The 13 Best Dog Foods For Dalmatians in 2023

By Kevin Myers | 2023 Update

This (updated) guide lists all of the best dog foods for dalmatians right now.

Choosing which dog food to feed your Dalmatian can be tricky. You want to consider the size of your dog, the specific needs of the breed, and special diet restrictions or health issues. There are dry dog foods and prescription dog foods, and so many other choices.

We’ve developed a comprehensive Dalmatian feeding guide using our 40-point inspection to help you make the right decision.

Let’s dive in!

The Best Dog Foods For Dalmatians

Top ProductsRatingTop 5 Ingredients
1. Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food4.8Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Barley
2. Royal Canin Dalmatian Adult Dry Dog Food4.5Brewers Rice, Wheat, Corn, Chicken Fat, Egg Product
3. Purina ONE SmartBlend Chicken Adult Formula Dry Dog Food4.7Chicken, Rice Flour, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Wheat
4. Holistic Select Adult Health Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food4.5Chicken Meal, Rice, Oatmeal, Oats, Chicken Fat
5. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food4.7Chicken, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Pea Fiber, Corn Gluten Meal

How to Change Dog Food Without Getting your Pup Sick

Dalmatian Dog Food Reviews

1. Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Brewers Rice, 3. Chicken Meal, 4.Whole Grain Brown Rice, 5.Whole Grain Barley

The holistic food blend is perfect for medium-sized adult dogs like Dalmatians. The recipe contains supreme-quality lean protein, antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits, healthy oils, and rich whole grains for optimal nutrition. These natural and holistic ingredients provide your dog with the nutrition it deserves.

The recipe features three animal-based protein sources, including farm-raised chicken, pasture-fed lamb, and salmon. It has everything your dog needs to build strong, lean muscle. It also contains naturally sourced glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints. Finally, the formula has no fillers, artificial flavors, and preservatives.


2. Royal Canin Dalmatian Adult Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1.Brewers Rice, 2.Wheat, 3.Corn, 4.Chicken Fat, 5.Egg Product

If you are looking for complete and balanced nutrition for your Dalmatian, this formula is an excellent choice. This recipe includes all the essential vitamins and minerals to meet your dog’s dietary needs. Plus, the breed-specific kibble shape is perfect for your Dalmatian’s jaw structure and bite pattern.

The selective protein in this recipe is ideal for purebred adult Dalmatians. It provides extensive energy so that your dog stays active and healthy. The added DHA and EPA levels promote bone and joint health. It also has fibers for a healthy gut and includes liver-enriched inhibitory protein for overall health. Finally, the crunchy kibble is flavorful and encourages dogs to finish every last bite!


3. Purina ONE SmartBlend Chicken Adult Formula Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Rice Flour, 3. Chicken By-Product Meal, 4. Corn Gluten Meal, 5. Whole Grain Wheat

Provide excellent nourishment to Dalmatians with nutrition specially designed for them. The Purina ONE dog food has a delicious flavor and contains meaty morsels for extra protein.

The premium-quality dry food can help dogs maintain excellent health. It also supports stronger bones and joint health with a natural glucosamine source. The unique formulation contains zinc, selenium, vitamin A, and vitamin E to keep your dog’s coat shiny and healthy. It has everything your dog needs for a happy and healthy life.  


4. Holistic Select Adult Health Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Rice, 3. Oatmeal, 4. Oats, 5. Chicken Fat

This formula contains high-quality proteins and is ideal for Dalmatians. If you have a picky eater, you may want to consider this tasty recipe. It features a variety of healthy vegetables and proteins, including pumpkin and papaya. It also contains glucosamine to support bone and joint health. Additionally, it has omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. The high protein content and other nutrients provide for your dog’s health and wellbeing. Lastly, it gives your dog energy for its daily adventures.     


5. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1.Chicken, 2.Cracked Pearled Barley, 3.Brown Rice, 4.Pea Fiber, 5.Corn Gluten Meal

This highly digestible formula contains real chicken as the primary ingredient. It’s a tasty meal with wholesome nutrition for your Dalmatian.

This recipe by Hill’s Science Diet contains clinically proven antioxidants to support your dog’s immune system and overall good health. The scientifically formulated dog food is an excellent option for your medium-sized dog. It supports normal heart function and eyesight because of additional taurine, vitamins, and minerals.


6. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe with Red Meat Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Beef, 2. Fish Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Pea Starch, 5. Tapioca Starch

Blue Buffalo Wilderness diet is an excellent choice for medium dog breeds containing no added hormones or preservatives. It uses deboned beef as an all-natural protein source and essential supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine for joint health.

