingredients, easy to digest
CONS
- May be too high in calories and fat for less active seniors
The best food for Cane Corso seniors is also slightly different to your regular Cane Corso diet for an adult. Like a Cane Corso puppy, aging Cane Corsos need more specific nutrients to keep them healthy.
ORIJEN Senior Dry Dog Food is best for senior Cane Corsos who are still active and will burn off the 414 calories per cup that this dog food offers.
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Best for Active Seniors
This dog food lacks nothing, and your senior giant dog will benefit from eating it.
Before we get into the details, be aware that dogs who are sensitive to chicken may not like this – the main ingredients are deboned chicken and a variety of other chicken ingredients.
Multiple protein sources and an array of fruits and vegetables make this a well-rounded food. Your large breed senior will get all the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids he needs to stay spritely.
The guaranteed analysis list isn’t missing a thing. DHA and EPA are usually found in puppy food, but are extremely helpful to keep seniors’ eyes and minds strong. It contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
4. American Journey Active Life Formula Dry Dog Food
Best for Cane Corso Puppies: All-natural and packed with supplements
PROS
- High calorie and high protein
- Contains DHA, to help brain and eye development
- Added joint supplements
- High in antioxidants
CONS
- Not suitable for puppies with a chicken allergy
Your Cane Corso puppy needs a puppy food to facilitate health growth, without pushing him to grow too quickly and develop bone problems.
The best dog food for Cane Corso puppies needs to tick certain boxes. A normal adult dog food just won’t do – the kibble you choose needs to be aimed at large breed puppies, specifically. And that’s what American Journey Active Life Formula Dry Dog Food is formulated for.
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Everything a Growing Cane Corso Needs
A Cane Corso puppy needs to be properly nourished. This dog food is perfect for large breed puppies. The protein is moderate, at 25%, and so is the fat count, at 15%.
The calcium/phosphorus level is within acceptable levels for a large breed puppy to grow at the right pace. DHA and EPA are also necessary for not just large breed puppies, but all puppies, to help the eyes and brain develop properly.
Glucosamine and chondroitin will keep those small joints strong and flexible. This large breed puppy food is also rich in Omegas, including arachidonic acid (ARA) separately.
The ingredients consist of highly nutrient-dense foods like deboned salmon, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, blueberries, cranberries, and brown rice.
5. Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Best for Sensitive Stomachs: All-natural ingredients with added probiotics
PROS
- Variety of interesting flavors available
- Suitable for puppies, adults, and seniors
- Probiotics added for easy digestion
- Fresh and raw ingredients
CONS
- Slightly expensive
If your big dog has any sort of food intolerances, choosing a limited ingredient food is a great idea. Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food is our top choice.
Their grain-free recipe range is impressive, and they’re suitable for Cane Corso puppies, adults, and seniors. It’s also a great choice if you have multiple dogs across various life stages and want to stick to one dog food choice.
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Complete and Balanced Food for All Dogs
Firstly, what we really love about Acana Singles is the recipe range. 5 different formulas allow you to avoid problem protein sources with ease, and prevent boredom if your pup is a picky eater.
Each recipe begins with real meat: beef, duck, lamb, pork, or turkey. You won’t find deboned chicken here!
That’s followed by healthy, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, as well as some more raw meat ingredients like liver and cartilage.
That’s already extremely healthy and well-balanced. In addition, Acana has added DHA and EPA (great for all life stages), glucosamine, Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, and taurine for an immune boost.
6. Zesty Paws Skin and Coat Omega 3 Supplement
Best Skin and Coat Supplement: Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids boost coat and skin health
PROS
- Omega-3 and -6 from Alaskan Salmon Oil
- Contains DHA and EPA
- Vitamin C for immune boost
- Vitamin E and Biotin for skin and coat health
CONS
- May cause diarrhea if your dog is getting too much Omegas
Cane Corsos can suffer from skin and fur allergies which are uncomfortable and can make them pretty miserable. Although it’s a good idea to pay a visit to the vet if your dog struggles with this, it can also help your Cane Corso add extra essential fatty acids to their diet. Zesty Paws Skin and Coat Omega 3 Supplement is a supplemental treat and not a dog food, but it’s a great way to get some extra Omegas in!
