Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Best Overall for Greyhounds: Merrick Backcountry Dry Dog Food
“Merrick Backcountry Dry Dog Food is an excellent grain free overall choice for hard-working, energetic, and active dogs. Its excellent omega levels and inclusion of joint supplements can support athletic breeds like your Greyhound.”
Best For Greyhound Puppies: Orijen Puppy Dry Dog Food
“Orijen Puppy Large has perfect calcium and phosphorus ratio to ensure proper bone development in your Greyhound puppy. This dog food contains balanced ingredients that meet the nutritional ingredients of younger dogs.”
Best Value For Money: Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dog Food
“Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dog Food is the best dog food containing superfood carb ingredients for a low price. For a very affordable price, your Greyhound will benefit from a rich collection of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.”
Greyhounds are sleek, curvy speedsters with impressive racing careers that require a very specific diet. Proper nutrition should begin at birth, as Greyhound puppies that grow too quickly can experience osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), which prevents the joints from attaching to the bones properly.
The key to maintaining a healthy Greyhound is making sure they’re growing at the right pace, which dog parents can achieve through carefully curated diets.
In this guide, you’ll discover our top picks for the best dog food for Greyhounds of all life stages.
Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- 10 Best Dog Food for Greyhounds
- 1. Merrick Backcountry Dry Dog Food
- 2. Orijen Puppy Large
- 3. Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dry Dog Food
- 4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food
- 5. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Patties
- 6. Acana Singles Dry Dog Food
- 7. American Journey Grain Free Dog Food
- 8. Orijen Senior Dry Dog Food
- 9. Canidae Pure Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 10. Merrick Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
- 1. Merrick Backcountry Dry Dog Food
- Key Elements in Dog Food for Greyhounds
- Questions & Answers
- Are Greyhounds considered medium or large breed dogs?
- What factors should I look for in the best dog food for Greyhounds?
- How many calories does my Greyhound need per meal?
- What are some common Greyhound health problems?
- How can I best exercise my Greyhound?
- What ingredients should I avoid feeding my Greyhound?
- Should I feed my Greyhound dry or wet food?
- Are Greyhounds considered medium or large breed dogs?
10 Best Dog Food for Greyhounds
Here are the best dog food products for Greyhounds:
- Best Overall for Greyhounds: Merrick Backcountry Dry Dog Food
- Best For Greyhound Puppies: Orijen Puppy Dry Dog Food
- Best Value For Money: Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dry Dog Food
- Best for Easy Digestion: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food
- Best Raw Food: Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Patties
- Best Limited Ingredient: Acana Singles Dry Dog Food
- Best For Dogs With Hypothyroidism: American Journey Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Best For Greyhound Seniors: Orijen Senior Dry Dog Food
- Best For Fussy Eaters: Canidae Pure Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Best Kibble Topper: Merrick Grain Free Wet Dog Food
1. Merrick Backcountry Dry Dog Food
Best Overall for Greyhounds: A premium option packed with ample nutrition for an active Greyhound
PROS
- High protein and reasonably high-fat content
- Raw-infused for extra taste, texture, and nutrition
- Many flavors available for Greyhounds with a pickier palette
- Superior omega inclusions and joint supplements
CONS
- Pricey (but worth it!)
The Merrick Backcountry Dry Dog Food is a grain-free food manufactured with hard-working and active dogs in mind. This dry dog food is ideal for Greyhounds who enjoy a daily speed run and burning off calories.
Whether your Greyhound is an adult or a puppy, this balanced dog food selection is bound to provide your pet with the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals required to thrive.
It is also the best dog food for Greyhounds transitioning into a raw diet.
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Recipe Range & Nutrient Values
Merrick’s recipes have some great names and really cater to dogs of all tastes.
Your options include Hero’s Banquet (beef, pork, and turkey, and which is dedicated to K9s for Warriors), Great Plains Red Recipe (beef, lamb meal, salmon meal), Wild Fields (chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal), High Plains (beef, chicken meal, turkey meal), Game Bird (turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal), Big Game (lamb, pork meal, turkey meal), and Pacific Catch (salmon, salmon meal, whitefish meal).
There’s also a puppy-specific recipe, and a large-breed specific formula, so there’s really something for everyone here.
These recipes have been meticulously crafted so that most of them have the same nutrient values – 38% protein and 17% fat.
Each one also contains super levels of Omega 3 and 6, a nice dose of glucosamine and chondroitin, and plenty of vitamins and minerals.
