best dog food for cane corso puppies
Best Dog Food For Cane Corsos
Best Dog Food For Cane Corsos
By Karan French
Updated: March 19, 2024
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Whats the best dog food for a Cane Corso?
The Cane Corso is a large, muscular dog bred for its strength, intelligence and loyalty.
They were historically used as working dogs to guard property, herd livestock and hunt game, but over the years have grown in popularity as household pets.
The American Kennel Club (AKC), which tracks the popularity of dog breeds based on registration statistics, ranked the Cane Corso as the 32nd most popular breed out of more than 190 recognized breeds in the US.
Cane Corsos are high-energy dogs, however due to their size, they do not zoom around as much as other working breeds so can be prone to obesity. Choose a dog food that is formulated specifically for large breed dogs but practice portion control to ensure you do not overload them with excessive calories. Alternatively, consider a formula labeled for weight management or low fat foods.
Look for a product that lists meat as the primary ingredient and avoid foods that contain fillers and artificial additives.
Protein is crucial for the growth and maintenance of your Cane Corsos muscles and overall health, so aim for a dog food that contains around 25-30% protein content.
Fats provide essential fatty acids that are beneficial for your dogs skin, coat, and overall well-being. Look for dog food with a moderate fat content of around 10-15%.
While dogs do not require carbohydrates in large amounts, they can provide a source of energy. Look for dog foods that use whole grains or vegetables as a carbohydrate source.
Cane Corsos are also susceptible to hip dysplasia, so the food you choose should contain ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin which can help support joint health and mobility.
Cherry eye is also common in this breed so to support eye health choose food that contains omega-3 (DHA and EPA from algal or fish oils).
The large, deep chests of the Cane Corso make them susceptible to bloat, which can trigger gastric dilatation and volvulus, or GDV, a potentially deadly condition where the stomach rotates and twists on itself. Feeding two or three smaller meals throughout the day and using a slow feeder bowl, which forces your dog to eat only a few pieces of food at a time, will help prevent this condition. Its also important not to exercise your dog within an hour of eating, either before or after meals.
Below, you can read our recommendations of the best dog food for Cane Corsos.
Youll also learn the answer to each of the most frequently asked questions we get about Cane Corsos.
Weight Management Metabolite Formula is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Dr. Tims Dry product line.
Dr. Tims Weight Management Metabolite Formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33.3% protein, 18.8% fat and 39.9% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Read our review of the full Dr. Tims Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, brown rice, oats, peas, powdered cellulose Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 33.3 AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I've been struggling to find a low-cal food that my dog doesn't mind, and Dr Tim's made the cut! He has lost about a pound and has stood at a healthy weight since. Def going to recommend this to anyone I know whose dog needs to cut the cals."
Fresh Chicken with Carrots is one of 5 fresh recipes included in our review of the Ollies Fresh product line.
Ollie Fresh Chicken With Carrots derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30.8% protein, 11.5% fat and 49.7% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 38%.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, rice, carrots, chicken livers, peas Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 30.8 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Ollie.com"My vet said this is one of the best dog foods you can buy. My dog Tess likes all varieties for a good balance. I like that she is getting good quality food that she loves."
Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato is one of 17 dry recipes included in our review of the American Journey Grain-Free product line.
American Journey Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato derives the bulk of its protein from salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 35.6% protein, 15.6% fat and 40.9% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
Read our review of the full American Journey Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned salmon, chicken meal (a source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), turkey meal, peas, sweet potatoes Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 35.6 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and Dogs Chicken Soup For The Soul Puppy Large Breed is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Chicken Soup for the Soul product line.
Chicken Soup For The Soul Puppy Large Breed derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 14.4% fat and 47.6% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.
Read our review of the full Chicken Soup for the Soul Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, chicken meal (natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), turkey meal, cracked pearled barley Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 30 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"When we got our puppy we thought he would max out around 60 lbs . . . at 6 months, he is 65 lbs and growing. He absolutely loves this food! Dinner time is absolutely his favorite time of day. He has learned how to sit and wait, specifically because this food is his motivation. His coat is gorgeous, he has tons of energy, and he is even more well behaved because of this food. Thanks chicken soup!"
