The Rundown
Premium Option: ORIJEN Puppy Dog Food
“Ensure a happy and healthy life for your little pooch with a diet that contains a full range of nutrients and supplements, something that ORIJEN Puppy Dog Food offers. It’s delicious and specifically formulated for small breeds like your Corgi.”
Best Limited Ingredient: Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
“You don’t have to worry about keeping your beloved Corgi healthy and safe from any allergies with the Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food. Its limited ingredient formulation keeps your pooch from any problem proteins while giving him the proper nutrition he needs.”
Best with Grains: Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Puppy Food
“If you want a healthy source of Carbohydrates for your Corgi, you can never go wrong with the Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Puppy Food. It has a good protein count, a nutritious ingredient list, and all the supplements a Corgi puppy needs.”
Corgis love to eat and they’re prone to gaining weight. When they do, they’re at risk of developing joint and heart problems.
That’s why you need to feed them properly from the start! Here are our choices for the best food for Corgi puppy dogs to boost their health from a young age.
Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- Best Food for Corgi Puppy
- 1. ORIJEN Puppy Dog Food
- 2. Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- 3. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Puppy Food
- 4. Evolve Deboned Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- 5. Canidae Pure Petite Raw Coated Puppy
- 6. Wellness Core Dry Small Breed Puppy Food
- 7. Blue Buffalo Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food
- 8. Taste of the Wild Recipe for Growing Puppies
- 1. ORIJEN Puppy Dog Food
- Nutritional Needs of Corgis
- Potential Health Problems and Dietary Considerations for Corgi Puppies
- Tips for Feeding a Corgi
- Questions & Answers
Best Food for Corgi Puppy
Here are our top picks for the best food for corgi puppies:
- Premium Option: ORIJEN Puppy Dog Food
- Best Limited Ingredient: Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- Best with Grains: Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Puppy Food
- Best Value for Money: Evolve Deboned Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Best with Raw: Canidae Pure Petite Raw Coated Puppy
- Best for Energetic Puppies: Wellness Core Dry Small Breed Puppy Food
- Best for Immune System Health: Blue Buffalo Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food
- Best Without Joint Supplements: Taste of the Wild Recipe for Growing Puppies
1. ORIJEN Puppy Dog Food
Premium Option: Complete, comprehensive puppy food with a full range of supplements
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Key Features
- Rich in protein and fat for active Corgis
- Above-average levels of Omega fatty acids
- Added joint supplements
- Biologically appropriate dog food
We recommend Orijen grain-free puppy food for Corgi puppies who are energetic and active throughout the day. It’s high enough in fat to provide for a puppy’s daily energy and high enough in protein to help them build good muscle. It also contains all the added supplements a growing puppy needs to become strong and healthy.
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2. Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Best Limited Ingredient: Best for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs
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Key Features
- Good variety of L. I. D. recipes
- Contains DHA and taurine for optimal health
- Joint supplements added
- Muscle and organ meat
Corgis who struggle with food allergies or sensitive stomachs would benefit from Acana Singles limited ingredient, grain-free dry dog food. Not only is it filled to the brim with healthy ingredients and supplements, but it’s also available in five different recipes. This allows your dog to have a range of flavor choices while still avoiding problem ingredients.
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3. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Puppy Food
Best with Grains: Packed with wholesome grains for taste, texture, and fiber
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Key Features
- Two flavors to choose from
- Contains probiotics and prebiotics
- Supports healthy and strong joints
- Contains taurine for a healthy heart
Grains are a healthy source of carbohydrates for little Corgis who don’t have sensitive stomachs. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains dog food contains brown rice, barley, oatmeal, and quinoa, none of which contain gluten.
This kibble hits the spot in terms of a good protein count, a nutritious ingredient list, and all the supplements a Corgi puppy needs.
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4. Evolve Deboned Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Best Value for Money: Wallet-friendly but packed with wholesome ingredients, vitamins, and minerals
Key Features
- Affordable but excellent quality dog food
- Vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables
- Packed with Omegas
- Joint supplements included
Try Evolve if you’re looking for a grain-free puppy food for your Corgi that’s affordable but top quality. This grain-free dry dog food costs less than 2 dollars per pound but it’s loaded with healthy ingredients and a respectable range of supplements. We highly recommend it for Corgi owners on a budget.
