If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best dog food for Schnauzer is, then we recommend the Purina Pro Plan SAVOR Dry Dog Food as the best one
Originated in Germany, Schnauzers are great house dogs dedicated to their families. In order for a Schnauzer to live his or her best life, they need healthy food, fresh drinking water, plenty of exercise, and lots of love.
One of the most important things on this list is healthy food. Schnauzers require a specific diet in order to keep them in good health and increase the longevity of their lives.
The diet of a Schnauzer is what inspired me to write this article. After all, food is nourishment and it matters for our pets, too!
Let’s take a look at some of the best dog food for Schnauzers:
- Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Mixers Dog Food
- Nutro Natural Healthy Weight Adult Dry Dog Food
- Iams Proactive Health Adult MiniChunks Dry Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Dog Food with Duck
- Instinct Raw Boost Senior Grain Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food
- Purina Pro Plan SAVOR Shredded Blend With Probiotics Dry Dog Food
- Diamond Care Sensitive Skin Limited Ingredient Diet
- Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Natural with Real Salmon & Tuna
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain Free Dry Dog Food with Salmon
- Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Puppy Dog Food
Popular Read: Best Dog Food Brands To Reduce Pooping
What makes a great Dog food for Schnauzers?
Schnauzers are susceptible to developing allergies and bladder stones, so it is important to choose dog food wisely. The food you feed your Schnauzer should be free of corn, soy, and wheat, and specifically grain-free.
There are many grain-free brands on the market to choose from.
General Nutrition Recommendations for Schnauzers
Schnauzers need a balanced and nutritious diet. For example, the food they eat should be perfectly balanced in fiber, carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
Additionally, added vitamins in the food are required to maintain a healthy coat and provide energy to your pup.
It is important to avoid common allergens in food and too high sodium levels, as these things can cause sensitivities and bladder stones.
Read: Best Dog Food For American Bully
A Schnauzer’s Basic Diet
Schnauzers, like any dog breed, need healthy food. More importantly, healthy food must be balanced in vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients.
A healthy dose of fat will ensure that Schnauzers maintain a sleek coat and hydrated skin.
Additionally, carbohydrates and fiber from fruit and vegetables ensure your Schnauzer’s digestive system and protein balance is optimal.
Protein
Depending on the type of protein you decide to feed your Schnauzer, he or she will demand more or less. For example, beef is high in protein and would be served in fewer amounts than meat like deer or rabbit.
Always read the back label of any food to ensure your dog is consuming enough calories.
Related Reading: What Is A Good Source Of Protein For Dogs?
Fat
Fat is a necessary ingredient in every dog’s diet, but especially a Schnauzer, who are susceptible to getting skin allergies. Healthy doses of fat will ensure his or her coat stays hydrated and receives the necessary amount of omega-3 oils.
If you are worried about your dog’s fat levels not being adequate, there are supplements on the market you can add to your dog’s bowl of food.
Great sources of fat in food are salmon, sardines, and any other types of fish.
Carbohydrates
When it comes to carbohydrates in the food, it is important to recognize that there are two of them: simple vs. complex. Dogs are able to digest both of these, but with Schnauzers, they are able to digest simple carbohydrates easier.
For example, simple carbohydrates are peas, blueberries, parsley, carrots, celery, squash, and sweet potatoes.
Whereas, complex carbohydrates are barley, oats, soy flour, wheat, corn, and rice. Due to the fact that Schnauzers are easy targets for skin sensitivities, limiting the amount of complex carbs they consume may be helpful.
Additional Ingredients
There are many additives in dog food that you should avoid, if possible. For example, corn and wheat gluten, by-products, food dyes, rendered fat, BHA/BHT, and PG.
While some brands do include these additives in their food products, a lot of brands do not. This is where it is important to do some research before buying dog foods for your pup.
Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are necessary for keeping a healthy coat, hydrated skin, and maintaining brain health. Some vitamins that should be in your dog’s food are Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin D, and Vitamin C.
Vitamin A is helpful for fighting eye disease, Vitamin B is important for helping with cell growth and development. Vitamin C is immune boosting, and Vitamin D is helpful for strengthening bones and teeth.
All of these things are so important in keeping your Schnauzer healthy and happy.
Read To Learn: Best Dog Food For Husky
Special Dietary and Nutritional Concerns
Schnauzers have specific dietary and nutritional concerns to be aware of. While the breed is a fairly hearty and healthy breed, they are susceptible to developing things like any dog breed is.
Particularly, they can develop urinary stones, cataracts, pancreatitis, and hyperlipidemia. With these things in mind, you can plan your Schnauzer’s meals out accordingly.