If you do want something with a slightly lower protein count, the Pacific Catch recipe has 34% protein and 16% fat, and slightly higher Omega levels.
2. Orijen Puppy Large
Best For Greyhound Puppies: A solid and healthy nutritional start for juvenile racing dogs
PROS
- Ideal protein and fat levels for developing racing dogs
- Perfect calcium/phosphorus ratio to ensure proper bone growth
- Anti-arthritis supplements include DHA and EPA
- Joint-fortifying additions support your puppy’s overall development
CONS
- Only one flavour available
When sustaining an active racing dog, the best dog food for puppies and adults may vary. In this case, Orijen Puppy Dry Dog Food
is rich in protein and calorie-limited to reduce stress on developing Greyhound bones.
It is grain-free, contains immune-boosting ingredients, vitamins, minerals, and joint supplements. Consider providing this food for your Greyhound between the ages of 0 and 2.
For fussier puppies, the best dog food for Greyhounds is free of ingredients that typically cause aversions. These ingredients include sweet potatoes, gluten, and tapioca.
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Puppy-Specific Nutrition
The 38% protein content in this dog food will help your little Greyhound’s muscles grow strong enough to support their lanky frames and become a proper racer.
Of course, glucosamine and chondroitin are important and are found in good doses. DHA and EPA help your puppy’s eyes and brain tissue to develop properly, so it’s an essential thing to see in a puppy food.
3. Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dry Dog Food
Best Value For Money: Impressively affordable for its better-than-most ingredient inclusions
PROS
- The best value for what you pay
- High in protein to maintain muscle mass
- Very high in fat, ideal for dogs who require regular exercise
- Contains superfood ingredients at an excellent price
CONS
- No variety in flavors, so if your dog doesn’t like chicken they may not like this one
Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dry Dog Food contains superior-quality ingredients for a more affordable price tag. While we don’t recommend catering to a Greyhound on a budget, this high-quality dog food makes for an ideal solution for tight funds.
Diamond Naturals is grain-free, packed with high protein levels and some of the highest fat levels we’ve seen—perfect for a dog that loves to run. This dog food for Greyhounds also contains a dash of joint juice and L-carnitine, which helps remove additional stress on the bones and joints.
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High Fat Levels, Great For Active Greyhounds
Your lively Greyhound will thrive on the fat count in this food, and you may even notice an increase in her energy levels.
It also comes from great, healthy sources like chicken, chicken fat, and flaxseed.
For such a well-priced food, their ingredient list is of the highest quality. Chicken meal is the first ingredient, followed by real chicken, making up its 32% protein count. Chicken meal is just as healthy as real meat and contains almost 4 times the amount of protein.
Rice and barley are the main sources of carbohydrates, both of which are easy-to-digest gluten-free grains. Added to that are a number of “superfoods”, such as kale, chia seeds, blueberries, kelp, and coconut, with a few other fruits and veggies in between. This is wonderful for the vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant levels and will benefit your dog more than you know.
4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food
Best for Easy Digestion: Packed with antioxidants that’s easy on the tummy
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PROS
- Quality, rich protein sources, such as salmon, duck, pork, and beef
- A precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Grain-free formula for dogs with allergies or aversions
- Does not contain any animal byproducts
CONS
- Pricey option
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food is an ideal choice for retired Greyhounds. This holistic formula is grain-free and high in protein levels, which provide ample energy for your still-active Greyhound. On top of that, it’s got the proprietary Lifesource bits from Blue Buffalo which is intended to support the digestion in your dog’s stomach.
This dog food for Greyhounds boasts a precise mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants is essential in boosting your dog’s immune system. There is an abundant variety of flavors for Greyhounds who prefer a specific taste.
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LifeSource Bits
This dog food contains Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource Bits are little nuggets of vitamins and minerals that will help boost your dog’s immune system and ensure his nutritional needs are met. They help keep the natural balance of your dog’s body and keep him full of energy.
The reason we rank this grain-free dog food from Blue Buffalo among the best food for Greyhounds is that it’s high in quality protein, has a good fat count, Omegas, and joint supplements. It also comes in three flavors.
5. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Patties
Best Raw Food: Great protein source with an excellent amino acid profile
PROS
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- Various flavors suit pickier eaters
- Contains healthy fruits and vegetables
CONS
- No glucosamine
If you’re looking for a nutritious raw diet for your pooch Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Patties “biologically appropriate” nutrition at its best.
