Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Best Overall for Dobermans: Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
“This dog food is rich in amino acids, especially taurine, and comes highly recommended for Dobermans as it helps prevent cardiomyopathy which is a common health risk for this particular breed.”
Best for Doberman Puppies: Merrick Grain Free Dry Puppy Food
“Merrick Puppy Dry Dog Food provides a good nutritional start for your pooch. It is made from premium quality ingredients including vegetables, fruits, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals – all of which are essential for your dog’s growth and development.“
Best Low Protein Diet: Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food
“This food is low on protein but is still packed with superfood carbs, healthy grains, and antioxidants that help maintain a strong immune system while keeping your dog’s kidney and liver from too much strain.”
The Doberman’s muscular and powerful build is what makes them an effective guard dog. It’s a breed known for its speed, strength, and endurance. But even this tough and alert breed is still susceptible to some health risks that affect them more commonly such as cervical vertebral instability (CVI) and cardiomyopathy.
While heart disease in Dobermans can’t be predicted and predicted as it’s mostly congenital, there are definitely some steps that you can take as a dog parent to make sure they live a healthy and happy life.
Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- Best Dog Food For Dobermans
- 1. Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
- 2. Merrick Grain Free Dry Puppy Food
- 3. Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food
- 4. Instinct Grain Free Canned Dog Food
- 5. American Journey Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 6. Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- 7. Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food
- 8. The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dog Food
- 9. Blue Buffalo Grain Free Dog Treats
- 1. Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
- How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Dobermans
- Questions & Answers
Best Dog Food For Dobermans
Here are our top picks for the best foods for Doberman Pinscher Dogs:
- Best Overall for Dobermans: Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
- Best for Doberman Puppies: Merrick Grain Free Dry Puppy Food
- Best Low Protein Diet: Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food
- Best Wet Food For Dobermans: Instinct Grain Free Canned Dog Food
- Best Value For Money: American Journey Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Best for Dogs with Allergies: Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- Best For Senior Dobermans: Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food
- Best For Sensitive Stomachs: The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dog Food
- Best Treat For Dobermans: Blue Buffalo Grain Free Dog Treats
1. Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
Best Overall for Dobermans: Rich in taurine which is an essential nutrient for Dobermans to prevent the development of cardiomyopathy
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PROS
- High protein and fat content, ideal for active and alert Dobermans
- Multiple sources of high-quality protein with incredible amino acid profile
- Good levels of Omega fatty acids, vitamins and minerals
- Grain free formula that’s rich in taurine which prevents cardiomyopathy in Dobermans
CONS
- Slightly lower in calories, so might need to feed active Dobes more
- No glucosamine in Taste of the Wild foods
Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food is made from pasture-raised animal sources which contributes to an incredible amino acid profile, specifically taurine. This is an essential substance that helps prevent the development of cardiomyopathy in your Doberman.
It has 32% protein and 18% fat content, providing your dog optimal levels or nutrients recommended for healthy, athletic Dobermans. Omega fatty acids are also present in a significant amount, promoting health and immune system strength.
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Great Nutrient Levels for Dobermans
Roasted bison and venison are the main ingredients and protein source for this dog food. These meats are combined with fresh fruits, vegetables, and superfood ingredients which supplies your dog with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
2. Merrick Grain Free Dry Puppy Food
Best For Doberman Puppies: An excellent nutritional start for your growing pooch
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PROS
- Specifically geared towards your growing pup’s nutritional needs
- High-quality protein, carbohydrate and fat sources
- Added amino acids, vitamins and minerals, and fatty acids
- Contains DHA for proper brain development
CONS
- Slightly pricey but not too bad
Merrick Grain Free Dry Puppy Food contains an abundance of all-natural, super health-promoting ingredients that are guaranteed to give your Doberman puppy a good nutritional start.
It’s filled to the brim with premium quality protein sources, vegetables and fruits for energy, fiber, and antioxidants, and great fat sources. You absolutely cannot go wrong feeding your puppy this dry food.
