Best Dog Food for Whippets for Health and Agility
Whippets, cherished for their sleek elegance and lightning-fast speed, are medium-sized sighthounds that thrive on a diet tailored to their unique needs. Choosing the best dog food for Whippets supports their lean physique, high energy, and joint health.
Whippet Dietary Needs
Unique Traits of Whippets
Whippets typically weigh 25–40 pounds, with slender, muscular bodies built for speed and agility. Their short, fine coats require nutrients for skin health, while their low body fat and high muscle mass demand high-quality protein and calorie-dense diets. Their active joints and slender frames necessitate supportive nutrition, and their sensitive digestive systems benefit from easily digestible foods. Their high energy levels require balanced diets to fuel their athleticism while maintaining a lean weight.
Common Health Concerns
Whippets are prone to joint issues like luxating patella and osteoarthritis, worsened by excess weight or poor nutrition. Bloat (gastric torsion) is a risk due to their deep chests, requiring cautious feeding practices. Food allergies, often triggered by grains or proteins like chicken, cause skin irritation or itching. Sensitive stomachs can lead to digestive issues like diarrhea or vomiting. Heart conditions, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, may require diets low in sodium or specific nutrients. Obesity, though less common, can strain joints in less active Whippets.
Nutritional Requirements
The best dog food for Whippets should include:
- High-quality protein (25–30% for adults, 30–35% for puppies) from sources like salmon, turkey, or lamb to support muscle maintenance.
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support.
- Digestible carbohydrates (e.g., rice, sweet potatoes) with fiber and probiotics for gut health.
- Moderate calories (350–450 kcal/cup for adults) to maintain lean weight, with controlled calcium (1.0–1.5%) in puppies for bone growth.
Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Whippets in 2025
Below is our expertly selected list of the best dog food for Whippets, chosen for nutritional quality, joint support, and digestive health, ensuring trustworthiness and expertise.
1. Royal Canin Medium Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin Medium Breed is formulated for dogs 20–55 pounds, offering 25% protein from chicken, with glucosamine for joint health and omega-3s for skin health. Its kibble size promotes chewing to reduce bloat risk, ideal for healthy dog food for Whippets.
Pros: Medium-breed-specific, joint support, digestible.
Cons: Premium price, contains grains.
Price Range: $45–$75 for a 30-lb bag.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Chewy.
User Reviews: “My Whippet’s coat and energy are fantastic!” – Chewy reviewer.
Vet Endorsement: Recommended for medium breeds by veterinarians.
2. Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food (Turkey Fare)
Nom Nom’s Turkey Fare is a fresh, human-grade recipe with ground turkey, eggs, and carrots, offering 35% protein. Its soft texture and high moisture content aid digestion, making it suitable for Whippets with sensitive stomachs. Pre-portioned meals help maintain lean weight.
Pros: Fresh, high protein, customizable.
Cons: Expensive, subscription-based.
Price Range: $35–$65 per week.
Where to Buy: Nom Nom.
User Reviews: “My Whippet’s digestion is perfect!” – Nom Nom customer.
3. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food (Pork Recipe)
The Farmer’s Dog offers fresh, human-grade meals with pork, sweet potatoes, and lentils, providing 33% protein. Its simple recipe is ideal for Whippets with allergies due to minimal fillers. Soft texture supports digestion and skin health.
Pros: Fresh, allergy-friendly, digestible.
Cons: Requires refrigeration, costly.
Price Range: $30–$60 per week.
Where to Buy: The Farmer’s Dog.
User Reviews: “My Whippet’s skin issues cleared up!” – Trustpilot review.
4. Wellness Core Grain-Free Original Dry Dog Food
Wellness Core offers 34% protein from turkey and chicken in a grain-free formula. It includes glucosamine for joint health and omega-3s for coat health, suitable for active Whippets.
Pros: High protein, grain-free, joint support.
Cons: Expensive, grain-free concerns for some dogs.
Price Range: $40–$70 for a 26-lb bag.
