10 Best Dog Foods for Whippets

The Whippet is a highly active dog full of energy and a spirit of adventure. They are medium-sized dogs, similar in build to the Greyhound. Dubbed the poor man’s racehorse, Whippets have high activity levels, and they can run at speeds of up to 35 mph.

Choosing the best dog food for a Whippet requires the doggy dad to consider a few special nutrition requirements of this dog breed.

• Whippets need a high-quality diet to fuel their daily activity.
• Whippets have very light coats that can’t keep them warm in the cold, another reason for diets with good fat content.
• Whippets are prone to weight gain and even obesity if it is on the wrong diet or allowed to free feed.
• Whippets are genetically predisposed to skin disorders, but they affect only some dogs and should only be fed Limited Ingredient or grain-free diets if prescribed by a vet.

But how does one find the best food for a Whippet or any other breed? Each dog is different, and a dog food marked for a medium, active dog might not be the best choice for your medium-sized Whippet.

When choosing food for your furry friend, consider its current health, metabolism, activity level, and life stage. A puppy’s nutritional needs differ from that of a teenage, adult, and senior dog. Also, your pregnant Whippet needs specific nutrients to ensure she has enough milk, and once the puppies are born, the lactating mother has additional needs. A nursing mama dog will do whatever she needs to ensure her puppies are well-fed, and you will be the one who must see that she gets the necessary nutrients to do that.

Making a choice that will provide optimal health for your Whippet is complex. It takes time to research and gather information to help you make up your mind. Many professionals agree that variety is the key to giving your dog the best diet. Dog Food Care can guide you through the clutter. 

There are three primary questions for Whippet parents. 

• Learn the six essential nutrients every dog needs.
• Learn how much to feed your Whippet
• Learn what to look for on dog food labels

What are the six essential nutrients?

Many dog food labels say “Complete and Balanced,” but what is required for dog food to be complete and balanced? The product is formulated to meet the nutrient levels established by AAFCO for a particular life stage or all life stages.‍ It says you can feed only this food, and your dog will get all the required nutrients. The six essential nutrients are listed below.

1. Water: 70% to 80% of your Whippet’s mature body weight is made up of water. It’s essential to make sure your dog has access to an adequate, clean water supply daily. Dogs should drink approximately one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. Without sufficient water, your dog’s body will be unable to maintain critical bodily functions shown below.

• Dissolve and transport nutrients to cells
• Regulate body temperature, 
• Digest foods
• Flush away waste, and much more.

2. Proteins: Your Whippet’s body uses 23 amino acids to build tissues. However, your canine companion’s body can only produce 13 of those on its own. The remaining 10 amino acids must come from proteins in the dog’s diet. To ensure your dog is fueling their day and body with enough protein, look for dog foods with natural, high-quality proteins as the first ingredient. Whole meats and meat meals are good because both provide excellent protein and nutrition. Whole meats contain more water before being processed (which cooks off) and meals are already cooked to remove their water, dried, and ground. So a mix of both on the ingredient label is a great thing.

Whole Meats

• Fish
• Meat
• Poultry

Meat Meals

• Chicken Meal
• Beef Meal
• Salmon Meal

Meat meals contain about four times the protein meats do, so generally, they’re a good source of nutrients, but only when they are named.

3. Fats: Fatty acids, as they are called when talking about dietary needs, are essential for energy and also for your furry doggo’s skin and coat health. Your dog’s body cannot produce essential fatty acids and relies on you to include them in its diet to maintain optimal health. Some essential fatty acids for your dog are:

• Linoleic acid
• Omega-6
• Omega-3

4. Carbohydrates: Carbs are necessary to power the tissues in your dog’s body and for healthy digestion. Carbohydrates are plant-based, coming from grains, barley, brown rice, whole corn, potatoes, etc. It provides the dog’s body with

• Sugars
• Starches
• Fiber

5. Vitamins: Proper growth and health maintenance are impossible without including vitamins in your Whippet’s diet. Vitamins support many critical roles in your dog’s diet. As long as your choice of dog food is a complete and balanced meal under AAFCO’s guidelines, your pup should be receiving many of the vitamins necessary to keep them healthy and happy. 