The grain-free diet includes fruits and vegetables, making it perfect for daily feeding. It is a great alternative to raw food diets and also provides omega fatty acids to help your dog feel and look great.


7. Solid Gold Leaping Waters Sensitive Stomach Salmon & Vegetable Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1.Salmon, 2.Ocean Fish Meal, 3.Chickpeas, 4.Lentils, 5.Peas

If your Dalmatian has a sensitive gut, you may want a highly digestible diet option that is gluten-free and does not contain any fillers, artificial preservatives, colors, wheat, corn, or soy. This complete and balanced diet by Solid Gold offers wholesome canine nutrition that your dog needs.

This food has grain-free ingredients such as salmon, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and a variety of non-GMO fruits, including apples, cranberries, beets, blueberries, and spinach. Offer your Dalmatian nothing but the best diet to support excellent health and vitality.


8. Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed Puppy Chicken, Turkey & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Turkey, Chicken Meal, 3. Turkey Meal, 4. Cracked Pearled Barley, 5. Whole Grain Brown Rice

If you are looking for a great dog food option for your Dalmatian puppy, consider this protein-rich formula by Chicken Soup for the Soul. Rich in essential omega fatty acids, this meal nourishes your Dalmatian’s coat. The high-quality proteins from turkey and real chicken add excellent flavor that even picky eaters will love.

The formula includes DHA from salmon oil for proper growth and brain development and chondroitin and glucosamine to support your growing puppy’s bones and joints. The smaller kibble size promotes chewing and tartar control. Overall, it’s a healthy and safe food option for your little pooch.


9. Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Chicken, Chicken Meal & Duck Meal Formula Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Potatoes, 5. Chicken Fat

Provide your Dalmatian with full-body nourishment with a 100% complete and balanced diet. The gluten-free diet features lean proteins and high-quality ingredients to offer maximum health benefits.

The DHA and EPA levels ensure healthy brain function, and the added manganese and zinc support healthier bones and a strong immune system. Many veterinarians recommend Natural Balance dry dog food to guarantee your dog’s satisfaction. It supports the needs of your Dalmatian through all life stages.


10. FirstMate Pacific Ocean Fish Meal Formula Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1.Ocean Fish Meal, 2.Burbank Potato, 3.Norkotah Potato, 4.Tomato Pomace 5. Chicken Fat

The special diet by First Mate is a single-source protein formula for dogs that are sensitive to traditional proteins. If you have an allergy-prone Dalmatian, you may want to try this limited ingredient diet. It’s one of the best options for dogs with a sensitive gut. The recipe contains ocean fish meals and is rich in omega fatty acids. It helps maintain healthy skin and coat for your dog. Additionally, it has glucosamine for improving your dog’s joint health.

This dog food doesn’t use artificial preservatives or GMOs and undergoes minimal processing to ensure whole-food quality.


11. CANIDAE All Life Stages Multi-Protein Formula Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Lamb Meal, 4. Brown Rice, 5. White Rice

This recipe features optimum levels of protein derived from premium sources, including turkey, chicken, fish meals, and lamb. Its nutrient-dense formula offers everything your dog needs.

The scientifically formulated diet includes specialized HealthPLUS Solutions. It has antioxidants to support dogs with a weaker immune system and probiotics for optimal digestive health. This dry food is an excellent pick for all ages, sizes, and breeds, including your Dalmation.


12. Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Bison Meal, 2. Peas, 3. Pea Protein, 4. Tapioca, 5. Dried Egg

Nourish your dog with a nutritious meal from Earthborn Holistic. This dry food features protein from lean, red bison meal. The high-protein content helps build your Dalmatian’s muscle mass and provides energy for daily activities. Bison meal also contains essential nutrients such as amino acids for your dog’s growth and development. It uses nutrient-rich veggies and fruits like apples, peas, carrots, blueberries, spinach, and cranberries to provide everything your dog needs for optimal health and a strong immune system.


13. Now Fresh Grain-Free Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Turkey, 2. Whole Dried Egg, 3. Potatoes, 4. Peas, 5. Potato Flour

Now Fresh is one of the best recipes for your Dalmatian puppy. It contains natural proteins, including duck, salmon, and turkey. Other wholesome ingredients include peas, cranberries, spinach, blackberries, pumpkin, carrots, kelp, lentils, alfalfa sprouts, and more.

