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What’s the best dog food for Havanese?
Havanese can be prone to becoming overweight, so it’s important to select a dog food that is formulated to meet their specific energy requirements without overloading them with excessive calories.
Consider a formula labeled for “less active” or “weight management” if your Havanese is overweight or prone to weight gain.
Havanese are susceptible to joint problems, including legg-calve-perthes disease and patella luxation, so the food you choose should contain ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin which can help support joint health and mobility.
As always, ensure that the dog food you choose provides a balanced mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Opt for a dog food that lists high-quality animal-based proteins as the main ingredients, such as chicken, turkey, or fish. These proteins provide essential amino acids for muscle development and maintenance.
Havanese may have food sensitivities or allergies, so be mindful of potential allergens in their food. If your dog exhibits signs of allergies or digestive issues, consult with your veterinarian to identify potential triggers and consider a limited ingredient diet or specialized formulas.
Below, you can see our recommendations of the best foods for Havanese, which we hope will 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 Havanese.
Best Dog Food for Havanese November 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for Havanese for November 2024.
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1. A Pup Above
A Pup Above Chicka Pupatouille is one of five dry recipes included in our review of the A Pup Above dry product line.
A Pup Above Chicka Pupatouille derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 20.9% fat and 38.2% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
Friendly grains, 100% human grade and non-GMO veggies.
Read our review of the full A Pup Above Whole Food Cubies Dog Food (Dehydrated) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken heart, sweet potato, barley, oat Type Grain-Inclusive Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at APupAbove"Love the no mess, no fuss of this product! Pups really love it as a treat or meal."
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2. Open Farm
Open Farm Homestead Chicken Gently Cooked Recipe is one of seven wet recipes included in our review of the Open Farm Gently Cooked product line.
Open Farm Homestead Chicken Gently Cooked Recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 45.8% protein, 29.2% fat and 17% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
This slow-cooked recipe is packed with protein and nutrients, with humanely raised chicken and non-gmo veggies and superfoods—all 100% human-grade ingredients.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, carrots, kale, butternut squash, apples Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 45.8% AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at OpenFarmPet"My dog loves the gently cooked chicken recipe. We mix it with some of the ancient grain dry food and some Open Farm bone broth. We tried many foods, and this is the only brand that makes her run to her food dish."
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3. Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Toy Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe is one of 20 dry recipes included in our review of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Toy Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28.9% protein, 16.7% fat and 46.4% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.
Formulated for the health and well-being of toy dogs, blue life protection formula starts with high-quality deboned chicken and features antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies plus wholesome whole grains. this precise blend of proteins and carbohydrates helps support your toy dog’s higher energy needs.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley Type Grain-Inclusive Protein Percentage 28.9% AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at BlueBuffalo"Just got this amazing dog food. My dog is a very picky eater but he absolutely loves this."
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4. Orijen
Orijen Small Breed is one of nine dry recipes included in our review of the Orijen dry product line.
Orijen Small Breed of its meat protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43.2% protein, 20.5% fat and 28.4% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
Quality poultry and fish ingredients, providing a strong source of essential protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, chicken, turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), whole herring, salmon Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 43.2% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Dogs & Puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at OrijenPetFoods"I have picky pups but they devoured this!!! I love that it is all natural with great ingredients and that they will eat it. Win, win, win for me!"
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5. Instinct
Instinct Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Recipe With Real Salmon is one of three dry recipes included in our review of the Instinct Limited Ingrdient product line.
Instinct Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Recipe With Real Salmon derives the bulk of its protein from fish. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31.1% protein, 20% fat and 40.9% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
Protein packed recipes made with high levels of real animal ingredients and responsibly sourced meat, poultry or fish.
Read our review of the full Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon meal, salmon, peas, tapioca, canola oil Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 31.1% AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at InstinctPetFood"It is easily digestible and our dogs do not get upset stomachs from it."
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6. Just Food For Dogs
JustFoodForDogs Joint & Skin Support is one of 9 fresh recipes included in our review of the Just Food For Dogs Fresh product line.
JustFoodForDogs Joint & Skin Support derives the bulk of its meat protein from pork. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 40.9% protein, 11.4% fat and 39.7% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 28%.
Joint & Skin Support diet can help maintain healthy joints and skin.
Read our review of the full Just Food for Dogs (Frozen Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Pork, quinoa, kale, carrots, apples Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 40.9% AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at JustFoodForDogs"Butters, my 14-year old dog, is doing great on the new food. It’s amazing to see his transformation from tired and achy to alert and playful. He loves Just Food for Dogs!"
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7. Now Fresh
Now Fresh Adult Recipe with Turkey, Salmon & Duck is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Now Fresh Grain-Free product line.
Now Fresh Adult Recipe with Turkey, Salmon & Duck derives the bulk of its meat protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28.9% protein, 17.8% fat and 45.3% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
Minimally processed and perfectly balanced, with added L-Carnitine. Free from grains and by-product or meat meals.
Read our review of the full Now Fresh Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients De-boned turkey, potatoes, peas, whole dried egg, potato flour Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 28.9% AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at NowFresh"My baby, Bella, is now 5 ys old. When she was a puppy we tried various brands but she did not like any of them. We tried Now Fresh Kibble for adults and boy does she love it. You just have to say do you want your beans and Bella comes running and waits by her dish."
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8. Wellness
Wellness Turkey Stew is one of six wet recipes included in our review of the Wellness stew product line.
Wellness Turkey Stew derives the bulk of its meat protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 44.4% protein, 16.7% fat and 30.9% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 38%.
Complete and balanced for everyday feeding, mixing or snacking.
Read our review of the full Wellness Stews Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey broth, water sufficient for processing, turkey liver, carrots Type Grain-Inclusive Protein Percentage 44.4% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies & Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at WellnessPetFood"My dog LOVES these canned foods, and I love them because they are so healthy for her compared to other canned foods."
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 Havanese:
Havanese are a small sized breed of dog which are native to Cuba and known for their bright personalities. The American Kennel Club (AKC) consistently ranks Havanese within the top 25 most popular breeds in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big are Havanese?
Havanese are up to 11.5 inches tall and weigh between 7-13 pounds.
What kind of fur does a Havanese have?
Havanese have long silky hair which needs regular grooming to avoid matting and tangles. Some pet parents may choose to trim their hair shorter to make grooming easier. According to the AKC, there is a huge range of registered colors for Havanese, from all white to brindle and blue. The markings also have a huge variety including but not limited to silver, parti-color, tan, and irish pied.
What temperament do Havanese have?
Havanese are very sociable and show the following traits:
- Highly affectionate
- Protective
- Friendly
- Playful
- Easy to train
- Happy with other dogs and pets
- Good with children
How much exercise do Havanese need?
As a small breed, Havanese only need moderate exercise. This can be a play in the garden or a brisk walk. Over exercise is a risk for this breed, so let your dog rest if they are panting or slowing down.
Which health concerns do Havanese have?
Havanese are an overall healthy breed with a long life expectancy but they can be susceptible to:
- Eye disorders
- Chondrodysplasia
- Deafness
- Heart murmurs
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
- Luxating patella
Final word
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