• Vitamin D helps to regulate calcium and phosphorus levels 
• Vitamin A helps to boost the immune system 
• Vitamin E and C serve as antioxidants 
• Vitamin K helps with blood clots and 
• Vitamin B12 helps maintain a healthy nervous system. 

6. Minerals: Like vitamins, minerals support several critical roles in your dog’s diet. While different minerals provide different benefits, some general functions include bone and cartilage formation, hormone regulation, oxygen flow, and nerve and muscle function. Recipes with chelated minerals promote mineral attachment to proteins for maximized absorption during the digestive process. Below are some specific attributes of essential minerals for your dog. 

• Calcium and phosphorus make up a large portion of bone matter 
• Iron helps to carry oxygen through the body 
• Zinc supports proper wound healing 
• Selenium helps provide antioxidant support 
• Sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium help with nerve transmission and fluid balance.

What to look for on your dog food labels

Like your food labels, your Whippet’s food label shows what ingredients it contains and the percentage of essential nutrients in each bag. The ingredients are listed from highest to lowest content by weight and the percentage it represents, with 80% of the food made up of the first 5 ingredients. Studying the ingredients list will help you understand what you feed your dog.

Another part of the information on dog food labels is the Guaranteed Analysis (GA). It is the nutrient profile found on the back of the bag or can. GAs divulge the diet’s basic nutrient composition regarding minimum crude protein, minimum crude fat, and maximum crude fiber. GAs let you know precisely what you are getting. 

The name game when decoding the label

The first five or 10 ingredients on the list will give you a good idea about the quality of the ingredients. You always want to see the protein listed in the first position, and then it must be the real thing. If the list of a bag of Beef Dog Food shows the beef first, followed by whole-grain corn and then soybean meal, the percentage of whole-grain corn will be less than the beef, and the soybean meal will be less than the whole-grain corn.

So, if you buy a bag of kibble called Beef Dog Food, beef must be number one on the list, and as per the FDA, it must make up 95% of the product. In contrast, if that bag of dog food’s label says “Beef Dinner,” “Beef Recipe,” “Beef Flavor,” or similar descriptions, the beef percentage need not exceed 25%. 

What are fillers?

In most dog foods, especially kibble, there are added ingredients to help your dog feel full but provide little nutritional value. Usually, fillers are bulky, starchy, and carbohydrate-rich ingredients that could have been replaced by healthier, more natural ingredients.

Typically, these products are cheap and easy for manufacturers to keep costs low. Some common fillers in commercial dog foods are so cheap that they will irritate your dog, causing allergies or sensitivities. There is no official list of fillers, and what some dog owners regard as fillers, others believe they are healthy. Examples include corn, wheat, rice, unspecified by-products, potato protein, pea protein, and more.

Dog Food Care reviewed the 10 Dog Foods listed below 

After reviewing many dog food brands, Dog Food Care recommends those that stood out as best for your Whippet.

1. Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Lamb Dog Food
2. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food Puppy Recipe
3. AvoDerm Advanced Senior Health Lamb and Chicken Meals Formula
4. VICTOR Purpose Performance Formula Dry Dog Food 
5. SPORTMiX Wholesomes Chicken Meal & Rice Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
6. Instinct Nature’s Variety Skin & Coat Health Raw Boost Recipe with Real Chicken Adult Dry Dog Food
7. The Honest Kitchen Food Clusters Whole Grain Beef & Oat Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food
8. Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
9. Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
10. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

The packaging of the above dog foods ranges from 14-pound bags to 40-pound bags, and prices from $38.96 to $122.28 per bag. When broken down to prices per pound, the average is $4.45 per pound.

Dog Food Care’s choice of top 5 dog foods for Whippet dogs is listed below.