This dog food is grain-free, packed with high-protein ingredients, including meat, organ, and bone, which support healthy bone growth and keep your dog’s joints in tip-top shape.
Loaded with vitamins and minerals and without a grain in sight, this no-joint-supplement dog food for Greyhounds does precisely what its joint-forward counterparts would.
High-energy dogs typically thrive on raw dog food, which is precisely where these dinner patties thrive. Raw muscle meat, organ meat, cartilage, and bone provide an ideal dose of amino acids, which help reduce inflammation and support joint cartilage.
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Recipe Range & Nutrient Values
Choose from Beef, Chicken, Lamb, Red Meat, Venison, Duck, Turkey, Rabbit, Pork, Salmon & Beef, and Venison & Lamb.
The recipes vary in nutritional value, although they’re all grain free and unusually high in protein and fat. The Chicken recipe is the highest in protein, at 48%, with the Venison being the lowest (at a still-very-high level of 36%).
In terms of fat, Lamb, Red Meat, and Duck top the list at 38%. The lowest fat count is found in the Chicken recipe, at 28%, which is still unusually high and would be great for an active dog.
The rest of these dog foods fall somewhere in between these numbers, making them all still very high in both nutrients.
6. Acana Singles Dry Dog Food
Best Limited Ingredient: Formulated for greyhounds with sensitive stomachs and bowel irritability
PROS
- Limited ingredient formula suits Greyhounds with food intolerance or allergies
- All recipes are high in protein and fat, ideal for active dogs
- Various flavors will satisfy any Greyhound’s selective palette
- Includes a high-quality ingredient list
CONS
- Pricey (but not unusual for limited ingredient)
If your Greyhound is one of the few who suffers from a sensitive stomach and requires a limited ingredient diet, Acana Singles Dry Dog Food is highly recommended. This range of grain-free dog foods contains only a single protein source and prevents an upset stomach.
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Flavors & Nutrition
Choose from 5 recipes, all of which contain a small number of high-quality ingredients and are high in protein, fat, healthy carbs, and contain impressive Omegas, DHA, EPA, and joint supplements.
Take your pick from Beef & Pumpkin, Duck & Pear, Lamb & Apple, Pork & Squash, and Turkey & Greens.
7. American Journey Grain Free Dog Food
Best For Dogs With Hypothyroidism: Glucosamine inclusion supports joints for sickly and overweight Greyhounds
PROS
- Relatively high in essential nutrients
- Contains kelp, which helps increase thyroid hormone production
- Plenty of flavors that don’t include artificially flavored beef
- Excellent value for what it provides
CONS
- A little lower in fat than preferable
Hypothyroidism in dogs occurs when they ingest various ingredients that impede red blood cell production and disrupt thyroid functionality. These harmful inclusions include artificial coloring, preservatives, and grains, all of which are absent in American Journey Dog Food.
This food is grain-free, contains wholesome fruits and vegetables, which aid digestion and balance the hormones.
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Variety Of Beef-Free, Grain Free flavors
This dog food is ideal for dogs with low thyroid function because you can easily avoid beef, potatoes, and grains containing gluten.
Choose from Salmon & Sweet Potato, Chicken & Sweet Potato, or Lamb & Sweet Potato, and if your dog has no problem with healthy grains, Salmon & Brown Rice, Chicken & Brown Rice, or Lamb & Brown Rice.
They also have grain-free dog food options specific to puppies, limited ingredient recipes, and plenty of treats.
Every flavor contains 32% or more protein, which is good for a Greyhound who gets daily exercise.
The fat count may be slightly too low to provide for your dog’s energy needs sufficiently, but this can be easily remedied by adding a couple of high-fat treats between meals to keep that energy level up.
8. Orijen Senior Dry Dog Food
Best For Greyhound Seniors: Supports older bones and is ideal for weight maintenance
PROS
- High protein and high-fat levels support older, active dogs
- Contains joint-strengthening supplements for deteriorating muscles
- Contains DHA and EPA, which provide therapeutic effects for aging dogs
- Good calcium-to-phosphorus ratio keeps bones tough
CONS
- Only one flavour available
Senior Greyhounds tend to retain their high energy levels and require just as much exercise as their younger counterparts. Fortunately, Orijen Senior Dry Dog Food is high in proteins and fat for pets with more active lifestyles.