Large & Giant Breed Adult Health is one of 5 dry recipes included in our review of the Holistic Select product line.
Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Health derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26.7% protein, 14.4% fat and 50.9% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 54%.
Read our review of the full Holistic Blend Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), rice, oatmeal, oats, chicken fat, pork meal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 26.7 AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at HolisticSelect.com"Bitzy and her sister Minnie are big girls at 227lbs. Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Health Chicken Meal & Oatmeal dry dog recipe keeps them happy and healthy since puppyhood. Thanks for keeping my girls in great shape!"
Large & Giant Breed Adult is one of 7 dry recipes included in our review of the Eagle Pack Dry product line.
Eagle Pack Large & Giant Breed Adult derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27.8% protein, 13.3% fat and 50.9% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.
Read our review of the full Eagle Pack Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, pork meal, ground brown rice, oatmeal, rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 27.8 AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at EaglePack.com"As a breeder and concerned pet owner, I am passionate about the health of my animals. All of my mastiffs are raised and maintained on Eagle Pack products."
Wellness Core Grain Free Weight Management is one of 5 wet recipes resulting in our review of the Wellness Core product line.
Wellness Core Grain Free Weight Management derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 50% protein, 15.9% fat and 26.1% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 32%.
Read our review of the full Wellness Core Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken broth, turkey broth, pork liver, whitefish Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 50 AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Puppies and Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at WellnessPetFood.com"We tried various diets which included kibble and dehydrated patties to help our dog lose weight. None worked for long. Wellness Core has worked the best. She has lost 3 lbs. (now 21#), looks great, has real energy, and now walks 3 miles a day. She gobbles it down. Thanks for a great product."
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
The Cane Corso is a powerful and ancient Italian dog breed known for its strength, intelligence, and loyalty. The breeds name comes from the Latin term Cohors, which means guardian or protector.
Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about Cane Corsos:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Cane Corso look like?
The Cane Corso is a large and muscular dog with a broad head and a strong, imposing presence. They have a short, dense coat that can come in various colors, such as black, gray, fawn, and red.
How big is a Cane Corso?
Adult male Cane Corsos typically stand between 24 to 28 inches (61 to 71 cm) at the shoulder and weigh around 100 to 110 pounds (45 to 50 kg). Females are slightly smaller, usually measuring 23 to 26 inches (58 to 66 cm) and weighing 88 to 99 pounds (40 to 45 kg).
What is the temperament of a Cane Corso?
Cane Corsos are known for their loyalty, protectiveness, and intelligence. They are generally reserved and aloof with strangers, making them excellent guard dogs. With proper socialization and training, they can be gentle and affectionate with their family members. Early socialization is crucial to ensure they are well-adjusted and have good behavior around other animals and people.
Are Cane Corsos easy to train?
Due to their intelligence and willingness to please, Cane Corsos are generally trainable. However, they can also be strong-willed, so consistent and positive reinforcement training methods are essential. Early training and socialization are vital to ensure they grow into well-behaved and obedient adults.
How much exercise does a Cane Corso need?
Cane Corsos are active and energetic dogs that require regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Daily walks, play sessions, and opportunities to run in a secure area are important to prevent boredom and potential behavioral issues.
What health conditions can affect a Cane Corso?
Like many large dog breeds, Cane Corsos are susceptible to certain health problems, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain heart conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet are important for maintaining their health and well-being.
10 Best Dog Food for Cane Corso: 2024 Update
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What makes a great Cane Corso dog food?
Question: Do you know what is the best dog food for Cane Corso? Cane Corsos need the same things that all dogs need: a strong nutritional foundation built from richly nourishing, species-appropriate ingredients ingredients like real high-quality meat and vitamin-packed nutritious vegetables. They need balanced levels of protein, fat, and carbs.
Like every other dog, they benefit from a minimally-processed diet. As foods are processed, they lose their nutritional gusto, necessitating the use of more and more synthetic vitamins and supplements. Its best for dogs to get these nutrients the natural way- through fresh, wholesome ingredients that have been processed as little as possible.
Cane Corsos, like every other dog, can thrive on a balanced home-cooked or raw diet. If youre interested in taking this route, here is a selection of recipes that will help you to get started creating a nutritionally complete homemade diet for your dog.