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Doberman Puppies’ Food Requirements
The recommended amount of protein in a puppy food is between 28 and 32%. This dog food has a protein count of 28%, which is around the lower threshold for what’s required but still sufficient to support your muscle’s growth and development. It has a fat content of 12% which is enough to supply an active pup’s energy throughout the day.
DHA for Puppies
This dog food contains DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which is an amino acid that is necessary for growing dogs. It assists in the development of healthy eye tissue and also helps brain tissue to form correctly.
3. Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food
Best Low Protein Diet: Ideal for Dobermans with kidney or liver issues
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PROS
- Lower protein content but still packed with nutrients appropriate for Dobermans
- Contains helpful supplements for Dobermans such as L-carnitine and glucosamine, vitamins and minerals
- Good complex carbohydrates included, such as brown rice
- Proprietary probiotics that support easy digestion
CONS
- The calorie count is a little low for active Dobes
Dobermans are susceptible to kidney and liver disease. If your pooch has been recommended a low-protein diet by their vet for this reason, the Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice.
This low-protein dog food alleviates some pressure from your dog’s kidneys and liver while also providing all the nutrients they need to live an active and healthy life.
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Superfood Carbohydrates
Some really good “superfood” carbs are included in this dog food, such as kale, pumpkin, quinoa, blueberries, chia seeds, and coconut. This mix gives adult dogs a good dose of slow-burning carbs to see them through the day while adding a heap of antioxidants to boost their immune system.
It also contains healthy grains like brown rice, barley, and sorghum.
In addition to this, you’ll also find a good amount of L-carnitine in this food which is a super helpful ingredient for maintaining weight and energy balance. Dried kelp is included in this dog food, a helpful supplement to keep your Doberman’s thyroid working properly.
4. Instinct Grain Free Canned Dog Food
Best Wet Food For Dobermans: Raw, high-protein nutrition that adds extra taste and texture in your dog’s usual kibble
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PROS
- No carrageenan, which is a good sign of a high-quality canned food
- Quality ingredients, including good protein sources
- High-calorie, which makes it great to get your pup’s calorie count up
- Contains chelated minerals for easy digestion
CONS
- Easy to overfeed your dog if you aren’t careful with calorie maths!
A wet dog food is a great addition to your dog’s meal. Not only does it add texture and flavor which is ideal for dogs who are fussy eaters, a kibble topper like this canned dog food also supplements the nutrients that your dog gets from their usual kibble.
It is a high-quality, all-natural food that avoids artificial or low-quality ingredients (including carrageenan, a popular non-nutritional thickener). It also comes in various flavors, so your furry friend won’t get bored.
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High Calorie, Low Protein
This wet dog food is made from responsibly sourced animal protein. This guarantees the quality and safety of the meat that goes into your dog’s food. There’s an amazing mix of meat cuts, fruits, vegetables, and a delicious gravy in every can which makes it a tasty and exciting meal for your Doberman.
5. American Journey Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Best Value For Money: Grain free, premium quality dog food available at an incredibly affordable price
PROS
- Affordable dog food packed with high quality ingredients
- Great protein and fat counts for the average, active Doberman
- Good calcium/phosphorus ratio and added amino acids for bone and muscle development
- Added dried kelp helps lessen the chance of hypothyroidism
CONS
- Contain chicken products (even non-chicken flavours), so may not be suitable for pups who are sensitive to poultry
- There have been reports of the salmon flavour having a strong odour
American Journey Grain Free Dry Dog Food is a highly recommended budget option for Doberman dog parents who wish to find their beloved pet a complete, well-balanced diet that’s well within their budget.
The protein and fat contents in this food are at an optimum amount especially for Dobermans who get regular exercise.
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Healthy Additions
The calcium and phosphorus ratio is great for keeping your active pup’s bones strong. Glucosamine and chondroitin do the same for your dog’s joints, which is especially useful for dogs such as Dobermans who are prone to joint dysplasia.
The Omega fatty acids are great, and DHA is a particular addition that isn’t often found in adult dog foods but can only be a good thing, as it’s an amino acid that contributes to good health and a strong immune system for all life stages.