This grain-free dog food for Greyhounds makes for a concentrated source of protein and nourishes older companions. Its fresh and raw animal ingredients are biologically appropriate and will allow any senior dog to thrive during its retirement years.
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Senior-Specific Ingredients
It has a superb quality ingredient list including real meat and wholesome fruits and vegetables. You’ll also find some ingredients that are really great for maintaining older dogs’ health.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are necessary ingredients for bouncy seniors, and the Omegas are at a nice level to keep your older guy or girl’s coat and skin sleek and shiny.
DHA and EPA are wonderful to see, and contribute towards brain and eye health. They’re often found only in puppy foods, but including them in a senior food gives your aging dog a bit of an extra boost.
9. Canidae Pure Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Best For Fussy Eaters: Rich variety of flavors will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters
PROS
- Various flavors are available and will happily satisfy fussy eaters
- Each recipe contains a maximum of 7 to 10 ingredients
- All recipes are grain-free and suitable for sensitive stomachs
- Has appropriate levels of protein & fat
CONS
- Slightly pricey
If your Greyhound happens to be a fussy eater, we recommend trying Canidae Pure Grain Free Dry Dog Food. Each recipe contains ten or fewer wholesome ingredients, which will satisfy even the most sensitive of stomachs.
Despite its limited ingredient recipe, this dog food contains high levels of protein and fat, which is ideal for Greyhounds of all life stages and activity levels. High levels of omega fatty acids and joint supplements help sustain an athletic lifestyle.
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Variety of Limited Ingredient flavors
Unfortunately, our dogs can’t tell us exactly what it is they don’t enjoy about particular dog foods, so if your pet is fussy, it’s best to have a range of options you can try until he finds something he likes.
You can choose from Duck, Lamb, Chicken, Salmon, Bison, Wild Boar, and Lamb, Goat, & Venison. They also have recipes formulated for specific types of dogs – Chicken for Puppies, Chicken for Seniors, Chicken for Small Breeds, and Chicken for Weight Management.
That means you should be able to stick to this range throughout your Greyhound’s entire life!
Another nice thing about these kibble recipes is that they don’t all contain the same protein and fat levels. This is really helpful for catering to your specific dog’s needs.
If you have a highly energetic Greyhound, one of the many recipes containing 30% protein or more will be beneficial for them. If you have a senior, some recipes contain great protein and slightly lower fat, or lower protein and fat, depending on what your pup needs.
Either way, if you do choose to chop and change to keep your fussy eater happy, you can rest assured they’ll be getting a whole lot of goodness in each mouthful of this kibble.
10. Merrick Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
Best Kibble Topper: A variety of flavors your dog will love no matter what
PROS
- Impressive variety of flavors
- Fully-balanced protein count for a wet food
- Doesn’t contain carrageenan, a common low-quality thickener
- Has real meat, fresh veggies, and plenty of moisture
CONS
- Can be quite strong-smelling and contribute to bad doggy breath
Greyhounds demand a particular caloric intake to support their sporadic bursts of energy and generally active lifestyle. If their dry dog food doesn’t suffice, adding a wet option or kibble topper can help them reach this goal more efficiently. With Merrick's Grain Free Wet Dog Food you can even achieve this with a bit of extra texture and taste.
This dog food contains chunks of real meat, bits of fresh vegetables, and a delicious gravy that your dog will be happy to consume.
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Good Quality Ingredient List
You’ll find real meat, wholesome vegetables, and broth in these grain-free dog foods, making it really well-rounded in terms of proteins, carbs, and moisture.
There are no by-products, no grains, and no artificial colors or flavors, so your pup’s stomach will be quite okay with this pet food. 8% protein and 3% fat is quite average for wet dog foods, so there’s nothing to complain about!
Key Elements in Dog Food for Greyhounds
1. High Protein
Greyhounds are built for speed. As such, the ideal dog food for Greyhounds should contain high levels of protein to support their muscles and bones.
Not only should your best dog food option include a high protein count, but contain a premium quality protein source (or more than one, in some cases).
In the dog food listed above, you won’t find meat by-products or unidentified meat sources. Instead, it should include high-quality animal proteins such as:
- Poultry, such as chicken, turkey, or duck
- Pork
- Beef
- Fish
Consider purchasing dog food options that only contain 25% protein and upwards. If your Greyhound is still reasonably active, they’ll need more than this amount. If you aren’t sure how much protein to feed your dog, consult with a veterinary expert regarding your pet’s specific needs.