When choosing a commercial food, you should always look for one thats free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives and seek recipes that feature meat (not byproducts or worse, corn or other filler grains) as the first ingredient.
Lets find the Best Dog Foods for Cane Corso
Large, muscular, and born with a strong desire to work, Cane Corsos are descendants of Canis Pugnax, a breed that served as Roman war dogs during the first century.
These mastiff-type dogs have served as hunters, guardians, and warriors for centuries in Italy, but prior to 1988, they were virtually unknown outside of the southern part of the country and considered rare.
The American Kennel Club didnt recognize the breed until 2010, and since then Cane Corsos have seen a notable rise in popularity, becoming the 40th most popular dog breed in the United States by 2016.
Their intimidating appearance, devotion to family, responsiveness to training, and unusual strength make them popular guard dogs and family protectors.
In this article, well take a look at the unique health needs of the Cane Corso and how these affect their dietary requirements, establishing a criteria for a great food for this breed.
Following this framework for choosing the right food for your Cane Corso, youll find a list of the ten best foods on the market for this breed.
Here are the products that are reviewed on this post:
- Ollie Fresh Pet Food Delivery
- Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Formula
- American Journey Beef & Sweet Potato
- True Acre Foods Chicken & Vegetable Recipe
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
- Wysong Epigen 90 Starch-Free Formula
- Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed
- Instinct Raw Boost Senior
- Ziwi Peak Daily-Dog Venison Cuisine
- ORIJEN Senior High-Protein Formula
Cane Corso puppies should consume a food formulated for large breed puppies these diets are designed to encourage a moderate growth rate and healthy bone development, which is exactly what your Cane Corso needs.
Foods designed for adult maintenance or even all life stages dont always deliver the perfect balance of nutrients and minerals that your rapidly-growing pup requires. Below are our picks for the two best puppy foods for your Cane Corso.
The Best Dog Food For Cane Corso
1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food Delivery
First 5 Ingredients for Turkey Recipe: Turkey, Kale, Lentils, Carrots, Turkey Liver
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Ollie is a dog food service that provides specific recipes based on whole, natural ingredients. They only use organic and fresh foods which are locally sourced with a very limited ingredient list.
Best Overall Ollie is a meal delivery service for your beloved pets. The company provides care-grade or restaurant-quality meals for your pets, which means that each dish they serve is made with quality, fresh, wholesome ingredients that is fit for your dog's caloric needs.
The company is committed to deliver the best nutrition possible for your four-legged companion. They offer made-to-order recipes that is formulated by a board certified veterinary nutritionists and other nutrition experts. All meals have no fillers, by products or any artificial preservatives plus don't forget their door to door delivery service.
All recipes are complete, balanced and meet AAFCO & USFDA standards. These certificates are actually not needed if you want to sell pet food in the US- but it is nice to know that the company is willing to go the extra mile just to ensure that their meals are nutritious and safe.
Pros
- Exceeds AAFCO quality standards
- USFDA registered
- Simple packaging (pre-portioned)
- All meals are delivered fresh, not frozen, and are kept ice-cold with dry ice
- Free delivery
Cons
- More expensive than traditional pet food
2. Taste Of The Wild Pacific Stream Formula
First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This grain free kibble boasts novel protein sources plus antioxidants from fresh veggies and fruits for overall immune support. The company also offers a wide array of selection should you prefer other animal proteins for your pet.
Sometimes it can be difficult to choose a dog food because there are so many options out there. When you just cant make a choice, consider a trusted brand like Taste of the Wild.
Formulated with novel proteins including real smoked salmon, this grain-free recipe includes peas and sweet potatoes that deliver the highly-digestible energy your active pup needs, along with natural antioxidant support from real fruits and vegetables and dried chicory root for prebiotic support and healthy digestion.
This brand doesnt have the largest selection (especially compared to big names like Blue Buffalo), but their recipes are complete and balanced and loaded with premium roasted meats and other whole-food ingredients.
Overall, this recipe is an excellent source of natural nutrition and is highly digestible thanks to the inclusion of prebiotic fibers. If this recipe doesnt seem like the right fit, Taste of the Wild has several more to offer, including wet food recipes.
