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Dobermans are medium-large breed dogs; they are lovable breeds. They possess highly intelligent, energetic, loyal, and obedient characteristics. Due to their athletic and active abilities, Dobermans require a diet that satisfies their nutritional needs.
Nutritional Needs of Dobermans
Due to their energetic abilities, Dobermans require a high calories diet. The most suitable diet for a Doberman should include;
- Proteins: Dobermans require a high level of protein. The best dog food for your Doberman should have between 15% and 30% protein for adult dogs and between 22% and 32% for puppies. It would be best if you looked out for foods with real meat as its first ingredient. As much as a protein-rich diet is essential, Dobermans are prone to kidney disease. Therefore, do not feed your dog protein-rich foods excessively. In addition, it is best to talk to your vet to understand the optimal amount of protein.
- Carbohydrates: Dobermans are prone to health conditions like hypothyroidism. Due to this, it is essential to feed your Doberman foods rich in complex carbohydrates. Also, if your dog does not have food sensitivities, foods with whole grains are ideal. Whole grains have a high level of fiber which is excellent for digestive health.
- Fats: omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can improve the look of a dog’s coat. Feed your dog foods with healthy fat to improve their skin and coat. Healthy fat sources include salmon oil, fish, flaxseed oil, avocados, and chicken fat.
- Fruits and vegetables: antioxidants can boost immune health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Foods that contain fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Furthermore, you should look out for ingredients such as sweet potatoes, peas, raspberries, blueberries, and apples.
Best Homemade Food for Dobermans
Homemade food for dogs is more affordable and has fresh ingredients. You can also control portions and meet the dietary requirements for your Doberman. Sometimes, store-bought dog food can give your Doberman food allergies, including dermatitis and itchy skin.
Before creating a recipe, it would be best to think of your dog’s activity level, age, weight, and health status. The best homemade food for Dobermans should contain proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, water, and vitamins.
Common Health Problems in Dobermans
Dobermans are prone to developing specific health problems, including;
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy, DCM: this condition indicates that the heart muscles are enlarged and getting weaker. Regularly visiting a vet can help in the early detection and management of the disease. Symptoms of DCM include shortness of breath, weakness, fainting, and depression.
- Von Willebrand Disease, vWD: this condition is hereditary. It is a blood clotting disorder that is similar to hemophilia. Early detection of vWD can help with its management. Vets do not recommend breeding a dog with vWD to avoid passing the disease. Symptoms of vWD include bloody gums, nosebleeds, and bloody urine or stools.
- Chronic Active Hepatitis, CAH: copper is a common mineral in dog food. If the liver cannot metabolize copper completely, there is an accumulation of copper which is toxic. CAH can result in liver failure and death. Visiting your vet for regular examinations helps detect the disease early and adjust your dog to a low copper diet. Symptoms of CAH include lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, and abdominal fluid retention.
- Hypothyroidism: this condition occurs when the body produces low thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism is hereditary and can develop at any time. Therefore, ensure your dog gets examined annually for early detection. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include lethargy, cold sensitivity, dry skin, and depression.
- Hip Dysplasia: this occurs when there is a malformation in the hip joint. In this case, the ball and socket do not fit, and it can cause weakness and pain. Vets can treat hip dysplasia with surgical and non-surgical methods. Symptoms of hip dysplasia include limping, decreased activity, and difficulty rising.
- Bloating: this condition can be life-threatening without proper care. Dobermans can get bloated when their foods don’t digest, or they eat too fast. Bloating can cause a buildup of gas in Dobermans, thus obstructing the flow of blood. Vets warn against exercising your dog immediately after eating to prevent bloating. Symptoms of bloating include pain, excessive slobber, and gagging.
You may be interested in the following articles about dog food for specific pets.
The 6 Best Dog Food for Dobermans in 2021 Are Reviewed Below
This section is a discussion of the six best dog food for Dobermans. Kindly follow through to learn more.
1
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food for Large Breed
Hill’s science diet dry dog food is low in calories, and it is from natural ingredients. The food provides necessary nutrition that is suitable for Dobermans. There is a high-quality protein and natural fiber present in the dog food to satisfy hunger. Also, the dog food contains L-carnitine, which maintains ideal body weight, promotes healthy heart function, and provides healthy mobility for Dobermans.