Where to Buy: Chewy, Amazon.
User Reviews: “My Whippet stays lean and energetic!” – Chewy reviewer.
5. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food
Hill’s Science Diet is formulated for sensitive digestion, with chicken and rice providing 24% protein. It includes omega-6 fatty acids for coat health and probiotics for gut health, a budget-friendly option for Whippet food recommendations.
Pros: Affordable, vet-recommended, digestion support.
Cons: Lower protein, contains grains.
Price Range: $35–$60 for a 30-lb bag.
Where to Buy: Petco, Amazon.
User Reviews: “My Whippet’s digestion improved!” – Petco reviewer.
6. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo features deboned chicken and brown rice, offering 24% protein. It includes glucosamine for joint health and omega-3s for coat health, with moderate calories to prevent obesity.
Pros: Affordable, joint support, omega-rich.
Cons: Contains grains, moderate protein.
Price Range: $30–$55 for a 30-lb bag.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Chewy.
User Reviews: “My Whippet’s coat is so shiny!” – Amazon buyer.
7. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
This grain-free formula includes salmon and sweet potatoes, providing 25% protein. Omega-3s promote coat health, while probiotics support digestion, ideal for Whippets with allergies.
Pros: Grain-free, affordable, omega-rich.
Cons: Moderate protein, grain-free concerns.
Price Range: $30–$55 for a 28-lb bag.
Where to Buy: Chewy, Amazon.
User Reviews: “My Whippet’s skin allergies improved!” – Chewy customer.
8. Acana Wholesome Grains Adult Dry Dog Food
Acana Wholesome Grains uses free-run chicken and oats, offering 27% protein. It includes glucosamine for joints and omega-3s for coat health, ideal for Whippets needing grain-inclusive diets.
Pros: Grain-inclusive, joint support, omega-rich.
Cons: Premium price, limited flavor variety.
Price Range: $40–$80 for a 22.5-lb bag.
Where to Buy: Chewy, Amazon.
User Reviews: “My Whippet’s coat and joints are fantastic!” – Amazon reviewer.
9. Canidae All Life Stages Dry Dog Food
Canidae’s formula features turkey, lamb, and brown rice, offering 24% protein. It includes glucosamine for joints, probiotics for digestion, and omega-3s for coat health, a versatile choice for Whippets.
Pros: Affordable, all life stages, joint support.
Cons: Moderate protein, contains grains.
Price Range: $35–$60 for a 30-lb bag.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Chewy.
User Reviews: “My Whippet stays healthy and lean!” – Chewy reviewer.
10. Harringtons Complete Grain-Free Turkey & Sweet Potato (UK)
Harringtons, a UK-based brand, offers a grain-free recipe with turkey and sweet potatoes, ideal for best dog food for Whippets UK. With 26% protein, glucosamine for joints, and omega-3s for coat health, it supports digestion and energy.
Pros: Grain-free, affordable, UK-sourced.
Cons: Limited availability outside UK, moderate protein.
Price Range: £20–£45 for a 10-kg bag.
Where to Buy: Amazon UK, Harringtons.
User Reviews: “My Whippet’s coat is glossy!” – Amazon UK reviewer.
Best Dog Food for Whippet Puppies
Whippet puppies (8 weeks to 12–18 months) require higher protein (30–35%) and controlled calcium (1.0–1.5%) to support steady growth without risking joint issues. DHA is essential for brain development. Puppies should stay on puppy food until 12–18 months due to their medium-breed growth rate.
Recommended Puppy Foods
1. Royal Canin Medium Breed Puppy Dry Food
Designed for medium-breed puppies, this formula offers 30% protein from chicken, with DHA and controlled calcium for bone health. It’s ideal for Whippet food for 3 months or 4 months Whippet puppy.
Price: $30–$60 for a 17-lb bag.
Where to Buy: Chewy, Amazon.
2. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Dry Food
With chicken and oats, this formula provides 26% protein, DHA for brain development, and controlled calcium for bones. It’s digestible for sensitive puppy stomachs.
