Choosing the right dog food for Dobermans is important to their health and well-being. As large dogs, their dietary requirements vary slightly from smaller breeds and the breed itself is prone to a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) so owners should make sure their food isn’t likely to exacerbate this.1
Our vet advisor, Dr. Danielle Morosco, picked these dog foods. Her top pick is Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Chicken and Rice Adult Dry Dog Food, which is ideal for Dobermans as it’s formulated for big dogs and contains the ideal ratios of protein and fat for adult dogs.
While this was Dr. Morosco’s top choice, she also offers a series of her top tips for what to look for in choosing the best dog food for Doberman, a section on who should avoid purchasing them altogether, and she personally selected the best Doberman food for a variety of specific use cases.
The 5 Best Dog Foods For Dobermans
- Best Overall – Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Chicken and Rice Adult Dry Dog Food
- Best Budget – Iams Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
- Best for Puppies – Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food
- Best for Seniors – Purina Pro Plan Senior 7+ Large Breed Brain Support Dog Food
- Best Wet – Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Tender Cuts in Gravy Adult Wet Dog Food
Doberman Foods Compared
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating | Large breed formula | Added glucosamine | Package size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Chicken and Rice Adult Dry Dog Food | 18, 34, or 47 lbs | |||
| Best Budget Buy | Iams Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food | 15, 30, 38.5, or 40 lbs | |||
| Best for Doberman Puppies | Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food | 18, 34, or 47 lbs | |||
| Best for Senior Dobermans | Purina Pro Plan Senior 7+ Large Breed Brain Support Dog Food | 5, 16, or 30 lbs | |||
| Best Wet or Canned | Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Tender Cuts in Gravy Adult Wet Dog Food | 1 or 12 x 13 oz cans |
*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers
In This Article
Who Should Buy Dog Food for Dobermans
- Dobermans owners – If you own a Doberman, the food recommendations are tailored toward your dog, as is the other advice in this article.
- Owners of other large breed dogs – While these recommendations are specifically for Dobermans, other large breed dogs have near-identical dietary requirements, so you can follow this advice if you have a dog of around Doberman size.
- Pet parents who are worried about DCM – DCM is a common, life-limiting condition in Dobermans. Certain diets are linked with an increased incidence of DCM in dogs, so following the right diet could decrease the chance of your dog developing this condition.1
Who Should Not Buy Dog Food for Dobermans
- Owners of small breed or giant breed dogs. While dog food for Dobermans will suit other dogs of similar sizes, it isn’t ideal for dogs significantly larger or smaller than a Doberman.
- People who want to make their own dog food. Dogs can thrive on a home-cooked diet, but anyone who wants to attempt this must thoroughly plan their recipes and ideally talk with a canine nutritionist to come up with a balanced meal plan.
Buying Guide: Research Tips From a Veterinarian
As a veterinarian, Doberman owners often ask me how to choose the right food for their dogs. These tips will help you to find the best dog food for Dobermans.
- Research trusted sources – The best sources to look for quality information are peer-reviewed scientific journal articles and material written by veterinary nutritionists. Here are some guidelines for how to find trusted information regarding dog foods.2
- Always look for an AAFCO statement – AAFCO stands for the Association of American Feed Control Officials and while they do not inspect or regulate pet foods, they aim to prevent malnutrition by requiring certain components to be included on pet food labels. The presence of an AAFCO statement doesn’t mean a food is perfect for your dog, but it is the bare minimum requirement to ensure you aren’t feeding something harmful to your dog.
- Avoid BEG Diets – This stands for boutique, exotic, and grain-free diets. With a surplus of pet-food manufactures and new brands constantly hitting the market, it can be confusing for pet owners to navigate which dog food is best. The FDA has issued a statement on the potential link between grain-free diets and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), a potentially fatal heart disease. Deep-chested dog breeds like Dobermans are already predisposed to developing DCM, so grain-free diets should be avoided. Several popular brands of dog foods were identified in the FDA report and it is highly recommended that you read through them before purchasing food for your Doberman.3
- Does it meet WSAVA guidelines? WSAVA stands for the World Small Animal Veterinary Association and they have created a list of stringent standards for pet food companies to strive to meet, summarized in a consumer-friendly guide to selecting the best pet foods.4 WSAVA has also composed a list of FAQs regarding pet foods and common myths, such as the importance of ingredient lists and the usage of by-products.5
If you want to know more about what dogs can and can’t eat, you might want to know which human foods are safe for dogs, though the bulk of their diet should consist of complete and balanced dog food.
How Much Does it Cost?
Between $1 and $100
The price of dog food for Dobermans varies depending on food type, quality, and package size, but can cost anywhere from $1 to $100. A single can of dog food is likely to cost somewhere from $1-$3, while a large bag of mid-range to high-quality dog food will cost roughly $40-$100.
