With his mop-like coat, desire to work as hard as he plays, and joyful spirit, the puli is simply a one of a kind doggo.
Like his unique look, this working woof demands unique nutrition. Unfortunately (as with managing his trademark corded coat), picking the right chow for your puli may seem daunting.
Don’t fret!
We’re here to comb through the frenzy of dog food options to ensure your furry partner-in-crime gets the palatable sustenance he needs.
Below, we’ll dig into the best dog food for pulik and share how to pick the right dog food for your pup’s well being.
Best Dog Food for Pulik: Quick Picks
How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Your Precious Puli
Feeding your mop-coated puli requires more than just satiating his hunger — it’s also about staying a step ahead of potential breed-specific health challenges. Let’s dive into how picking the best dog food and making the right kind of dietary choices can help navigate the choppy waters of mutt medical maladies.
Check for the following in a prospective puli food:
- Joint-Pleasing Pops: Glucosamine and chondroitin aid in joint health, a critical area of concern for the puli, who sometimes suffers from luxating patella and hip and elbow dysplasia. Dog foods with glucosamine and chondroitin help cushion your canine’s joints, promoting mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis and supporting recovery after exercise.
- Amazing Antioxidants: Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy can steal your puli’s sight. While not entirely preventable, foods brimming with antioxidants can help preserve canine eyesight.
- Lean Protein Picks: The puli is prone to packing on the pudge, and we all know canine obesity can trigger various health problems, including exacerbating joint issues. Opt for lean proteins to keep the pupper pounds in check!
- Omega 3s, Please: Your corded cutie has a lot of coat to support, not to mention skin under all that fuzz that can get irritated. Ward off dry skin and a dull coat by feeding a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish oil and flaxseed.
Remember, a proactive approach to your puli’s diet (along with regular vet check-ups) is the key to a longer, healthier life!
The 9 Best Dog Foods for a Puli
With the particulars of what to look for in your puli’s food behind us, we can sink our chompers into your pup’s favorite part of this read: the food! Check out the best dog food for pulik, including fresh fare and eco-conscious eats.
1. Ollie Fresh Dog Food [Best Overall Dog Food for Pulik]
WHO’S THIS FOOD BEST FOR?
Puli pawrents interested in the best dog food around, regardless of cost.
About: Ollie provides pre-portioned, fresh food made in USDA-certified kitchens for the utmost safety and quality. Crafted with globally sourced ingredients like whole animal proteins and carbohydrates, Ollie is gently cooked to preserve taste and texture before being shipped fresh-frozen to your home. Most importantly, Ollie is catered to your unique canine, so whether you’re on the hunt to please a fussy eater, settle your puli’s digestion, or merely believe that your pup deserves a new level of delectable dining, Ollie has you covered.
First Five Ingredients: Turkey, Butternut Squash, Turkey Livers, Oats & Lentils
Features:
- Human-Grade Components: Ollie recipes pack in fresh meat, whole grains, tantalizing fruits, and vitamin-rich vegetables of human-grade quality.
- Protein Power: Real meat always has the lead role in Ollie’s food, followed by nutrient-dense organs, ranking these recipes between 35% and 44% in protein content (via dry matter analysis.) Choose from beef, turkey, lamb, chicken, and pork-centered selections.
- All-Life-Stages Plates: Ollie recipes are shaped under the careful eyes of vets to meet the AAFCO nutrient profile for all life stages.
- Feel Good Flair: With 1% of Ollie’s proceeds going to rescue organizations and shelters, every purchase pays forward to needy canines.
- Free of Unnecessary Extras: Ollie skips artificial flavors, preservatives, or by-products, reducing the chances of causing your tail-wagger any dietary discomfort.
Ingredients List
Turkey, Butternut Squash, Turkey Livers, Oats, Lentils...,
spinach, blueberries, kale, tricalcium phosphate, salt, salmon oil, taurine, zinc gluconate, vitamin E supplement, ferrous sulphate, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin B1), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), potassium iodide
Pros
- Personalized to your puli’s individual dietary needs
- Flavor is a favorite of most doggos
- Ollie gives back to dog-friendly charities
- Human-grade quality is among the best of the best
Cons
- Fresh dog food must be refrigerated
- One of the most expensive dog foods on this list
Like the fresh stuff?
If fresh dog food is your jam, be sure to check out our list of the best fresh dog food brands — they’re mouth-watering options that will please even the prissiest picky eaters.
