Best Dog Food For Rhodesian Ridgeback-The African Lion Hounds Deserve The Best

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Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog

 

Rhodesian Ridgeback is usually a medium-large dog breed with origins from the southern part of Africa. Back in Southern Africa, it was bred to hunt down lions and other wild beasts around them hence the name ‘African Lion Hounds’.

It won’t be gainsaying if one refers to this dog breed as one of the incredible breeds around. Determination, power, and durability; these are words that best fit the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Cheers to everyone with a Rhodesian friend. We will be sharing with you some of the best dog food for Rhodesian Ridgeback.

RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK’S DIET REQUIREMENTS

For someone who owns a Rhodesian Ridgeback, understanding its diet will go a long way to help keep the dog healthy. Of course, all dogs have the same nutritional needs – at least, one the basic level. However, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is quite different; while there are dogs that are relatively fat and muscular, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is on the other hand: thin and muscular.

What this simply means is that it will require lots of protein. The protein is meant to help with healthy body weight (or at least, to help maintain it). Fat, on the other hand, helps with a concentrated source of energy.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Diet requirements

Puppy Rhodesian Ridgeback Diet

When Rhodesian Ridgebacks are in the Puppy stage, they need a minimum of 8% fat and 22% protein in their diet. It is important to take note of this as it will determine the dog’s growth and development. You could go for the large – breed recipe as they are known to contain the perfect ratio of nutrients. Which are known to help with the growth of the puppy without tampering with the dog’s growth process. Large – breed recipes won’t hasten the growth of your dog, but it will support it.

Adult Rhodesian Ridgeback Diet

The Adult Rhodesian Ridgebacks, on the other hand, will require fewer fats and protein in their diets. When they reach this size, one should switch to diets with a minimum of 5% fat and 18% protein. To help maintain lean muscle mass, more protein will be needed. Meanwhile, moderate fat will help support your dog for more energy.

Senior Rhodesian Ridgeback Diet

Rhodesian ridgebacks are usually at risk for obesity when their metabolism slows down. This is why you need to feed it a little. You could also switch to a healthier weight formula. Always go for a senior weight formula too; all of these will help protect your dog health-wise.

Dog food is of quality if it contains the necessary level of fat, carbohydrate, and protein. Always look out for the basic requirements for these three (protein, fats, and carbohydrates). Speaking of quality food, you can also try supplements, vegetables, and fresh fruits. Vegetables and Fresh fruits are natural sources of essential nutrients.

Rather than opting in for synthetic supplements, veggies and fruits are more valuable to your dog’s health. To help to soothe your dog’s digestibility, and probiotics should be at the top of the list; they are good for healthy digestion. Chondroitin and Glucosamine provide support for your dog’s joint.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog

Rhodesian Ridgeback Feeding Chart

When it comes to feeding your Rhodesian Ridgeback, it is important to always look out for quality dog food. While you need a quality dry dog food for a full-grown Rhodesian Ridgeback, the puppies, on the other hand, require top-quality name brand puppy meal.

Ridgeback owners usually make the mistake of going to “People food.” These people food put these puppies at the risk of having vitamin and mineral imbalances and bone problems. For:

Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy

Rhodesian puppies that are between eight to twelve weeks require 4 meals daily. They need a viable source of energy; one that is steady and reliable. For puppies that are within 3 to 6 months, they are to be fed 3 meals daily. The energy is required to help with the pup’s growth, and the protein helps with strong muscles.

It is important to note that after a few months (approximately 6 months), one should consider toning everything down to avoid overgrowth. One of the main causal agents of musculoskeletal issues is ‘overgrowth.’ This is why you need to tone things down. Finally, for puppies that are within 6 months to a year should be fed two bowls of food every day.

Adult Rhodesian Ridgeback

For ridgebacks that are 1 year old, a bowl within 24 hours is ideal. But this is optional as some ridgebacks are known to eat two lighter meals too. You just have to be conversant with your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s eating abilities.