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Supplemental Omegas for Healthy Fur and Skin
These little salmon bites are the perfect addition to the right dog food. While the best dog food for Cane Corso adults may should give them all they need, it can happen that your dog needs an extra dose of the all-important essential fatty acids to ease symptoms of demodectic mange and other skin conditions.
At just 20 calories per chew, you can feed as many of these to your pup as he wants. Each one gives him a small dose of DHA, EPA, salmon oil, salmon meal, flaxseed meal, kelp, and biotin.
If your big dog’s coat is healthy and shiny, feeding him too many of these could result in diarrhea! Be careful, and use them only when his skin and fur need some extra help.
7. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties
Best Raw Food: Minimally processed raw ingredients
PROS
- Large variety of recipes to prevent boredom
- Raw meat and organic vegetable ingredients
- Minimally processed for easier digestion
- Free from lentils, peas, and potatoes
CONS
- Very high in fat, not suitable for less active dogs
- No added supplements
Cane Corsos are rugged dogs who need nutrient-dense food. If you’ve been considering feeding your Cane Corso raw food, Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties are a good place to start!
They’re unusually high in both protein and fat, so they’re not the best food for Cane Corsos who aren’t very active. If your Cane Corso gets plenty of exercise, he may do well on a raw diet.
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High Protein, High Fat
Every one of the 13 recipes (including 2 puppy recipes) is extremely high in protein and fat. The protein counts range from high 30s to high 40s percent, and the fat content from high 20s to high 30s.
The recipe variety is great for avoiding proteins that could be problematic. Each one consists of a single source protein (unless otherwise specified) that includes muscle meat, liver, kidney, tripe, and bone.
Organic vegetables and fruits add some vitamins and minerals, as well as immune system-boosting antioxidants.
There’s no glucosamine and chondroitin or other added supplements in these recipes. You’ll need to buy some separately!
8. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Best Without Glucosamine: High in antioxidants and easy to digest
PROS
- Moderate in both protein and fat
- High in Omega fatty acids
- Antioxidants for immune system health
- Chelated minerals for easy digestion
CONS
- May have a slightly fishy smell
- May not be suitable for dogs with a sensitivity to potato
Although we believe the best dog food for Cane Corso should improve joint health, if you happen to be giving your dog a separate glucosamine supplement already, you won’t need a food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is our choice for the best food for Cane Corsos without glucosamine.
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Highly Nutritious Without Joint Supplements
Although glucosamine isn’t on its list, Taste of the Wild is still extremely nutritious for an adult Cane Corso. There’s also no trace of chicken, which is a common allergen.
25% protein and 15% fat are great for large breeds who are moderately active. A little bit of vitamin E and nice amounts of essential fatty acids will keep that coat looking shiny and feeling soft. There’s also some helpful probiotics added to help with easier digestion.
All that’s missing is the joint supplements, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Glucosamine supplements are easy to come by. As long as your big dog gets his joint health supplement, whether in food or chew form, he’ll be good to go.
9. Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Dog Food
Best for Weight Management: Low fat recipe to help heavier dogs drop the pounds
PROS
- Low-fat weight management recipe
- Good levels of joint supplements
- Grain-free to help with digestion
- High Omega fatty acids
CONS
- No other flavors, and this one contains chicken ingredients which is a common allergen
Giant and large breed dogs like the Cane Corso can be prone to weight gain if their food isn’t monitored. These dogs eat high-calorie, high-protein food like Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Dog Food so it’s essential to keep an eye on their weight and make sure they aren’t getting too heavy and putting strain on those joints.
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Lower Fat Formula
It’s important to note that a weight loss or weight management food needs to be used hand-in-hand with exercise. If your dog isn’t getting enough exercise, add a daily walk.
The fat content is lowered, to 10%, so your dog will burn off body fat instead of calories from fat. One of the great things about this food is that the protein count remains high, at 32%.