2. Wellness Complete Health Deboned Chicken & Oatmeal [Best Kibble for Pulik]
WHO’S THIS FOOD BEST FOR?
Puli owners seeking shelf-stable kibble with premium ingredients for full-body wellness.
About: Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food pulls out all the stops with this kibble of high-quality protein and heaps of real produce, delivering fiber and nutrients. Grain-inclusive, this kibble’s blend of oatmeal, barley, and brown rice fuels your puli through work and play, while omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed give your puli’s skin and coat the love they deserve. Critical for cardiac health, the amino acid taurine is included to ward off deficiencies.
First Five Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Barley & Peas
Features:
- Jumping for Joint Health: This recipe packs glucosamine and chondroitin into every serving, aiding the joints of older dogs and active pulik needing extra TLC after a day’s adventure.
- Probiotic Power: Wellness Complete contains a balanced blend of probiotics, benefiting pulik with temperamental tummies and those recovering from illness.
- Made in America: Proudly produced in the USA, Wellness uses ingredients sourced from international suppliers who meet strict quality standards.
- Natural Touch: Wellness uses pure ingredients from plant, animal, and mineral origins, sidestepping artificial preservatives and colors that can upset sensitive systems.
- Top Safety Scores: Wellness manufacturing facilities boast an ‘AA’ rating for food safety — the highest achievable on the BRC audit scale — with all raw materials and finished products inspected for mold and other pathogens.
Ingredients List
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Barley, Peas...,
Ground Brown Rice, Chicken Fat, Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed, Tomatoes, Carrots, Natural Chicken Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Spinach, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, Blueberries, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Chicory Root Extract, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Garlic Powder, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract
Pros
- Rich in joint-friendly glucosamine and chondroitin
- Pricing isn’t too bad, considering that it’s such a high-quality dog food
- Great mix of recipes and flavors to choose from
- Packed with produce for natural sources of fiber and vitamins
Cons
- Some pet parents prefer pea-free pet food
- Picky pulik may need enticing to give this kibble a try
3. Canidae Chicken & Rice Canned [Best Wet Dog Food for Pulik]
WHO’S THIS FOOD BEST FOR?
Puli owners after a wet dog food that easily mixes into kibble or feeds floofs with dental trouble.
About: Canidae All Life Stages is a pate-style, wet food delight that can be fed as-is or used to introduce more flavor and hydration to your puli’s kibble. This grain-inclusive recipe takes off with brown rice and pearled barley, stoking your pup’s energy meter for the day while chicken steals the show as the star protein. Crafted without corn, soy, and wheat, it’s also a good option for pooches needing to avoid certain triggers.
First Five Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product & Brown Rice
Features:
- Nutrition for Life: Crafted under the watchful eyes of veterinarians, this recipe meets the AAFCO nutrient profile for all life stages (including dogs topping 70 pounds.)
- Mix and Mash: This pate-style food effortlessly coats kibble, but it also works as a standalone diet for pulik with dental issues.
- Skin and Coat Care: Rich in omega-3s from salmon oil, this wet food recipe nourishes your puli’s skin and coat from within.
- No Carrageenan: Canidae All Life Stages avoids carrageenan — a controversial thickener made from red seaweed.
- American Craftsmanship: Canidae makes its recipe in the United States with ingredients sourced globally from trusted partners.
Ingredients List
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product, Brown Rice...,
Pearled Barley, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Salmon Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Sunflower Oil, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Agar-agar, Choline Chloride, Canola Oil, Dried Kelp, Dried Cranberries, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Iron Proteinate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Manganese Proteinate, Potassium Iodide, Riboflavin Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Cobalt Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Rosemary Extract.
Pros
- One of the few grain-inclusive wet dog foods
- All life stages recipe ideal for growing with your pooch or feeling multi-pup families
- Pate texture is easy for pups with dental woes to eat and to mix into kibble
Cons
- Additional protein options would be great for pups with meat allergies
- Some pups prefer stew-style wet dog food
4. Wag Wholesome Grains Beef & Brown Rice [Best Budget-Friendly Dog Food for Pulik]
WHO’S THIS FOOD BEST FOR?
Cost-conscious puli owners looking for affordable yet high-quality kibble.
About: Wag Wholesome Grains Beef & Brown Rice strikes an agreeable balance between quality nutrition and value with its grain-inclusive recipe of brown rice and barley paired with real beef as the star ingredient. Antioxidants from blueberries and tomatoes offer an immune system boost, and probiotics give your puli pup’s belly a helping paw toward firmer poops and happier digestion. Best of all, Wag is made in the USA with global ingredients.
