Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Best Overall: Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food
“Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food is formulated with high-quality ingredients that avoid purines. It has high protein content making it perfect for active and energetic Dalmatians.”
Best For Active Dalmatians: Wellness Complete Health Puppy Food
“Wellness Complete Health Puppy Food has great protein and fat levels that are ideal for your pup especially if he is getting just an average amount of exercise. Its ingredients list has the right ratio of vitamins, minerals, and supplements to keep your Dalmatian in top shape.”
Best Budget Option: Diamond Naturals Large Breed Recipes
“Diamond Naturals Large Breed Recipes comes in exciting different flavors for your Dalmatian. For the amount of nutrition and the quality of ingredients that it contains, this is definitely one of the most affordable quality dog food in the market.”
Dalmatians are some of the most eye-catching dogs around. They were originally bred as carriage dogs, so they have high energy levels, great endurance, and love a good bit of exercise.
Did you know Dalmatian puppies aren’t born with spots? They develop their markings in the first few weeks after they’re born, so many people don’t even realize they’re little Dalmatians when they’re tiny!
These purebreds do tend to suffer from some specific health conditions, so choosing the best dog food for Dalmatians is crucial from the start to raise a happy, healthy spotty dog.
Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- 10 Best Dog Food for Dalmatians
- 1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free High-Protein Recipes
- 2. Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Dog Food
- 3. Diamond Naturals Large Breed Recipes
- 4. Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Formula
- 5. American Journey Dry Puppy Food
- 6. Wellness Core Simply Shreds
- 7. Dogswell Jerky Hip & Joint Chicken Recipe
- 8. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- 9. Merrick Grain-Free Senior Dog Food
- 10. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food
- 1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free High-Protein Recipes
- Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
- Questions & Answers
- What are Dalmatians’ nutritional requirements?
- What are some common health problems Dalmatians suffer from?
- What should I be looking for in the best dog food for Dalmatians?
- How much should I feed my Dalmatian?
- What can I do to reduce the chances of my Dalmatian suffering from kidney and urinary problems?
- What are Dalmatians’ nutritional requirements?
10 Best Dog Food for Dalmatians
1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free High-Protein Recipes
Premium Option: Formulated with high quality ingredients
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PROS
- High-quality ingredient list that avoids purines
- Contains LifeSource Bits for extra supplementation
- High in protein for energetic Dalmations
- Three grain-free flavors to choose from
CONS
- Slightly pricey
- May be too high in protein for less active dogs
This high-protein, moderate fat kibble contains all your Dalmatian will need to live a healthy, energetic lifestyle. As long as your pup gets regular exercise, they’ll benefit from eating Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food every day.
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High Protein, Moderate Fat
With 34% protein and 15% fat, your active pooch will do well on this food. There are three flavors, each with the same nutrient values and high-quality ingredient list.
Each flavor consists of a quality protein source, added chicken meal for more protein, and some slow-burning carbohydrates.
They also all contain Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource Bits, which are specially formulated nuggets containing a mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
2. Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Dog Food
Runner-Up Option: Great protein and fat levels
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PROS
- Multiple great quality protein sources
- Near-perfect protein and fat levels for Dalmatians
- Nice doses of joint and coat supplements
- Contains some superfood ingredients
CONS
- Contains spinach, which could increase purine levels
- Slightly pricey
We love the protein and fat levels in Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Dog Food. They’re pretty much perfect for Dalmatians, and in addition to those great levels, they’ve added a bunch of healthy stuff that will keep your spotty pooch in top shape.
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Large Breed Formula For Optimal Health
26% protein and 12% fat is great for the average Dalmatian who gets a moderate amount of exercise. If your fluff is very active, a couple of high-fat treats in between meals will do the trick.
Those numbers come from premium sources – chicken, chicken meal, rice, barley, and peas are the first 5 on the list. Other than that, you’ll find awesome ingredients like salmon meal, carrots, flaxseed, sweet potatoes, flaxseed, and blueberries.
These not only give each bite a dose of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, they bring in a really good amount of Omega fatty acids as well as joint-fortifying supplements. There’s nothing your pup will be missing out on when eating this food.