Price: $25–$50 for a 15-lb bag.
Where to Buy: Petco, Chewy.
3. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Medium Breed Dry Food
Featuring chicken and rice, this formula offers 28% protein, DHA, and probiotics, supporting growth and digestion for active Whippet puppies.
Price: $25–$45 for a 18-lb bag.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Chewy.
Special Considerations for Whippets
Food for Whippets with Allergies
For best dog food for Whippets with allergies, choose limited-ingredient or novel-protein diets like Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream or Zignature Salmon (not listed but similar to Taste of the Wild). These avoid common allergens (wheat, corn, chicken) and use proteins like salmon. An elimination diet under veterinary supervision is essential to identify triggers, especially for skin health.
Wet vs. Dry Food for Digestion
Dry kibble, like Royal Canin, promotes chewing to reduce bloat risk, a critical concern for Whippets, and supports dental health. Wet food, like Nom Nom, aids hydration and digestion, especially for Whippets with sensitive stomachs. Combining both offers a balanced approach for coat and gut health.
Homemade or Raw Food Diets
Homemade dog food for Whippets can include turkey, brown rice, and green beans (70:30 carb-to-protein ratio), but must be vet-approved to ensure nutrient balance, including omega-3s for coat health. Dog food recipes for Whippets should avoid toxic ingredients like onions or garlic. Raw diets carry bacterial risks and require strict hygiene, so consult a vet before starting.
How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Your Whippet
Use this checklist for the best dog food for Whippets:
- Ingredient Quality: Prioritize meat as the first ingredient; ensure omega-rich sources for coat health and glucosamine for joints.
- Life Stage: Choose puppy (8 weeks–18 months), adult (2–7 years), or senior (8+ years) formulas.
- Activity Level: Select calorie-appropriate foods to maintain lean weight, especially for active Whippets.
- Vet Consultation: Seek advice for allergies, joint issues, or digestive concerns to ensure trustworthiness.
Feeding Tips for Whippets
- Feeding Schedule: Feed adults 2 meals daily; puppies 3–4 meals to reduce bloat risk and support growth. Use elevated bowls cautiously, as they may increase bloat risk in some dogs.
- Portion Sizes: For a 30-lb Whippet, feed 1.5–2.5 cups of dry food daily (600–1000 calories), split across meals. Adjust for activity and weight to maintain lean physique.
- Hydration: Ensure constant access to fresh water, especially with dry kibble and during activity.
- Transitioning: Switch foods gradually over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset (e.g., 25% new food on day 1, increasing daily).
FAQ
What food is best for a Whippet with a sensitive stomach?
Choose digestible formulas like Nom Nom Turkey Fare or Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin with probiotics and limited ingredients.
Can Whippets eat grain-free dog food?
Grain-free options like Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream suit Whippets with grain allergies, but consult a vet due to potential links to heart issues.
How much should I feed my Whippet daily?
Feed 20–25 calories per pound of body weight daily (e.g., 600–750 calories for a 30-lb Whippet), split into 2 meals. Adjust based on activity.
Which food is good for Whippet puppies?
Puppy formulas like Royal Canin Medium Breed Puppy or Purina Pro Plan Medium Breed Puppy provide high protein and DHA for growth and brain health.
Are homemade dog food recipes safe for Whippets?
Dog food recipes for Whippets (e.g., turkey, rice, veggies) are safe if vet-approved and include nutrient-rich ingredients to avoid deficiencies.
Selecting the best dog food for Whippets ensures your graceful companion thrives with boundless energy, a sleek coat, and strong joints. From medium-breed-specific options like Royal Canin to fresh meals like Nom Nom, our top picks, backed by veterinary expertise and user reviews, address their needs for digestive health, joint support, and coat care. Prioritize quality ingredients, monitor portions, and consult a vet for tailored advice. Explore our recommendations today and share your Whippet’s favorite food in the comments below to help other pet parents nurture their Whippet’s agility and charm!