2. High Fat
Contrary to what many dog owners think, a high fat count in your dog’s food does not contribute to instances of obesity – unless they aren’t getting enough exercise to burn it off.
Highly active dogs (such as Greyhounds, Huskies, Border Collies, and other working or hunting dogs) need easy-to-access, quick-burning energy—this is precisely what high-fat content provides.
In this list, we have enumerated options that contain 15% or more fat. This amount should support a Greyhound whose racing days are over, though remains a high-energy family pet.
3. Omega Fatty Acids
Greyhounds aren’t necessarily known for their luscious, flowing coats, though their skin is about as exposed as you can get to the elements. Because your Greyhound will likely spend a lot of its time outdoors, you must select food that nourishes its coat and skin.
Omega fatty acids help hydrate the skin, keeping it soft and supple. This allows your racing dog to remain protected even amid harsh weather.
Vitamin E and vitamin A are also welcome additions that contribute to healthy, happy skin.
4. Bone & Joint Supplements
As you can imagine, being the fastest dog in the world can take a toll on bones and joints! Food with a high calcium/phosphorus ratio allows Greyhound puppies to properly develop their bones at the ideal pace.
Joint-strengthening supplements are always welcome in options for Greyhounds. Glucosamine and chondroitin also help strengthen and support active joints. These ingredients prevent complications such as joint dysplasia.
We ensure that our recommendations are rich in joint-fortifying stuff. If you have trouble getting your hands on any of the above options, don’t worry. You can easily purchase individual supplements from your local pet store or as recommended by a veterinary professional.
5. Fruits & Vegetables
While Greyhounds don’t typically suffer from poor digestion, selecting a diet with lots of beneficial fruits and vegetables will provide them with much-needed fiber. A healthy mix of whole meats and plant fibers can prevent the occurrence of bloat.
6. Affordability
The best dog food shouldn’t have to cost you a fortune. While your dog certainly won’t understand what it means to be on a budget, it’s undoubtedly in your interest to avoid overly pricey options.
Many of the best dog food brands come with a price tag that reflects their premium status. While most pet parents will have no trouble spending more than usual to provide their dog with the best, it isn’t always an option for others. Our Best Value for Money option is ideal for Greyhound parents who want to shave off a few dollars without compromising high-quality ingredients packed with nutrition. When shopping for a low-budget diet, ensure that it contains all the dietary minimums that your dog requires.
Questions & Answers
Are Greyhounds considered medium or large breed dogs?
Generally, Greyhounds range from 50 and 85 pounds in weight, which is enough to consider them a larger breed. However, its smaller counterparts, such as the Italian Greyhound, are considered a toy breed, whereas Whippets fall within the medium range.
Thus, what type of dog food best supports the development of your Greyhound will depend on their specific weight and size. Typically, a regular Greyhound will thrive on large-breed-specific dog food.
What factors should I look for in the best dog food for Greyhounds?
The best dog food for Greyhounds will typically be high in protein from premium quality sources and will contain levels of up to 30% or more.
It will also boast a high amount of fat for them to use as quick-access energy. If your Greyhound is not as active as it once was, 15% is an appropriate fat level to seek. On the other hand, Greyhounds getting more regular exercise should consume fat levels between 18% and 20%.
Fruits and vegetables always make for an excellent carbohydrate source and incorporate an ideal dose of vitamins and minerals. Gluten-free grains are best for Greyhounds with intolerance or allergies. If they don’t have any specific aversions, ingredients such as rice, barley, millet, quinoa, and oatmeal are excellent sources of fiber.
You’ll also want to see omega fatty acids and a dose of glucosamine and chondroitin for optimal joint health. Always select dog food with artificial colors and flavors.
While we recommend primarily feeding dry dog food, you can introduce a wet option as a supplement or topper.
How many calories does my Greyhound need per meal?
According to The Greyhound Project, Inc., a 50-pound Greyhound will need around 1350 calories a day, while a 90-pound fellow will need about 2100.
Based on these calculations, you can estimate where your dog fits in and feed them accordingly. It’s also always a good idea to refer to the feeding instructions on your dog’s specifically chosen diet.
The best dog food for Greyhounds should be of a calorie count that allows for two meals per day. If you have trouble providing your dog with enough food to hit its ideal calorie levels, consider feeding a few high-calorie treats between meals.