3. Diamond Naturals Large Breed Recipes
Best Value For Money: Affordable and packed with nutrition
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PROS
- Affordable enough for all budgets
- Various flavors available that will suit your Dalmatian
- A variety of protein counts for all needs
- Contain great levels of Omegas and joint supplements
CONS
- Maybe a little difficult to find a balance of protein and fat to suit your pup
If you’re looking for the best dog food for Dalmatians but you’re also on a budget, Diamond Naturals Large Breed Recipes is the kibble for you. It’s packed with nutrition and easy on the pocket, so you can rest assured that your dog will be getting a healthy meal without breaking the bank.
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Flavour and Nutrition Variety
You can choose from the Chicken & Rice Formula, Beef Meal & Rice, and Lamb Meal & Rice, and each has a different protein and fat count. There’s something for everyone here, so you can choose the one that best suits your dog’s needs, or chop and change so they don’t get bored (making sure you stick to their calorie count and keeping their protein count up with treats in between).
The Extreme Athlete formula contains 32% protein and 25% fat, which makes it fantastic for very active Dalmations. If they get plenty of exercises they’ll burn off that fat quite easily and get good use out of the protein.
Chicken & Rice has 23% protein and 13% fat, so it’s better suited to a Dalmatian who is slightly less energetic. Lamb Meal & Rice is the most low-protein and low-fat recipe, with 22% and 12% respectively, so if your pooch has been recommended a low-protein diet, this one would be great.
The Beef Meal & Rice is the most average formula of the low and should suit most Dalmatians. It has 25% protein and 15% fat, which is right in the zone. Every flavor contains a really nice dose of glucosamine and high Omega fatty acid levels.
4. Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Formula
Best Skin & Coat Formula
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PROS
- Formulated specifically for sensitive tummies and skin
- High-quality salmon as a protein source
- Fish oil adds a nice dose of Omega fatty acids
- Prebiotic fiber to help keep sensitive stomachs happy
CONS
- “Fish meal” and “ animal fat” are a little vague and indicative of a lower quality ingredient
Dalmatians are known to have sensitive skin, so feeding them a recipe that’s made for sensitive skin and stomachs is a good idea to keep them as comfortable as possible. If your Dalmatian has trouble with skin allergies (or food allergies), try Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Formula out.
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Benefits For Skin & Stomach
The first protein on the list is salmon, which is a super option for pups who need help with their skin. The addition of fish oil makes a big difference to the skin, as well as adding a nice bit of glucosamine to keep your sensitive boy or girl’s joints supported at the same time.
Prebiotic fiber helps your dog’s tummy to digest things a little easier, and the lack of artificial ingredients helps too.
Decent Quality Ingredient List
Salmon, fish meal, and salmon meal make up the protein content in this kibble (26%). There are some good grains (ground rice and oatmeal), that are easy on the stomach, and added chelated minerals to help the tummy out even more.
5. American Journey Dry Puppy Food
Best For Dalmatian Puppies
PROS
- Good protein and fat levels for Dalmatian puppies
- Contains DHA for improved brain and eye development
- Glucosamine and chondroitin to help joints develop well
- High Omega 3 and 6 levels for a smooth, sleek coat
CONS
- The other flavors contain purine-rich ingredients, so your pooch may not have much taste option.
Dalmatian puppies need specific things in food, so you can’t just give them a kibble designed for adults. American Journey Dry Puppy Food will give them all they need in terms of nutrition, taste, and extra supplements, so they can grow and develop as a healthy puppy should.
Unfortunately, this is the only flavor that contains no legumes, so your puppy is a little limited in terms of taste choice.
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Packed With Nutrition
With 25% protein (from chicken and chicken meal), and 15% fat, this is enough to give your pup energy for the day and help his muscles to grow strong and lean.
All the essentials are included in this puppy food – high Omega 3 and 6 levels for a flowing and soft coat, glucosamine and chondroitin for strong joints, and DHA for healthy development. The calcium/phosphorus level is also right where it should be to help your pup’s bones become strong but not brittle.
Limited Flavours
Although there are other flavors in American Journey’s puppy food range, every other recipe contains chickpeas, which are on the purine red list, meaning they are very high in purines and should not be consumed by pups who are sensitive to them.
Bear this in mind when shopping for your puppy. You want to keep him or her as far away from purines from a young age so that they grow up healthy and uncompromised.
