Best Dog Food For (Miniature, Standard, and Giant) Schnauzers

Schnauzers are known for their lovable, loyal, intelligent, and energetic personalities. This dog breed originated to be work dogs in Germany. Eventually, the dog breed branched out into the three different types we have now, the Miniature Schnauzer, Standard Schnauzer, and the Giant Schnauzer. No matter which kind of Schnauzer you have, feeding them a the best nutritious diet you can is vital to their overall health.

Compare the Best Dog Food for Schnauzers

About the Best Dog Food for Schnauzers: Our Top 6 Picks 

Merrick Classic Real Chicken, Green Peas Recipe

The Merrick Classic Real Chicken with Green Peas dog food for Miniature Schnauzers contains deboned chicken as the number one ingredient. The protein ratio to fresh produce and whole grains is 60/20/20, which is best for the protein content.

This recipe is also rich in omega fatty acids, including omega 3 and omega 6. Merrick also includes chondroitin and glucosamine, which are beneficial for your dog’s hip and joint health. If you are feeding your small pup Merrick for the first time, it is a good idea to spend about a week transitioning your dog’s meals by gradually mixing in the new food with their old food a little more each day. 

Features: 

• Deboned chicken
• Omega fatty acids
• Glucosamine 
• Chondroitin
• 20 percent fresh produce
• 20 percent whole grains
• 60 percent animal protein

Holistic Select Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food 

The Holistic Select Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food provides a balanced diet for your Miniature Schnauzer. There is an optimal protein content, natural fiber, digestive enzymes, live yogurt cultures, prebiotics, and probiotics to help yoursmall or large breed dog maintain healthy digestion.

Additionally, this recipe contains healthy omega 3 fatty acids in the form of salmon oil and flaxseed. Fatty acids are the best for your Miniature Schnauzer’s skin and coat health. Holistic Select is a dog food that is made in the United States. Premium, natural ingredients are globally sourced. Each recipe is prepared with wholesome ingredients that are specifically chosen for the health benefits they will provide for your small breed dog. 

Features: 

• Omega fatty acids
• Antioxidants
• Glucosamine
• Prebiotics
• Probiotics
• Taurine

Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food

The Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK Natural Grain Free recipe contains real chicken as the first ingredient and pheasant and duck. There are no added fillers, grains, or gluten. Everything in this recipe is natural. There are no artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors.

Additionally, there is no poultry byproduct meal. Vitamins and minerals are added to supplement your dog’s health. This brand is made in the United States with premium ingredients. Both adult dogs of all sizes and puppies will love this food. When feeding your dog this food, it is a good idea to consider your pup’s ideal weight and provide them accordingly. 

Features: 

• Vitamins & Minerals
• Taurine 
• High protein (30 percent) 
• Flaxseed

Royal Canin’s Miniature Schnauzer Adult Dry Dog Food

The Miniature Schnauzer Royal Canin Adult Dry Dog Food is made especially for the dietary needs of adult Miniature Schnauzers. A Miniature Schnauzer is considered to be an adult at ten months of age or older.

This kibble is small in shape to help your Miniature Schnauzer easily chew their food. Royal Canin’s formula is well-balanced to help your pup maintain a healthy weight. This recipe also contains essential fatty acids and nutrients to help protect your pup’s sensitive skin and coat. 

Features: 

• Chicken
• EPA/DHA
• Taurine
• Vitamins
• L-Carnitine
• Chondroitin

Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer Puppy Food

The Royal Canin Schnauzer Puppy dry dog food is formulated especially for Miniature Schnauzer puppies and their unique food needs. Miniature Schnauzers are considered puppies ready for this kind of food when they are between eight weeks and ten months old.

This food is exclusively small in shape to help your Miniature Schnauzer puppy pick up and easily chew their food. Royal Canin’s recipe is designed to support your puppy’s immune system development and build up their natural defenses with antioxidants. Vitamin E.

Puppies need certain nutrients to help grow into a healthy weight with strong bones and muscles. This formula supports your dog’s healthy growth and development with L-Carnitine, moderate fat levels, and high-quality protein. Additionally, this recipe promotes stool quality and digestive health with premium prebiotics. 

Features: 

• L-Carnitine
• Small Kibble
• Prebiotics
• Vitamins & Minerals

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food

The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food is thes best dog food for Schnauzer because they are using real meat as the primary ingredient. This dog food contains premium high-quality whole chicken to help build strong musclesin your Miniature Schnauzer. Blue Buffalo’s food is designed specifically for small breed dogs such as the Miniature Schnauzer.

In addition to fresh protein, this recipe contains whole grains and lots of fruits and vegetables wich are great for small breeds. The Life Protection food is formulated with extra protein and carbohydrates. Blue’s exclusive “LifeSource Bits” are a precise blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants selected to support your dog’s immune system health.