How Many Calories do Schnauzers Need Exactly?
Depending on how active your Schnauzer is and how old they are, they will need different amounts of calories. Mini Schnauzers need roughly 532 calories per day, while Schnauzers who exercise less and are senior need less.
It is important to supplement with delicious treats but to never over-feed treats and skimp out on meals. A veterinarian can help owners plan out meals and ensure they are properly feeding their pup.
Miniature Schnauzers
Mini Schnauzers typically consume fewer calories than the other versions of Schnauzers. A mini Schnauzer who exercises moderately should consume around 532 calories per day.
However, this number can fluctuate depending on the exercise level of the dog.
Standard Schnauzers
Standard Schnauzers are slightly bigger than miniatures and therefore require around 1000 calories per day. If your Schnauzer does slightly less or more exercise per day, it is fine to feed appropriately matching their level of activity.
Giant Schnauzers
Giant Schnauzers are bigger boned and need more exercise. As a result, they demand more calories to maintain their health.
Typically, Giant Schnauzers require 1680 calories, but again, this can fluctuate depending on their activity level.
Check: Top Dog Foods For Your Diabetic Dog
Best Food for Mini, Adult, & Senior Schnauzers
#1 Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Mixers Dog Food
Stella & Chewy’s prides themselves in creating freeze-dried raw food that tastes delicious and wholesome. Their mixture is grain-free and completely free of fillers, which is ideal for sensitive Schnauzers.
Moreover, it promotes a healthy, shiny coat and provides a boost of energy after each meal. The company offers it in 3 sizes: 3.5 oz., 8 oz., and 18 oz., which caters to Miniature, Standard, and Giant Schnauzers.
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Chicken is packed full of protein, delicious chicken taste, and goes perfectly with any kind of food you serve on the size. Moreover, your Schnauzer will not have trouble digesting it due to the clean nature of the ingredients.
Stella & Chewy makes the food easy to serve, as all you have to do is mix the pieces of meat with water to re-hydrate it. With simple step-by-step instructions and serving suggestions on the back, you do not have to worry about over or under-feeding your pup.
The stats on Stella & Chewy’s is crude protein min. 48%, crude fat min. 28%, crude fiber max. 5%, moisture max. 5%.
Pros
- Great meaty taste
- Available in a variety of sizes
- Solid amount of protein
- Grain-free
- Easy to digest
Cons
- Biggest bag size 18 oz.
- May be expensive depending on how much food your dog consumes
#2 Nutro Natural Healthy Weight Adult Dry Dog Food
With a number one ingredient of lamb, Nutro Wholesome Essentials prides itself on using a high-quality protein source. This food is designed with your Schnauzer’s weight in mind, as it promotes a healthy balanced weight.
Because Schnauzers range in their weight but typically are smaller built dogs, they cannot afford to become overweight. Nutro’s Wholesome Essentials allows your pup to feel full and happy after eating but not over-eating.
Additionally, it is created with no by-products, wheat, soy, or artificial dyes or preservatives. Nutro offers this dog food in a 30-pound bag, to keep your dog full for a long time.
The natural fiber that is found in a bag of Wholesome Essentials means your dog will have a happy tummy. A quick glance at the ingredients and you will notice the quality of ingredients.
For example, deboned lamb, brown rice, and split peas are some of the first ingredients and provide nutrients and fiber to your pup. The stats for this food from Nutro are 23% crude protein, 7% fat, and 11% fiber.
Pros
- Comes in a 30-lb. bag
- Nutritious ingredients with no by-products
- Crunchy, meaty taste
- Contains Sunflower Oil to keep the dog’s coat shiny
Cons
- Kibble texture rather than real meat
- Limited variety of bag sizes
#3 Iams Proactive Health Adult MiniChunks Dry Dog Food
Created with farm-raised, fresh chicken, IAMS Proactive Health is a wholesome and nutritious meal for your Schnauzer. It is veterinarian recommended and for a good reason: it contains healthy amounts of protein, carbs, fats, and vitamins & minerals.
Additionally, the incorporation of probiotics allows your pup to easily digest the food. Not only will your dog reap the benefits of fresh meat, but also the benefits of added fruits and vegetables.
IAMS stands behind their brand, specifically the Proactive Health brand, as it promotes strong bones, healthy joints, a silky coat, and a healthy heart and metabolism. A quick glance on the back of a bag of Proactive Health and owners will be pleased to see chicken as the first ingredient, which means there is mostly chicken in the mixture.
The stats for IAMS Proactive Health are 25% minimum protein, 14% minimum crude fat. The pieces of food are small enough for a Schnauzer’s mouth and big enough to keep the tummy full.