6. Wellness Core Simply Shreds
Best Kibble Topper
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PROS
- Three different flavors available
- Five ingredients only
- High moisture content
- Good Omega fatty acid counts
CONS
- Be careful not to accidentally choose a flavor containing liver
If your pup is a fussy eater, a kibble topper like the Wellness Core Simply Shreds can make all the difference. They’re also great for getting in extra calories without feeding your pup an extra meal a day, as well as adding some more moisture which is great for Dalmatians.
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Variety of Choices
Your pooch won’t get bored with the range of Shreds. Grain-free Chicken, Wild Salmon & Pumpkin, Grain-Free Chicken, Beef & Carrots, and Grain-Free Tuna, Beef & Carrots are the choices, all of which contain only 5 ingredients.
They also have good levels of Omega fatty acids which will benefit your Dalmatian’s coat. The only flavor that you shouldn’t go for is the Chicken, Chicken Liver & Broccoli, as the liver is high in purines.
7. Dogswell Jerky Hip & Joint Chicken Recipe
Best Treat For Dalmatians
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PROS
- Aimed at improving joint health
- Fairly limited ingredient to avoid allergies
- 60% protein in each treat
- Contain glucosamine, chondroitin, & vitamin E
CONS
- Contains New Zealand Green Mussel, which is a great glucosamine source but contains purines
- Slightly more pricey than some other treats
A good quality treat is essential to any dog’s diet, and it helps when you find one that contains not only a good amount of protein but some added benefits for joints. Dalmatians need extra help when it comes to strengthening joints, so keeping a stash of glucosamine-rich treats like the Dogswell Jerky Hip & Joint Chicken Recipe handy is a good idea.
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High Protein, Joint Strengthening
Made from chicken breast meat, these little jerky strips are 60% protein (the good kind, lower in purines). They contain just a few ingredients, which is also great to see in a treat.
The best part about these is that they contain a really decent splash of glucosamine and chondroitin in each bite, which is unusual to find in a dog treat. For dogs like Dalmatians who suffer from joint problems, finding a good-quality treat that has joint-strengthening properties is invaluable, so this one is a good choice to keep in your stash!
Possible Downside
The only potential problem we see with this jerky is that it contains New Zealand Green Mussels. While that’s super for glucosamine, mussels are high in purines.
For that reason, we recommend feeding your pup these treats sparingly. A couple of them a day won’t up their purine levels too much, but if you find they start having kidney or bladder problems you may need to find a new treat.
8. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Best Limited Ingredient
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PROS
- A few different flavors are available
- Limited ingredient formula helps reduce allergies
- The range avoids chicken, beef, dairy, eggs, corn, soy, and wheat
- Contains LifeSource Bits, with added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
CONS
- May be too low in protein (we recommend adding some high-protein treats into your dog’s daily diet)
- It may not be suitable if your pup is sensitive to potatoes
A limited ingredient diet is a great idea to reduce allergies. If your fluff suffers from severe allergies it may be an option, and Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food is a good place to start. We’ve chosen them because they’re free of purine-rich ingredients and also offer a few flavors, which is unusual for limited ingredient recipes.
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High-Quality Flavours
Each flavor is grain-free, features a real animal protein as ingredient number one, and contains slow-burning carbs like peas, potatoes, and pumpkin. There’s no chicken, beef, corn, soy, wheat, dairy, or eggs, making this a great allergy-limiting kibble.
The biggest reason we chose this range as our limited ingredient option is that they have a decent flavor variety. Most brands have a limited ingredient option that only comes in one flavor. You can switch between Duck, Lamb, Salmon, and Turkey so your pup avoids common allergens but still has variety.
Low In Protein
The protein sits at 20%, which is too low for most Dalmatians. We recommend adding some high-protein treats to their daily diet to up that number.
9. Merrick Grain-Free Senior Dog Food
Best For Senior Dalmatians
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PROS
- Great Omega fatty acid levels to maintain a healthy coat
- Added joint-strengthening supplements
- Complex carbs for sustained energy
- Contains L-carnitine for metabolic support
CONS
- May not be suitable for pups who are sensitive to potatoes
If your Dalmatian is getting older and slowing down a bit, Merrick Grain-Free Senior Dog Food is senior-specific food that is formulated for them. The ingredients are wholesome and it includes some useful supplements for aging pups.