This recipe contains natural ingredients and enhanced with vitamins and minerals. There are no chicken byproduct meals, poultry byproduct, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. 

Features: 

• LifeSource Bits
• Vitamins & minerals
• Antioxidants
• Protein
• No artificial ingredients

What is the Best Dog Food for an Active Dog? 

Protein

Schnauzers, like most omnivores, thrive on food that is rich in protein. These small breed dogs commonly have very high energy levels. For this reason, it is even more vital to provide food with a healthy source of protein to help develop and maintain your small breed pup’s strong muscles for an active lifestyle.

Insufficient amounts of protein in your dog’s diet could cause weakness and organ failure. The protein source is just as important as the amount of protein in your dog’s food. Look for all-natural meats. Raw meats are even better as a source of protein for your small breed pup. Avoid processed proteins and animal byproducts because these often contain a lot of fillers. Your Miniature Schnauzer will thrive on animal proteins like beef, bison, chicken, and fish. 

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the second most important food ingredient after protein for small pups because they give your pup energy. Dogs need the right type and amount of carbohydrates in their food. Some dog food manufacturers tend to over-use carbohydrates in their formulas because carbs are a relatively cheap ingredient compared to proteins.

However, too many carbohydrates and low-quality carbs are not suitable for your pup. Avoid simple starches such as corn. Look for slow-burning carbs like barley, brown rice, and sweet potatoes to give your dog energy. Carbs play an essential role in keeping your dog vital and providing energy for an active lifestyle. There are good carbs and not so good carbs, however.

Look for complex carbohydrates with a limited ingredient in whole foods such as sweet potatoes, peas, oatmeal, brown rice, or barley. Carbohydrates with lower glycemic index values allow your pup to get the energy throughout the day. Carbs are essential, but they need to be consumed in moderation. Protein should always be the first ingredient in your dog’s food. Follow this up with a good carb, then moderate fats, fruits, vegetables, and finally, dietary supplements like probiotics and vitamins. 

Healthy Fats

Your dog needs a small amount of fat in their food. Manufactured dog foods typically contain an appropriate amount of fat content. However, it is always a smart idea to check the label anyway. Some lower quality foods have high-fat content compared to higher quality r premium dog food brands. Fatty acids are essential to a healthy diet.

Fats help your dog’s body absorb the vitamins and nutrients in their food and help with the digestion process. These fatty acids help to keep your dog’s coat looking healthy and shiny. The best kind of fats will come from animal sources. You may also want to look for dog food that adds omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Look for fat sources like flaxseed oil, fish oil, and animal fats.

Additionally, fats help to stimulate your dog’s metabolism and provides more energy for all-day activity. Fatty acids like fish oil and salmon oil specifically, will help keep your Miniature Schnauzer’s coat and skin healthy. DHA from omega 3 fatty acids will help keep your dog’s eye health and brain development healthy.  

Fruits & Vegetables

Dogs need a healthy dose of fruits and vegetables to maintain a well-balanced, healthy diet. Vegetables such as asparagus, cauliflower, green beans, brussels sprouts, carrots, spinach, peas, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes are great food to add to any dog’s diet. Look for food that provides a variety of fruits and veggies. Your pup’s primary source of essential vitamins and minerals should come from fruits and vegetables. Do not feed your dog a diet of only fruits and veggies, however. They need the other ingredients as well for a well-rounded, healthy diet.  

Look for Dog Food with NO Artificial Colors, Flavors, or Preservatives

Look for premium dog foods free from artificial ingredients such as artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and seasonings. Natural ingredients are almost always a healthier option that will meet your Schnauzer’s nutritional and dietary needs over artificial ingredients.  

Look for Dog Food with Probiotics

Some of the best dog foods contain probiotics that keep your dog’s gut healthy and limit stomach upset. Probiotics help with your Schnauzer’s healthy digestion and maintain regular elimination. Many high-quality dog foods will include some probiotics. Some brands will have multiple probiotic strains, while others may not have as many. 

How to Feed Your Schnauzer

Tips for Feeding a Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers are known to have high energy. For this reason, it is essential to provide your dog with proper nutrition to maintain their health. Always read the label before you buy it. There are many different dog food brands, recipes, formulas, and types of food to try.

Look for the kind that is made for your dog breed if possible. Your pup will do well with foods designed for small dog breeds and dog foods made for active pups. Avoid dog foods that contain a lot of fillers, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.

Additionally, foods with a high percentage of corn and wheat may be harmful because too much of these ingredients can cause skin problems and even allergies. It is essential to get your dog on a regular eating schedule to maintain proper digestion.

Don’t overfeed your Miniature Schnauzer. Dogs that become overweight can end up developing a range of health problems, including skin allergies, kidney stones, hyperlipidemia, and others. A healthy weight for most Miniature Schnauzers is between 12 and 20 pounds. 