Pros
- Affordable
- Made with real chicken
- No wheat, soy, or harmful preservatives
- Added L Carnitine promotes a properly functioning metabolism
- Available in a variety of bag sizes, such as 15 lbs. all the way to 40 lbs.
Cons
- Contains grains
- Kibble size is on the larger size
- Made with corn, which may upset sensitive tummies
#4 Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Duck
Schnauzers were bred to be guard dogs on farms, where they were driven to hunt for prey. As a result, Schnauzers remain, meat lovers, even though they are small inside and rather domesticated currently.
Blue Buffalo’s Wilderness Duck Dog Food is a delicious blend of deboned duck and other wholesome nutrients. With trademarked LifeSource Bits, this food is a high-quality protein with added omega 3 and 6 oils.
The carbohydrates that make up this food are sweet potatoes, peas, and potatoes. Your dog will not only love the meaty flavor but the filling nature of the added vegetables. This food is designed to help your dog grow, as it becomes older, the added nutrients will keep his or her joints lubricated and pain-free.
Pros
- Tasty and affordable
- Offers an adequate amount of omega oils
- Duck is flavorful and minimally processed
- No artificial flavors.
Cons
- Chicken and fish meal may not be appealing to owners
#5 Instinct Raw Boost Senior Grain Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food
Fresh, balanced, and grain-free are just some of the keywords that describe Instinct Raw Boost. Created with wholesome ingredients like cage-free chicken, peas, carrots, and apples, your pup’s natural meat cravings will be cured with each bite of kibble and freeze-dried food.
The blend of nutrients found in Instinct’s Raw Boost helps aid in eye health, formation of strong teeth, and promotion of healthy joints.
What makes this food ideal is the blend of kibble and freeze-dried, so your pup will get a mix of crunchy and soft. The crunchy kibble helps clean your dog’s teeth while the freeze-dried provides a delicious texture.
As your Schnauzer ages, this food is crafted to support his or her senior years. It comes in two bag sizes, such as a 4-lb. bag and a 21-lb. bag. Instinct knows how important it is for dogs to age gracefully and healthily.
That is why they have blended omega oils with wholesome ingredients to create the perfect senior meal. As owners, you can feel good serving your pup a hearty chicken meal with meat sourced from the USA.
Pros
- Great meat taste
- Packed with omega oils
- A delicious blend of kibble and freeze-dried food
- Available in a small and large size
- Nutrients intact
Cons
- Not a large variety of bag sizes
- It may be expensive depending on how hungry your Schnauzer gets
- No fresh, soft meat
#6 Purina Pro Plan SAVOR Shredded Blend With Probiotics Adult Dry Dog Food
A shredded blend of chicken and rice makes for a hearty meal for your dog. Crafted with delicious, high-quality protein, Purina has designed a meal your dog will devour. Rice is used as an easy-to-digest protein compared to other carbohydrates in dog food on the market.
Additionally, the food contains added vitamin A and linoleic acid to keeps dogs’ coats and skin silky and smooth. With each bite of kibble, your Schnauzer is treated to a meaty mouthful.
Each serving contains just the right amount of protein your dog craves (specifically 26% per serving), as well as natural prebiotic fiber, and other essential nutrients. The shredded pieces of chicken make the food exciting for your dog, but also easy for their teeth to chew and digest properly.
Pros
- The shredded chicken is appealing for dog’s
- Contains optimal levels of protein
- Easy to digest
- Contains added vitamins
- Rice is filling but easy to digest
- Available in a variety of bag sizes
Cons
- Some dogs may not enjoy the shredded texture of the meat
- Rice may be an allergen of some dogs
#7 Diamond CARE Recipe Specialized Diet for Dogs with Unique Health Issues
Diamond CARE Recipe is perfect for dogs who have skin or digestive issues. Schnauzers, in particular, face a high risk of developing sensitivities. Created with peas, salmon oils, and salmon, Diamond CARE keeps skin and fur sleek and shiny.
With a breakdown of crude protein 22.0% minimum, crude fat 12.0% minimum, crude fiber 4.5% maximum, and moisture 10.0% maximum. Peas are the first ingredient, and they work as a premium carbohydrate source.
For those dogs with sensitivities to certain meats, peas act as a highly digestible source. Additionally, you do not have to worry about the quality of peas as much as meat.