Senior Rhodesian Ridgeback

For Senior Rhodesian Ridgebacks, you should also look out for meals with joint-supporting nutrients. This is important for senior Rhodesian Ridgebacks. When a Rhodesian Ridgeback gets to this stage (senior Rhodesian Ridgeback), you will have to scale down on the feeding and switch to recipes that help prevent obesity. One recipe that readily comes to mind is the large – breed senior recipe.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Looking Beyond

Must Have Ingredients for Rhodesian Ridgeback Food

Like we said earlier, ridgebacks are also needed quality food. When you feed your dog with a cheap dog meal, you are bound to get poor results. From omega 3 fatty acids to Folic acids, some ingredients shouldn’t be missing from your dog’s food.

  • Folic Acid

One of the must-have ingredients for Rhodesians Ridgebacks is Folic Acid. Especially for the adult female Ridgebacks. It is known to help protect the puppies from Dermoid Sinus; a condition known to affect the canine’s spine. Raising their chances of being infected with other diseases such as ulcers and meningitis.

  • Omega 3 Fatty Acid

Just as we stated earlier, omega 3 fatty acid is an essential piece to premium-quality dog food. To help maintain a healthy heart, omega 3 fatty acid is needed. It also ensures that the dog food is well equipped to keep the canine’s heart at the optimal level.

5 Best Dog Food For Rhodesian Ridgeback With Details

(Ideal for Adult and allergic and sensitive stomach dog)
One of the best dog foods for Rhodesian ridgebacks is the Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein. Known for its High Protein and low fat. Blue Buffalo contains no traces of soy, grain, corn, or wheat. This is key. Dog foods with traces of any of the ingredients above tend to cause digestive issues for your Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Blue Buffalo Wildernes High Protein Dry Dog Food
This dog food comes with the right balance of calories and carbohydrates, which meets Rhodesian Ridgeback’s dietary needs. The Blue Buffalo contains “LifeSource Bits,” which is a Blue Exclusive recipe.
It contains the needed nutrients that will aid the growth and digestive system of your Ridgeback. When it comes to picking dog foods with digestibility and high protein content, the Blue Buffalo should be on the top list. Apart from the fact that it helps to prevent digestive – related issues, being grain-free means sensitive stomachs and allergic dog can eat it too!
Pros:
  • Contains high in protein
  • Low in fat
  • soya, corn, wheat, and grain-free
  • Improve eyesight
  • Good for a healthy digestive system
  • Good for dog with allergy and sensitive stomach
Cons:
  • Blue Buffalos are relatively expensive then others.
(Best for all life stage)
Next on our list is an obvious pick. The Taste of the Wild Grain Free dog food contains sweet potatoes and smoked salmon and another viable source of protein that your Ridgeback craves for. What are the other ingredients? They are vegetables, antioxidants, and healthy fruits that help to support a healthy immune system.
Taste of the Wild Grain Free Dry Dog Food
The aim is to help dogs with the needed diet, which are also digestible. The Taste of the wild dog food contains both omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which help protect your canine’s skin. The downside to this dog food is the fact that it contains a high amount of carbs even though it is low in calories.
Just like Blue Buffalo, Taste of the Wild is grain-free, which means your Rhodesian Ridgeback will get the best nutrients. Other ingredients are blueberries, raspberries, pears, blueberries, garbanzo, sweet potato, salmon, and ocean fish meal.
Pros:
  • It has low calories.
  • The Taste of the Wild is grain-free.
  • Great for controlling your dog’s weight.
  • It is rich in chelated minerals, fatty acids, prebiotics, probiotics, carbohydrates, and animal proteins.
Cons:
  • The primary source of fat is canola oil (plant-based).
  • It also contains potato and pea protein, which are both plant proteins.
Taste of the Wild Grain Free Real Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food
Wellness Core Rawrev Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is one of the best dog foods for Rhodesian Ridgeback in this list. The Wellness Core features freeze-dried raw pieces mixed with high protein kibble; both help boosts the natural flavor and overall nutrition.
Wellness Core Rawrev Dog Food
From peas, down to chickpeas, this grain-free dog food helps to optimize the digestion of supplemental proteins such as rabbit, wild boar, turkey, and lamb. Some of the benefits of the Wellness Core Rawrev Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food include the provision of energy and healthy skin thanks to plenty of essential fatty acids present in the food.
Pros:
The food contains freeze-dried raw pieces coupled with the digestible grain-free carbs and freeze-dried raw pieces, which are all great for your dog.
Cons:
  • Contains plant proteins. So, not ideal for all Rhodesian Ridgebacks