First Five Ingredients: Beef, Beef Meal, Brown Rice, Grain Sorghum & Cracked Pearled Barley
Features:
- Joint Pleasers: Glucosamine gives your puli’s joints a beneficial boop with every meal, aiding recovery after exercise and keeping aging mutts mobile.
- Free of Common Trigger Foods: Wag says “no” to added chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, and soy, potentially benefiting barkers with sensitivities.
- Heart Help: A touch of taurine aids canine cardiac health, ensuring your puli’s heart keeps pumping strong as he prances across the pasture.
- All Life Stages Eats: This Wag recipe is formulated to meet the AAFCO nutrient profile for all life stages, including the growth of large-breed dogs. Talk about a win for growing with your puli puppy or feeding a multi-pup pack!
- Vet Nutritionist Approved: Wag recipes bear the seal of approval from veterinarians and a pet nutritionist, ensuring you’re in trustworthy paws.
Ingredients List
Beef, Beef Meal, Brown Rice, Grain Sorghum, Cracked Pearled Barley...,
Rice Bran, Dried Yeast, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Oatmeal, Pork, Dried Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Salmon Oil (A Source Of Dha), Flaxseed, Blueberries, Raspberries, Tomatoes, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Taurine, L-Carnitine, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Ascorbic Acid (Preservative), Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid
Pros
- Price point is reasonable considering its quality and cost-saving perks, like probiotics
- Good mix of proteins to choose from
- Great source of immune-supporting antioxidants
Cons
- Mixed proteins can be problematic for pups with food allergies
- Some pet parents are iffy about trying such a new brand
Need more affordable dog food options?
Want a tasty, nutritious food that won’t break the bank? Check out our list of the best budget-friendly dog foods to see some more options that’ll save you a few bucks!
5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection (Puppy) [Best Food for Puli Puppies]
WHO’S THIS FOOD BEST FOR?
Pawrents of puli puppies seeking growth-focused food with healthy fats, proteins, and more for snout-to-tail wellness.
About: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Formula is a grain-inclusive kibble catered for the running, playing, and growing bodies of puppies, pulik included. Packed with lean protein and energizing carbs, this recipe fosters lifelong wellness with additional goodies like DHA and ARA fatty acids for healthy brain and eye development. Rounding things out, Blue’s trademark LifeSource Bits add an antioxidant punch, aiding immune health.
First Five Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal & Barley
Features:
- Ruled By Real Meat: This food places meat at the helm, ensuring your puli puppy gets the protein necessary for muscle development. Choose from lamb- or chicken-based recipes, with both bolstered by labeled meat meals as secondary protein sources.
- Belly Benefits: Fiber-rich prebiotics and probiotics promote healthy puppy digestion.
- No Trouble Triggers: This kibble is crafted without corn, soy, wheat, and poultry by-product meals that may upset sensitive systems.
- Fruit and Vegetable Fest: Produce, including carrots, blueberries, and cranberries, serves as a natural avenue for vitamins, fiber, and flavor to your doggo’s tummy.
- American Made: Blue Buffalo makes its recipes in the United States, combining ingredients sourced globally from trustworthy suppliers.
Ingredients List
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley...,
Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Dried Tomato Pomace, Dried Egg Product, Pea Protein, Fish Oil (source of ARA-Arachidonic Acid and DHA- Docosahexaenoic Acid), Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried Chicory Root, Potatoes, Pea Fiber, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, DL-Methionine, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Vitamin E Supplement, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Garlic, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), L-Carnitine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Copper Sulfate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Taurine, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary
Pros
- Specially formulated for puppy growth with brain-boosting omega-3s, probiotics, and more
- Taste is a high point with most puppies
- Smaller kibble size is ideal for puppies
Cons
- Mixed proteins can be an issue for sensitive systems
- LifeSource Bits aren’t well-loved by every puppy
6. Merrick Healthy Grains (Senior) [Best Dog Food for Puli Seniors]
WHO’S THIS FOOD BEST FOR?
Owners of senior pulik seeking joint-friendly food that addresses mature dog needs.
About: Merrick Healthy Grains Senior is a crunchy kibble expertly designed by canine nutritionists to meet the needs of gray-muzzled greats. Generous amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin support joint strength and mobility, plus there’s plenty of protein for lean muscle health. Omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed and salmon oil lend a lush sheen to your puli’s coat, nourish his skin, and may even boost his brain function, while a combination of grains, including brown rice and oatmeal, keep hunger at bay and energize your senior puli between meals.