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5. Canidae Pure Petite Raw Coated Puppy
Best with Raw: Extra texture, taste, and amino acids with raw
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Key Features
- Raw-coated kibble
- Small-breed puppy specific
- Limited ingredient recipe
- Small kibble size
If you plan on transitioning your Corgi to raw food when they’re older, Canidae Pure Petite raw-coated puppy kibble is the best way to do it. It’s formulated for small breed puppies and has a high-quality ingredient list. The limited ingredient formulation of this dog food makes it ideal for puppies with sensitive stomachs.
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6. Wellness Core Dry Small Breed Puppy Food
Best for Energetic Puppies: Very high in protein and fat, best for dogs on a joint supplement
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Key Features
- Leading levels of Omegas
- 38% protein and 18% fat
- Enriched with taurine, DHA, and EPA
- Probiotics and prebiotics added
Does your Corgi puppy get a good amount of daily exercise? If so, this recipe from Wellness Core would be ideal for them. It’s unusually high in fat, which provides their daily energy. It’s also rich in animal protein, helping them build healthy muscle. Healthy supplement additions make it a nutrient-rich choice for your growing Corgi.
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7. Blue Buffalo Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Best for Immune System Health: Boosts the immune and digestive systems
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Key Features
- LifeSources Bits boost immune health
- Small-bite kibble
- Grain-free and wholesome
- Rich in antioxidants
We’ve chosen Blue Buffalo Freedom as the best food for Corgis who need an immune system boost. Nutritionally, it’s well-rounded and wholesome, containing top-notch ingredients and extra supplements.
Blue Buffalo dog foods also contain LifeSource Bits—cold-formed nuggets of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You’ll find them in between the normal kibble pellets, and they help improve your dog’s immune system.
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8. Taste of the Wild Recipe for Growing Puppies
Best Without Joint Supplements: Recommended for Corgis on a separate joint supplement
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Key Features
- Good protein and fat levels
- Sweet potatoes for fiber and sustained energy
- Contains DHA and added vitamins and minerals
- Live probiotics for digestive health
Taste of the Wild High Prairie dog food contains only wholesome ingredients, and we suggest trying it for Corgis who have a sensitive stomach and are already on a glucosamine supplement. It uses a variety of animal proteins but avoids chicken. The sweet potato in this dog food provides sustained energy during the day, helped along by 17% fat from chicken fat.
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Nutritional Needs of Corgis
Protein
Protein is an essential nutrient for all dogs. For puppies, it helps build muscle at a healthy pace. For adult Corgis, it helps maintain muscle mass and support their solid frames.
Animal protein is always best. Chicken is an excellent source, but also a common allergen. Other sources include beef, lamb, turkey, salmon, whitefish, and duck. Some dog foods contain “exotic” meats like kangaroo, rabbit, venison, or guinea fowl. Plant protein is acceptable if it’s secondary to animal protein sources.
As a general rule, the more active your pup is the more protein they should consume. Don’t go low-protein unless it’s been recommended by a vet. The average Corgi should get 25% protein or more in their dog food.
Fats
Dogs get their daily energy from fats. Corgis are active dogs. According to AAFCO, adults need a minimum of 5% fat in their diet, while puppies need 8% at the very least.
We recommend choosing a Corgi dog food with around 14% fat for puppies. This should provide enough energy for your Corgi to thrive each day.
Look for chicken fat, pork fat, salmon oil, or canola oil as great fat sources. Avoid anything vaguely named, such as “animal fat”.
Make sure your Corgi’s activity level is high enough to burn off the fat in his dog food. Corgis are prone to obesity, and the fat level is the main culprit.
Keep in mind that fatty acids are different from crude fat. They’re also essential, and especially in a food for puppies, DHA and EPA need to be present to meet a growing dog’s nutritional needs.
Carbohydrates & Fiber
Although fats are a dog’s main energy source, carbohydrates are still important. Fruits and vegetables are essential, providing fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Veggies like sweet potato, pumpkin, and other squashes add a great dose of fiber to your dog’s diet. Corgis with a sensitive tummy that manifests as diarrhea or constipation would benefit from an increase in fiber.
Fruits such as blueberries, apples, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants. This boosts the immune system. Fruits and vegetables also add a natural flavor and color to dog food, which reduces the need for any artificial colors or flavors.
