Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Best Overall for Catahoula: Orijen Original Dry Dog Food
“Keep your Catahoula physically and mentally healthy with a well-rounded dog food like this one. It is packed with nutrients and loaded with supplements – a biologically appropriate diet for Catahoula dogs.”
Best For Catahoula With Allergies: Acana Singles Dry Dog Food
“If you’re worried about your sensitive pooch getting allergies from his food, give him a limited ingredient diet like this dog food. It offers a safe and tasty meal for your Catahoula, and it comes with a variety of flavors to choose from.”
Best Budget Option: Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food
“Looking for premium dog foods at a cheaper price range? This food assures you that providing a healthy, quality meal to your dog doesn’t have to be expensive. It contains vitamins, minerals, Omega fatty acid, and superfood ingredients – all for a reasonable price.”
Catahoula Leopard Dogs are high-energy, spirited pups that require the most concentrated form of energy to support its active lifestyle. This means a high-fat diet in the form of a well-balanced dog food which uses a high-quality fat source as its main ingredient.
But not a lot of dog foods have a high fat content because it’s an expensive fuel source to add in kibble. Fortunately, we have a list of highly recommended dog foods formulated to match an active dog’s high fat requirement.
Featured Recommendations
Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- Featured Recommendations
- Best Dog Food for Catahoula
- 1. Orijen Original Dry Dog Food
- 2. Acana Singles Dry Dog Food
- 3. Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dog Food
- 4. Pupford Freeze-Dried Training Treats
- 5. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Morsels
- 6. Orijen Puppy Large Dry Dog Food
- 7. Orijen Senior Dry Dog Food
- 8. Merrick Dry Dog Food Recipes
- 9. Stella & Chewy’s Dinner Patties
- 10. Acana Light & Fit Dry Dog Food
- 1. Orijen Original Dry Dog Food
- What to Look for in the Best Foods for Catahoula Leopard Dogs
- Questions & Answers
Best Dog Food for Catahoula
Here are 10 of the best dog food for Catahoula Dogs you can choose from:
- Best Overall for Catahoula: Orijen Original Dog Food
- Best for Catahoula with Allergies: Acana Singles Dry Dog Food
- Best Budget Option: Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food
- Top Training Treat: Pupford Freeze-Dried Training Treats
- Best Wet Food: Stella & Chewy’s Raw Dinner Morsels
- Best for Catahoula Puppies: Orijen Puppy Large Dog Food
- Best for Catahoula Seniors: Orijen Senior Dog Food
- Best Flavor Range: Merrick Dog Food Recipes
- Best Raw Food Option: Stella & Chewy’s Dinner Patties
- Best for Weight Management: Acana Light & Fit Dog Food
1. Orijen Original Dry Dog Food
Best Overall for Catahoula: Well-rounded dog food that’s high in Fat and Protein
PROS
- Biologically appropriate, premium quality ingredient list
- High protein and fat content for a Catahoula
- Added supplements, including DHA and EPA
- Very nutrient-dense formula
CONS
- May not be suitable if dogs have food allergies or intolerances
- Might not be affordable to every customer
This nutrient-packed, supplement-loaded dog food from Orijen is a “biologically-appropriate” diet for Catahoulas. It contains high quality meat, easy to digest vegetables, and antioxidant-packed fruits that help boost the immune system. It has an optimum fat content that’s ideal for active Catahoulas.
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Well-rounded formula for active dogs
This dog food is made from high quality protein sources like chicken, turkey, and fish. It is rich in amino acids for muscle development and tissue repair. The added joint supplements, Omega fatty acids, and DHA & EPA ensure that your pooch is well-supported in its daily functions and well-protected from any disease.
2. Acana Singles Dry Dog Food
Best for Catahoula with Allergies: Avoids problem ingredients for allergy-prone dogs
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PROS
- Variety of flavors, which is unusual for L.I.D dog foods
- Good levels of protein and fat for the average Catahoula
- High Omega fatty acid content
- Grain free formulation
CONS
- Somewhat pricey, but not unusual for L.I.D kibble
If your Catahoula Dog is prone to allergies, a limited ingredient diet like the Acana Singles Dry Dog Food is highly recommended. It avoids common allergens while providing the essential vitamins and minerals that an active Catahoula dog needs.
Its limited ingredient formulation makes this one of the safest dog foods out there it’s appropriate even for pregnant dogs!
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Excellent Flavor Variety
Not a lot of limited ingredient dog foods are available in various flavors – that’s what makes this product a better option for Catahoula dogs who are sensitive with regular kibble. And since there are lots of flavors to choose from, it can cater dogs who are a little bit picky with the food that they eat. The nutritional value remains the same across the flavor range which means the nutrients your dog gets are consistent despite switching from one flavor to another.
3. Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dog Food
Best Budget Option: All your pup needs for a budget-friendly price
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PROS
- High quality dog food made from premium ingredients
- High fat content which is awesome for an active working dog
- Contains superfood ingredients for added vitamins and minerals
- Extremely high Omega fatty acid levels
CONS
- May not be suitable if dogs are sensitive to chicken or eggs
- Fat count may be too high for pups who aren’t very active
If you’re on a budget, you’ll definitely love the Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food for your Catahoula. It’s loaded with high-quality ingredients and packed with helpful supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin for joints, L-carnitine for increased metabolism and energy regulation, and Omega fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat.
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High In Fat
This dog food has 25% fat content which is one of the highest we’ve seen on the market. This is ideal for typical high-energy Catahoula dogs who need a concentrated energy source. This is unusual for a dog food in this price range.
4. Pupford Freeze-Dried Training Treats
Top Training Treat: Healthy nuggets for your little one
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PROS
- 450 or more treats in one bag
- Comes in three tasty flavor options
- Low in calories, perfect during prolonged training sessions
- Limited ingredient and naturally preserved
CONS
- Some pieces might be too small for your pet to chew comfortably
If you are training your Catahoula, be sure to give him a healthy treat like this one.. These nuggets are made of high quality chicken where it gets its high protein count. The mixed tocopherols provide antioxidants which boost the immune system of your dog while keeping their joints healthy.
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Low-Calorie and High-Fat Formula
These little health nuggets contain one calorie per treat which is ideal for training your dogs while keeping their weight in check. Each meat flavor contains around 35% protein. They’re also extremely high in fat, which gives your dog a good energy boost.
5. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Morsels
Best Wet Food: Minimally processed food loaded with nutrients
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PROS
- Raw, nutrient-rich meal for Catahoulas
- Adds extra taste and texture to your dog’s meal
- Contains hip and joint supplements
- High in fat and Omega fatty acids
CONS
- A little pricey, especially in addition to normal kibble
Feeding your Catahoula dry kibble is good for their teeth. But mixing it up by adding a kibble topper every now and then is highly recommended, especially if your pooch is a picky eater. This dog food topper is a healthy, nutrient-rich option made from raw meat. It’s minimally processed and is filled to the brim with essential nutrients that your Catahoula needs. It also contains a dose of glucosamine which help reduce chances of hip dysplasia.
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A Variety of flavors to choose from
The Chicken flavor is formulated for dogs with hip and joint issues. The Lamb flavor is an immune-boosting recipe. And the Lamb & Salmon flavor contains ingredients that help improve skin and coat health. All these flavors are prepared by freeze drying which means there’s no need for any artificial preservatives that may cause allergies or digestive issues for your dog.
6. Orijen Puppy Large Dry Dog Food
Best For Catahoula Puppies: Supports your pup’s growth and development
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PROS
- Nutrient-rich, wholesome kibble
- Good protein and fat levels for puppies
- Perfect calcium/phosphorus level for growing bones
- Puppy-specific supplements to support growth and development
CONS
- Somewhat pricey
Orijen Puppy Large Dry Dog Food is high in protein which helps the little ones build strong muscle and has a great calcium/phosphorus ratio to make sure their bones develop properly.
It also has DHA which is an important supplement that improves brain function in puppies. Joint-fortifying supplements are also added in this dog food which is ideal to be given at a young age to prevent any hip and joint issues as they grow old.
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Biologically Appropriate
This dog food contains high-quality proteins from fish and poultry sources, a mix of slow and fast-burning carbohydrates from fresh fruits and vegetables, and beneficial fats that make up a well-rounded, biologically appropriate diet.
7. Orijen Senior Dry Dog Food
Best For Catahoula Seniors: Keeping your pooch well-nourished as they age
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PROS
- Formulated specifically for senior dogs
- Retains a decent fat count for still-active seniors
- Contains DHA and EPA
- Premium quality ingredients
CONS
- Seniors who have food sensitivities may struggle with this
- Somewhat pricey
Orijen Senior Dry Dog Food uses fresh and raw ingredients to deliver the optimum amount of vitamins and minerals that a senior dog needs. Its protein content is enough to maintain muscle mass as your dog grows old. And the fat content in this dog food is slightly reduced at 15% but is still sufficient for a fairly active senior.
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Senior Dog Nutrients
Glucosamine is an important supplement that your dog requires to help support the hip and joint as he gets older, and there’s a good amount of it in this dog food. It also has the wonderful addition of DHA and EPA, which are fatty acids that help keep your pup’s brain firing like a young one.
8. Merrick Dry Dog Food Recipes
Best Flavor Range: Wide recipe range filled with premium ingredients
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PROS
- Great nutritional value for Catahoulas
- A variety of flavors to choose from
- Contains all the supplements an active dog needs
- Free from grain, corn, and other allergens
CONS
- Slightly pricey
Merrick Dog Food Recipes are loaded with superior quality ingredients and contain just the right nutritional value to nourish an active Catahoula. The high protein content of this dog food comes from premium quality poultry and fish sources.
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High-Quality Ingredients
Chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, and salmon meal make up the flavor variety for this food. These are complemented by high-quality, healthy ingredients like sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples which add taste, texture, and much-needed vitamins and minerals. The protein and fat content is pretty consistent across the flavor range at around 34% and 14% respectively.
