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What’s the best dog food for Vizslas?
Vizslas (meaning pointer) are a medium sized breed of dog originating from Hungary. They are easily recognised by their sleek-golden rust coat and long silky ears that frame their face.
They were historically used for hunting by the Magyar people, who settled in Hungary more than 1,000 years ago. Vizslas were used by nobles and warlords to hunt game birds and hares. Eventually, the dogs were developed to both point and retrieve.
According to figures from the American Kennel Club, Vizslas are ranked as the 33rd most popular dog in the US.
Vizslas are prone to skeletal issues such as hip dysplasia. It’s, therefore, crucial to choose a dog food that has appropriate and balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus to support healthy bone growth. Look for recipes which contain glucosamine and chondroitin.
Healthy fats provide a concentrated source of energy and are essential for maintaining a healthy coat and skin. Look for foods with moderate levels of healthy fats, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
They benefit from a diet rich in high-quality animal protein sources such as chicken, beef, or fish, so look for a dog food with named meat protein sources at the top of the ingredient list.
Below, you can see our recommendations of the best foods for Vizslas to help you choose the right food for your pet.
You’ll also learn the answer to each of the most frequently asked questions we get about Vizslas.
Best Dog Food for Vizslas December 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for Vizslas for December 2024.
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Best Dry Dog Food For Vizslas
Merrick Grain-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato
Merrick Grain-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato derives the majority of its meat protein from chicken, a high-quality protein that helps build and maintain healthy muscle tissue.
It also features 81% of its protein from animal sources, omega fatty acids support healthy skin and coat, and is packed with glucosamine and chondroitin to foster joint health.
Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 18% fat and 38.1% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
Whole foods like apples and blueberries are full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, plus easily digestible carbohydrates like potatoes and sweet potatoes, offer the benefit of sustained energy to keep your Vizsla energized all day long.
Merrick Grain-Free Small Breed Chicken & Sweet Potato is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Merrick Grain-Free dry product line.
Read our review of the full Merrick Dog Food range here
Things we like
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin
- Omega fatty acids
- Chicken-based protein
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes Texture Dry Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Vizsla Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"After trying Merrick’s Grain Free Chicken + Sweet Potato dog food, Bella now loves it more than the wet food she was previously eating with a mix of her old dog food. She seems to have no desire to go back to her old food. Her new favorite!"
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Best Wet Dog Food For Vizslas
Nom Nom Beef Mash
Nom Nom Beef Mash is one of four fresh recipes included in our review of this fresh product line.
This food derives the bulk of its meat protein from beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 34.8% protein, 17.4% fat and 39.8% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
Made with fresh, whole ingredients, every meat and vegetable is gently cooked individually, then mixed in batches to seal in vital nutrients and maximize digestibility. Grain-free, it’s ideal for dogs with allergies and can be utilized as a main meal or as a topper.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Grain-free
- Slow-cooked to seal in nutrients
- Can be used as a meal or topper
Main Ingredients Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas Texture Wet Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 34.8% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All adult and puppy Vizslas Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Tula gets so excited when it’s mealtime. She no longer has skin issues, her coat looks wonderful and her stools are the best they’ve ever been. I can’t imagine ever feeding her anything but Nom Nom!"
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Best Fresh Dog Food For Vizslas
Ollie Turkey Dish with Blueberries
Ollie Turkey Dish with Blueberries is our recommended all-natural food for Vizslas, perfectly portioned to provide them with the nutrients they need, resulting in shiny coats, bucket-loads of energy, and better digestion.
This food is one of five fresh recipes included in our review of the Ollie Fresh product line.
It derives the majority of its meat protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 35.7% protein, 25% fat and 31.3% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of around 70%.
It’s also packed with moisture, as well as superfoods including blueberries for fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidant boost, and spinach for iron and beta-carotene.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- High amount of protein from turkey
- Made with superfoods
- 100% human-grade ingredients
Main Ingredients Turkey, butternut squash, turkey livers, oats, lentils Texture Wet Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 35.7% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Vizslas Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at myollie.com"Lily has food sensitivities and needed to lose 2 pounds. Ollie’s fresh turkey recipe, with Lily’s calories counted and portions predetermined, are just what we needed."
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Best Dog Food For Vizsla Puppies
Instinct Raw Boost With Real Beef
Instinct Raw Boost with Real Beef is our recommended choice for Vizsla puppies and is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Instinct Raw Boost product line.