Image	Product	Features	Price
Best Overall	ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food – Lamb Nutrient-dense recipe with delicious premium lamb 100% free-range, grass-fed only Enhanced with superfoods New Zealand Green Mussel & organic kelp	10	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy
Best for Puppies	Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food Enhanced with superfood and nutrient-rich quinoa  Contains essential DHA for brain development with omega fatty acids Glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints	9.9	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy
Best for Seniors	AvoDerm Natural Advanced Senior Dry Dog Food, Lamb Recipe Guaranteed levels of DHA support joints and brain function Omega fatty acids from avocados promote healthy skin and coat Does not contain artificial colors or preservatives	9.8	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy
Best for Active Dogs	VICTOR Super Premium Dog Food – Performance Enhanced with chondroitin and glucosamine to support joint health Contains 81% premium protein Probiotics promote healthy digestion	9.7	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy
Best Value	Sportmix Wholesomes Chicken Meal And Rice Dry Dog Food, 40 Lb. Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids support healthy skin and shiny coat Brown rice provides essential fiber Comes from a single source protein meal	9.5	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy

Below are Dog Food Care’s top 10 recommendations for feeding your Whippet at its different life stages

Best Overall
1. Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Lamb Dog FoodZiwi Peak Air-Dried Lamb Dog Food

ZIWI was founded in 2002 by Peter Mitchell, a free-range deer farmer from New Zealand. The creators of Ziwi dog foods wanted to combine the nutritional benefits of a raw food lifestyle with dry nutrition. The naturally healthy and raw dog food is formulated with sustainable ingredients from sustainable NZ farms and made in New Zealand. Its ingredients can be cultivated naturally in New Zealand and sourced specifically for use in its cooking. 

10/10Our Score

• Nutrient-dense recipe with delicious premium lamb
• 100% free-range, grass-fed only
• Enhanced with superfoods New Zealand Green Mussel & organic kelp

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Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Lamb is a great quality dog food at a high price. This product contains no controversial ingredients and zero artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. The quality of the meat and fat is high, and the number of carbs is relatively low compared to the protein and fat.

This diet includes fresh meat, organs, bones, and green mussels for a natural source of chondroitin and glucosamine to support joint health. It also contains high taurine levels to promote heart health. Using a gentle twin-stage air-drying process, they naturally preserve all the ingredients, eliminating pathogenic bacteria. 

There’s no need to rehydrate since the air-dried food contains more moisture than dry kibble—and because there’s also no need for preservatives, sugars, and glycerine, the food is safe, clean, and easy to handle. It’s as nutritious and digestible as a completely raw diet but in the convenient air-dried form.

Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Lamb is of exceptional quality with well-balanced protein and fat, with reasonably low carb levels. Diets high in protein and fat, with moderate to low carbs, are ideal for most Whippets, Border Collies, and other active medium and large dog breeds. This Ziwi product is Dog Food Care’s overall best choice and is highly recommended.

• First 8 Ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Heart, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Liver, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Lung, New Zealand Green Mussel, Lamb Bone.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 35% min, Crude Fat 33% min, Crude Fiber 2% Max
• Calories: 318 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Active dogs of all breeds
• Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight.
• Key Benefit: The high protein and fat contents support the energy level of Whippets.
• Price: $122.28 per 5.5-lb bag ($22.23-lb) 

Best for Puppies
2. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food Puppy Recipe 

Merrick Pet Care was founded over 30 years ago in Garth Merrick’s family kitchen in Hereford, Texas. That’s when Garth began home-cooking food for his dog to ensure she was eating the most wholesome and nutritious food possible. Merrick Pet Care was founded in 1988. Then in 2015, Nestle Purina PetCare Company acquired Merrick Pet Care in a buyout agreement. The company is a leading producer of natural and organic pet foods, and Merrick’s foods are made in the USA.

9.9/10Our Score

• Enhanced with superfood and nutrient-rich quinoa 
• Contains essential DHA for brain development with omega fatty acids
• Glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints

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This dry food for puppies features real deboned chicken as the first ingredient. It’s combined with essential vitamins and minerals for a complete and balanced diet that includes ancient grains such as quinoa to aid in digestion. The high levels of omega fatty acids can help promote healthy skin and a shiny coat while glucosamine and chondroitin support hip and joint function as early prevention of joint damage. It is perfect for helping puppies build healthy muscles and does not contain any potatoes, peas, or lentils.