9. Stella & Chewy’s Dinner Patties
Best Raw Food Option: Easy to digest for optimum nourishment
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PROS
- Very high in protein and fat, great for active working dogs
- High-quality proteins and organic fruits and veggies
- Variety of flavors to choose from
- Raw, minimally processed
CONS
- Can be expensive depending on how many patties are recommended per meal for your pup
A raw diet like Stella & Chewy’s Dinner Patties is one of the best dog food options for highly active dogs. The ingredients are minimally processed, making them quicker and easier to digest. It contains premium quality organ meats such as liver, kidney, and heart, as well as bone and cartilage, which gives a very well-rounded amino acid profile.
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Flavors & Nutrients
There are 11 flavor options for adult dogs, and two choices specifically for puppies (Beef & Salmon and Chicken & Salmon). Each has different nutrient profile which means you can choose something that’s tailored for their nutritional needs while providing them several options in case they get picky with their food.
10. Acana Light & Fit Dry Dog Food
Best for Weight Management: Keeps your dog’s weight in check
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PROS
- Lower fat count to help shed weight
- Addition of glucosamine
- 60% quality animal ingredients, 40% veggies, fruit, & botanicals
- Contains DHA and EPA in addition to normal Omegas
CONS
- Fat count may be too low for some and result in fatigue
- Somewhat pricey
If your Catahoula is starting to gain some weight, we recommend this dog food to help keep his fat intake in check. 60% of Acana Light & Fit Dog Food is made up of high-quality animal ingredients, making it protein-rich and full of healthy fats. The remaining 40% is packed with veggies, fruits, and healthy botanical inclusions.
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Lower Fat Count
This dog food has a fat level of 10%, which is just enough to provide your Catahoula the energy he needs for the day while avoiding weight gain. The high protein count helps in keeping his muscles lean. The glucosamine in this food is an added bonus that will keep those joints supported while your dog is working off their extra weight.
What to Look for in the Best Foods for Catahoula Leopard Dogs
1) Ingredient Quality
Although the Catahoula Leopard Dogs aren’t typically prone to food allergies or sensitivities, making sure they get a well-balanced diet is crucial to keep them healthy and protected from any disease.
You want to choose a dog food that uses premium quality animal protein as its main ingredient. They should also have great quality slow-burning carbohydrates source, preferably from starchy vegetables but gluten-free grains are okay too. And make sure there aren’t any artificial preservatives like ethoxyquin, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).
2) High Fat Count
Fat is the component of dog food that gives your pooch the energy they need for their day to day activities. A fat count of around 20% is recommended for a Catahoula, although anything within 15%-25% range should be adequate.
If your fluff is very energetic or if you regularly take him out on walks, he may need a couple of high-fat treats in between meals to sustain him through the day.
3) Omega Fatty Acids
While the crude fat count in dog foods is what your pup uses as quick energy, Omega fatty acids nourish their skin and coat. Your Catahoula’s coat is one of his most striking features, and making sure he has a supply of high-grade Omega fatty acids in his diet will keep that coat shiny, soft, and healthy – not to mention protect him from any skin-related allergy or disease.
4) Joint Supplements
The best dog food for Catahoula Dogs ideally must contain supplements that fortify their joints. Glucosamine and chondroitin are intended for this purpose and they’re a wonderful addition to the nutrients that are included in your dog’s meals. And while not all dog foods have them, there’s always an option to add them as supplements to your dog’s diet.
5) Affordability
Regular vet visits and pet grooming are already expensive, spending more on your dog’s food is absolutely an overkill. But feeding them high quality meals that offer a variety of flavor options while providing the nutrition they require doesn’t have to be expensive. The Best Budget Option mentioned above contains essential nutrients your Catahoula needs for a budget-friendly price.
Questions & Answers
What are the characteristics of the best food for Catahoula?
These dogs were bred to do hard work, and as such, need a superior-quality dog food to keep up with their active lifestyle. The best dog food for Catahoula dogs should contain all-natural, wholesome ingredients. A named animal protein should be the main ingredient on the list, followed by slow-burning carbohydrates like potatoes, sweet potatoes, or pumpkin. Grain free or with whole grains diet depends particularly on your dog’s needs.
Other veggies and fruits are awesome additions and will add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Raw food is a great diet option. You’ll want to see high levels of Omega fatty acids and a dose of glucosamine and chondroitin to keep your dog’s joints stable and supported.
What can I do to help my Catahoula Leopard Dog get enough exercise?
Taking your Leopard Dog for a daily run is a good start. They’re highly sociable and would greatly benefit from being in company with other active dogs like Great Danes or other active large breed dogs with the same energy level with your pooch.
These guys are also amazing swimmers, so having a dog pool at home and letting them swim every once in a while would be a great workout for them.
If you’re an avid outdoors person, taking your dog along on hikes or working out with them will help them spend that extra energy.
It’s also a great idea to take your pup to obedience training. They’re highly intelligent and active, and doing dog training will be a great physical and mental stimulation for them.