11 Best Dog Foods for Corgis in 2024

Kate Barrington

Researched & Written by

Kate Barrington


At Pawster, we are committed to presenting the most accurate and up-to-date information to assist you in your pet care journey. When appropriate, we consult licensed and practicing veterinarians to fact-check our professionally written articles.

To have a Corgi at home is to share your space with a dog that, despite its small size, has a larger-than-life personality. This cheerful breed could spend all day playing, and it’s always eager to please its favorite person: you. Owners love how smart and trustworthy their Corgis are, but they must also contend with a dog that’s stubborn, individualistic, and has a mind of its own.

Despite not having the demanding exercise requirements of larger breeds, Corgis need plenty of activity to stay healthy. This herding dog never stops! And besides giving them ample chances to play, owners must keep their minds sharp, too. Corgis require lots of mental stimuli. Fail to provide adequate entertainment, and you may come home to find your house destroyed.

But perhaps the most critical aspect of maintaining your Corgi’s health is choosing the right food to fuel their adventurous personality. Ensuring a proper diet from the time your Corgi is a puppy can significantly affect their quality of life. The best Corgi diet is one that is rich in protein and healthy fats, as well as supplements that will aid digestion and promote joint support.

We should mention that there are two kinds of Corgis, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Pembroke Welsh Corgi. But although they’re distinct breeds, they’re similar enough to have the same nutritional needs. We’re going to go over everything you need to know about feeding both Corgi breeds and later, we’ll give you our top dog food picks.

What Is the Best Dog Food for a Corgi?

We took a close look at several brands to find the best dog food for a Corgi, and after considerable research, we identified the best ones available. Here’s a quick overview of our favorites.

  1. Our Top Pick: Merrick Grain-Free
  2. Runner-up: Wellness CORE Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
  3. Fresh/Super Premium: NomNom Fresh Food Delivery
  4. Most Popular: Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
  5. Best Value: Natural Balance Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
  6. Pea Free: American Natural Premium Original Recipe Dry Dog Food
  7. Best for Puppies: Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Food
  8. Best for Seniors: Victor Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
  9. Best for Overweight Corgis: Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Dry Dog Food
  10. Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
  11. Best for Corgis with Allergies: Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food

5 Key Nutritional Needs of a Corgi

This breed has endless amounts of energy, and your Corgi’s capacity to be on the go at all hours of the day might surprise you. But despite their active lifestyle, they tend to struggle with weight issues. Corgis have a natural tendency to gain weight, which can get problematic, especially when you consider that this dog adores eating. They will eat all day if you let them.

With Corgis, it’s especially vital to find the proper balance of food that will fuel their active lifestyle, but without making them gain weight. Here are the five key nutritional needs of a Corgi:

Protein

Dogs need the right amount of protein, the foundation for healthy muscles, to sustain lean muscle mass and live their best lives. In general, dogs respond best to a protein that comes from animal sources, such as meat, poultry, or fish. Animal protein sources contain all ten of the essential amino acids canines require.

But how much protein should you give your pup? Adult dogs’ food should have a minimum of 18 percent protein (22 percent for puppies), though the sweet spot is somewhere between 24 to 30 percent. And when it comes to Corgis, a higher percentage is better, since they have fast metabolisms and burn calories quickly.

Carbohydrates

There are no specific carbohydrate requirements for dogs, but they do well with easily digestible carb sources such as whole grains, starchy vegetables, legumes, and beans. And it’s better to feed your Corgi a diet that’s less carb-heavy, given their tendency to gain weight. If you’re looking to help your dog slim down, one idea is to find food that’s grain or gluten-free, which contains fewer carbs. We’ve included a food option for Corgi weight loss below if that’s something you’re interested in.

Fats

Fats make up another critical pillar of Corgi nutrition because they provide an easily digestible source of energy, and just like protein, your dog’s fat sources should come from animals. Things like chicken fat (which has fatty acids) or fish oil (which promotes a shiny coat and healthy skin) are ideal. Keep in mind that Corgis may require greater fat levels than other dogs because of their high metabolism.