This dog food also has a dose of dried kelp in it, which is great for dog breeds predisposed to hypothyroidism as it stimulates the thyroid. All in all, this dog food is a great option for the average Doberman and won’t empty the Dobe mom or dad’s pocket.
6. Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Best for Dobermans with Allergies: Limited ingredient formulation avoids common allergens which are harmful for sensitive dogs
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PROS
- 10 or fewer ingredients limits chances of food allergies and bad reactions
- High in calories which makes it perfect for active Dobermans
- High in fat so your Dobe has plenty to metabolize for energy
- Great complex carb sources, which can be hard to find in a limited ingredient dog food
CONS
- Slightly on the pricey side, but worth it
Just because you’re putting your dog on a limited ingredient diet doesn’t mean they’ll be getting less protein and fat in every meal. Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food is a great example of a limited ingredient food that provides exactly what your dog needs to thrive.
There are four tasty, incredibly nutritious recipes int his flavor range that your dog will surely enjoy. Beef, chicken, lamb, and salmon are all great sources of protein which your dog needs to develop strong and healthy muscles. Its calorie count is perfect for active and healthy pups who tend to have certain food sensitivities.
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Chelated Minerals in L. I. D. Foods
It may be confusing to look at the ingredient list of a limited ingredient dog food claiming to have 10 or fewer ingredients and see a list just as long as any other food. This is because the remaining ingredients are vitamins, minerals, and a large majority of them are something called chelated minerals, which are minerals that are bonded to an amino acid for easier digestion. For a Doberman Pinscher who may need to be on a limited ingredient diet, this helps alleviate digestive upset.
7. Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food
Best For Senior Dobermans: Specially formulated to support senior Dobermans and keep them protected from common health risks
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PROS
- Contains taurine to prevent your senior dog from developing cardiomyopathy
- Optimal protein, fat, and calorie counts for older, less active Dobermans
- Great Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids to boost brain and immune system health
- Free from grains and chicken, for easier digestion
CONS
- Fairly pricey
- Other flavors may contain hidden chicken ingredients so wouldn’t be suitable for dogs who have a poultry sensitivity
The Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food comes highly recommended for senior Dobermans. The calorie count, protein and fat numbers, vitamins and minerals, and added supplements make it a well-rounded dog food that can benefit an aging Doberman. It also has a significant amount of taurine which is an amino acid that helps prevent cardiomyopathy in this particular breed.
There are no grains or chicken products, which makes it great for dogs who may be sensitive to these two common food allergens. It also contains some useful fatty acids and vitamins and minerals that are perfect for older dogs and assist in keeping their immune systems, joints, and digestive processes going smoothly.
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Optimal Nutrient Counts for Seniors
This dog food comes in at 383 calories per cup, which is great for a senior, provided it’s fed as per their feeding guidelines. The protein count sits at 28%, right at the optimal level for a healthy older guy or girl, with fat content at 12%.
The calcium and phosphorus ratio is also great, which should assist in keeping your older guy’s bones tough and sturdy as he ages.
Blue Buffalo’s specially formulated LifeSource Bits also give a great dose of vitamins and minerals that assist in metabolism, immune system health, and life stages changes.
DHA and EPA are fatty acids that keep your pooch’s eyes and brain functioning optimally for as long as possible.
L-carnitine and glucosamine and chondroitin are amino acids that are also highly beneficial for older pups, contributing to maintaining healthy energy levels and weight and keeping joints strong and supple.
8. The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dog Food
Best For Sensitive Stomachs: Incredibly safe and nutritious dog food that avoids ingredients which may aggravate your dog’s sensitive tummy
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PROS
- Soft food that’s easy on both sensitive teeth and sensitive stomachs
- High in calories, ideal for Dobermans who get regular exercise
- Very easy and quick to prepare
- Great for adding extra moisture to your dog’s daily intake
CONS
- Some flavours are slightly lower in protein than is recommended for Dobes
- The prices can vary quite drastically by flavour, and are somewhat high
The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dog Food is a fantastic option for Dobermans who may need a soft diet due to either digestive issues or trouble chewing dry dog food.
