12 Best Dog Food For Mini Schnauzers – Reviews & Top Picks
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By being a proud owner of a Miniature Schnauzer, you probably already know how well-rounded these amazing creatures are. How they are so small but so sturdy. They are brave, fun-loving, and intelligent dogs.
Miniature Schnauzers are truly amazing and loving dogs. To make sure you give them their best life possible, it is important you feed them high-quality, lean proteins, healthy fats and good carbohydrates for energy, and natural sources of vitamins, and minerals, with other beneficial ingredients to maintain their special needs.
But with so many options out there, you might be saying “How can I even choose!” Well, don’t worry. We are here to help. We’ve gone through hundreds of different food formulas and have identified the best foods for your Mini Schnauzer. We will be breaking down their advantages, recipes, components, and even some reviews from customers.
Ready to get started? Good, lets go!
Our Best Dog Food for Mini Schnauzers
- Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food – Best Dog Food For Mini Schnauzers
- Nature’s Recipe Small Breed Chicken & Sweet Potato – Best Dog Food For Mini Schnauzers
- Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Small & Toy Breed – Best Dog Food For Mini Schnauzers Puppies
- Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer Puppy Dry Dog Food – Best Breed Specific Dog Food For Mini Schnauzers Puppies
- Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Senior Dry Dog Food – Best Dog Food For Mini Schnauzers Seniors
- Nulo Freestyle Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Small Breed & Puppy Canned Dog Food — Best Wet Food For Mini Schnauzers Puppies
- Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Canned Dog Food – Best Wet Food For Mini Schnauzers
- The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food – Best Fresh Food For Miniature Schnauzers
- American Journey Active Life Dry Dog Food – Most Affordable Dog Food For Mini Schnauzers
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Small Bites Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food – Best Join Health Dog Food For Mini Schnauzers
- Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer Dog Food – Best Weight Loss Dog Food For Miniature Schnauzer
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Entrée – Best Sensitive Stomach Dog Food For Miniature Schnauzer
12 Best Dog Foods for Mini Schnauzers Reviewed
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food – Best Dog Food For Mini Schnauzers
Coming in at one of our best overall formulas is the Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food. Your miniature Schnauzer’s nutritional requirements are the main focus of this formula. Its protein-rich formula includes turkey and chickens with also some salmon oil to add healthy omegas. In order to maintain your dog’s energy levels throughout the day, it also includes fruits and vegetables.
There is no wheat gluten, artificial flavoring, artificial coloring, or artificial preservatives in the Wellness Core recipe.
It also has glucosamine and chondroitin to maintain the joint health and mobility of your dog. With antioxidants, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals this is the complete package.
It also includes healthy grains for an optimal calorie count and to support a healthy weight. This recipe has everything you need if you’re looking for a natural way to give your dog the best possible life.
Main Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal (source of Glucosamine), Chicken Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Lentils, Peas
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (Min.) 36.0%, Crude Fat (Min.) 16.0%, Crude Fiber (Max.) 5.0%, Moisture (Max.) 10.0%.
Caloric Content: 412 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Active, Best
Nature’s Recipe Small Breed Chicken & Sweet Potato – Best Dog Food For Mini Schnauzers
Nature’s Recipe’s formula here is another one of our top choices for best food for your Miniature Schnauzer. The taste is great according to many reviews and combined with the high quality ingredients and excellent price, it’s a no brainer. This chicken flavor kibble is perfect for smaller dogs as the kibble size is small.
The main protein source is chicken, which will guarantee your dog’s muscular health. Sweet potato and pumpkin are offered to your dog as healthy carbohydrates in the recipe, which guarantees that it will promote overall health. These guarantee maximum energy, overall health, and are easily digestible. With no wheat, corn, soy, poultry by-products, artificial flavoring’s, or colors , the Natures Recipe’s formula is clean.
Even the pickiest of eaters love this brand, and some customers have even reported that it has resolved skin allergies.
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Tapioca Starch, Canola Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Pumpkin
Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 342 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Active, Best
Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Small & Toy Breed – Best Dog Food For Mini Schnauzers Puppies
With its appealing ingredients, Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Small and Toy Breed will give your puppy the right amount of energy, healthy digestion, and coat and skin quality.
This dry kibble’s 22 essential components, which are also present in a mother’s natural milk supply, is a fantastic feature. It contains a significant amount of DHA to support optimal brain health and acuity.
Farm-raised chicken from premium sources serves as the first ingredient and provides a reliable source of protein.
The kibble is significantly smaller than some other puppy foods because it is specifically designed for small breeds, taking into account the possibility that your puppy may have trouble consuming larger food.
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp
Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 445 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Puppies, Growth
Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer Puppy Dry Dog Food – Best Breed Specific Dog Food For Mini Schnauzers Puppies
If you have a puppy, you should begin providing them with a balanced diet as soon as possible. A great place to start is with the Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer Puppy Dry Dog Food. This recipe is created especially for this purebred puppy and contains all the vitamins and minerals it needs to develop into a big, strong and healthy dog.