Minerals & Vitamins
Corgis’ nutritional needs include balanced minerals and vitamins. Often, they’re provided in the fruit and veggie ingredients. But dog food for Corgis should include some added vitamins and minerals too.
Vitamin A and vitamin E are often found on the guaranteed analysis list. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) may be found too. Minerals such as zinc, selenium, calcium, and phosphorus are important and may be added in small amounts.
Some dog foods, like Blue Buffalo, offer unprecedented amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in their dog food. It’s important to note that mineral and vitamin imbalances (including too much of any particular one) can cause or contribute to health problems. Check with your dog’s vet if you suspect that their numbers may be out of balance.
Ingredients to Avoid
Not all ingredients are healthy. First and foremost, avoid corn, wheat, and soy. These are grains that contain gluten, which is indigestible to dogs. If you’d prefer not to go grain-free, choose a Corgi dog food with gluten-free grains, such as brown rice, oatmeal, or barley.
By-products should also be avoided at all costs. Not all animal by-products are bad, but some of them can contain beaks, hooves, or claws. There’s no way to tell if it’s healthy or not, so rather avoid it completely.
Also avoid artificial ingredients, like colors, flavors, and preservatives. Things like “caramel flavor” or colors like Red 40 or Blue 2 are red flags.
Potential Health Problems and Dietary Considerations for Corgi Puppies
Obesity
Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi are at risk of excessive weight gain. Food is a great motivator for these dogs, and Corgis eat even when they’re not hungry!
Obesity can lead to joint problems like hip dysplasia, because of the extra weights on Corgis’ small joints. It can also put strain on the heart.
Although obesity affects adult Corgis more than puppies, it’s essential to get your feeding schedule right from early on.
Heart Disease
Heart disease also affects Corgis. A dog food for Corgis should contain taurine, which helps to strengthen the cardiovascular system.
Keeping your Corgi at the right weight is also essential to maintain a healthy heart. Avoiding artificial ingredients also keeps your Corgi pup as healthy as possible and doesn’t compromise the immune or digestive system.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Hip, knee, and elbow dysplasia can happen to a puppy, adult Corgi, or senior dog. Older dogs and very active dogs are more prone to it.
Signs include lameness, “bunny hopping”, a reduction in physical activity, and limping. Feeding your Corgi puppy dry dog food containing glucosamine and chondroitin will strengthen the joints from a young age.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
Intervertebral disc disease (IVD or IVDD) is more common in chondrodystrophic dogs, which are those with disproportionately short limbs, like Corgis. The vertebral discs in the spine degenerate, causing pain, a loss of feeling, and even paralysis.
Joint supplements and good levels of calcium and phosphorus in a puppy-specific dog food for Corgis can help to prevent it.
Skin Problems
Corgis can suffer from skin problems related to food allergies. The best food for Corgis should contain high levels of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which contribute to a shiny coat and moisturized, well-nourished skin.
Bloat
Surprisingly, Corgis can also suffer from bloat. This is more common in the Pembroke Welsh Corgi than the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, but it’s important to feed them the right portions and keep them active.
Tips for Feeding a Corgi
1) Don’t Leave Food Out
Never leave your Corgi’s food within reach, because they will eat it all! Instead, get them used to a consistent feeding schedule.
Set a time for breakfast and a time for dinner. Try to stick to it as consistently as possible. Your Corgi will come to expect their breakfast and dinner at these times, and while they may seem starving, they’ll end up eating the right amount for their body.
Be careful with treats between meals. Even if you aren’t leaving them to free-feed, too many treats between meals can increase their calorie count, leading to extra weight.
2) Monitor Their Weight
Keep an eye on your Corgi’s weight. Ask your vet about their ideal weight and weigh them at least once a month to make sure they’re staying on track.
If your Corgi is getting a little chubby, reduce their daily calories by 50 and let them eat at this new calorie count for a week or two. If they’re getting back to their ideal weight, stick to that calorie count. If not, reduce by another 50 for two weeks, and so on.
If your Corgi is getting scrawny, do the same process, just increasing their calories by 50 at a time. Once you’ve found the sweet spot for your Corgi, stick to it but double check their weight at least once a month.
Changes in age, health, activity level, or even things like moving to a new home can affect the way your dog’s body metabolizes food. That’s why it’s important to check constantly.