Pros
- Grain-free recipe
- Made with ingredients from trusted and sustainable sources
- Support healthy skin and a shiny coat
- Made in USA
Cons
- Salmon pieces are visibly larger
- Strong smell
3. American Journey Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe
First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Chickpeas
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
For a budget friendly meal, this product is amazing. This kibble uses turkey and chicken meal as main protein sources and it is free from grains making it safe for sensitive pups.
American Journey has produced dog food that goes to show that cheap does not have to mean poor quality. Using beef as its main source of animal protein, this formula contains 32% protein and 14% fat.
This is amazing for a budget dog food and will be more than enough to ensure your dog maintains a healthy immune system, bones, and muscles. However, some of this protein is from the vegetable source pea protein. This is harder for dogs to digest than animal protein, but shouldn't be too much of an issue for a healthy dog.
The dog food does also use chicken and turkey meal to bolster its protein content, which could be of some concern to dogs with allergies. In those cases, you would be better off going with American Journey's limited ingredient range. Still, this formula is grain-free,
This formula does include dried plain beet pulp as a source of fiber. This is fine but the saponinins in it has been found to cause irritation in a minor amount of dogs' gastrointestinal tract.
American Journey is the house brand of known online pet products and food retailer, Chewy.com. Manufactured in the United States, American Journey products offer nutritious recipe choices ranging from grain-free to rice-mixed. All formulations are made without soy, wheat, poultry meal by-products, or any filler for a truly healthy feast.
Pros
- Cheap
- High in protein
- Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Cons
- Uses pea protein
- Smaller bag sizes
4. True Acre Foods Chicken & Vegetable Recipe
First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Peas, Pea Starch, Canola Meal, Poultry By-Product Meal
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
It is packed with lots of beneficial ingredients, such as natural fibers to promote and assist gentle digestion, locally raised chicken for muscle support, and farm-grown cranberries, carrots and peas for overall system health.
Using chicken as its main source of protein, True Acre Foods have created a reasonable dog food formula that gives quite a lot of value for money. Whilst it only contains an average amount of protein and fat at 24% and 13% respectively, this is all from animal protein sources.
This (along with the good sources of fiber present) make this a great dog food if your pooch has a weak stomach. The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids present within the formula will also work to ensure your dog's coat and skin remain healthy and vibrant.
All of True Acre's dog foodsare made with ingredients sourced from trusted farms, and without grains, wheat, corn or artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Whilst peas are listed as one of the ingredients, it will be difficult to escape this ingredient within this price bracket.
At $39.99 for a 40-lb bag, this formula is quite reasonably priced and represents a good buy for the dog owner on a budget.
Pros
- Affordable
- Made from USA-raised chicken
- Crafted with farm-grown fruits and veggies
- Free of any grains, wheat, corn or artificial colors or flavors
- Contains natural fibers
Cons
- Has Peas (may trigger sensitive dogs)
5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
First 5 ingredients:Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
It contains naturally sourced and high quality ingredients. The company is widely known to steer clear of the harmful grains that others use for fillers, or to boost their content levels.
Named after a beloved pet who struggled with serious health issues, the Blue Buffalo company is dedicated to creating holistic premium pet food that addresses the various needs of dogs.
From prescription formulas to grain-free recipes, Blue Buffalo seeks to give every pup healthy, wholesome meals developed by leading animal nutritionists and veterinarians.
The brand sticks to all natural ingredients that are a precise blend of pure meaty goodness, flavorful taste, and complete balanced nutrition to meet the different life stage requirements of your furry family member.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula was created for the holistic health and well-being of adult dogs. All formulas start with real meat, whole grains, garden veggies and fruit, plus added LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of nutrients that have been enhanced with a Super 7 package of antioxidant-rich ingredients.
This Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe features delicious, protein-rich deboned chicken and other natural ingredients for a healthy meal your dog will love.
Pros
- No corn, wheat, soy or chicken (or poultry) by-product meals
- Glucosamine is added
- With LifeSource Bits (exclusive recipe for Blue Buffalo)
- With real chicken
Cons
- Pieces too big
- May have changed their formula
6. Wysong Epigen 90 Starch-Free Formula
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Organic Chicken, Meat Protein Isolate, Chicken Fat, Gelatin
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This meaty dry dog food contains 90% organic meat minus the starch. With that animal content ratio along with probiotics, phytonutrients, antioxidants and prebiotics, it is one of the most nutritionally dense food out there.