The Hill’s science diet dry dog food is ideal for maintaining beautiful skin and coat because it contains vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acid. The dog food has a medium kibble size, suitable for large breed dogs, and it is vet recommended.
Hill’s science diet dry dog food is most suitable for weight loss and management. It is best to transition gradually over 7 to 10 days to prevent stomach upset. You should gradually reduce your dog’s current dog food and add increasing amounts of the new dog food. Furthermore, the quantity of food necessary for your dog is subject to weight, age, environment, and activity level.
Generally, for weight loss, dogs weighing 50 pounds should get cups and for 60 pounds dog, give 3 cups of the Hill’s science diet dry dog food. Dogs weighing 80 pounds should get cups and dogs weighing 90 pounds should get cups. cups and cups are ideal for dogs weighing 100 and 110 pounds, respectively. Dogs weighing 120 and 130 pounds should get and cups, respectively. Also, give dogs that weigh 140 pounds and 160 pounds and cups, daily.
For weight management, the necessary amount of dog food is higher. Dobermans weighing up to 50 pounds should get cups of food and dogs weighing up to 60 pounds require cups of food. Dogs weighing 80 and 90 pounds need and cups of Hill’s science diet dog food. Also, give dogs weighing between 100 and 110 pounds, and cups, respectively. Furthermore, dogs weighing 120 pounds should get cups and dogs weighing 130 pounds should get cups of food. Dogs weighing 140 and 160 pounds should get and 9 cups of food, respectively.
Key Features:
- Natural ingredients
- Low calories
- L-carnitine
- High-quality protein
- Natural fiber
- Omega-6 fatty acid
- Vitamin E
- Medium kibble size
- Vet recommended
Specification:
- Brand: Hill’s science diet
- Flavor: Chicken and barley
- Dimensions: 20.38 × 16 × 6.75 in
- Weight: 30 lbs.
Pros
- Hill’s science diet dog food is from natural ingredients, and it satisfies the nutritional needs of Dobermans
- The dog food is low in calories for weight management
- L-carnitine present in the dog food is suitable for maintaining body weight, improving heart health and mobility
- There are high-quality protein and natural fibers present to satisfy hunger and also improve digestive health.
- The omega-6 fatty acid and vitamin e present promotes beautiful skin and coat
- The dog food is vet recommended
- Hill’s science diet dry dog food satisfies the nutritional needs of less active large breed dogs.
- The medium kibble size makes the dog food easily chewable by Dobermans
Cons
- Hill’s science diet dry dog food is quite expensive
- Some reviewers complain that the food increased the bowel movement of their dogs
2
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Purina pro plan dog food is a highly digestible one that promotes digestive health. The dog food has chicken flavor to make it appealing to dogs. The glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids are present to improve the joints’ health and mobility. Also, this dog food contains a high-quality protein source that promotes muscle condition, in addition to proper exercise.
Purina pro plan dog food has an optimized quantity of protein and fat to maintain an ideal weight and improve overall body condition. The first ingredient is real meat, which is from either chicken or salmon. Also, this dog food is vet recommended, and it contains probiotics.
The dog food comes with a 60-day warranty. When feeding your Doberman, it is best to adjust the quantity of dog food to suit weight, activity level, age, and environment. Also, transition gradually over 7 to 10 days.
Key Features:
- Glucosamine
- Omega 3 fatty acid
- High-quality protein
- Optimal quantity of protein and fat
- Real meat
- Highly digestible
- Probiotics
- Vet recommended
- 60 days warranty
Specification:
- Brand: Purina pro plan
- Flavor: Chicken
- Dimensions: 5 × 17 × 31.5
- Weight: 34 lbs.
Pros
- Purina pro plan dog food contains glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acid to promote joints health and mobility
- The protein source is high quality. It is ideal for promoting muscle condition, especially when your dog exercises properly
- The dog food contains 26% protein and 12% fat to promote ideal weight and body condition
- The first ingredient is real meat which can either be from chicken or salmon
- The dog food is highly digestible
- There are probiotics present to promote digestive health
- Purina pro plan dog food is vet recommended
- There is a 60-day customer satisfaction guarantee on the product
Cons
- Some reviewers complain that their dogs developed an allergic reaction to the food
3
Merrick Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Merrick dog food is grain-free, and it contains real deboned meat. The whole foods present in the dog food provide balanced nutrition, including sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples. There are omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids present to promote healthy skin and coat. Also, there is glucosamine and chondroitin in the food to maintain joint and hip health. The dog food is natural. There are no preservatives or fillers present.