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Flavour & Health
Chicken, sweet potatoes, apples, blueberries, and other high-quality ingredients made this food packed with nutrition, but also super tasty. You won’t find artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives in it, either.
Extra Supplements
There are some glucosamine and chondroitin to keep aging joints tough and supported, as well as L-carnitine, which is super for energy regulation and metabolism. The high Omegas will also keep them sleek and shiny.
10. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food
Best Soft Food
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PROS
- Adds extra moisture to your pup’s diet
- Human-grade food
- Dehydrated ingredients
- Contains DHA and EPA
CONS
- Doesn’t contain glucosamine
- High calorie so may not be suitable for less active dogs, unless fed in moderation
- The chicken flavor contains beans, which are high in purines
If your Dalmatian struggles with hard, crunchy kibble, The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food is a great alternative. It’s high in calories and made with amazing quality ingredients.
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Human-Grade Ingredients
The stuff that goes into these foods is of the highest quality. You could eat it yourself if you wanted to! There are no preservatives in this food, which is one of the greatest benefits of dehydrated ingredients.
Great Base, No Extras
The only downside to this food is that you’ll need to use separate supplements for joints and skin and coat. This is an amazing base recipe for getting in your pup’s daily calories and nutrition, but there’s no glucosamine or chondroitin, and also not much in terms of Omega fatty acids.
It’s super easy to buy supplements, though, so if your pooch needs something easy to eat, easy on the stomach, and packed with health, this is a food that we recommend.
Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
Criteria #1: High-Quality Ingredients, Avoiding Purines
Balanced nutrition for Dalmatians can be slightly tricky. Because of their high susceptibility to urinary and kidney problems they need a diet that is low in purines, but this often misinterpreted as a low-protein diet, which is not the case at all.
Purines are molecules found in certain proteins that turn into uric acid during digestion, and if your pet is predisposed to kidney issues (as Dalmatians are) you want to avoid excessive uric acid in their body.
- Protein
The trick to choosing the best dog food for Dalmatians is to find one that is low in purines but not low in protein. These spotty pups still need a good dose of protein in their diets, and so you’ll be looking for a high-quality animal protein as ingredient number one.
What you’ll need to avoid is organ meats such as kidney and liver, meat byproducts, and game meats or exotic protein sources. Stay away from venison, rabbit, sardines, mackerel, and mussels, and if you’re unsure about a protein source, ask Google.
- Carbohydrates
Legumes are high in purines, so ideally you will choose a legume-free dog food. Veggies like sweet potato, potato (if your pup tolerates it well), and squashes are great, as are fruits (excluding citrus fruits).
We’ve chosen to review foods containing healthy and slow-burning carbs, that avoid chickpeas, beans, and lentils.
You can choose a grain-free food if your dog doesn’t digest grains well, but whole grains like rice, barley, millet, and quinoa are good options.
Stick to the basics and your pooch should be just fine.
Criteria #2: Helpful Joint & Coat Supplements
These spotties tend to struggle with joint issues, due to their slim frames but high activity level. A dose of glucosamine and chondroitin in their kibble can help reduce chances of them having joint problems, especially as they get older.
Omega fatty acids and Vitamin A and E are also good to see on an ingredient list, and will give your Dalmatian’s coat a shine and a softness.
Criteria #3: Low Sodium Content
High sodium content can contribute to the formation of uric acid crystals and kidney stones, so choosing a low-sodium dog food is always a good idea.
Excessive salt in dog food messes with the pH balance of your Dalmatian’s urine, which can make problems much worse. You’ll also want to avoid feeding your pooch scraps off your own plate, as this is an easy way to overdo their salt intake without even realizing it!
We’ve made sure the sodium levels are appropriate on the foods we’ve reviewed, so your pooch won’t have to worry about their kibble making them feel worse.
Criteria #4: Free From Chemicals & Artificial Ingredients
Dalmatians have sensitive dispositions, so the presence of artificial or synthetic ingredients will only have an adverse effect.
These substances are also often not well-metabolized by the body, and this will put extra strain on the excretory system. Dalmatians already have trouble excreting liquid waste, so it’s especially important to avoid adding anything to their diet that will make this problem worse.
We’ve made sure the foods reviewed use natural preservatives and avoid chemicals as much as possible.