Our Methodology: Why Trust Pet News Daily
As a veterinarian, I have spoken with other veterinarians, canine nutritionists and owners of Dobermans about the best dog foods for Dobermans. I chose these foods based on my professional experience as a veterinarian combined with considerations about appropriate nutrition. A quality dog food for Dobermans must meet the nutritional requirements of large breed dogs, considering factors such as heart health and joint health. – Dr. Danielle Morosco, DVM
The Best Dog Food for Doberman Reviews
1. Best Overall – Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Chicken and Rice Adult Dry Dog Food
A balanced diet is essential for the health of your dog and Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Chicken and Rice Adult Dry Dog Food offers just that. Purina foods are developed by scientists and veterinary nutritionists and undergo feeding trials, so you can be sure of their quality.
This food contains glucosamine and other ingredients that can help maintain and improve joint health, which is especially important in large breed dogs. The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, prebiotics, and probiotics support healthy skin and coat, joints, and digestion.
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Meets WSAVA guidelines
- Correct ratio of protein and fat for feeding adult dogs
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Contains some filler ingredients
- Occasional quality control issues
2. Best Budget – Iams Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Iams Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is a perfect choice for pet parents on a budget, as it’s reasonably priced yet contains quality ingredients. Chicken is the first ingredient and it also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint health, plus prebiotics for digestive health.
You can choose between either chicken or lamb and rice formulas, depending on your dog’s preferences. Its veterinarian recommended and contains a blend of healthy whole grains and proteins that may boost heart health.
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Developed by scientists and nutritionists
- Meets WSAVA guidelines
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Contains some meat by-products
- Picky eaters may not like the flavor
3. Best for Puppies – Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice of dry food for Doberman puppies and young Dobermans up to the age of 2 years. Since large breed dogs develop more slowly than small breed dogs, it makes sense to feed a puppy food for longer than the 1 year generally recommended.
It’s crucial to feed a large breed puppy a food specifically for large breed dogs. This food contains the correct ratio of calcium and phosphorus to promote healthy growth for a Doberman puppy, along with ingredients to promote brain development and healthy joint development. If you’re worried about portions, you may want to consider an automatic dog feeder.
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Contains DHA from fish oil to support cognitive and visual development
- Meets WSAVA guidelines
- Some puppies will only eat this mixed with wet food
- A few buyers report issues with food arriving spoiled, so check before feeding
4. Best for Seniors – Purina Pro Plan Senior 7+ Large Breed Brain Support Dog Food
All dogs slow down as they age, but Purina Pro Plan Senior 7+ Large Breed Brain Support Dog Food can help keep your old-timer going strong for longer. This food contains a blend of antioxidants, amino acids, and B vitamins that may improve cognitive health in dogs and slow down the mental decline that can occur in older dogs.
It can also help with the physical health of senior dogs, as it contains added glucosamine, fish oil, and fish meal to supply omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that promote joint health for aging large breed dogs.
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Added probiotics can boost digestive health
- Contains enhanced botanical oils for mental sharpness & alertness
- Pricier than similar foods for adult dogs
- No choice of dry food flavors
5. Best Wet – Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Tender Cuts in Gravy Adult Wet Dog Food
Feeding wet food alone to large breed dogs can get expensive, but Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Tender Cuts in Gravy Adult Wet Dog Food is a reasonably-priced choice, whether fed alone or mixed with dry food. It’s highly palatable to most dogs, containing tender cuts of meat in a tasty gravy.
You can choose from a range of recipes, depending on what your dog prefers, including beef and salmon and turkey and venison. It’s great for picky dogs who won’t eat dry food on their own.
- Made with real meat and no meat by-products
- Added antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Meets WSAVA guidelines
- Great for dogs that love gravy
- Some buyers find it too watery
- Reports of receiving dented cans
Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Resources
If you have additional questions about the right dog food for your puppy, check out some of our other dog food and nutrition-based resources for your pup:
- How to Add More Fiber to Your Dog’s Diet
- How Long Does it Take for a Dog To Digest Food?
- The Farmer’s Dog vs. Nom Nom Now vs. Ollie’s Dog Food Reviews
- The Best High Fiber Dog Food
- Best Foods for Dogs with Allergies
- The Best Small Breed Puppy Foods
- The Best Dog Food for Dobermans
- The Best Automatic Dog Feeders
- The Farmer’s Dog Food Review
Article Sources
Pet News Daily uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
- American Veterinary Medical Association. Study identifies differences in DCM-associated diets. Avma.org. Published September 9, 2021. Accessed January 7, 2022.
- WSAVA. The Savvy Dog Owner’s Guide: Nutrition on the Internet. Wsava.org. Published 2021. Accessed December 14, 2021.
- FDA. FDA Investigates Potential Link Between Diet & Heart Disease in Dogs. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Fda.gov. Published 2021. Accessed December 14, 2021.
- WSAVA. WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee: Guidelines on Selecting Pet Foods. Wsava.org. Updated March 10, 2021. Accessed January 7, 2022.
- WSAVA. Frequently Asked Questions & Myths. Wsava.org. Updated January 2018. Accessed January 7, 2022.
Dr. Danielle Morosco, DVM is a Consulting Veterinarian in Clinical Toxicology and experienced small animal emergency veterinarian. She graduated with Honors from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She loves spending time with her furry family members, composed of 2 rescue dogs and 3 cats.