When feeding your Doberman with Merrick dog food, note your dog’s age, weight, and activity level. For puppies and pregnant dogs, ensure you give about 2 to 3 times the recommended amounts. Also, if you are mixing wet and dry dog food, always reduce the quantity of dry food by cup for every 6 ounces of wet dog food.
Key Features:
- Grain-free dog food
- Real deboned meat
- Whole foods
- High-quality protein
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Glucosamine
- Chondroitin
- Small kibble size
- No preservatives or fillers
Specification:
- Brand: Merrick
- Flavor: real meat and sweet potato recipe
- Dimensions: 27.5 × 15.75 × 4.25
- Weight: 25 lbs.
Pros
- The dog food is grain-free, making it suitable for dogs with food sensitivities and allergies
- The dog food contains high-quality protein
- The protein source is real deboned meat. It helps maintain a healthy muscle mass
- Merrick dog food contains whole foods to provide balanced nutrition. The whole foods include apples, sweet potatoes, and blueberries
- This food is ideal for promoting healthy skin and coat. It contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- There is glucosamine and chondroitin present. These ingredients improve both hips and joint health
- The dog food does not contain any preservatives or fillers like corn, wheat, or soy
Cons
- Some reviewers complain that the dog food is too small and it may not properly clean dog teeth.
4
Wellness Natural Grain-free Dry Puppy Food
The wellness natural dog food is a healthy option for your Doberman. The food contains real chicken as the first ingredient. It is ideal for improving the overall body health of puppies. There are omega fatty acids present to enhance skin and coat health. Also, the dog food contains probiotics and prebiotics for improving digestive health. Furthermore, there is an optimal level of protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
Wellness dog food is ideal for improving heart health and improving brain development. It contains taurine and salmon oil. Other ingredients that make this dog food especially suitable for puppies are antioxidants, calcium, and phosphorus.
When feeding your Doberman puppy with Wellness dog food, note the weight and age. Also, for combination feeding, reduce the dry dog food by cup for every 6 ounces of wet dog food.
Key Features:
- Real chicken
- Omega fatty acids
- Prebiotics and probiotics
- Grain-free
- Taurine
- Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates
- Salmon oil
- Antioxidants
- Calcium and phosphorus
- No meat by-products
Specification:
- Brand: Wellness Natural Pet Food
- Dimensions: 27.5 × 15 × 4.5 in
- Weight: 24 lbs.
Pros
- Wellness natural dog food has real chicken as its first ingredient
- The high-quality protein source gives puppies a lean bone mass and tones muscles
- The dog food improves the body health of Doberman pups
- The omega fatty acids present to promote healthy skin and coat
- There are prebiotics and probiotics present to improve the digestive health
- The dog food is grain-free. It does not contain fillers
- There is an optimal level of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to provide necessary nutritional needs
- The taurine level in the dog food is optimal; it is ideal for improving heart health
- Wellness dog food contains salmon oil which is a source of DHA. DHA helps in enhancing brain development
- There are antioxidants present to boost the immune system
- Calcium and phosphorus help build healthy bones and muscle
- There are no meat by-products or artificial preservatives present
- The dog food is free of artificial colors and flavors
Cons
- Some reviewers complain that the dog food upset their puppies stomach
5
Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
The taste of the wild dry dog food is a highly digestible dog food with a 32% protein level. The food has real meat as its first ingredient, and it contains antioxidants that boost immune health. There are prebiotics and fiber in the dog food for improved digestive health. The recipe is grain-free; it does not contain corn or wheat. Also, this dog food is ideal for improving coat and skin health because it contains omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
In the taste of the wild dry dog food, there is a unique K9 strain probiotic that is specifically formulated for dogs. It is best to add the probiotic after cooking to ensure its viability. This dog food satisfies the nutritional needs of dogs to support the bones and joints.