This recipe contains no grains, corn, wheat, soy, and GMO ingredients and is enriched with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and taurine. It also comes with probiotics, making it highly digestible for your puppy.


Bonus. Zignature Trout & Salmon Meal Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients:  1. Trout, 2. Salmon Meal, 3. Chickpeas, 4. Peas, 5. Sunflower Oil

If your dog enjoys seafood, it will love this delicious recipe by Zignature. The protein-rich diet makes a nutritious dinner for your Dalmatian. It features salmon and trout as primary ingredients. Other nourishing ingredients that enhance the flavor include flaxseed, chickpeas, and peas. This balanced diet offers a healthy mix of minerals, vitamins, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants to help maintain your dog’s overall health and wellbeing.  


Bonus: Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dog Food

This recipe is another great option that you may want to consider for your adult Dalmatian. Taste of the Wild features a grain-free formula with quality ingredients. It contains novel proteins like buffalo and bison for strong muscles and uses peas and sweet potatoes to provide energy from carbohydrates.

This formula is perfect for keeping your dog happy and healthy. Essential fatty acids will keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy, and antioxidants to support your Dalmatian’s immune system.


Related Guides:

Buyer’s Guide – Choosing Dog Food For Dalmatians

Choosing the best dog food for Dalmatians is a challenging task. Your puppy and adult Dalmatians have unique dietary considerations. Look for these features in the best dog food for Dalmatians:

High Protein Content

A protein-rich diet keeps your Dalmatian active and fit. You can choose a dog food that contains animal and plant protein sources. Primary sources of animal protein for dogs include chicken, beef, turkey, and boar. Plant-based proteins come from leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale. These veggies are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

The best dog food has 18% natural protein to fulfill the dietary requirements of Dalmatians.

Fats

Essential fats help keep your Dalmatian’s skin and coat healthy. The best food for Dalmatians has vital seed and fish-based oils that promote optimal health. Deficiencies in the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may cause nervous system abnormalities, ranging from vision problems to impaired learning ability. Look for dog food with essential fats to support your canine’s health.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates help your Dalmatians stay active throughout the day. The main energy source for any dog breed comes from a carbohydrate-rich diet.

Fiber        

Your dog needs a high-fiber diet for healthy digestive function. Plants and fruits are staples for providing your dog with the fiber it needs. If your Dalmatian has a sensitive stomach, the extra fiber will prevent any digestive discomfort.

Essential Macro-nutrients

Vitamin A

This fat-soluble vitamin promotes good eyesight and strengthens the immune system. It is also responsible for fetal development and body cell growth.

  • Sources: Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, fish oil, and eggs.

The B Vitamins

The B vitamins are essential for optimum health. Thiamine and Pantothenic acid promote normal growth and energy production, and vitamin B6 is important for brain development and blood cell formation.

  • Sources: Whole grains, green vegetables, and beans.

Vitamin C

This vitamin is an antioxidant, and Dalmatians can make it themselves. It helps reduce inflammation and prevents cognitive aging.

  • Sources: Fruits and vegetables such as potatoes, green beans, and zucchini.

Vitamin D

This vitamin helps maintain calcium and phosphorus balance for healthy teeth and bones. But an excess vitamin D can cause kidney failure.

  • Sources: Fish oil, egg yolks, beef, and cottage cheese.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in leafy green vegetables. It promotes cell function, metabolism and prevents oxidative damage.

  • Sources: Kale, chia seeds, and whole grains.

Minerals

Healthy minerals for dogs include phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and chlorine. These micronutrients enhance their physical and cognitive health and keep them safe from developmental disorders.

Variety of Micronutrients

Pet owners often overlook micronutrients on the ingredient list. But Dalmatians need these nutrients for health and vitality.

One of these micronutrients is taurine. A dog’s body requires taurine for optimum heart health, cognition, vision health, digestion, and other vital functions.

Other micronutrients like probiotics and prebiotics are crucial for Dalmatians with sensitive stomachs and digestive disorders. These nutrients strengthen the digestive system and improve nutrient absorption.  

Special Dietary Needs

Here are a few special dietary considerations for Dalmatians:

Low Purine Protein Sources

Your Dalmatian needs quality protein to grow and thrive, which means offering low-purine options like chicken, turkey, and fish. You should always choose low-purine, deboned protein sources.

Purine-rich recipes have meat by-products, sardines, mussels, and whole wheat grains. You should avoid ingredients that have high purine content.

