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Greyhounds have a long history that dates back to Ancient Egypt, where their ancestors served in hunting and protection [1]. These ancient dogs were treated as family companions, given the same amount of respect in birth and life as a human would receive.
In our society today, families who exercise regularly will have great bonding time and relationships with Greyhounds as companions because of their high energy levels. Also, because of their high activity and energy levels, Greyhounds’ nutritional requirements lay higher than average on the spectrum compared to other dogs.
Based on my research, the optimal nutritional intake for Greyhounds differs depending on whether they take part in careers or are simply a family companion. For most family Greyhounds, the best option will be the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Regional Recipe Wet Dog Food.
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Regional Recipe Wet Dog Food uses a combination of meats to ensure that a variety of proteins are made available to dogs that require more proteins, such as Greyhounds. They can also be fed in multiple ways, whether on their own, mixed with kibbles, or as a treat.
However, each Greyhound is unique, and the needs will differ depending on their circumstances. That’s why I have selected a list of the best dog food for Greyhounds to keep you informed of the possible varieties your Greyhound may benefit from.
List Comparison
- Best dog food for Greyhounds overall: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Regional Recipe Wet Dog Food
- Best dog food for Greyhound puppies: Wellness Complete Health Natural Wet Canned Puppy Food
- Best dog food for Greyhound seniors: Nutro Ultra Adult & Senior Wet Dog Food (Grain-Free)
- Best dry dog food for Greyhounds: Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Dog Food
- Best dog food for Greyhounds to manage weight: Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight Dry Dog Food
- Best dog food for Greyhounds with sensitive stomachs: The Honest Kitchen Limited Ingredient Dehydrated Dog Food (Grain-Free)
1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Regional Recipe Wet Dog Food
- Key feature: Made using natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals with no by-product meals or artificial flavours and preservatives
- First 5 ingredients: Varies depending on flavour (Salmon, Venison & Halibut | Trout, Venison & Rabbit | Turkey, Quail & Duck)
- Caloric content: 1030 – 1090 kcal/kg
- Guaranteed analysis: Min 5.8 – 10% protein, Min 5% fats, Max 1.5% fiber
- Best for: Adult family Greyhounds
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness wet dog food (regional recipe) uses various types of wholesome meats to ensure that premium meat proteins are readily available to dogs that need more proteins.
Depending on the flavour chosen, these cans contain a minimum of 5.8 – 10% crude protein and 5% crude fats, providing ample nutrients for your Greyhound.
Owners recognize the regional recipe as good quality dog food and reported their dogs having better overall health, mainly reflected through better skin and coat. Picky eaters have also gulped down this recipe when turning away others.
However, owners did admit that this food is on the pricier side, and others were hoping for more flavours available. This dog food also contains chicken despite not being labeled as one of the flavour ingredients, which had misled some owners into believing otherwise.
2. Wellness Complete Health Natural Wet Canned Puppy Food
- Key feature: Puppy-tailored formula for holistic wellness (skin & coat, energy, immunity, and digestive health) through premium, nutrient-rich ingredients
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken broth, Chicken, Chicken liver, Salmon, Ground barley
- Caloric content: 1454 kcal/kg
- Guaranteed analysis: Min 9% protein, Min 6% fats, Max 1% fiber
- Best for: Greyhound puppies
The Wellness Complete Health wet canned puppy food is formulated for puppies to support their whole body health and growth. This is done through an expert balancing of wholesome meats and vegetables to provide the optimal amount of nutrients.
Each can of puppy food contains a minimum of 9% crude protein and 6% crude fat, aimed to be slightly more than the equivalent for adult family Greyhounds to support their growing needs.
Owners reviewed that this puppy food is great for weaning puppies and puppies who are a large breed and highly active. Puppies with sensitive stomachs have also received this puppy food well.
However, owners also mentioned that some of the cans arrived dented when ordering through Amazon. I will caution all owners to check dented cans carefully to see if the food can still be served to the puppies or not.
3. Nutro Ultra Adult & Senior Wet Dog Food (Grain-Free)
- Key feature: Non-GMO recipe with quality chicken, lamb, and whitefish with carefully selected superfoods to help older adult and senior dogs age gracefully
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken liver, Chicken broth, Spinach, Tomatoes
- Caloric content: 981 kcal/kg
- Guaranteed analysis: Min 8% protein, Min 5% fats, Max 1% fiber
- Best for: Older adult and senior Greyhounds
The Nutro Ultra adult & senior wet dog food caters to older adult dogs entering their elder years to experience a healthy aging process. This is done by providing them with a diet packed with quality proteins and superfoods to support their health and immunity.
Each food pack contains a minimum of 8% crude protein and 5% crude fats, similar to what an adult Greyhound would require. However, it provides lower caloric content (<1000 kcal/kg) to prevent the elderly from growing obese.
Owners said their elderly dogs loved this food because it is easy to chew and digest, and one even said that their elderly dog thrived on it until she passed peacefully. Owners also used this food in various ways, serving them whole or mixing them with kibbles before serving.