Only premium quality ingredients are used in this tasty, nutritious dog food. Its incredible nutritional profile makes it one of the best dog foods for all life stages and nutritional needs.
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Human-Grade Dog Food
The quality of ingredients in this dog food is so great that it’s safe even for humans to ingest. This speaks volumes for the quality of a dog food, as it means there is no artificial stuff in there that could be harmful to your Doberman’s body. This is made up of dehydrated ingredients, keeping the taste and nutrients locked in for a more concentrated nutritional profile.
It’s made of a single protein source and carbs such as spinach, sweet potatoes, and quinoa. Kelp is also present in this dog food, which is always good for dog breeds predisposed to thyroid troubles.
9. Blue Buffalo Grain Free Dog Treats
Best Treat For Dobermans: Crunchy, tasty treats packed with protein and fat that your dog will enjoy and benefit from
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PROS
- Oven-baked dog food for locked-in, more concentrated nutrition
- Available in a few different flavors your pooch will surely love
- Nice protein and fat levels for a dog treat
- Made from premium natural ingredients
CONS
- Not good to use to up your pup’s calories
A high-quality, high-protein treat is a good thing to have on hand, whether it’s for using as a training incentive, getting some extra calories into your pup, or simply giving them some extra love during the day. Blue Buffalo Grain Free Dog Treats are highly nutritious, incredibly tasty, and excitingly crunchy – definitely a treat that your Doberman will enjoy.
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Good Nutritional Value for Treats
With 41 calories per biscuit, you can add a good few hundred calories per day depending on how many of these you feed your pet. They contain 30% protein and 15% fat, which are very nice numbers and are great supplements to your pet’s daily dry dog food. The fact that they’re made from very good quality ingredients is also a bonus.
How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Dobermans
1) Calorie Count
Choosing a dog food without paying attention to the calories is kind of like choosing to go on a road trip but not paying attention to the fuel gauge. You need an idea of how many calories your Dobe is burning each day in order to know how much to feed him to fulfill his nutritional needs and avoid both malnutrition and overfeeding and weight gain.
For Dobermans being fed twice a day, a high-calorie food is essential. As these pups need around 2000 calories a day, it’s a great idea to use a dry dog food that has upwards of 400 calories per scoop, and they may need a few scoops in each meal.
2) Protein Count & Quality
The best dog food for these pups should have 25 to 30% protein. It’s ideal for a healthy, energetic Doberman who is getting regular exercise. Of course, this should come from high-quality, identified sources, like real meat or meat meal.
If your Dobe is one who suffers from kidney or liver disease, he may be prescribed a low protein diet by his vet. In this case, you should be looking for a food with around 20% protein, but still from the same kind of natural sources.
3) Complex Carbohydrates
As these pooches can be prone to bouts of low blood sugar, the best dog food for them contains slow-burning complex carbs to give them sustained energy throughout the day and keep their blood sugar up.
Fruits and vegetables are the best sources, and if you choose to feed your pup something with grains in it, the food should contain fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or potatoes in addition to those.
Acceptable grains include brown rice, oatmeal, sorghum, quinoa, and barley. White rice is also acceptable, although brown rice is recommended for extra fiber.
4) Healthy Fats
These powerful pups need plenty of energy to see them through their generally activity-filled days. Fat is an amazing energy source, as it’s easily metabolized and gives your pooch a boost of sustained energy that will help them keep their energy levels stable as the day goes.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that more fat in a food automatically causes weight gain – this is all about how much of that energy your dog burns off as he metabolizes it. If your dog is less active, they’ll need a lower fat count, but a highly energetic dog will need a good amount of it.
5) Affordability
Being the parent of a super energetic, large breed working dog is quite a feat. You have to make sure they get enough exercise, they are stimulated throughout the day even when you’re not there, and make sure that they stay as healthy as possible, despite the numerous health conditions that can become a problem.