Whole Grains And White Flours

These ingredients can affect your dog’s blood sugar and fat levels leading to obesity and serious diseases like diabetes and thyroiditis.

A grain-free diet is ideal for dogs with sensitivity to grains like wheat, barley, corn, and rye. Sensitive Dalmatians have difficulty digesting whole grains and white flours. These ingredients can also cause rashes, gastrointestinal disease, inflammation, and other serious health issues.

Grain- and gluten-free diets can help reduce common allergy symptoms. These diets are highly digestible, meaning dogs can utilize necessary nutrients efficiently.

Easy to digest

The best dog foods for Dalmatians are easily digestible. Avoid anything made with artificial fillers, additives, fillers, or animal by-products.

Additional Shopping Considerations

Look For Nutritional Adequacy Statement

Many pet food manufacturers follow regulations set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This association establishes the minimum amount of nutrients needed for a complete and balanced diet. The nutritional adequacy statement may say the food meets AAFCO standards or that it provides complete nutrition.

Consider Life Stages

There are three main stages in a dog’s life, and you have to buy appropriate dog food for each life stage. For puppies, look for dry food suitable for growth or all life stages. For adult dogs, look for adult maintenance food. Nutritional needs for senior dogs can vary, and there is no AAFCO standard for senior dog food.

Food Analysis

According to the National Research Council, at least 10% of the daily diet should be protein, and 5.5% should be fat. All dog food labels must mention the minimum amount of protein and fat and the maximum percentage of fiber and moisture.

Some dog food labels also mention the percentage of other ingredients, such as calcium and phosphorous.

Dalmatian Feeding Chart

The Dalmatian is a medium-sized breed, so it is important not to overfeed your dog. As a puppy, rapid growth may increase your Dalmatian’s risk for musculoskeletal issues. The best way to avoid this is to feed puppies high-quality puppy food until they reach about 75% of their adult size.  

When your Dalmatian is an adult, you can switch to adult food and offer two meals a day. You’ll be feeding your dog 1 ½ and 2 cups of food per day, depending on the calorie content of the formula you choose. Always provide high-quality adult dog food and refer to the feeding instructions on the recipe.

Here are some general feeding guidelines:

Puppy Dalmatians Diet– As a puppy, your Dalmatian needs at least 22% protein and 8% fat in their diet. If your dog is active and playful, he or she may need more calories.

Adult Dalmatians Diet – Once your dog reaches about 75% of his or her adult size, you should switch to an adult dog food to prevent overgrowth and musculoskeletal issues as an adult.

Senior Dalmatians Diet – When your Dalmatian dog becomes a senior, you might want to switch to a low-calorie formula or one designed specifically for senior dogs.

Ingredients To Avoid

Avoid the following ingredients for the wellbeing of your Dalmatian:

Chemicals And Preservatives

Chemicals and preservatives can cause serious health issues like allergies and colon cancer. Pet food makers list the preservatives they add, but they do not always mention preservatives in fish meal or chicken ingredients.

You may want to avoid food containing synthetic preservatives like BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) or ethoxyquin. These preservatives prevent fats from turning rancid and can keep dry dog food fresh for extended periods. But many pet owners worry about how preservatives affect their dog’s health.  

Artificial Coloring

Artificial colors are visually appealing, but they can cause biochemical imbalances in your Dalmatian.

Monosodium Glutamate

MSG is a common flavor enhancer in dog food recipes. Several brands disguise these ingredients as hydrolyzed yeast, soy extract, and calcium caseinate. You shouldn’t buy dog food with these ingredients to avoid any health complications.

Gluten

Gluten is a binding agent to make uniform kibble sizes. Some Dalmatians are susceptible to gluten allergies, so you should look for gluten-free meals for your dog.   

Human Food Safety for Dogs

Almond

You should not give almonds to your dogs. Almonds aren’t toxic to dogs, but they can block the esophagus and pose choking hazards. Salted almonds are especially dangerous because they increase water retention, which can be fatal to dogs.

Bread

Dogs can eat small amounts of plain bread. It won’t hurt your dog, but it also won’t provide any health benefits. Bread has no nutritional value and can make your dog gain weight. Homemade bread loaves are a better alternative than store-bought. That’s because bread from the grocery store contains unnecessary preservatives.

Cashews

Cashews contain calcium, magnesium, antioxidants, and proteins. A few unsalted cashews make a nice snack for your dog. Keep in mind that too many cashews can cause weight gain.