And when it comes to special fats for puppies, DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is an ingredient we recommend. It encourages brain and eye development, and you can find DHA in salmon, sardines, coconut oil, and tuna, or supplement form.

Fruits/Vegetables

Just like for humans, fruits and vegetables are crucial in a canine diet. They provide lots of dietary fiber, as well as loads of necessary vitamins and minerals. You’ll find that many dog foods have fresh vegetables in their recipes, but don’t be afraid to give your dogs fresh fruit and veggies even if their food has some.

Wondering how you should serve it to your Corgi? Do what you would normally do for yourself, and make sure to wash the fruit or vegetable thoroughly, then cut it into manageable sizes. Check before giving it to your dog that the food is safe for them to eat (see below for some that you should avoid), and whether or not you need to remove any seeds.

Prebiotics/Probiotics

You may be surprised to hear that gut health is just as important for dogs as it is for humans. Many dog foods include prebiotics and probiotics, which can benefit your Corgi’s gut diversity and health.

6 Special Dietary and Nutritional Considerations of Corgis

A Corgi’s lifespan is anywhere from twelve to fourteen years, which is standard for a breed of its size, and they typically enjoy reasonably good health. Aside from the five key nutritional needs we outlined above, which apply to pretty much all dog breeds, we did want to go over some dietary and nutritional considerations specific to Corgis.

Health issues

This breed is susceptible to several health conditions, some of which include inherited diseases, eye issues, and musculoskeletal problems. We wanted to take note of some of the health problems that relate to a Corgi’s diet or that you can help mitigate with food.

  • Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is common in dogs, and this is one of the most frequent conditions Corgis suffer from, thanks to its long build and spine. Avoid overfeeding your dog, as being overweight can make this problem worse. You may also want to consider giving your furry friend joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help manage symptoms.
  • Bloat/gastric torsion: Bloat is typical in deep-chested breeds like Corgis, and it’s a disease that causes the dog’s stomach to dilate and rotate. While it’s a life-threatening condition, the good news is that it’s relatively easy to avoid. Don’t give your dog huge portions, and let him digest for a while before exercising.

Daily calorie intake

The amount of calories your Corgi needs depends on the age of your dog, her weight, and how active she is. As a general guideline, puppies should have about 730 calories per day, and adult dogs need somewhere between 800-900 calories per day. This number may decrease as your dog ages since their activity levels usually decrease as they get older.

Activity level

As a general rule, adult dogs need about 30 calories per pound of body weight if their activity levels are normal. But if they’re highly active, their needs may be closer to about 40 calories per pound of bodyweight. You should monitor their weight carefully to make sure they are not overeating or undereating.

Allergies

Corgis have no unusually elevated risk for allergies than other breeds, so you may or may not need to feed your dog grain-free products. Unless you know that your dog has an allergy, grain products are fine to start with, though skin issues and recurring ear infections could be a sign that your Corgi suffers from food allergies. If you notice these problems, grains may be to blame, in which case trying a grain-free food could be helpful. Be sure to talk with your vet if you do switch and don’t notice a difference.

Dietary restrictions

There are certain foods that you should never give your Corgi, some of which include chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, mushrooms, and cherries. These foods can cause serious health problems like seizures and organ failure, which may lead to an unfortunate untimely ending for your dog. Additionally, avoid feeding your dog too much dairy, which may upset her stomach.

Skin conditions

It’s not uncommon for Corgis to experience skin conditions as a result of their allergies. One way to help them maintain excellent skin health is to make sure they’re getting enough fatty acids in their diet. Look for foods that have omega-3s and omega-6s (supplements work, too), which prevent drying and cracking of the skin. And besides eliminating painful skin problems, fatty acids have the bonus of giving your dog a shinier coat.

Corgi Feeding Schedule

Age Weight (lbs.) Amount of Food per Day (cup)
Puppy 20 ¾ to 1 ½
Adult 30 1/3 to 1/2
Senior 30 1/3 to 1/2

Some important things to note with the Corgi breed are that it’s essential that you stick to a consistent feeding schedule. Adult dogs should eat twice per day (morning and night), although puppies may need a third meal. We said above that highly active adult dogs may require more calories per day, so if your Corgi is doing any kind of herding, a third meal may be appropriate.