Merrick Classic Puppy Recipe is a mid-priced dry dog food with exceptional quality. This product has no controversial ingredients, including zero artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors – that’s excellent. The food has a high amount of carbs, compared to its protein and fat, however, the meat and fat quality is excellent. For these reasons, Dog Food Care highly recommends this product for your precious Whippet puppy.

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 28% min, Crude Fat 16% min, Crude Fiber 3.5% Max
• Calories: 406 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Puppies of medium dogs like Beagles, Bassets, and Whippets
• Feeding: Based amount on age and weight, divided into 3 or 4 meals per day.
• Key Benefit: Developed with high levels of omega fatty acids, DHA, glucosamine, and chondroitin to give your puppy a healthy start.
• Price: $44.98 per 12-lb bag ($3.75-lb) 

Best for Seniors
3. AvoDerm Advanced Senior Health Lamb and Chicken Meals Formula

AvoDerm is formulated and produced by Breeder’s Choice Pet Foods. In 1947, Harold Taylor started Breeder’s Choice Pet Food company with a simple goal: the uncompromising pursuit of the healthiest nourishment for the pets we love. That commitment endures today in the high-quality formulas we make in our state-of-the-art facility in California. We provide our customers with flexible manufacturing, superior natural ingredients like fresh meat purees, and various packaging options.

9.8/10Our Score

• Guaranteed levels of DHA support joints and brain function
• Omega fatty acids from avocados promote healthy skin and coat
• Does not contain artificial colors or preservatives

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As your Whippet ages, you’ll have to attend to its changing nutritional needs. AvoDerm Advanced Senior Health Lamb and Chicken Meals Formula is a good choice for your canine companion in its golden years. This specially-formulated food wraps the essential nutrition your senior dog needs in the delicious taste of lamb and chicken meals.

Ingredients like naturally-sourced chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine help protect your older buddy’s joints and knees, which can weaken as he gets older. A healthy blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants gives your pal’s immune system a boost, and the protein-rich formula helps maintain his quality of life. DHA from natural fish sources also helps promote healthy eye and brain function as he gets older and wiser. 

This Avoderm product is a low-priced dry dog food with above-average quality. It has no controversial ingredients, including no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. The food has a high amount of carbs compared to its protein and fat – but excellent meat and fat quality. Thus, Dog Food Care can confidently recommend this dog food for your Whippet companion as he ages.

• First 5 Ingredients: Lamb Meal, Peas, Tapioca Flour, Pea Flour, Chicken Meal
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 28% min, Crude Fat 10% min, Crude Fiber 6% Max
• Calories: 350 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds from small Border Terriers to Giants like Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and medium-sized Whippets in their senior years
• Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight.
• Key Benefits: Includes natural sources of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine to protect your buddy’s knees and joints.
• Price: $62.99 per 40lb bag ($1.57-lb) 

Best for Active Dogs
4. VICTOR Purpose Performance Formula Dry Dog Food

Introduced in 2007, VICTOR offers super premium pet food in various recipes to appeal to both dogs and cats while helping to meet special dietary needs through grain-inclusive and grain-free formulas, a variety of protein offerings, and more. VICTOR is sold primarily in farm & feed and independent pet stores across the country and through select online retailers. With a commitment to offering high-quality nutrition at a common-sense value, the company manufactures all kibble in-house at its Mt. Pleasant, Texas facility.

9.7/10Our Score

• Enhanced with chondroitin and glucosamine to support joint health
• Contains 81% premium protein
• Probiotics promote healthy digestion

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Keep your Whippet or other sporty canine going with VICTOR Purpose Performance Dry Dog Food. This nutrient-dense formula has glucosamine and chondroitin for the long-term joint health of older dogs. It also promotes stamina and endurance with sustained energy. Made with gluten-free grains, VICTOR Purpose Performance Formula Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice for sporting canine companions and those with high physical demands.

Victor Multi-Pro is an excellent quality dog food at a low price. This product has no controversial ingredients and does not use any artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. However, it has a very high amount of carbs compared to its protein and fat content. The high carbs are a concern, but the meat and fat quality in the food are excellent, and Dog Food Care recommends Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula as an average quality dog food.