Dogs’ feeding requirements vary with weight, age, and activity level. For Dobermans between 5 and 10-pounds weight, give cups of dog food per day. Dogs between 10 and 20 pounds should get cups and dogs between 20 and 30 pounds should get cups of food. For dogs weighing between 30 and 40 pounds, 40 to 60 pounds, and 60 to 80 pounds, give cups, cups, and cups of dog food, respectively. Dogs that are between 80 and 100 pounds require cups of dog food. In addition, give dogs that weigh between 100 and 125 pounds, cups of dog food and dogs that weigh between 125 and 150 pounds should get cups. For dogs that weigh between 150 and 175 pounds, give cups of taste of the wild dry dog food daily.
Key Features:
- Real meat
- Unique taste
- Antioxidants
- Probiotics
- Prebiotics and fiber
- Omega fatty acids
- Grain-free recipe
Specification:
- Brand: Taste of the Wild
- Flavor: Grain-free adult
- Dimensions: 5 × 17 × 23 in
- Weight: 28 lbs.
Pros
- Taste of the Wild dry dog food contains an optimal protein level that provides enough energy for dogs to remain active
- The dog food has real meat as the first ingredient
- Roasted bison and roasted venison gives the dog food its unique taste
- The blueberries, sweet potatoes, and raspberries present in the dog food provide antioxidants that boost immune health
- The prebiotics and fiber present improves the digestive health
- The probiotic is a K9 strain especially formulated for dogs
- The dog food contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The fatty acids maintain beautiful skin and coat
- Taste of the Wild dog food contains enough nutrients to support bones and joints health.
- The high level of protein also promotes lean and strong muscles
- The recipe is grain-free. There is no corn or wheat present
- There are no artificial flavors or colors present.
Cons
- Some dogs may develop allergies to the dog food
6
Canidae All Life Stages Dry Dog Food
The Canidae dry dog food is an antioxidant-rich food suitable for dogs of all ages. You don’t have to bother about getting different food if you have multiple dogs. The dog food contains omega fatty acids for improved skin and coat, and it has probiotics for improved digestion. This dog food is especially suitable for promoting healthy joints because it contains glucosamine and chondroitin. Other ingredients in Canidae dog food include protein and wholesome grains. The dog food is vet formulated, and it does not contain corn, soy, or wheat.
Feeding recommendations vary for dog age, weight, and activity level. Always provide fresh drinking water when feeding your Doberman. Also, transition slowly over ten days to allow your dog to adapt to the new dog food. Transitioning involves giving your dog increasing amounts of Canidae dry dog food and decreasing amounts of their current food.
For puppies;
Give cup of food to puppies weighing between 2 and 10 pounds. Puppies between 10 and 25 pounds weight should get cups of food, and dogs between 25 and 50 pounds should get cups of dog food. Furthermore, puppies between 50 and 75 pounds require 4 to 5 cups of food, and puppies weighing between 75 and 100 pounds should get 5 to 6 cups of Canidae dry dog food daily.
For adult dogs that exercise;
Give cups to dogs weighing between 2 and 10 pounds and dogs between 10 and 25 pounds should get cup of food. Dogs between 25 and 50 pounds should get about 1 to 2 cups of food, and dogs between 50 and 75 pounds should get 2 to 3 cups of food. Furthermore, if your dog weighs between 75 and 100 pounds or between 100 and 125 pounds, give 3 to 4 cups or 4 to cups of food, respectively. Also, dogs that weigh between 125 and 150 pounds should get between cups of food daily.
For adult dogs with less activity;
Give dogs that weigh between 2 and 10 pounds between cup of dog food and dogs that weigh between 10 and 25 pounds should get cup of food. Dogs that weigh between 50 and 75 pounds should get about 1 to cup of food and dogs between 75 and 100 pounds of weight should get cups of food. In addition, dogs between 100 and 125 pounds and dogs between 125 and 150 pounds should get cups and cups, respectively.
For pregnant dogs;
Increase food portions by about 50% more than adult dog food requirements, especially in the last three weeks of pregnancy.
For lactating dogs;
Give about 2 to 3 times of adult dog portions. You should also feed them about 3 to 4 times per day.