Another critical thing to know about this breed is that Corgis love to eat. They will eat all day if you let them, which is why leaving his or her bowl out all day is a recipe for weight gain. Instead, allow him access to food for about thirty minutes to an hour, and then remove the bowl. One thing your dog should have access to at all times, however, is clean, fresh water.

Overall Best Dog Food for Corgis

Now that you know some basics about Corgi nutrition, it’s time to tell you more about our favorite food options. We’re going to kick things off with our choice for the overall top pick.

Our Top Pick—Merrick Grain-Free

The competition was stiff, but Merrick’s Grain-Free was our favorite dog food of all the products we researched. It’s one of the most popular, highly rated, and trusted dog food brands out there, and it has all of the things Corgis need.

Like a delicious blend of deboned buffalo, beef, sweet potato, and chicken meal to tempt even the pickiest of eaters. Its limited ingredient list is fortified with antioxidants, as well as omega-3s and omega-6s that will help keep your Corgi’s skin healthy and their fur shiny. And you won’t have to worry about too-large kibble; the size of this food is perfect for small Corgi mouths.

Merrick also included glucosamine and chondroitin in the recipe, which we consider essential supplements to keep your Corgi’s bones healthy, especially considering their predisposition for back issues. And the best thing of all is that Merrick uses human-grade food in their recipes. If something is unsafe for us to eat, why should we feed it to our pets?

Related: The Best Brushes for Corgis

10 More Top-Rated Dog Foods for Corgis

We also chose ten other top-rated dog foods that can address specific issues you Corgi might have, such as food for puppies and seniors, overweight Corgis, and pups with sensitive stomachs.

Runner-up—Wellness CORE Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Key Features:

  • Reduced-fat formula
  • Grain-free
  • Includes deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, peas, and potatoes

Wellness CORE’s Grain Free Dog Food was a close runner-up to Merrick in the battle for our top pick. It’s another one of our favorite brands, and it’s among the most trusted in the market. When you buy Wellness products, you don’t have to worry about meat by-products or filler ingredients. You know you’re getting only the best-quality ingredients for your dog.

Their complete all-around formula has everything your Corgi needs to stay healthy. It includes glucosamine and chondroitin for bone and joint health, as well as flaxseed and salmon oil omega-3 fatty acids that promote skin and fur health. And of course, as users have come to expect from Wellness, no wheat, corn, soy, or artificial flavors or preservatives are included.

One thing to note is that you may need something else for your senior dog, as the kibble can be a bit large for their delicate teeth.

Pros:

  • The complete all-around formula supports all aspects of Corgi health
  • Available in fish recipes as well

Cons:

  • Kibble may be too large for senior dogs with sensitive teeth

Fresh/Super Premium—NomNom Fresh Food Delivery

Key Features:

  • Fresh food delivery
  • Made with highest-quality ingredients

Our super-premium pick for owners who want only the very best for their pet is NomNomNow Fresh Food Delivery. It’s exactly what it sounds like—NomNomNow delivers fresh, custom dog food meals right to your door. All you have to do is fill out an online profile, select the food you want, and you’ll receive shipments every month.

We like that this company makes it easy to personalize your dog’s food to their needs. Just let them know about any dietary restrictions, and you’re good to go. There’s also no worrying about portion sizes as everything arrives at your door pre-portioned. And you get only the highest-quality, freshest ingredients to keep your dog healthy and happy.

Pros:

  • Food is portioned
  • Meals are delivered to your door
  • Customization according to dietary restrictions

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Not available in all areas

Most Popular—Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Key Features:

  • Formulated for small breeds
  • Added vitamins
  • Grain-free

Taste of the Wild is our most popular pick, and not only is it very well regarded, but it’s also healthy. The first five ingredients in its recipe are buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, and grain-free peas, and we like that it has an above-average protein and fat content that’s ideal for active Corgis.

It contains fiber to help with indigestion, and added vitamins, probiotics, and antioxidants round out the nutritional profile. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support healthy skin and fur, and your dog will get some fresh fruit and veg in this delicious recipe.