• First 5 Ingredients: Beef Meal, Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Millet, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Blood Meal Conventionally Dried (Blood meal is a high protein, low ash, a low-fat ingredient that provides a strategic source of nutrients and amino acids when used appropriately. Including blood meal in dog food maintains protein levels and meets calcium requirements)
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 26% min, Crude Fat 18% min, Crude Fiber 3.8% Max
• Calories: 399 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Highly active dogs of all breeds like Whippet, Appenzeller Sennenhund, and Brittany.
• Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight
• Key Benefit: Sourced and Made in the USA. Composed of 81% meat protein with premium-quality beef, chicken and pork meals.
• Price: $62.98 per 22-lb bag ($2.86-lb)

Best Value
5. SPORTMiX Wholesomes Chicken Meal & Rice Formula Adult Dry Dog Food

SPORTMiX is a line of dog food products carefully crafted by Midwestern Pet Foods. They create their own nutritious recipes, selectively choose their ingredients and prepare the dog foods with care in their state-of-the-art family-owned kitchens located in the US. Midwestern Pet Foods was founded in 1926 as a small milling company and is now in its 4th generation of family leadership. They independently manufacture their dog foods and treats and do not specialty co-pack for any other brands.

9.5/10Our Score

• Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids support healthy skin and shiny coat
• Brown rice provides essential fiber
• Comes from a single source protein meal 

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SPORTMiX Wholesomes Chicken Meal & Rice Formula is designed for dogs needing high-energy food from a single high-quality protein source. Formulated without common grains like corn, wheat, or soybeans, Wholesomes Chicken Meal & Rice supplies your dog with a complete and balanced diet for a healthy, active life. This tasty recipe nutritionally balances Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids to promote good skin and a glossy coat. It also contains natural vegetable fibers to support digestive health.

This chicken meal and rice formula is a low-priced dog food with exceptional quality. This product has no controversial ingredients, including no artificial preservatives, colors or flavors. It has a somewhat high amount of carbs compared to its protein and fat content, but the meat and fat quality in the food are excellent. Dog Food Care can recommend this dog food for quality and affordability.

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Rice Bran, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 24% min, Crude Fat 14% min, Crude Fiber 6% Max
• Calories: 370 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Highly active dogs of all breeds like Dalmatians, Greyhounds, and Whippets
• Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight
• Key Benefit: Diet specially designed for dogs in need of high-energy food from a single high-quality protein source.
• Price: $38.96 per 40-lb bag ($0.96-lb)

6. Instinct Nature’s Variety Skin & Coat Health Raw Boost Recipe with Real Chicken Adult Dry Dog Food 

Instinct Pet Food was founded in 2002 and has been producing frozen and freeze-dried raw pet food in their company-owned Lincoln, Neb., facilities. The corporate offices are located in St. Louis.

9.2/10Our Score

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This all-natural formula is made in the USA. It combines high-protein kibble with bites of freeze-dried raw chicken and other minimally processed whole-food ingredients like menhaden fish meal, salmon oil, and chia seeds. Add a helping of omega fatty acids to encourage healthy skin and a shiny coat.

The freeze-drying process helps preserve the raw nutrients your Whippet needs and the delicious flavor he craves. This dry dog food is completely free of grains, but it’s also made without corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, potato, artificial flavors, or preservatives. If your Whippet is sensitive or allergic to grains or gluten, this dog food is a good choice.

Instinct Nature’s Variety Skin & Coat Health Raw Boost Recipe is a high-priced dog food with excellent quality. It has very well-balanced amounts of protein, fat, and carbs, with outstanding meat and fat quality. It is good to be aware that Instinct has an above-average number of dog food recalls.

However, this Instinct Raw Boost Recipe has well-balanced protein, fat, and carb levels. Diets high in protein and fat, with moderate to low carbs, are ideal for most Whippets, Border Collies, and other active medium and large dog breeds. Dog Food Care highly recommends this dry dog food product. 