Cheese

Dogs can eat cheese in moderate amounts. If your Dalmatian isn’t lactose intolerant, cheese can be a great treat. Always go for lower-fat varieties like mozzarella or cottage cheese. Many dogs also enjoy Himalayan dog chew made out of dried cheese.

Skip the Table Scraps

Feeding a dog table scraps may be one of the worst things you can do. Table scraps can cause weight gain and nutrient deficiencies. So, it’s best to skip the table scraps.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much dog food should I feed my Dalmatian?

You can feed your dog between 1 ½ and 2 cups of food per day. The amount you offer also depends on your Dalmatian’s age, weight, and activity level. So, it’s best to refer to the feeding instructions on the dog food label for more information.

How many times should I feed my Dalmatian?

The Dalmatian is a medium- to large-sized breed and needs two meals per day. As a puppy, your dog may require three meals to sustain his growth.

What’s the best dog food for Dalmatians?

The best dog food for Dalmatians has high-quality, natural ingredients to meet their nutritional needs. Fresh food is a great option for this breed because it is minimally processed and easy to digest. If you can’t afford fresh food, you can try freeze-dried or dehydrated food. Premium-quality kibble can also be a great choice for your dog.

What vegetables are good for Dalmatians?

Vegetables provide dietary fiber and natural sources for vitamins and minerals. They are a valuable addition to any dog food. Here are some of the best vegetables for your Dalmatian:

  • Asparagus
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Cucumber
  • Green beans
  • Peas
  • Spinach
  • Pumpkin
  • Sweet potato
  • Zucchini

Do Dalmatians need grain-free dog food?

Yes. Dalmatians are prone to food allergies and can have adverse reactions to grains. You may want to choose a grain-free diet for your dogs to avoid triggering their allergies.  

Can Dalmatians eat bananas?

Yes, Dalmatians can eat bananas because they’re a great low-calorie treat for dogs. Bananas are high in potassium, vitamins, fiber, biotin, and copper. They are low in sodium and cholesterol, and sodium. Bananas have high sugar content, so use them sparingly.

Can Dalmatians eat peanut butter?

Yes. Dalmatians can eat peanut butter, but make sure your dog does not have a peanut intolerance before offering peanut butter. Additionally, be sure that the peanut butter does not use Xylitol as a sweetener because it is highly toxic to dogs.

Is scrambled Egg good for Dalmatians?

A scrambled egg won’t cause any serious harm, but there are healthier ways to serve eggs for dogs. Eggs are an excellent source of protein. They also have essential fatty and amino acids for good health and make a surprisingly good training treat.

Can Dalmatians eat pasta?

Your dogs can eat pasta as long as they don’t have a gluten or wheat allergy.

Can Dalmatians eat blueberries?

Yes, your Dalmatian can eat blueberries. Blueberries are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This fruit is a healthy snack for dogs, and most pups love them.

Why do Dalmatians need a low-purine diet?

A high purine diet can help create urate crystals in your Dalmatian’s urinary tract. Avoid organ meats like live and kidney, which are high in purines. You should try to feed your Dalmatian a low-purine quality diet that includes poultry meat, lamb, and eggs.

What type of bowl is best for Dalmatians?

Experts recommend avoiding plastic bowls for your dog’s food and water because your dog can develop a reaction or sensitivity, resulting in a rash or itchy skin. Plastic is a potential irritant, and the bowl may harbor bacteria that harm your dog. It’s best to use ceramic or metal bowls for dog food and water.

What About dog treats?

There are many options for dog treats on the market; choose a healthy one. You can also offer fresh vegetables, fruits, cooked lean meat.

Do Dalmatians have health problems?

Yes. Dalmatians are susceptible to allergies, deafness, and urinary stones. A healthy diet can help prevent any breed-specific ailments.

Are Dalmatians aggressive dogs?

Dalmatians are highly energetic, active, and sensitive dogs. But some Dalmatians may be reserved with strangers and aggressive toward other dogs.

Can Dalmatians eat homemade peanut butter?

Yes, your Dalmatian can eat homemade peanut butter. Just make sure that the peanut butter does not contain Xylitol or high salt content.

Can Dalmatians eat carrots?

Yes, carrots are a great low-purine snack for dogs.

Can Dalmatians eat liver?

No, Dalmations can’t eat high-purine organ meats like liver. Ingesting the liver can increase uric acid excretion and predispose dogs to kidney disease.

Are oranges good for Dalmatians?

Yes. Dalmatians can eat oranges in small quantities.