Pros:

  • Made in the USA
  • Includes fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Added prebiotics and probiotics

Cons:

  • Contains some plant proteins

Best Value—Natural Balance Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Key Features:

  • Limited ingredient recipe
  • Grain-free

Natural Balance’s Grain-Free Dry Dog Food took the prize for our best value pick, thanks to the excellent quality it provides at an affordable price. It features a limited-ingredient recipe with delicious sweet potato and fresh fish that your Corgi will go crazy for, and there are no fillers or unhealthy preservatives to worry about.

We like that the fish Natural Balance uses provides the glucosamine this breed needs in its diet, and the short ingredient list is ideal for dogs that have trouble with allergies or sensitivities. Plus, the small kibble size is perfect for little Corgi mouths.

Pros:

  • Small kibble size
  • Good for dogs with allergies or sensitivities
  • Suitable for dogs of all ages

Cons:

  • Some users have noticed strange-smelling urine while using this food

Pea Free—American Natural Premium Original Recipe Dry Dog Food

Key Features:

  • Pea free
  • Corn, wheat, and soy-free
  • Highly digestible blend of proteins

If you’re looking for a pea-free product for your dog, this dog food from American Natural may be right for you. It has a rich blend of proteins, which includes chicken meal, pork meal, fish meal, and whole eggs, as well as all the essential vitamins and minerals adult dogs require. The carbs include brown rice, oat flour, and barley that release energy slowly for all-day fun.

This original version from American Natural has high-quality ingredients that pack a complete nutritional profile for your dog, and we like that the line includes several pea-free options. You can find a turkey, chicken, or chicken and pork option to suit your adult dog’s tastes, as well as grain-free products, too.

Pros:

  • Includes probiotics
  • Product is cooked at low temperatures and in small batches that deliver excellent flavor
  • Easy to digest

Cons:

  • Strong smell
  • Some users said their dogs didn’t like the taste

Best for Puppies—Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Food

Key Features:

  • Includes DHA
  • Has chondroitin and glucosamine

Puppies have slightly different nutritional needs than adult dogs, so make sure to give your growing pup something tailored to him.

Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Food is specially fortified with ingredients that will help your young dog grow to be a healthy adult. It includes DHA, which is a vital nutrient for puppies that helps with brain and eye development. The recipe also provides calcium and phosphorus to help strengthen your dog’s bones, and it’s gentle enough for dogs with allergies or digestive issues.

Pros:

  • Grain and gluten-free
  • Suitable for puppies with digestive issues
  • Made in the USA

Cons:

  • May not be the best for picky eaters

Best for Seniors—Victor Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

Key Features:

  • Grain-inclusive
  • Protein from meat sources

As your dog gets older, their nutritional needs change. Incorporating food that addresses the decreasing activity levels of senior dogs explicitly is an excellent way to combat obesity and keep your dog healthy. We love this product from the Victor Purpose line, which provides the nutritional profile your aging dog needs.

The recipe includes a large percentage of protein, glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, and L-carnitine. L-carnitine will help your older dog convert fat to energy so that they can keep developing lean muscle. And he will love the delicious flavor, with ingredients that include beef meal, whole grain brown rice, whole grain millet, grain sorghum, and chicken fat.

Pros:

  • Protein-rich recipe
  • Specially formulated for the needs of older dogs
  • Can be used for weight loss in adult dogs

Cons:

  • Not a good option for active dogs

Best for Overweight Corgis—Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Dry Dog Food

Key Features:

  • Low-fat recipe
  • Grain-free
  • All-natural recipe

One thing we love about the Wellness brand is that they have designed products for all types of pet needs. You can find foods for seniors, puppies, and different breed sizes, and now they have a line targeted at reducing weight in pets that need to lose a few pounds.

If you’re concerned about your Corgi’s weight, we recommend trying this product. You get all the same things you expect from the brand, like a grain-free recipe and no wheat, corn, soy, or artificial flavors or preservatives, but with 25 percent less fat than CORE Original.