Other owners shared that this food was too expensive for the amount, and some pickiest eaters would turn their noses away from the food.
4. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Dog Food
- Key feature: Made using high-quality proteins and wholesome grains to support the unique growth needs of large breed dogs
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, Chicken meal, Ground brown rice, Barley, Peas
- Caloric content: 3400 kcal/kg
- Guaranteed analysis: Min 26% protein, Min 12% fats, Max 5% fiber
- Best for: Adult family Greyhounds
Wellness Complete Natural dry dog food (Large Breed) is specially formulated to suit the everyday nutrition needs of large breed dogs, so there are highly suitable for Greyhounds.
The kibbles’ nutritional content is the amount that family Greyhounds need for optimal growth and development. It has 26% proteins (within the recommended range of 24-28%) and 12% fats (within the recommended range of 10-15%).
Owners with large dogs reviewed that their dogs thrived on this particular food, even those that are picky eaters or have sensitive stomachs. Additionally, as it has a corresponding puppy formula, it makes it all the more convenient for owners to choose the puppy formula when their dogs are younger and have a seamless switch to the adult formula without worries about adaptation to new foods.
Chicken is the only available flavour here, so if your Greyhound happens to be allergic to chicken, you will have to source for an alternative.
5. Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight Dry Dog Food
- Key feature: Clinically proven to be effective for most adult dogs without affecting their health (immunity and muscle maintenance)
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Cracked pearled barley, Brown rice, Pea fiber, Corn gluten meal
- Caloric content: 3191 kcal/kg
- Guaranteed analysis: Min 24% protein, Min 9% fats, Max 5% fiber
- Best for: Adult Greyhounds that are overweight
Hills Science Diet perfect weight dry dog food is formulated to help dogs lose weight without affecting their health. Hence, this food is suitable for breeds that are easily overweight or have many health issues when fat, and one of them includes Greyhounds.
These kibbles have just the right amount of proteins (24%) needed for your Greyhound with slightly lesser fat content (9%), but considering that the goal is for weight maintenance, this slight difference is acceptable.
Some owners who have tried out this food stated that it was the recommended weight control food suggested by the veterinarians. They also testified that their dogs had lost weight after switching to this food.
Some owners have mentioned that their dogs reacted poorly to this food, which are likely to be allergic reactions. As this formula contains many ingredients, check the complete list before purchasing for the safety and health of your Greyhound.
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6. The Honest Kitchen Limited Ingredient Dehydrated Dog Food (Grain-Free)
- Key feature: Human-grade, multiple-flavor dog food with limited ingredients that can be used as a topper of a complete meal, easily served by adding water
- First 5 ingredients: Varies depending on flavour (Beef & Chickpea | Chicken & Quinoa | Duck & Sweet Potato | Fish & Coconut | Turkey & Parsnip)
- Caloric content: 3870 – 4550 kcal/kg
- Guaranteed analysis: Min 24-34% protein, Min 7.2-18.5% fats, Max 6-8% fiber
- Best for: Greyhounds with many food allergies
The Honest Kitchen provides human-grade dog food with limited ingredients, making it ideal for Greyhounds with sensitive stomachs or food allergies.
The protein, fats, and caloric content will vary depending on which flavor you purchase and what your Greyhound likes. The Chicken & Quinoa and Duck & Sweet Potato are good flavour options for most family Greyhounds, although other flavours can work depending on the individual needs.
Most owners feedbacked that their dogs with allergies and other health issues thrived on this limited ingredient diet. It is also much more convenient to store than wet food, and it only takes a few minutes to prepare.
A few owners reported that this food brand caused allergies in their dogs. Therefore, please ensure that your Greyhound is allergic to NONE of the listed ingredients before purchase.
Greyhounds’ Dietary Requirements
Greyhounds’ dietary requirements will differ depending on the activities that they engage in daily.
Career Greyhounds, referring to those participating in agility, racing, or other types of competitions, will need different nutrients from family Greyhounds, who are likely not to have the same activity levels.
Protein
Greyhounds are highly active dogs, so they need more protein to keep them healthy.
Family Greyhounds will need about 24-28% crude proteins, while career Greyhounds will require more at about 28-32%. Greyhound puppies’ needs lie in the middle, at about 26-29%.
To maintain their lean body shape and mass, proteins from meat such as chicken, lamb, beef, turkey, or fish will serve Greyhounds better than proteins from grains such as rice and barley.
Fats
Fats are highly concentrated sources of energy that are important for the absorption of vitamins and nutrients.
Career greyhounds need the most fat, at about 13-17%, to maintain their energy levels. Family Greyhounds will need lesser, at about 10-15%, while Greyhound puppies will need slightly more, at about 12-16%, to support their developmental growth.
Meats and plants provide fats that are beneficial to Greyhounds, so choosing a diet that includes vegetables is good.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates come in many forms, such as grains, sugars, fruits, and vegetables, and are a less expensive source of energy than proteins or fats.
Greyhounds do not need high amounts of carbohydrates in their diet, and too many carbohydrates will easily make Greyhounds overweight.