Wysong Epigen represents a uniquely meat-rich kibble, containing 90% organic meat and absolutely no starch. With its concentration of animal protein along with an extraordinary variety of powerful prebiotics, probiotics, phytonutrients, nutraceuticals, and natural antioxidants, this is one of the most nutritionally-packed foods on the market.
Its first ingredient is chicken meal, which is naturally rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, making this food a good choice for dogs who need joint health support.
This foods ingredient list does raise a couple of concerns. First of all, we notice meat protein isolate, which is a generic name that could suggest the use of byproducts.
On Wysongs website however, were told that this ingredient is made solely from pork: Meat protein isolate, which is named so due to labeling regulations, is derived exclusively from pork meat. (Current regulations, for some unknown reason, do not permit a more descriptive term.) It is one of the cleanest and most pure sources of protein available.
This ingredient is used as a nutrient-rich binder in lieu of the starchy ingredients that are typically used.
The second concerning ingredient is chicken fat. Despite being a nutritious ingredient, fats or oils in the first four ingredients of a dog food could increase your Cane Corsos chances of developing bloat.
The food is completely free of artificial ingredients like colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Pros
- Contains a rich variety of nutraceutical ingredients designed to enhance your dogs health
- Made without starches, making it a highly-satiating food and ideal for weight management
- Made with 90% biologically-appropriate, easily digested organic meat
Cons
- The fourth ingredient is chicken fat, which may contribute to your dogs risk of bloat
7. Wellness CORE Large Breed Formula
First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Potatoes, Peas
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Specifically designed for large breeds, this kibble is infused with all the supplements and minerals your Cane Corse needs. Also, it is worthy noting that the kibble size of this product is perfect for big jaws.
This food is designed for large breed dogs like the Cane Corso and meets their needs in several ways. On the surface, it has a large kibble size thats perfect for larger mouths. To encourage joint health throughout your dogs adult life, this food contains glucosamine and chondroitin.
All Wellness CORE foods use grain-free, protein rich recipes infused with botanicals and supplements for optimal health. Unlike some other high-protein foods, Wellness CORE foods avoid excessive fat.
They contain probiotics for digestive health, are enriched with antioxidants, and contain Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Like all other Wellness CORE foods, this is a grain-free, protein-rich recipe that uses botanicals and supplements for the complete health of the dog, including probiotics and prebiotics for improved digestive health and immune support. Its enriched with antioxidants, along with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
Pros
- Large kibble size is perfect for big dogs
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health
- Grain-free with no corn, soy, or wheat
- Probiotics for digestive health
- Contains omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Cons
- Contains tomato pomace for added fiber this is a byproduct of tomato processing
- Contains potatoes, which metabolize quickly and can contribute to weight gain
8. Ziwi Peak Venison Air-Dried Dog Food
First 5 Ingredients: Venison Meat (Includes Up to 3% Finely Ground Bone), Venison Liver, Lung, Tripe, Heart and Kidney
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Ziwi Peak offers air dried products that contains high animal content comprising of bone, meat and organs plus seafood (green lipped mussels). It delivers the nutritional benefits of raw feeding minus the hassle.
This unconventional air-dried food is made a bit like jerky for dogs and contains 98% venison meat, organs, and bone, plus seafood. It delivers the nutritional integrity and digestibility of raw food and the convenience of dry kibble.
It includes natural glucosamine and chondroitin from green-lipped mussels, supporting long-term joint health- a critical concern for large dogs.
To fuel your Cane Corsos burly body and athletic lifestyle, this food is exceptionally rich in protein and high in calories while keeping carbohydrates to an absolute minimum.
This means that its an optimally satiating, nourishing food that will keep your dog energized for hours while discouraging unwanted fat deposits.
Ziwi Peak Venison Cuisine is particularly exceptional if your dog has food sensitivities or allergies. It has one of the simplest ingredient lists youll find on a commercial dog food, featuring a single novel protein and zero common problem ingredients like wheat, corn, and soy.