Pros:

  • Made in the USA
  • Specialized weight-loss formula
  • Protein-rich formula

Cons:

  • Food has a strong smell

Best for Sensitive Stomachs—Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food

Key Features:

  • Lamb-based recipe
  • Limited ingredients
  • No wheat, soy, corn, or gluten

You may have already guessed from the name, but Rachael Ray’s Nutrish dog food contains only six ingredients. The limited ingredient list makes it perfect for adult dogs with sensitive stomachs, and it’s made with all-natural products that have no fillers.

Lamb is the base ingredient in this food, which helps support bone and joint health while still being easy to digest. And having just a single protein source makes it easier for dog owners to control their pet’s allergies to certain meats. The recipe also includes a delicious blend of brown rice, ground rice, chicken meal, beet pulp, and chicken fat that your dog will love.

Pros:

  • Easy to digest formula
  • Provides a wide range of vitamins and minerals

Cons:

  • No probiotics
  • Not as much protein as compared to other brands

Best for Corgis with Allergies—Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food

Key Features:

  • Limited ingredients
  • No chicken or chicken meal

Blue Buffalo is one of the best dog food brands out there, and we chose this product for Corgis with allergies. It uses turkey meal as its primary animal protein source, which is gentler than other common meat types, and the recipe also includes potatoes and peas, which are easy for dogs with allergy issues to digest.

You won’t get any animal by-products in the formula, and we like that it’s specifically for small breeds like the Corgi. Plus, you can feed this food to both your adult and senior dogs.

Pros:

  • Excellent nutritional profile despite limited ingredients
  • Easy to digest
  • Suitable for dogs with allergies

Cons:

  • Price

Our 2024 Corgi Feeding Guide

We’re going to wrap up our 2024 Corgi feeding guide with some frequently asked questions about this breed.

When should I switch my Corgi puppy to adult food?

Young dogs are considered puppies until roughly about the age of one. You should begin transitioning them from puppy food to adult food gradually when your dog is between twelve and fourteen months of age. The best way to make this transition is by mixing their new food into the puppy food little by little. As they get used to it, you can add more and more until they are only eating adult food.

Do Corgis need calcium supplements?

The short answer is no. Industry guidelines dictate how much calcium dog food manufacturers should fortify their products with, which they must balance carefully against phosphorus. As long as you’re choosing high-quality foods from respected brands, there’s no real need to supplement with calcium. However, if you’re concerned that your Corgi isn’t getting enough calcium in her diet, don’t hesitate to raise this concern with your vet.

Is fresh or dry food better for my Corgi?

This is a common question from pet owners, and there’s no cut and dry answer. What’s most important is making sure your Corgi gets all the nutrients she needs. To do this, you should be paying attention to make sure that the food is high quality, made from natural ingredients, and that your dog is getting the right amount of calories for her age and activity level.

Though we can’t say that one type of food is inherently better than the other, fresh food would be our top recommendation. It typically provides the highest nutritional value, and it’s easy to digest, but the main disadvantage of fresh food is that it comes with a hefty price tag. Many dog parents opt for kibble, which is easy to serve and cost-efficient, and it also helps clean your dog’s teeth.

If you want to reap the benefits of fresh food without spending as much, you can mix in some of the fresh or wet food with your dog’s kibble.

What kind of vegetables should Corgis eat?

We mentioned above that it’s a good idea to supplement your Corgi’s diet with fresh vegetables. You can do so by mixing them into whatever high-quality food you’re already giving your dog, or you can serve it as a snack. Some excellent options are broccoli, carrots, cucumber, asparagus, zucchini, sweet potato, spinach, and peas.

Conclusion

Corgi owners must be aware of the unique nutritional needs of their dog because your furry friend deserves the very best food to fuel many years of playtime, walks, and love. The main concern for Corgis is providing a nutritionally rich diet without overfeeding them, which can lead to serious health issues.

We know that there’s a lot to consider when preparing for the arrival of your new best friend, and the topic of nutrition alone can feel overwhelming. We hope you found this guide to the best Corgi foods helpful, and you can rest assured that all of the products on this are of the very best quality. No matter which one you choose, they will keep your Corgi happy and healthy.

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