First Five Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal & Barley
Features:
- Meat is King: Claiming the top spot in this food’s lineup is real deboned chicken, followed by chicken meal for a second pop of protein.
- Heart Health Focus: Added taurine helps keep potentially heart-damaging deficiencies at bay.
- Free of Potato and Legumes: This senior dog food takes a rain check on potatoes, lentils, and peas, meshing well with pulis suffering from allergies or intolerances.
- Gut-Friendly: A balanced mix of probiotics and fiber promotes healthy digestion, aiming for firmer pup poops and fewer tummy rumbles.
- Made in the USA: Merrick makes its food in the United States with global ingredients from trusted suppliers.
Ingredients List
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley...,
Turkey Meal, Chicken Fat, Quinoa, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Apples, Carrots, Sunflower Oil, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Proteinate, Cobalt Carbonate), Taurine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Niacin, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Citric Acid for freshness, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product.
Pros
- Geared toward senior-specific needs with joint-pleasing compounds, probiotics, and more
- Pea and potato-free food is a win for pawrents concerned about DCM or allergies
- Several pet parents note improved coat condition after switching to the food
Cons
- Relatively light on fruits and vegetables
- Higher fat content can be problematic for some pooches
7. Open Farm Kibble Harvest Chicken & Ancient Grains [Most Eco-Friendly Food for Pulik]
WHO’S THIS FOOD BEST FOR?
Puli parents seeking a more Earth-conscious canine cuisine.
About: Open Farm Kibble takes pride in its green practices, from its dry food packaging, which is recyclable through TerraCycle, to the brand’s commitment to counteracting emissions through supporting renewable energy, sustainable forestry, and more. The food also offers farm-to-bowl transparency, with a lot code printed on each bag, allowing you to trace each ingredient. Just punch this code on the brand’s website to explore ingredient origins.
First Five Ingredients: Chicken, Oats, Ocean Whitefish Meal, Millet, Quinoa & Coconut Oil
Features:
- Menu Diversity: Choose from a buffet of 21 recipes, teasing your pet palate with grain-free and unconventional protein choices.
- Ethically Sourced Meat: All Open Farm recipes are made with humanely raised animals, including 100% animal welfare-certified chicken.
- Non-GMO Goodness: Open Farm only uses non-GMO grains, fruits, and vegetables, trying to stick to natural ingredients whenever possible.
- Free of Common Triggers: This recipe is free of potentially problematic peas, potatoes, legumes, corn, soy, and wheat.
- US-Made Meals: Open Farm makes its pet food in America, combining ingredients sourced from vetted global partners.
Ingredients List
Chicken, Oats, Ocean Whitefish Meal, Millet, Quinoa, Coconut Oil...,
Herring Meal, Sorghum, Pumpkin, Natural Flavor, Carrots, Apples, Salmon Oil (source of DHA), Cranberries, Salt, Choline Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Selenium Yeast, Calcium Iodate), Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols (a preservative), Cinnamon, Turmeric, Rosemary Extract
Pros
- Open Farm’s commitment to Earth-friendly practices like recyclable packaging is commendable
- Hard to beat the traceability of this food
- Wide range of recipes to choose from
Cons
- Some recipes feature multiple proteins, which can be a problem with sensitive systems
- One of the pricier kibbles around
8. Merrick Texas Beef + Sweet Potato [Best Grain-Free Food for Pulik]
WHO’S THIS FOOD BEST FOR?
Puli pawrents needing grain-free grub featuring alternative carbs like sweet potatoes.
About: Serve grain-free goodness to your puli with Merrick Texas Beef + Sweet Potato, a kibble keeping your pup running at full speed with alternative carb champions like peas and potatoes. Packed with protein, real meat, meat meals, and animal fats comprise a hefty 65% of the recipe, while the remaining 35% is a mixture of produce, fiber, and other natural ingredients. Digestion-friendly probiotics and coat-supporting omega-3s are bonuses for nose-to-tail health.
First Five Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal & Barley
Features:
- Bounty of Beef: Deboned beef is the top ingredient, adding flavor and protein to your puli’s plate. Lamb, chicken, and salmon meals also join the gastronomic gala, ramping the protein meter for muscle health.