For seniors and less active dogs;
Reduce food portions to suit their weight and activity level
Key Features:
- Antioxidants
- Omega fatty acids
- Probiotics
- Glucosamine
- Chondroitin
- Protein
- Wholesome grains
- Vet formulated
- No fillers
- All life stages
Specification:
- Brand: Canidae
- Flavor: multi-protein
- Dimensions: 26.82 × 18.32 × 6.19 in
- Weight: 44 lbs.
Pros
- The dog food contains antioxidants that boost immune health
- The omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids present give dogs a beautiful skin and coat
- Canidae dry dog food has probiotics that aid digestion
- There is glucosamine and chondroitin in the dog food to promote healthy joints
- The dog food has an optimal level of protein and wholesome grains that satisfies the nutritional needs of Dobermans
- The Canidae dry dog food is vet formulated
- There are no fillers present
- The dog food is free of soy, wheat, or corn
- Canidae all life stages dog food is suitable for households with multiple dogs. The dog food is ideal for dogs of all ages
Cons
- Some dogs may take time to adapt to the Canidae dog food
Buying Guide Questions
Below are answers to commonly asked questions about Dobermans and their diet. Read along for more information.
Is Purina Pro Plan good for my Doberman?
Yes. Purina Pro Plan dog food for Dobermans contains the dogs’ essential nutrients to support their activity level.
What can Dobermans not eat?
Majorly the foods you should avoid giving your Dobermans are human foods. Giving your Doberman these foods can cause adverse reactions and, in some cases, death. Some foods you should avoid giving your Doberman include chocolate, sugar, artificial sweeteners, milk, caffeine, garlic, and onions. Also, don’t give Dobermans alcohol, raisins, or grapes.
How often should you bathe a Doberman?
Your Doberman requires regular bathing to maintain and promote coat and skin health. You can bathe your Doberman every six to eight weeks, depending on the activity level. Suppose your Doberman has dirt in his coat, or you wish to eliminate the smell of natural dander. In that case, you should bathe your Doberman every four weeks.
Why do Dobermans lean on you?
Dobermans lean show affection by leaning on people. It is a way of trusting their owners and expressing a tight bond.
How do I make my Doberman fat?
You can make your Doberman fat by increasing their calorie intake. Foods with a high level of proteins will give your Doberman a healthy weight. You can include additional treats and snacks to fatten up your Doberman.
Do Dobermans have whiskers?
Yes. Dobermans do have whiskers. Their whiskers are like sensors that help them go through their daily activities.
Do Dobermans attack their owners?
No. Dobermans are bred explicitly for personal protection, and they are not prone to attacking or injuring their owners.
What human food can Dobermans eat?
Dobermans require easily digestible meals. Human foods you can give your Doberman include broccoli, blueberries, apples, and pumpkin. Salmon, peanut butter, and carrots are also suitable for Dobermans.
Can Dobermans eat bananas?
Yes. Bananas provide a low calories content for Dobermans. However, you should give Dobermans bananas in moderate amounts. Bananas also contain low cholesterol, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and potassium. These minerals are good for Dobermans. Nevertheless, it is essential to note that bananas have high sugar content. Therefore, you should only give bananas as treats and not as the main diet.
Why do Dobermans smell?
A lot of Dobermans are prone to some skin problems that can cause their coat to stink. Dobermans may smell due to several reasons, including dirt in their coat, yeast infections, dirty paws, and dental issues.
Do Dobermans sleep a lot?
Doberman puppies require about 16 to 20 hours of sleep to regain their energy. On the other hand, adult Dobermans sleep should sleep for about 12 to 14 hours daily. Generally, Dobermans are aware of their environment and can detect unfamiliar footsteps even when they are not fully awake.
How do you keep a Doberman coat shiny?
Diet is significant in promoting the coat health of Dobermans. Feed your Doberman food rich in fatty acids, especially from food sources like flaxseed or safflower oils. Other tips for making your Dobermans coat shiny include;
Cleaning the coat with baby or grooming wipes. You can also add coconut oil when using the wipes
Brushing Doberman’s coat with the proper brushes
Introduce a fish oil supplement to your Dobermans diet
Use a natural oatmeal shampoo when bathing
Bathe your Doberman like once every four weeks
Introduce an exercise routine
Visit a vet regularly