3) Try a Limited Ingredient Recipe Dry Dog Food
Some Corgis have sensitive tummies. Some don’t, but if your Corgi suffers from food-related allergies or digestive problems, a limited ingredient dog food could be the answer. Note that it doesn’t have to be a grain-free recipe! Dry dog food with gluten-free grains is acceptable.
Limited ingredient means there are as few ingredients as possible. There’s less chance of your pup eating something they’re allergic to. Finding a limited ingredient food that has a variety of recipes is first prize, so your Corgi doesn’t become bored.
A limited ingredient diet could be particularly helpful for a senior dog, whose nutritional needs have changed with age. Make sure it’s still rich in protein, high in fat, and contains a range of supplements.
Questions & Answers
Which fruits and vegetables are harmful for my Corgi?
Generally, veggies and fruits that you find in dog foods are perfectly healthy for your Corgi. If you’re feeding your Corgi vegetables and fruits separately, some are not so healthy.
Grapes and raisins are to be avoided at all costs. They’re extremely toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure and even death. Citrus fruits should also be left out of your dog’s diet, as they’re high in sugar.
Also, don’t allow your Corgi to eat nuts. Not all are toxic, but some can cause muscle tremors, seizures, or death. It’s best to leave them out of your dog’s diet completely.
Most vegetables are healthy. Avoid feeding your dog garlic, onions, or hot peppers. Everything else is fair game!
Do I need a grain-free dog food for Corgis?
There’s no need to feed your Corgi a grain-free dog food. Grains containing gluten can cause digestive upset, so as long as you avoid corn, wheat, and soy, other grains should be okay.
Not all Corgis will respond the same way to gluten-free grains, though. Monitor your Corgi carefully to make sure his digestive system can handle them.
If your Corgi has a sensitive stomach and you choose to go grain-free, make sure there’s a good array of fruits and veggies as carbohydrate ingredients. Starchy vegetables like potatoes or pumpkin can offer the fiber that is found in grains, which grain-free foods can often miss.
What is a healthy weight for a Corgi?
Every Corgi is different, but there are weight standards to ensure they stay healthy. The American Kennel Club has breed standards for both the Pembroke and Cardigan Corgi varieties.
The breed standard for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi states that a show-ready male should weigh 27 pounds, and a female 25 pounds. If your dog isn’t competing, males shouldn’t weigh more than 30 pounds and females shouldn’t exceed 28 pounds.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi breed standard specifies that males should be between 30 and 38 pounds and females between 25 and 34 pounds.
But a Corgi’s fur can lead to a deceiving visual and scale result. The best way to determine if your Corgi is the right weight is by examining them.
You shouldn’t be able to see their ribs, but when you run your hands along their rib cage you should be able to feel each rib clearly. There should be distinct separations between their rib cage, abdomen, and thighs. Your Corgi should have curves!
How often should I feed my Corgi?
Between 2 and 4 months of age, Corgi pups should be fed 4 meals a day. From 4 to 6 months, they should get 3 meals a day, and by 8 months they should be eating two meals a day. From one year old, you can move from a puppy formula to a small breed adult dog food.
Some Corgi parents believe that one meal a day is sufficient for their Corgi. But to avoid bloat, Corgis shouldn’t eat too much in a single meal. We believe two meals a day is a safer and more comfortable option for your Corgi, keeping them satiated enough between meals.
Make sure you know your Corgi’s daily calorie count and you’re splitting it between their meals. You’ll need to reevaluate this fairly often in their first year of life, until they’re fully grown. You can check with your vet about the appropriate time to make the transition.
What human food can Corgis eat?
If you’re going to feed your Corgi a fresh food diet, they can eat protein ingredients such as deboned chicken, beef, lamb, and deboned turkey, raw or cooked. Raw food offers higher levels of amino acids. Fruits and veggies that are great for Corgi dogs include potatoes (preferably sweet, but white are acceptable if your dog’s stomach can handle them), pumpkin, and squashes.
If you’re feeding your pup a dry dog food, you need to be extra careful feeding them human food in between meals. It can increase their calories and their weight. Raw vegetables or fruit pieces can be a healthy, low-calorie snack.
Avoid feeding your dog processed foods, sugary foods, or baked goods. This goes for a pup or an adult Corgi, of any size, weight, or activity level.