- Pick of Protein: Barker not a fan of beef? Check out other Merrick grain-free finds centered around chicken, salmon, duck, and lamb.
- Antioxidant Allies: Apples and blueberries come armed with natural antioxidants to bolster your puffy puli’s immune system.
- Joint-Caring Compounds: Glucosamine and chondroitin nourish your puli’s joints, catering to older fur friends and active youngsters alike.
- Crafted in the USA: Merrick makes its recipes stateside with global ingredients from trusted sources, aiming for safety and quality you can count on.
Ingredients List
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley...,
Turkey meal, Chicken fat, Quinoa, Natural flavor, Flaxseed, Salmon oil, Potassium chloride, Salt, Apples, Carrots, Sunflower oil, Organic dehydrated alfalfa meal, Choline chloride, Iron amino acid complex, Zinc amino acid complex, Zinc sulfate, Sodium selenite, Manganese amino acid complex, Copper amino acid complex, Potassium iodide, Cobalt proteinate, Cobalt carbonate, Taurine, Yucca schidigera extract, Mixed tocopherols, Vitamin E supplement, Vitamin B12 supplement, Riboflavin supplement, Vitamin A acetate, d-Calcium pantothenate, Thiamine mononitrate, Folic acid, Niacin, Biotin, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 supplement, Citric acid, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product
Pros
- Use of alternative carb sources is ideal for pulik with grain allergies
- Excellent source of protein for active pulik
- Loaded with “bonus” ingredients, like probiotics and glucosamine
Cons
- As with many grain-free dog foods, this kibble is expensive
- Mixed-protein nature is not a good fit for pulik with meat allergies
Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before selecting a grain-free food for your doggo.
Veterinarians have established a correlation between grain-free foods and increased rates of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
It isn’t yet clear whether grain-free foods are causing these problems or if it is coincidence.
Nevertheless, caution is warranted.
Additionally, the overwhelming majority of dogs digest grains without issue, and few four-footers are actually allergic to grains (most food allergies are caused by things like chicken, beef, or dairy products).
9. A Pup Above Fresh Food [Best-Tasting Food for Picky Pulik]
WHO’S THIS FOOD BEST FOR?
Pawrents of persnickety pulik demanding delicious eats.
About: Have a notoriously picky puli at home? Tempt his taste buds with A Pup Above, a fresh dog food slow-cooked using the flavor-saving sous vide method that leaves doggos drooling. Each recipe contains a meat-centric blend of protein, real produce, and a carbohydrate source, with grain-free and grain-inclusive choices available. Made in the USA at a human food facility, this fresh food features US-sourced ingredients, traceable via a unique lot number imprinted on every bag.
First Five Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Bone Broth & Rice
Features:
- Vet-Made Menus: All A Pup Above recipes are designed by veterinarians, ensuring balanced nutrition for your puli pupperoni.
- Human-Grade Ingredients: A Pup Above stars all human-grade components, including USDA meat.
- Bone Broth Benefits: Collagen-rich bone broth vamps up this food’s flavor and hydration and could be a boon for your puli’s bones and digestion.
- Protein Parade: A Pup Above comes in chicken, beef, pork, and turkey recipes. You can even snag a sampler pack to rotate your mutt’s meal times.
- Eco-Friendly Approach: Committed to being Earth-conscious, A Pup Above donates 1% of revenue to restorative agricultural practices, uses 100% recyclable packaging, and welcomes low-waste practices by incorporating “ugly” produce.
Ingredients List
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Bone Broth, Rice...,
apples, spinach, kale, turmeric, thyme, parsley, minerals [dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium oxide. zine amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, potassium iodide, sodium selenite], vitamins [vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement]
Pros
- Slow-cooking style preserves taste and texture, enticing even the pickiest of pup palates
- Human-grade ingredients offer peak quality
- Green-leaning pet parents will be pleased with A Pup Above’s eco-conscious practices
Cons
- As a fresh dog food, this canine cuisine must be refrigerated
- Unfortunately, pricing is on the higher side
Another way to try to tempt finicky four-footers is by using delicious doggo food toppers. These are tasty and nutritious additives that will often get even the pickiest of pooches to dig right in!
Dog food toppers come in a variety of forms and flavors, so there should be one that suits your dog perfectly!
How to Pick a Quality Food for Any Dog
With so many pupper products barking for your attention, selecting the best food for your dog can be overwhelming. Luckily, there’s a quick way to see if a dog food is a good match for your Rover, helping you narrow the field in a flash.