That number comes from animal protein sources like deboned beef, chicken meal, turkey meal, and salmon meal. It’s grain-free, so the carbs your dog will be ingesting include all-natural fruits and vegetables.
Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health and taurine for an immune boost make this kibble a good choice.
PROS
- High calorie dog food (535 per cup)
- Impressive Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids
- High fat levels for active dogs
- Made from human-grade ingredients
CONS
- No glucosamine
- Not suitable for less active dogs
A high-calorie food for Cane Corso dogs is essential. They need a lot of calories per day, so the higher-calorie the kibble you choose, the less you have to feed them to meet their daily energy and calorie counts.
Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food has 535 calories per cup, which is significantly higher than most others. If your dog is very active, needs to build muscle, or needs some fattening up, we recommend Bully Max.
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High-Calorie and Healthy
Made from human-grade ingredients, chicken meal, brown rice, and chicken fat being the first three, there’s nothing dodgy in this kibble. You won’t find corn, wheat, and soy, or artificial colors or flavors.
It’s packed with 20% fat, which active dogs will thrive on. The Omegas are also impressive, among the highest we’ve come across.
The only downside is that there’s no joint supplements, but that can be easily remedied by buying separately.
Things You Need to Consider When Buying the Best Cane Corso Food
Calorie Content
Dog foods for Cane Corso, puppies or adults, expend a lot of energy thanks to their muscular bodies. A higher-calorie food means they get more energy out of one meal.
An adult who’s fairly energetic needs around 2200 calories daily. If the kibble he’s eating only contains 300 calories per cup, he’s going to need almost 4 cups of food in each meal!
On the other hand, if his kibble contains 400 to 500 calories per cup, he’ll need 2 to 3 cups per meal. It can make quite a difference to how often you have to buy kibble!
Animal Proteins
For both a Cane Corso puppy and adult, animal protein is essential. Plant proteins just don’t offer the amino acids your dog’s body needs in order to function at its best.
Single source proteins are great for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Multiple sources are good for hungry dogs who have no food intolerances.
Essential amino acids are found in animal protein ingredients: chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, salmon, and duck are the most common.
Amino acids help to build proteins and build muscles in the body. Plant proteins are helpful, but they just don’t contain the amino acids necessary for your dog to function properly.
Easy to Digest
Although Cane Corsos aren’t generally prone to a sensitive stomach, ingredients that are easy to digest are first prize and offer the greatest nutritional value.
A good food for Cane Corso puppy, adult, or senior should contain prebiotics and probiotics. These are natural gut bacteria that help break down food easily.
Other things that are useful include chelated minerals, and hgh-quality, easy-to-digest ingredients. Real meat, vegetables and fruit, and gluten-free grains all fall into this category.
Note that your dog may find certain ingredients difficult to digest, so this can be a personal thing. Some dogs struggle with chicken, others with beef, others with potato, some with legumes, and still others with grains.
Pay attention to your own dog to find out what ingredients they may struggle to digest.
No Allergenic Grains, Artificial Ingredients, Fillers
Anything that’s not all-natural can cause food allergies. Unfortunately, commercial dog food is often filled with low-quality ingredients to bulk it up and make it more palatable.
The best food for Cane Corso dogs should be packed with all-natural ingredients. Not only are they easier to digest, but they’re also filled with nutrition – which can’t be said for artificial ingredients and fillers.
Allergenic grains like wheat, corn, and soy should be avoided at all costs. You don’t need an entirely grain-free dry food. Just make sure none of the ingredients contain gluten, and your dog’s immune system will thank you.
Cane Corso Health Problems
These muscular dogs are generally in excellent health. The few conditions they do tend to suffer from can be managed with a combination of diet, supplementation, and careful attention to their environment.
Joint Dysplasia
Joint dislocation can happen easily to larger dogs,, especially if they have quite a bit of weight behind them. The hips, knees, and elbows are often affected, causing pain and loss of mobility.