Wellness Core Rawrev Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food

 

(For sensitive stomach)
Unarguably, the Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Large Breed Natural is one of the best foods for Rhodesian Ridgebacks with allergies and sensitive stomachs. If you’ve got a Ridgeback with a sensitive stomach, the Nutro Wholesome is a good choice.
It contains a digestible recipe. It features wholesome natural ingredients such as deboned lamb (which is high in protein), omega fatty acids for shiny and healthy skin. The natural ingredients such as Glucosamine are great for joint support.
NUTRO Wholesome Essentials Dog Food
Pros:
  • It contains natural ingredients
  • It is highly digestible
Cons:
  • The chicken ingredients may not be edible for dogs that are sensitive to chicken ingredients
  • It is not grain-free
The last on our list is the Solid Gold – Wolf King Dog food. Manufactured for a large breed, its one of the top-rated dogs out there. The wholesome ingredients mean your dog will get a balanced diet.
The feed’s primary meats are ocean fish meal and deboned bison. The vegetables present in the Solid Gold – Wolf king include watercress, beets, spinach, lettuce, celery, etc. The reliable starches include brown rice; the fruits used are chickpeas, apples, blueberries, and cranberries. Not to forget the Omega 3,6 fatty acids and nutritious proteins.
Solid Gold Holistic Dry Adult Dog Food
Pros:
  • The Solid Gold – Wolf king, is holistic, which makes it great for dogs with allergies.
  • Made in the United States.
  • Great for Rhodesian Ridgebacks with skin irritations.
  • It is low in calories.
  • The solid gold wolf – the king is a great choice for weight control.
Cons:
  • It is relatively expensive.
Solid Gold Wolf King Grain Rich Adult Dog Food

Common Health Problems of Rhodesian Ridgeback Dogs

No doubt, the Rhodesian Ridgeback dog is a strong dog breed. Healthy, but they are prone to some health problems. Some of these diseases and conditions include:
  • Dermoid Sinus
Just as we stated earlier, Dermoid sinus is a condition that causes lots of problems in puppies. If not treated, Dermoid Sinus can affect the canine’s backbone. In simple terms, with Dermoid Sinus, dogs are more susceptible to other infections such as an ulcer.
  • Hypothyroidism
For those who aren’t conversant with this condition. When the thyroid glands do not secrete enough thyroid hormone, this disorder is known as Hypothyroidism. Some of the symptoms include loss of energy, depression, and weight gain.
  • Heart Disease
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is one of the few dogs prone to heart disease. If your dog is fed properly, you need not worry about this. Make sure the diet is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids.

How many Calories Does a Rhodesian Ridgeback Need?

For Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs that are less active, they will require 1300 calories (approximately) daily to gain the needed energy. Meanwhile, for moderately active Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs, 1600 calories will be enough. But if you own a highly energetic Rhodesian Ridgeback, it will need about 2500 calories.

Food Rhodesian Ridgebacks are Allergic to

If they include:
  • Grains
  • Soy
  • Wheat
  • Corn

Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Picky eaters?

Although Rhodesian Ridgebacks are in the hound family, this doesn’t mean that they will eat anything. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are picky eaters.

Conclusion

At the end of it all, it is essential to note that Rhodesian Ridgebacks are demanding and require intensive care. Knowing the dos and don’ts will help with the growth and overall digestibility of your dogs.
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