Seek a food that nails this trio of requirements:
- The food should meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional standards for your dog’s current life stage. These handy guidelines make sure the food has all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your tail-wagger needs during each life stage, including puppy, adult, and senior.
- The food should address your dog’s specific health concerns. Some health concerns can be aided through diet, with many dog food makers offering specialty formulas that tackle everything from joint problems to tummy troubles. Selecting food geared to your pup’s unique concerns can help keep symptoms in check and bolster your fluffy companion’s overall wellness.
- The food should get the green light from your vet. Your vet is the ultimate source of wisdom when deciding on the right food for your four-legged family member. With an in-depth understanding of your dog’s breed-specific nutritional needs, medical history, and food labeling wizardry, your vet can nudge you toward selecting the most nutritious options for your unique pooch.
It is crucial to change your dog’s food gradually to avoid any potential digestive upset or tummy trouble.
To transition your dog to a new food, start by mixing a small amount of the new food with your dog’s current food. Gradually increase the amount of new food while decreasing the amount of the old food over a period of 7 to 10 days.
This slow transition will allow your dog’s digestive system to adjust to the new food comfortably and healthily.
Factors for a Truly Fabulous Dog Food
The above aspects are primary necessities for any reputable dog food, but when hunting for the crème de la crème of chow, there are ways to sort the best of the bowl fillers from average offerings.
Ask the following of food to find the best pick for your floof:
- Does the brand have a canine nutritionist behind its recipes? Experts of the canine culinary world, nutritionists understand the unique dietary needs of dogs and can help formulate balanced, nutritious kibble. The best brands keep these experts on staff.
- What are the brand’s food safety procedures? Regular safety inspections ensure a hygienic production process and top-quality, hazard-free ingredients. Top-notch brands commit to extra steps like batch testing and third-party testing to keep every step safer.
- Does the brand thoroughly cook its proteins? Cooking or pasteurizing protein is crucial to banish any harmful pathogens. Raw proteins are a risk to people and pets, even if raw dog food is a tending fad.
- Is their food made in a Western country? The birthplace of your dog food makes a huge difference, with Western nations often enforcing stringent regulations and quality checks. These nations include the United States, Canada, England, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Are ingredients sourced from a Western country? Ingredients from the West are usually subject to rigorous quality checks, raising the trust bar a few notches! Some brands (like Nom Nom) only use U.S.-sourced ingredients!
Want more? See our Dog Food Selection Guide for a deep dive into picking perfection!
Best Dog Food for Pulik: FAQ
Still have some concerns about the best food for your puli pupper? Check out the most commonly asked questions and matching answers surrounding the subject.
What is the best dog food for a puli?
The best dog food for your puli is one that meets the AAFCO nutrient profile for your pup’s current life stage, addresses any health issues your puli has, and gets your vet’s approval.
The same food won’t rock every dog’s world — the best dog food for one pup will not be the best dog food for another pup. So, picking what works best for your unique woofer is crucial.
For example, a limited-ingredient diet may be best for a puli with food allergies, while dog food with glucosamine would suit a puli with joint woes. Other things are important, too, including a mouthwatering flavor for picky pupperinos, a trusted country of origin, and a quality protein source.
Are puli dogs high maintenance?
The puli is a high-maintenance dog in many ways, as his corded coat takes months to set and perfect, and his exercise needs (physical and mental) aren’t for the faint of heart. Daily workouts are musts for this hard-working herder, with canine sports like agility an ideal way to flex his brain and body. Other top-notch canine enrichment activities for this floof include hiking, fetch, and puzzle toys.
Are puli dogs easy to train?
The puli is quick to please and intelligent, making him an easier dog to train, but it’s not always a walk in the park. Repetition is a definite no-go with this smart sniffer. High-value training treats and dog training toys go a long way in motivating this mopped mutt.
Is a puli a good family dog?
A puli can excel in a home setting, as he’s deeply affectionate, friendly, and playful. He is a herder, though, so he may instinctively corral kiddos and other pets. Luckily, training and socialization can make quick work of this pesky behavior.
And there you have it! We’ve served a buffet of the best dog foods for your peppy puli. We hope exploring this tangled tale of nutrition has been as enjoyable as watching your puli prance around!
Now it’s your turn — what food does your mop-coated munchkin relish the most? What has turned out to be the best dog food for your specific pooch? Share your curly-tailed companion’s favorite dishes with us; we can’t wait to hear your stories!
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