You’ll need to take your pup to the vet to have the joint reset if this happens. Trying to put it back in place yourself can catch nerves or veins between the two bones, resulting in serious complications.
Feed your Cane Corso a kibble containing glucosamine and chondroitin to help strengthen their joints and reduce the chances of this happening.
Demodectic Mange
Unfortunately these large breeds are susceptible to a mite that causes red, inflamed skin and dry, dull fur.
Most dogs have these mites! But when a dog’s immune system becomes compromised, the mites can get out of control. It happens most often in dogs with immature immune systems, so a Cane Corso puppy is more susceptible than an adult.
A vet’s visit is necessary, but a diet high in Omegas can help to soothe inflamed skin and ease symptoms.
Eye Problems
These intimidating pooches can also fall victim to hereditary eye conditions. These include cherry eye, a condition in which the dog’s tear ducts become inflamed; entropion, which is when the dog’s eyelid rolls inwards and touches the eyeball; and ectropion, the opposite, which is when the eyelid rolls outward, making it look droopy.
Bloat
Giant and large breeds can be prone to Gastric Dilatation Volvulus, also known as bloat. This is a dangerous condition, in which air gets into your dog’s stomach and causes it to distend, cutting off blood flow.
It can happen when dogs eat their food too quickly, taking in air along with their kibble. Choosing a food for Cane Corso dogs that has a large enough kibble size to prevent this is important.
But diet can’t help bloat – if your dog shows signs and symptoms, you need to get them to a vet immediately.
Questions & Answers
What are the Unique Needs of Cane Corso Dogs?
Cane Corsos need about 20 to 22 calories per pound of body weight.
Food for Cane Corsos should ideally contain 25% to 35% protein. 15% fat is great for moderately active dogs, but highly energetic ones can do with 20% to 25% fat.
Other things you should find in the best food are joint supplements, Omegas, and of course, high-quality, all-natural ingredients.
The best food for Cane Corso puppy also needs to contain DHA, which is an important fatty acid that facilitates eye and brain growth.
How Much Should I Feed My Cane Corso?
Foods for Cane Corso should contain between 400 and 500 calories. Cane Corso puppy food can get by with fewer calories, as puppies naturally need fewer calories to see them through.
They’re active and expend a lot of energy, so the more calories they eat, the more power they’ll have to fuel their daily activity.
Can Diet Help My Cane Corso’s Orthopedic Health?
If you choose a Cane Corso dog food that contains glucosamine, your dog’s joints will receive an extra strength boost.
Cane Corso puppy food should also have a calcium/phosphorus ratio of 1:1 up to 1.2:1, to help their bones grow at the right pace.
Can Diet Prevent Bloating in My Cane Corso?
There are no foods for Cane Corsos that can prevent bloat. No matter how healthy the kibble, bloat can still occur if your dog eats too quickly.
The biggest factor is kibble size. Larger kibble means your pup will eat slower, and have less chance of ingesting air and potentially being struck by the deadly condition.
Can Diet Help Prevent a Demodectic Mange Outbreak in My Cane Corso?
The best food for Cane Corso can help to prevent demodectic mange but bolstering your dog’s immune system so the mange doesn’t become a problem.
Cane Corso dog food that is high in Omegas can also help alleviate symptoms that are associated with the condition while treatment is underway.
How Can I Fatten Up My Cane Corso?
A Cane Corso diet that’s too low in calories can cause a scrawny dog. Fatten up your dog by feeding them dog food with more calories in it, or adding a kibble topper to their regular meal.
Can I Feed My Cane Corso Raw Meat?
Yes! A Cane Corso diet should resemble their ancestors’ meaty diets in the wild. Make sure the meat is not contaminated, has no spices, and is fresh. You can even mix it with some vegetables for an extra digestive boost.
What Dog Food is the Healthiest for My Dog?
The best food for your Cane Corso is a dry food that has all-natural ingredients, animal proteins, easy-to-digest vegetables and fruits, joint supplements, high Omega counts, and a high calorie count. Cane Corso food should also have a large kibble size.