Therefore, wet dog food with higher protein and lower carbohydrate contents is more suitable for Greyhounds. Learn more about the pros and cons of wet and dry dog food to make a better-informed choice for your Greyhound.
Water
Greyhounds need a lot of water because of the amount of exercise that they do every day. Therefore, they are more prone to dehydration [2].
Always ensure that your Greyhound has access to plenty of fresh water, and be alert if you suspect your Greyhound is not drinking as much water as before or expected.
Common Health Issues In Greyhounds
Greyhounds have a fair share of health issues, and listed below are some of the most common health issues Greyhounds can have and how you can help to prevent them.
Dental Problems
One of the most common issues veterinarians see in Greyhounds is dental issues [3]. They can range from mild foul breath to extreme cases such as gum recession or loss of teeth.
As infections from the mouth can quickly spread to other vital organs in the body, it is important to ensure your Greyhound’s oral hygiene through regular teeth-brushing and dental health checks.
Providing dry kibbles can be a natural way to help clean the teeth as your Greyhound chews on the food. Alternatively, specially formulated dental chews and treats can help remove plaque and promote fresh breath.
Digestive Problems
Bloating, the abnormal accumulation of air, fluid, or foam in the stomach, is one of the most common digestive problems that Greyhounds face. Sometimes, the stomach may twist itself, obstructing important veins and causing damage to internal organs, making it an emergency.
Fortunately, this phenomenon can be prevented by ensuring the following during your Greyhound’s mealtime:
- Allow rest time of at least 1 hour before and after mealtimes
- Ensure that your Greyhound eats slowly (using the help of a slow feeder)
- Feeding in smaller portions, and give 2-3 meals a day
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Greyhounds have long, slender legs that make them very aesthetically pleasing, which also means they are more prone to injuries.
While it is hard to ensure that the legs will not suffer injuries, there are several preventive measures owners can take to reduce the likelihood of such injuries.
The first is to ensure that your Greyhound is of healthy weight, as being obese will add additional stress to the legs to support the heavier body.
The second is to provide your Greyhound with high-quality protein food so that the leg muscles receive sufficient nutrients for maintenance and repair.
Additionally, if you ever suspect your Greyhound may have a musculoskeletal injury in the legs because of abnormal walking, reduced activity, or yelping when the legs are touched, bring it to the veterinarian immediately for a check-up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Feeding Greyhounds
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions that Greyhound owners have known to ask.
If you have a question not listed here, you can always contact us, and we will give you a reply.
When should I switch from puppy to adult food?
Greyhounds are large breeds that develop slowly, reaching adults 18 to 24 months. Hence it is advisable to wait a few more months before transitioning to adult food.
The best way to do this is to assess the height and weight. When your Greyhound has attained 90 to 99 percent of its adult size in weight and height, you can begin to feed your Greyhound adult food.
An adult Greyhound is about 27 – 30 inches tall (from the ground to the top of your standing dog’s shoulders). Males should weigh about 60 – 88 lbs, while females should weigh about 55 – 75 lbs slimmer.
If you are unsure when to switch to adult food, bring your Greyhound to the veterinarian to check if it is ready for the switch.
When your Greyhound is ready to take adult food, switch from puppy food to adult food gently over two weeks by reducing the proportion of puppy food and replacing it with adult food.
Is wet dog food or dry dog food better for Greyhounds?
My suggestion will be wet dog food, although there is no absolute right or wrong to this question, and you should make a decision based on your circumstances. This is why I have recommended one from each type so that owners like you can have an informed choice.
Wet food: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Regional Recipe Wet Dog Food
Dry food: Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Dog Food
I stand by wet dog food because it has higher protein and lower carbohydrate content than dry dog food, which suits Greyhounds better. Also, as Greyhounds are likely to be prone to dehydration, serving them wet dog food can ensure that they are at least having a minimum amount of water intake at each mealtime.
However, this will mean that they lack the benefits of dry kibbles cleaning their teeth and will need to be provided with dental chews. It may also cause inconvenience to owners as they need to store an opened can of wet dog food properly to preserve the freshness.
Can Greyhounds live on a meatless diet?
Theoretically, Greyhounds, like all other dogs, can live and thrive on a vegetarian diet.
However, as Greyhounds have a high protein nutritional need, and most proteins can be more readily sourced in meats than vegetables, a meat-based diet will suit them better.
Suppose you want to provide a meatless diet for your Greyhound for any reason. In that case, I suggest consulting the veterinarian first and asking for a prescribed homemade recipe customized to your dog’s unique needs and growth instead of choosing a random vegan recipe from the store.
Our Verdict
Greyhounds, considered large breeds, have been around for thousands of years and are good family dogs because of their loyal and loving nature. They are suited best for highly active families who exercise regularly.
We strongly believe Blue Buffalo Wilderness Regional Recipe Wet Dog Food is the best dog food for Greyhounds overall. The protein and fat content falls in the recommended range, and many flavors are available.
Nevertheless, every Greyhound is unique. Do evaluate your Greyhound’s needs before selecting dog food for it, and always consult a veterinarian’s opinion when you are in doubt.