Pros
- Made from fresh New Zealand ingredients and nothing from China
- Free from fillers, byproducts, and artificial ingredients
- Limited ingredient food is perfect for dogs with allergies and food sensitivities
Cons
- An expensive brand, especially for large dogs like Cane Corsos
Best Senior Foods for Cane Corsos
As Cane Corsos enter their senior years, they tend to slow down a little bit. Weight gain can be particularly detrimental for these already large dogs, compounding joint problems and leading to severe pain.
Its important that your dogs food matches their activity levels and metabolism. The best foods for senior Cane Corsos continue to support joint health while discouraging weight gain and offering highly-digestible animal protein.
1. Instinct by Nature's Variety Raw Boost Senior
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Chickpeas, Peas, Tapioca, Chicken
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This dry dog food contains chunks of freeze-dried raw meat plus ample amounts of chondroitin and glucosamine which is what your senior buddy needs.
This food has all of the fundamental characteristics of a good food for senior dogs: it contains glucosamine and chondroitin to keep the the joints in good condition and minimal carbohydrate content to keep weight under control.
Rounding out the nutritional value of this food are chunks of freeze-dried raw meat. Raw meat is packed with enzymes and nutrients that are stripped during high-heat processing.
The recipe also receives a nutritional boost with several senior dog-focused additions. The inclusion of natural DHA from chicken eggs helps to support brain and eye health, while L-carnitine helps to burn fat, keeping your senior dog slim and healthy.
While the inclusion of high-protein peas does raise some concerns about the biological availability of this food's protein content, this recipe is ultimately rich in biologically-available meat protein and delivers plenty of nourishment in a biologically-appropriate form.
Pros
- Contains nourishing chunks of freeze-dried raw meat
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Doesn't contain any corn, soy, or wheat grain-free
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support continued joint health
- Contains L-carnitine to discourage fat deposits as your dog ages
- Supports continued brain and eye health
Cons
- Contains protein-rich peas not the most biologically available source of protein for dogs
2. Orijen Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Yellowtail Flounder, Whole Eggs, Whole Atlantic Mackerel
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Orijen is known to produce products that are biologically appropriate. This kibble features an impressive protein content along with nutritious vegetables, fruits, chondroitin and glucosamine making it an ideal senior diet.
By using fresh freeze-dried or dehydrated muscle meat, cartilage, bones, and organs, Orijen senior food delivers complete, biologically appropriate nourishment.
This food features an impressive 85% animal content the most biologically available form of protein for dogs. The remaining 15% of this food is comprised of nutritious, low-glycemic fruits and vegetables.
To suit the needs of senior dogs and their decreased metabolism, this food is rich in healthy protein but relatively low in calories.
It contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. This recipe is free of anything artificial and doesnt contain by-products, fillers, or grains.
The inclusion of glucosamine and chondroitin helps to support joint health throughout your dogs senior years.
Pros
- Supports a healthy senior weight
- Unusually rich in real animal protein
- No fillers, by-products, or artificial ingredients
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
Cons
- On the expensive end of the spectrum
What are the unique needs of the Cane Corso?
In general, the health demands that make Cane Corsos different from other dogs are the same issues that affect other large breeds.
Orthopedic Health Issues Because their large bodies place such greater strain on their developing joints and skeletal structure, these dogs are predisposed to orthopedic issues throughout life, demanding diets that both encourage healthy bone growth and nurture joint health as the dog ages.
Particularly common is hip dysplasia, which affects a staggering 39-58% of the Cane Corso population. Elbow dysplasia is similarly prevalent, affecting 16-22% of these dogs. These are developmental joint problems resulting from malformation of the joints.
This malformation leads to excessive wear of the joint cartilage and eventually leads to osteoarthritis. These complications are hereditary, but can be controlled through proper nutrition in puppyhood and beyond.
How can diet help your Cane Corsos orthopedic health? As puppies, its important to ensure healthy bone development by moderating their growth rate through slight calorie restriction, while providing appropriate levels of calcium and phosphorus.