That’s why choosing a food with healthy natural ingredients shouldn’t be a high-stress ordeal, especially when it comes to cost. Sure, there are some foods that are quite a bit more expensive than others, although we can vouch for these being superior quality foods. However, there are some fantastic quality dog foods that are also very reasonably priced, and you shouldn’t automatically discard these based on their price tag (thinking they may be lesser quality).
You totally can feed your hungry Dobe a high-quality, nutritious diet without breaking the bank, and we’ve added this criterion for quick and easy comparison between food prices.
Questions & Answers
What’s the ideal caloric intake for Dobermans?
There’s a debate about whether a Doberman Pinscher is a large breed or a medium. Dobermans are sort of on the cusp of medium and large breeds, but because of their high energy and naturally active and powerful lifestyles, they need quite a chunk of calories per day.
A highly active adult large breed dog will need around 2100 calories a day, split between a few meals, unless they are a less active dog, in which case they might be comfortable with around 1800. Puppies should be all good with around 1800 calories a day until they’re adults, and seniors (depending on their activity levels) will need from 1300 to 1800.
Health issues, amount of exercise, and your pup’s general disposition will have an effect on how much they can eat healthily without gaining weight. You may need to do some experimenting to find what works best with your guy or girl.
What are the nutritional needs of Dobermans?
The best dog food for Doberman should have a protein count of 25 to 30% and an animal protein as the first ingredient. Be aware that this breed suffers from kidney and liver disease more than some others, so protein count will need to be adjusted down if your dog shows any signs of this.
Carbohydrate content should consist of complex, easily digestible carbs, preferably fruits and vegetables. Sweet potatoes, potatoes, starches, and fruits are great.
Gluten-free grains like brown rice are also acceptable if your pup’s stomach can tolerate them. Avoid corn, wheat, and soy.
Healthy fats are essential, and a count of 15% and upwards on dog food labels is great.
Although these are the baseline nutritional needs for healthy Dobermans, you will need to consider your own dog, their health, exercise, and lifestyle before assuming this is correct for all dogs.
What ingredients should I avoid when choosing the best dog food for Dobermans?
Grains that contain gluten should be avoided and include corn, wheat, and soy. Stick to higher quality, gluten-free ones like barley, brown rice, and oatmeal.
Artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives should be avoided because they have no nutritional value and can cause digestive issues.
Meat by-products should also be steered clear of. These are all the “off-cuts” that come out of factories – hooves, teeth, beaks, and so on. Also, avoid a food that uses vague, general terms such as “meat meal”, “animal fat”, or similar.
What food-related issues can Dobermans suffer from?
These majestic large breed dogs are unfortunately susceptible to some health problems. Although not all of these are specifically related to food, the quality of food they’re eating can make a huge difference to how their body responds and deals with health problems.
Hypothyroidism is a common disease in this breed, and you should get your dog tested for it if he or she displays any symptoms. The food they’re eating can help keep their symptoms at bay and improve thyroid function, so if your dog has been diagnosed with having an inactive or less-active thyroid, you’ll need to find a food that works best for that particular health problem.
Chronic hepatitis is a disease of the liver that Dobermans can also be prone to. It’s not really known why, but if your dog shows any symptoms of this, a vet’s trip is definitely in order. Liver disease can be a crippling thing, so your dog will need long-term treatment.
Bloat is a condition that is more food-related than some others on this list. It’s more common in deep-chested dogs, and Dobermans fall into this category. This is a life-threatening condition. Should your pup show signs, you’ll need to get them to the vet within an hour.
Wobbler Syndrome is a neurological disorder that originates in the neck (cervical spine) and causes a characteristic wobbly gait. Dobermans are prone to slipped discs in this region which can kick-off this disease due to causing spinal compression. It needs to be addressed with your pup’s vet.
These dogs also fall under dog breeds that suffer from hip, knee, and elbow dysplasia, and hypoglycemia.
Others to be aware of are cardiomyopathy, albinism, and Von Willebrand disease.