Pros
- Digestible protein
- The first ingredient is peas
- Salmon oils keep skin and coat healthy and soft
Cons
- Some dogs may prefer a first ingredient meat source
- Limited variety of bag sizes
#8 Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Natural with Real Salmon & Tuna
Real tuna and salmon come together to create a tasty meal. 30% protein is offered to your dog to promote strong muscles and an active lifestyle. Schnauzers, even though small, enjoy running and being active. Therefore, they need food that will keep them healthy and agile.
Tuna and salmon are delicious protein sources that are easy to digest and keep the tummy full. Owners can feel good about serving their dog Purina ONE SmartBlend because the number one ingredient is salmon.
Additionally, the inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids keeps the coat shiny and brain health support.
Pros
- Salmon and tuna are appealing to dog’s taste buds
- Adequate amount of omega-3’s
- Protein is easy to digest.
Cons
- Some dogs may prefer heartier protein sources like chicken or beef compared to salmon and tuna
- Limited variety of bag sizes
#9 Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Salmon
Salmon is a tasty protein source that is enjoyed by many dogs. With a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients, your pup will be happy and healthy as he or she enjoys each meal. Blue Buffalo has crafted their food without additives or artificial colorings, so as to bring the healthiest of food to their customers and their pets.
No wheat, corn, or soy means your Schnauzer’s susceptibility to skin allergies is hopefully lessened by eating this food. The salmon is sourced in the United States of America, so owners can feel good about feeding a locally-sourced protein to their pup.
Pros
- Salmon encourages natural oils to build up and create a silky-smooth coat
- A healthy blend of protein, carbs, and fats.
Cons
- Tapioca starch and fish meal may be a turn-off for some pet owners
#10 Purina One Lamb and Long Grain Rice Wet Dog Food
Lamb and rice make an easy-to-digest and tasty protein source for dogs to chow down on. Schnauzers have a sensitive digestive system, which means they need quality protein sources for optimal, easy digestion.
This food is designed with puppies in mind and with added vitamins. Wet food is easy for puppies’ teeth, as kibble can be challenging and dry for their little mouths.
The lamb and rice make a delicious tasting wet food that can be purchased in a 13 oz. can. Purina has added in extra vitamins and nutrients to keep the immune system strong and brain health maintained.
Pros
- Tasty meat flavor
- Wet food is easy to chew and digest
- Added antioxidants keep the body healthy.
Cons
- Small can sizes
- Rice may be an allergen for some dogs
Dog Foods For Schnauzers: All FAQs
#What size of food are Schnauzers able to eat?
Schnauzers are able to eat small to medium-sized bowls of food. This means, owners should carefully read the back of any bag or can of food before serving it to their dog.
# How much should I feed my Schnauzer?
Schnauzers are small or miniature breeds that require small, healthy amounts of food. It is recommended to feed your Schnauzer ¼ cup of food 3 to 4 times a day.
As a puppy, they will generally need more food than an adult. However, if your Schnauzer gets lots of exercises, he or she may need more food.
# Are Schnauzers Picky Eaters?
Schnauzers love to eat, but they can be picky! It is not realistic to say all Schnauzers are picky eaters, but some may prefer beef and chicken over rabbit or salmon.
Owners should be aware of their dog’s food interests and what they prefer over others.
Read To Learn: Top Dog Food Brands For Labradoodles
Conclusion
After reviewing these different kinds of dog food, it is clear that the Purina Pro Plan SAVOR Dry Dog Food is the winner. With an optimal blend of protein, carbs, fat, and delicious taste, it is hard to beat this option.
Feeding your Schnauzer the best food possible is necessary for ensuring it lives a long, happy life. I hope you enjoyed reading about the top 10 dog foods for Schnauzers and let me know if you currently feed your pup one of these.
Before feeding your dog a new brand of food, always educate yourself about the product first or speak with a veterinarian. It is so important to be aware of what we feed our pups, especially those who own Schnauzers because they are susceptible to different diseases and allergies.
Let me know which food you think sounds best in the comment section below!
Other Dog Food-Related Topics
1. Best Dog Food Options For Labradoodles
2. Best Dog Food Brands For Border Collies
3. Best Dog Foods For German Shepherds
4. 24 Best Dog Water Fountains & Dispensers
5. 21 Best Dog Foods For English Mastiffs
6. Best Dog Foods For Great Dane Puppies and Adults
7. Best Dry And Canned Dog Foods For Large Breeds
8. Best Tasting Foods For Your Picky Eater Pups
9. Best Food Brands For Small Breed Dogs
10. Best Dog Foods For American Bulldogs
11. Can Dogs Eat Raw Or Cooked Lobsters, Shrimps, And Prawns?
We have partnered with HungryBark.com to offer the best deal on high quality dog food to our readers. If you click on the button below, we will take you to their exclusive discount page.