You’ll need to be discerning here, and if your dog is becoming a little overweight, consider reducing its daily calories by 100 per day. Observe whether its weight evens out in a couple of weeks. If not, keep reducing its calorie intake by 100 every week until its starts to appear like its usual lean self.
If your dog’s ribs begin to protrude and they demonstrate no energy for the exercise they usually enjoy, reverse the habit by increasing their calorie intake by 100 a week until you hit a sweet spot.
Remember, if your pup is consuming both a dry and wet meal per day, that equates to twice the calories required in a single meal. Don’t forget to cater its calorie intake to its weight, size, age, and activity levels.
If you’re having trouble calculating this exact amount, consult a nutritional calculator online or schedule an appointment with your local veterinarian.
What are some common Greyhound health problems?
Greyhounds are typically very healthy dogs due to their highly active lifestyles and high stamina. However, while they don’t often suffer from health issues such as sensitive stomachs, food allergies, and other genetic predispositions, it is entirely possible to develop an unwanted condition.
If your Greyhound suffers from skin allergies or specific food aversions, it’s most likely due to their coat being so short. Short coats tend to expose the skin to outside elements with little to no protection.
When the weather calls for it, consider purchasing a Greyhound-appropriate sunscreen for your dog. You can keep your dog warm during cold spells with protective gear. Essential accessories such as coats and boots can reduce the chances of their skin becoming dry, itchy, and flaky. Consider these foods for Greyhounds that shed more than usual.
One issue that deep-chested dogs such as Greyhounds are prone to that can be hazardous is bloat. Bloat causes the stomach to fill with air, building pressure and preventing blood in the hind legs from circulating correctly. When bloat occurs, your dog’s heart runs the risk of stopping cold.
Making sure your dog doesn’t consume his food too fast will help. If you notice symptoms, consult with an emergency vet as quickly as possible, as obstructed oxygen flow can occur rapidly.
Other things to watch out for include hypothyroidism, musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis, and the rare occurrence of food-related allergies and sensitivities.
How can I best exercise my Greyhound?
Although Greyhounds sometimes tend to become couch potatoes, they will more often take the opportunity to enjoy a run outdoors.
One run per day is the minimum exercise you should be indulging in with your active Greyhound. Although a frolic around the backyard will suffice, a walk through the neighborhood will provide more mental stimulation, which is also beneficial for these brilliant pups.
Just be aware—Greyhounds are not slow runners. You’ll need to be pretty fit to keep up with it, and it’s never a good idea to let it run off its leash. Greyhounds have an impossible-to-control prey instinct and will likely disappear after the nearest cat, rabbit, or bird.
During the summer, swimming at the lake or beach makes for excellent exercise for an active greyhound. This low-impact exercise is also ideal for older dogs.
What ingredients should I avoid feeding my Greyhound?
It should go without saying that your Greyhound deserves a complete and balanced diet for all life stages. While you can easily select the proper meal by consulting dog food reviews and recommendations from friends, there are some ingredients you don’t want on that list.
Some of these ingredients include:
- Chocolate: No matter the breed, you should never indulge your dog in chocolate. This killer food contains theobromine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, palpitations, or even death in high amounts.
- Caffeine Products: Caffeine poisoning in dogs can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, and heart palpitations. Never give your dog tea, coffee, or cola.
- Grains: While Greyhounds are less sensitive to grains than other dogs, you’ll want to avoid ingredients like corn or soy to prevent allergies.
- Fillers: While seemingly innocuous additions to most meals, fillers provide your dog with little nutritional benefit and are primarily artificial.
- Low-Quality Proteins: Avoid dog food with meat meals, as these are a poorly concentrated substitute for whole meats such as beef, chicken, or lamb.
- Low-Quality Fats: Contrary to popular belief, high-fat dog foods are beneficial for more active dogs than most. Instead of ingredients like chicken fat, consider higher quality sources like fish oil. These high-quality foods are free of unhealthy chicken meal.
Should I feed my Greyhound dry or wet food?
We always recommend feeding your dog dry kibble with wet options as a topper. A diet that primarily consists of wet food can provide too much moisture, which loosens the stool and can cause an upset stomach.
Dry kibble will also help counter common issues such as poor dental health in Greyhounds. Consider introducing a dental water additive to your dog’s daily meals if it suffers from dental problems. If feeding wet food as a whole meal, limit this frequency to twice or thrice a week.