Criteria #5: Affordability
This is always something we consider when reviewing dog foods. Being a pet parent shouldn’t break the bank, so we make sure to include a wide variety of prices to suit every budget.
Our Best Value For Money option is aimed at those who are looking for something high-quality and healthy but at the lowest price possible. The quality is on-par with higher-priced foods, so you won’t go wrong with it.
At the same time, foods that are priced higher are done so because their quality is exceptional, so don’t be afraid to go for one if your budget allows.
Questions & Answers
What are Dalmatians’ nutritional requirements?
The average-sized Dalmatian(60-is pounds) needs around 1500 calories a day. You can adjust this number based on your own pup and the guidelines on your dog’s food packaging.
Your Dalmatian will need a diet that’s moderate in good quality protein (25-30% is great), moderate to high in fat (in the teens, to cater for their energy levels), and contains healthy complex carbohydrates.
What are some common health problems Dalmatians suffer from?
As beautiful as this breed is, they’re prone to some specific and potentially serious health issues that you will need to be aware of.
- Allergies & Food Intolerances
Allergies are common in these spotted dogs, and while they do have sensitive stomachs their allergies tend to affect the skin more than their tummies. The easiest way to reduce (or in some cases, eliminate) allergies is to choose a high-quality food that avoids ingredients that your pup is sensitive to, as this will help build up their immune system.
Food sensitivities are different from allergies, but they can affect your pooch in much the same way, and this is where you may find yourself avoiding certain ingredients.
- Hearing Loss
Deafness is also quite common in this breed. This is a genetic thing, and affects up to 30% of Dalmatians! While there’s not much a pet parent can do about preventing this, making sure your pup’s ears are clean and they’re generally healthy will help.
- Joint Dysplasia
Hip, knee, and elbow dysplasia are also fairly common, especially in active breeds like these. Choosing food with glucosamine and chondroitin can help reduce the chances of this happening to your fluff.
These pups are lacking in a specific enzyme that helps them metabolize certain protein molecules, and the resulting high levels of uric acid can cause bladder and kidney stones.
This not only causes debilitating pain to your pup, but it can also stop production and excretion of urine, which can have negative effects on the body.
This is why choosing the best dog food for Dalmatians is so essential, as well as making sure they have easy-to-access, clean water available at all times.
Other things to be aware of include hypothyroidism, eye problems, arthritis, and skin problems.
What should I be looking for in the best dog food for Dalmatians?
You will need to look for a dog food that contains a high-quality animal protein (not game meat, organ meat, or seafood such as sardines, mackerel, or mussels. Beef, poultry, and lamb are great options, and whitefish and trout work well too.
Carbs should include healthy fruits and veggies, minus legumes (beans, lentils). Sweet potato and white potatoes are fantastic energy sources, as is squash. Fruits add a nice dash of antioxidants and vitamins.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are wonderful additions for dogs such as Dalmatians who are prone to joint issues. A nice level of Omega fatty acids is also good to see on dog food, especially for pups like these who suffer from allergies.
Make sure the food you choose contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
How much should I feed my Dalmatian?
A 60-pound Dalmatian needs around 1500 calories a day to keep him going. It’s up to you whether you split this between two or three meals, and that will indicate how many calories your pooch needs per meal.
This is a baseline figure, and you’ll need to adjust up or down for your own Dalmatian. Things to factor in here include your pup’s activity level, their current weight (whether they need to lose some or gain some), and any health issues they currently suffer from.
If your fluff is looking a bit scrawny, you may want to up his calories by 100 or so and see how he does with that. If your spotty pup is a little too pudgy, you may want to reduce their daily calorie count by around 100 until they’re down to their target weight.
What can I do to reduce the chances of my Dalmatian suffering from kidney and urinary problems?
First and foremost, feeding your pup the best dog food for their breed will make a huge difference. The foods on this list have all been carefully selected to benefit Dalmatians, from being lower in purines to containing essential supplements.
In addition to a great diet, make sure your fluff has enough water during the day. This will help keep his urine alkaline, which inhibits the formation of urinary stones.
It’s also important that your dog has plenty of chance to urinate, so if he spends all day locked inside, you’ll need to train him to go in a crate or specific place so they don’t have to hold it in.
Exercise is also a super way to get your pup to not only drink more but to urinate more and just keep him or her in better health generally.