This recipe sources most of its meat protein from beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38.5% protein, 23.1% fat and 30.5% estimated carbs, providing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.
Grain-free, high-protein kibble and freeze-dried raw, Instinct Raw Boost With Real Beef is packed with animal protein to help your Vizsla puppy develop strong, lean muscles. It also provides a probiotic boost, has high omegas and plenty of antioxidants for digestive health, healthy skin and coat, and immune health.
Read our review of the full Instinct Dog Food range here
Things we like
- High amount of beef protein
- High fat for growing puppies
- Probiotics for immune health
Main Ingredients Beef, white fish meal, herring meal, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), peas Texture Dry Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 38.5% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Vizslas Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We have been feeding our dog instinct for since she was a puppy over a year and a half ago. We rotate flavors every other bag, but I’ve stayed with this brand from our old dog who lived to be 16. This flavor, however, is without question our pooches favorite. From the first time we dropped it in her bowl, she gobbled the entire bowl without thinking about it. She has always enjoyed her other instinct flavors, but for some reason this one gets eaten immediately while the others getting over a 20 or 30 minutes."
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Best Affordable Dog Food For Vizslas
Taste of the Wild Ancient Wetlands with Roasted Fowl
Taste of the Wild Ancient Wetlands with Roasted Fowl is our pick for the Best Affordable Dog Food for Vizslas, and it sources most of its meat protein from duck.
Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 35.6% protein, 20% fat and 36.4% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Ancient grains provide an additional source of protein, fiber and other essential nutrients. We like the fact the recipe also features omega fatty acids to aid skin and coat health and species-specific K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics, plus antioxidants and prebiotics to support your Vizsla’s digestion and immune system health.
Taste of the Wild Ancient Wetlands with Roasted Fowl is one of four dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains product line.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Omega fatty acids
- Duck-based protein
- Probiotics and prebiotics
Main Ingredients Duck, duck meal, chicken meal, grain sorghum, millet Texture Dry Type Grain-Inclusive Protein Percentage 35.6% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Vizslas Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Variety of flavors, probiotics, my pet loves the taste, grain-inclusive, unique protein sources, trusted brand, affordability"
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Best Dog Food For Vizslas With Allergies
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato
Limited Ingredient Grain Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult Vizslas with allergies.
With omega-rich salmon as the first ingredient and sweet potatoes for fiber, this grain-free formula is made with easily digestible ingredients and supports full-body health.
Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26.7% protein, 11.1% fat and 54.2% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 42%.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato is one of 21 recipes included in our review of the this dry product line.
Read our review of the full Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Limited-ingredient recipe
- Low fat
- Omega fatty acids
Main Ingredients Salmon, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, tapioca starch, potatoes Texture Dry Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 26.7% AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Adult Vizslas Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Our puppy had been having allergic reactions to the previous dog food that we had given her. Chicken, beef, lamb, it all made her sick. We had to go to the vet regularly because her foods caused infections and required surgical procedures. This was our last attempt at a food before the doctor was going to put her on specialized gastrointestinal food which is much more expensive. Our puppy has been on this diet for 2 months now and has not had any further problems. Plus, she LOVES it! A win win for everyone."
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about feeding Vizslas:
Frequently Asked Questions
How big are Vizslas?
Vizslas are lightly built, medium-size dogs, with males standing 22 to 24 inches (55 to 61 cm), females 21 to 23 inches (53 to 58 cm). The weight range for the breed is 45 to 65 pounds (20 to 29 kg), with females being smaller.
What is the temperament of Vizslas Dogs?
The Vizsla is described as lively, gentle, and affectionate, they have a strong desire to be with people building tight bonds with their owner. Because of their playful nature, they get along really well with older children they can play with.
How much exercise do Vizslas Dogs need?
Vizslas were bred to be active hunting dogs, they need both mental and physical exercise. Individual dog’s needs vary but in general they need a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise a day.
In addition to walks and games of fetch, most Vizslas need opportunities to run hard off-leash on a regular basis.
Mental exercise is as important as physical activity, so training should be part of their routine. Vizslas can be excellent running or jogging companions.
What health conditions can affect Vizslas Dogs?
Vizslas are generally a healthy breed. A typical lifespan is about 12 to 15 years. A responsible breeder would have the following screen checks done: hip, ophthalmologist and thyroid evaluation.
Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet are important for maintaining their health and well-being.
Final word
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