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Menhaden Fish Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Tapioca
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 32.5% min, Crude Fat 20% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max
• Calories: 529 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds, from the small Shetland Sheepdogs to the Whippets, and the giant Dogue de Bordeaux. 
• Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight
• Key Benefit: Packed with antioxidants and probiotics to help support healthy immunity and digestion
• Price: $49.99 per 28-lb bag ($1.79-lb)

7. The Honest Kitchen Food Clusters Whole Grain Beef & Oat Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food

Lucy Postins founded the Honest Kitchen in 2002 in San Diego, CA, with a mission to help as many pets as possible get on the road to good health through good food. The Honest Kitchen was the first-ever Human Grade pet food, meaning the finished product meets human food production standards (unlike conventional pet food, which is Feed Grade). Each Honest Kitchen product is made with uncompromising quality & safety standards by a company of pet lovers.

9.2/10Our Score

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The Honest Kitchen Food Clusters Whole Grain Beef & Oat Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food provides added nutrition and flavor to any dog’s mealtime. The clusters are made from ranch-raised beef that’s been cold-pressed and dehydrated. This honest recipe is free of artificial flavors or preservatives, GMOs, gums, carrageenan, feed-grade ingredients, meat meals, or fillers. The Honest Kitchen only offers human-grade food for your precious Whippet, meaning the clusters are made from whole foods you’d recognize from your own kitchen. This beef-based formula is ideal for dogs with chicken sensitivities.

The Honest Kitchen Food Clusters Whole Grain Beef & Oat Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food is a high-priced dog food with great quality. This product has zero controversial ingredients and no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. However, it has a high amount of carbs compared to its protein and fat, but the meat and fat quality in the food is excellent. Dog Food Care enthusiastically recommends this food for your Whippet.

• First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Oats, Barley, Beef Liver, Turkey
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 23% min, Crude Fat 13.5% min, Crude Fiber 5% Max
• Calories: 422 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Formulated for all medium and large breeds like Bluetick Coonhounds and Whippets
• Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight
• Key Benefit: Dehydrated in order to hold the nutrients, taste, and smell of the honest ingredients.
• Price: $89.99 per 20-lb bag ($4.50-lb)

8. Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food 

Diamond Foods were established in Meta, Missouri, in 1970. All dry foods are manufactured at Diamond’s company-owned plants in South Carolina, Arkansas, California, and Missouri.

9/10Our Score

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Give your medium or large breed adult dog the deserved superior nutrition with Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food. Each Diamond Naturals dry formula is enhanced with superfoods and guaranteed probiotics to support your furry friend’s development and overall health. 

This adult dry dog food recipe is made with real cage-free chicken, whole grain brown rice, and real fruit and vegetables, including kale, blueberries, and coconut. It provides your Whippet with protein, minerals, and omega fatty acids to help promote healthy skin and a shiny coat, plus antioxidants for overall nose-to-tail well-being.

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula is a low-priced dry dog food with good quality. This product includes no controversial ingredients like artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. However, the food has a high amount of carbs but excellent meat and fat quality at a reasonable price that deserves Dog Food Care’s recommendation.

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, Ground White Rice
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 23% min, Crude Fat 13% min, Crude Fiber 3.5% Max
• Calories: 397 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Active medium and large breed dogs like Whippets and Huskies.
• Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight.
• Key Benefit: Unfortunately, 80% of the ingredients of this dog food include controversial ingredients. That leaves only the small kibble size for puppy mouths as a benefit.
• Price: $17.99 per 16.5-lb bag ($1.09-lb)

9. Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Nutro Natural Pet Food, founded in 1926, was acquired by Mars in 2007. Mars Inc. was established in 1911 and is now based in McLean, Virginia. Mars Inc. has two dry pet food manufacturing facilities for NUTRO™ products located in Henderson, North Carolina, and Victorville, California. Their cans and trays also have wet food manufacturing facilities in Columbus, Ohio, Fort Smith, Arkansas, and North Sioux City, South Dakota.

8.9/10Our Score

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Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is specially formulated for medium and large-breed adult dogs. These dry recipes start with real chicken as the main ingredient—no chicken by-product meal here. Add lamb, salmon, and a blend of 15 superfoods, and you have a mouthwatering, healthy meal. The high-quality, non-GMO ingredients are sourced from trusted farmers, and they provide a balanced, nutrient-rich diet that will help your Whippet thrive. There are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, and it is free of corn, wheat, and soy protein.

Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food is a low-priced dog food with average quality. This product has one controversial ingredient, brewer’s rice, but doesn’t use any artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. The food, however, has a high amount of carbs compared to its protein and fat but overall excellent meat and fat quality. Thus, Dog Food Care recommends this Nutro Ultra dog food product. 

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin), Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Barley
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 22% min, Crude Fat 13% min, Crude Fiber 4% max.
• Calories: 346 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Large and medium breeds 
• Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight
• Key Benefit: Ingredients are sourced from trusted farmers and rigorously tested for quality and food safety.
• Price: $59.98 per 30-lb bag ($2.00-lb) 

10. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

Bill Bishop and his sons Billy and Chris founded Blue Buffalo in 2003 in Wilton, Connecticut, to honor their beloved family dog, Blue. The Bishop family became increasingly concerned with the quality of Blue’s food when Blue had a bout with cancer at a young age. On April 24, 2018, General Mills, Inc. Minneapolis announced its acquisition of Blue Buffalo Pet Products, Inc.

8.7/10Our Score

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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula was created for adult dogs’ holistic health and well-being. All formulas start with real meat, whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit, and LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of nutrients that have been enhanced with a Super 7 package of antioxidant-rich ingredients, are added. This Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe features delicious, protein-rich deboned chicken and other natural ingredients for a healthy meal your dog will love.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult is a low-priced dry dog food with average quality. The biggest positive is that this Blue Buffalo product has zero controversial ingredients – that also means no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. The food has a high amount of carbs causing lower protein and fat content, but excellent meat and fat quality. Thus, Dog Food Care recommends Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula as an average quality dog food.

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 24% min, Crude Fat 14% min, Crude Fiber 5% max.
• Calories: 377 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Medium breeds 
• Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight
• Key Benefit: Vitamins, chelated minerals, and antioxidants contribute to your pup’s immune system health.
• Price: $54.50 per 30-lb bag ($1.81-lb) 

What are the facts you should know about dog foods for Whippets?

How much should you feed your Whippet?

Because of the Whippet’s high activity needs, you should feed this breed a well-balanced diet of excellent quality proteins to meet its nutritional requirements. The best dog foods for Whippets contain a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat, with higher amounts also acceptable for this energetic dog.

It would be best if you watched your Whippet’s weight very closely. If you overfeed your furry friend, your dog will develop joint and other health problems due to its size.

It is essential to remember that feeding guides on dog food bags are precisely that – guides based on age and weight. However, your dog’s activity level, metabolism, and overall health are essential in determining how much to feed it. 

Also, keep in mind that puppy food is different from the food you will feed an adult Whippet dog. Please buy appropriate food for your dog’s life stage. Adult dog food can be too big for puppies and can cause harm to their teeth and gums. Below are guides for feeding puppies.

Recommended daily quantities for your Whippet are listed below, and you can adjust those to meet your canine companion’s unique needs.

• 1 3/4 cups per day if they weigh 30 pounds
• 2 1/4 cups per day if they weigh 40 pounds
• 2 2/3 cups per day if they weigh 50 pounds

Calculate 1 to 1 ½ cups per 25 pounds body weight if your dog weighs more than 50 pounds.

Remember that you must divide the total daily food allocation into several daily meals to prevent the deadly risk of bloat. Puppies should eat three to four times per day, and twice per day is good enough for adult dogs.

What type of diet is perfect for your Whippet?

You know your Whippet best, and as long as you understand that a high-quality diet is packed with nutrients, you don’t have to feed more to get the benefits. Below is a list of different diet options for Whippets.