AAFCO recommends the following levels: 1.2 to 1.8% calcium, 1.0 to 1.6% phosphorus, and a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 1:1 to 1.8:1. You can calculate the percentages of these minerals in your dogs food here.
To ensure that your Cane Corsos joints remain healthy throughout life, choose a food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin along with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which can help to reduce inflammation and keep your dog feeling comfortable.
Because obesity is a risk factor for these joint problems as your dog ages, its doubly important that you keep your Cane Corso svelte. A satisfying low-glycemic diet with moderate fat and calories can help to keep additional weight off of your dogs joints.
Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) This life-threatening condition involves the stomach filling with air, a condition that places pressure on other organs and the diaphragm, making it difficult for the dog to breathe.
Pressure on the veins prevents blood from returning to the heart. In some cases, this gastric dilatation is followed by a second, even more serious stage volvulus.
Once the stomach fills with air, it can easily rotate on itself, cutting off the blood supply to the stomach and ultimately leading to the rapid decline of the affected dog.
Bloat has a number of different and unknown causes, but we do know that large, deep-chested dogs like Cane Corsos are at a higher risk than their small-breed cousins such as Boston Terriers and Chihuahas.
How can diet help to prevent your Cane Corso from developing bloat? Dogs who eat one meal daily are at a considerably higher risk of developing bloat than those who consume multiple meals per day.
Theres also a correlation between developing bloat and eating too quickly or exercising immediately after a meal and dogs who eat out of a raised dish are at a higher risk of bloat.
For the most part, preventing this condition through diet is more a matter of controlling how your dog eats than what they eat.
That said, dry food moistened with water and foods that contain fat or oil as one of the first four ingredients are both associated with an increased risk of bloat.
Demodectic Mange While all normal dogs have a few demodex mites on their skin, some with underdeveloped immune systems may become overwhelmed by a demodex mite infestation, leading to demodectic mange and the patchy or widespread hair loss that goes along with it.
Cane Corsos are particularly common candidates for this condition. While the exact cause of demodectic mange is unknown, hereditary immune deficiencies are thought to put dogs at risk.
This immune deficiency allows the demodex mites to proliferate and wreak havoc on the dog's coat. As the infestation takes hold, it can further inhibit the immune system and perpetuate the problem.
How can your Cane Corsos diet help to prevent a demodectic mange outbreak? Gut health and an effective immune system are intimately and dynamically connected the GALT (gut associated lymphoid tissue) is the largest immune organ in the body.
Diet is your first and most important point of access to your dogs gut and overall immune health.
Foods made with prebiotics and probiotics help to support healthy populations of gut flora, which impacts almost every aspect of your dogs health, including the immune system.
Final Words
The Cane Corso, a remarkable and imposing breed, boasts unique needs and colors that set it apart in the canine world. These magnificent dogs require careful attention to their exercise, training, and socialization to ensure their well-being and harmonious integration into family life.
Moreover, their coat colors, which include variations like black, fawn, brindle, white and more, showcase the breed's diversity and individuality. Understanding and catering to the specific needs and colors of Cane Corsos is the key to fostering a loving and rewarding relationship with these loyal and majestic companions.
How much do you feed a Cane Corso?
The amount of food a Cane Corso eats depends upon the size, age, sex and activity level of your dog. Generally they will eat between 5 and 10 pounds of quality kibble a week. That would generally be between 4 and 8 cups of kibble divided into two feedings each day.
How can I fatten up my Cane Corso?
A nutrient-rich diet will be mandatory so your dogs body can replace lost muscle, get back to a normal weight, and achieve better health in general. Offer Frequent Small Meals. Instead of two large meals daily, give your dog four or five smaller portions throughout the day. This will provide a steady flow of nutrients, fat, and protein all day long and aid in weight gain.
Can I feed my Cane Corso raw meat?
Raw meaty bone is one of the best contents of a raw diet to balance their diet. To convert your dog's diet needs proper adherence to instructions. The Cane Corso needs a systematic approach rather than instant changes. For example, you may restrict the dog to only water on the first day.
Why is my cane corso so skinny?
A visit to your veterinarian is highly recommended. Most issues can be easily corrected, but some may be more serious; don't delay in consulting your vet. Common causes for weight loss include: A poor-quality diet.