Tips for Feeding a Standard Schnauzer

Standard Schnauzers are similar to Miniature Schnauzers in that they are also an active dog breed. Look for high-quality ingredients and stay away from artificial fillers and byproducts. A healthy weight for a Standard Schnauzer is between 30 and 50 pounds for an adult.  

Tips for Feeding a Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzers can eat a lot more home-cooked food than smaller Schnauzers. You can give your Giant Schnauzer chicken, lamb, and other fresh meats. A healthy weight for a Giant Schnauzer is between 60 and 80 pounds for an adult. These dogs can eat between 1,680 to 1,800 calories per day, depending on their activity level. 

Common Health Conditions in Schnauzers

There are several health conditions to which Schnauzers are susceptible. Although not every Schnauzer will develop all of these problems, it is good to know what to watch out for. If your dog does develop symptoms, take them to the vet for proper diagnosis and treatment options. Sometimes health conditions will occur regardless of your dog’s diet and exercise habits, while others may be mitigated by providing a healthy lifestyle for your pup. 

Schnauzer Comedo Syndrome

Schnauzer Comedo syndrome is a skin condition that occurs in Schnauzers. This condition is sometimes referred to as “Schnauzer Bumps” because it looks like black bumps on the Miniature Schnauzer’s back. This condition leads to loss of fur in the infected area. You may be able to help prevent this condition from getting worse in your pup by feeding them healthy fats such as those from fish oils (omega fatty acids) to keep your pup’s skin and coat healthy. 

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid becomes sluggish. If your dog suffers from hypothyroidism, they may experience a lack of energy and mental focus loss. All types of Schnauzers are susceptible to developing hypothyroidism. To help prevent this condition, you may want to feed your pup a diet rich in fruits and veggies, for these foods contain natural steroids that may help treat hypothyroidism. 

Gastric Dilation Volvulus (Bloat) 

Gastric Dilation Volvulus, commonly called bloat, is a common problem for Miniature Schnauzers. Bloat occurs when the stomach dilates. This dilation is usually caused when your dog overeats food too quickly. The built-up food and gas will cause the stomach to have too much pressure. This pressure can cause life-threatening conditions, including loss of blood flow, ruptures in the stomach lining, and pressure in the diaphragm that prevents lungs from expanding and can make it hard for your dog to breathe. To help prevent bloat, feed your dog smaller meals throughout the day rather than one large meal all at once. 

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) is common in many smaller dog breeds, including the Miniature Schnauzer. Suppose your dog experiences vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, fever, fatigue, or dehydration. In that case, they could have pancreatitis (although these are common symptoms that could occur to any number of other reasons as well).

To help prevent pancreatitis in your pup, make sure to limit the amount of fat your dog consumes. Your Miniature Schnauzer needs some fat in their diet, but not an overwhelming amount. Additionally, avoid giving your dog human foods that contain high quantities of fat, for these foods are likely too rich for your pup’s digestive system anyway. 

Eye Problems

Eye problems are common in Miniature Schnauzers. Some of these conditions include cataracts and retinal atrophy. These conditions can impair your dog’s eyesight and can even cause total blindness. Antioxidants are believed to have a positive impact on overall eye health, so feed your Schnauzer plenty of antioxidant-rich foods to help keep their vision healthy. 

Joint Problems & Hip Dysplasia

Joint problems and hip dysplasia are common health conditions found in Giant Schnauzers. Hip dysplasia occurs when the connective tissue in the hips starts to deteriorate. If your dog suffers from hip dysplasia, they may struggle to walk comfortably and have trouble getting up from the ground. To help prevent these health issues in your Schnauzer, make sure to feed them a diet that includes glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids. All of these ingredients may help to keep your dog’s bones and connective tissue healthy.   

Do Schnauzers Have Sensitive Stomachs?

Some of these pups are known to have sensitive stomachs and food allergies. For this reason, it is not a good idea to feed your dog table scraps or human food. Additionally, for Miniature Schnauzers with sensitive stomachs, dog foods that contain wheat and corn may be hard for your pup to digest. Look for healthy grains instead, such as gluten-free quinoa or brown rice for your sensitive dog. 

What Can Schnauzers Not Eat? 

Not all foods are right for your Schnauzer. Of all the human foods to avoid, these are the worst for your pup: grapes, onions, garlic, candy, chocolate, raisins, or alcohol. Never feed your dog any of these ingredients because they can make them very sick. 

Final Thoughts on the Best Dog Food for Schnauzers

When looking for new dog food for your Schnauzer, it is essential to look for your dog’s right ingredients specific to their breed. Small dog breed foods are right for Miniature Schnauzers, while large dog breed foods have ingredients and proportions more appropriate for Giant Schnauzers. Look for high-quality ingredients like real chicken and brown rice. Stay away from artificial flavors, fillers, and byproducts. If you are unsure about what kind of foods will be right for your dog, you should always consult your vet for advice.