• Kibble Diet 

A kibble diet is a dog food that is processed and cooked and comes in many different varieties. It is supposed to be a balanced diet and meet the dog’s nutritional needs required by law. Dry dog foods should have necessary ingredients such as animal protein, grains, cereals, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

• Raw Diet

A raw diet usually consists of organ meat, muscle meat, whole or ground bone, raw eggs, and dog-friendly vegetables. It comes in many different forms: dehydrated raw, freeze-dried raw, pre-packaged raw, BARF (biologically appropriate raw food), and PMR (Prey Model Raw). Whippet dog parents are advised to feed raw diets under the eye of someone knowledgeable in this area, such as a clinical nutritionist.

• Home Cooked Diet

A home-cooked meal prepared for a dog can consist of many different animal proteins and vegetables. It is based on the nutritional needs and health issues of the dog. Home-cooked diets require dietary supplements such as Balance IT to ensure that the dog’s dietary needs are met. Whippet parents feeding a home-cooked diet would be advised to do so under the care of a veterinary nutritionist.

What health conditions should be considered when feeding your Whippet?

Whippets are prone to weight gain, and like other breeds, some can be vulnerable to food sensitivities – grains, gluten, or chicken. The information below may help your search for the perfect food for your canine companion.

• Obesity

Obesity can be a significant health problem in Whippets. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Though it’s tempting to give in to your Canine Companion’s begging eyes, be strong and remember you can “love her to death” with leftover people’s food and doggie treats. Instead, find a way to distract her attention – hug her, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. She’ll feel better, and so will you.

• Skin allergies

A food allergy is an inherited problem in some Whippets that can start at any age but is most common in young adult dogs. Symptoms can include itchy skin, recurrent ear infections, and chronic vomiting or diarrhea. A prescription veterinary diet is often the best way to diagnose and treat a food allergy. Keep your dog’s diet consistent, and don’t give her people food. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. 

Furthermore, Whippets have a very light coat, making them intolerant of cold weather. To cope with this, they need to consume foods high in fats, including Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids, to keep their sensitive skin strong and healthy.

What is the best time to feed Whippets?

Getting the feeding time right is one way to ensure your precious pup is not picky or fussy with his food. A good time to feed your dog would be after a walk or some energetic playing in the garden. Physical exercise will increase your canine companion’s appetite, and he will be less likely to fuss over his food. Feeding a Whippet at specific times every day will make it something your dog can look forward to in the daily routine.

Divide your adult dog’s meal into two portions to be given in the morning and afternoon after the regular walks. You should divide the day’s food into three or four mealtimes for puppies. Offer your dog a small amount of food for a few minutes only and promptly remove any leftovers. When your dog begins to show a better appetite, increase the quantities.

Don’t leave food available at all times. To be in charge of the food will give you a higher status with your dog; it provides better feeding hygiene and solves most picky eaters’ problems. Free feeding can also encourage weight gain and, ultimately, obesity.

What are the ingredients to avoid in buying Whippets dog food?

What you don’t want to see on your Whippet’s dog food label:

• The name of the food contains the statement “with” or “flavor,” like “with beef” or “beef-flavored,” as this indicates a small percentage of real meat. 
• The same ingredient is listed multiple times using different names, such as high-fructose corn syrup, sugar, sucrose, and corn syrup. This tactic is often used to hide high levels of an unwanted ingredient by dividing them and using different terms on the ingredients list. The same goes for manufacturers trying to hide high filler contents like corn, cornmeal, and ground corn, which, if shown under one name, might even exceed the amount of the primary protein at number one on the ingredients list.
• Fillers in foods and treats or too many fillers in dog food may not be biologically appropriate for your Whippet.
• Artificial colors and flavors

What you want to see on your Whippet’s dog food labels:

• Real meat is the first ingredient 
• Fillers, if any, (corn, wheat, soy) should be listed low on the ingredients list. 
• If a “meal” is listed, be sure it’s from a specific source like chicken meal, beef meal, or salmon meal. You don’t want to see a general “meal” like poultry meal, fish meal, etc., which leave you with a guess as to the source of the meal. The fact that it is a meal is not a bad thing. It is significantly more concentrated than the fresh product because the source product is dehydrated and worked into a fine meal, losing no nutrients in the boiling process. 
• Specific protein by-products like beef by-products are high in nutritional value and generally not an issue. However, watch out for general statements like by-product meals, as these are lower in quality.