It is specifically for dogs eight weeks to ten month old.
Some benefits of this formula include the indigents of L-carnitine supports lean muscle, its good amount of fat, and prebiotics that promote a strong immune system. You will also be getting natural fibers to support their digestive health.
The big drawback here is the fact that corn is added. Corn is not the best ingredient and for this reason, we recommend Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer Puppy, but we also recommend the one above a little more.
Main Ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Brown Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Wheat Gluten, Chicken Fat, Corn
Guaranteed Analysis: 28% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 3.7% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 342 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Puppies, Growth
Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Senior Dry Dog Food – Best Dog Food For Mini Schnauzers Seniors
If you have an older Mini Schnazuer, we highly recommend Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Senior Dry Dog Food.
This formula is designed especially for senior dogs, who have particular dietary requirements. For maximum health and wellbeing, this grain-free dry kibble is made with real chicken and sweet potato.
Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are here as well, ensuring the best possible skin and brain health. The chewy kibble is a fantastic choice for teeth cleaning as well. Dental hygiene is very important to your dog’s health, and a healthy diet can help keep their teeth clean in addition to routine brushing and professional cleanings.
Main Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas, Chicken Fat, Salmon Meal
Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 11% Moisture
Caloric Content: 388 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Senior Dogs, No Corn/Wheat/Soy
Nulo Freestyle Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Small Breed & Puppy Canned Dog Food — Best Wet Food For Mini Schnauzers Puppies
Rich in proteins and omega fatty acids, this moist food provides a complete and well-balanced diet. Premium ingredients will help your miniature Schnauzer get through the day.
The nutrients your dog needs for healthy bones and muscles and a healthy long life are here.
With clean carbs and real lamb and turkey, this is a high quality formula. It contains nutritious vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes. It uses no fillers, grains, artificial flavors, or preservatives, and has fiber and L-carnitine for healthy digestion.
Main Ingredients: Lamb, Turkey, Lamb Broth, Turkey Broth, Lamb Liver, Sweet Potatoes, Dicalcium Phosphate
Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 10.5% Crude Protein, 8.5% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
Caloric Content: 221 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Puppy, Wet Food
Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Canned Dog Food – Best Wet Food For Mini Schnauzers
Your Mini Schnauzers will thrive on this grain-free, nutrient-rich wet dog food from Taste of the Wild.
We are fans of Taste of the Wild brand, and they really have some good products.
The recipe calls for a variety of lean animal protein sources. Real meat ingredients include beef, lamb, and venison.
Given that this wet food contains 82 percent moisture, the protein and fat percentages are a little low. The nutritional requirements of your dog will still be met by this dish, so we still recommend it.
Wet food usually always taste better, so for picky eaters, your dog should have no problem enjoying this tasty blend.
Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals are also provided by the whole food ingredients.
Main Ingredients: Beef, Lamb Broth, Beef Broth, Vegetable Broth, Lamb Liver
Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 8% Crude Protein, 3.5% Crude Fat, 1.0% Crude Fiber, 82% Moisture
Caloric Content: 322 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Wet Food, Adult
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food – Best Fresh Food For For Mini Schnauzers
A subscription-based service called The Farmer’s Dog brings freshly prepared dog food right to your door. All of their recipes were developed by veterinary nutritionists, and all of their ingredients are of human-grade quality. For your Mini Schnauzer, The Farmer’s Dog offers personalized meal plans based on factors like age, weight, level of activity, and more.
The Farmer’s Dog is the best dog food for Schnauzers for a variety of factors. The highest quality ingredients are used there. They only use fresh, whole foods in their recipes, and all of their ingredients are of human-grade quality. This implies that the nutrients required for your Schnauzer to remain healthy and content will be provided for them.
Main Ingredients – Depends On Flavor (Beef, Lamb, Turkey Available): Lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, kale, rice
Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 10% Crude Protein, 7% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber, 74% Moisture
Caloric Content: 266 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Fresh
American Journey Active Life Dry Dog Food – Most Affordable Dog Food For Mini Schnazuers
Trust us, we know that price can sometimes play a role in what food we buy for our dogs. We always recommend getting the best food for your dog and their specific needs.
But with that being said, the American Journey Active Life Dry Dog Food is for those on a tight budget.
This recipe contains chicken, brown rice, and vegetables making it loaded with protein and packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Whole grains and natural fiber are also available for a healthy digestive system and gut. You won’t find wheat, soy, or artificial flavors, colors, or ingredients which is always good. In addition, dogs adore the tasty flavor and omega 3 and 6 will benefit your dog’s skin and coat.
In general, this is the most economical dog food available for Miniature Schnauzers.
The kibble that is denser than some other options here. This could make eating more challenging for some dogs.
Main Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Rice Bran, Peas, Barley, Natural Flavor, Chicken Fat
Guaranteed Analysis: 25% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 342 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Affordable
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Small Bites Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food – Best Join Health Dog Food For Mini Schnauzers
Joint issues are always a important thing to be aware as a dog owner. Many dogs unfortunately get joint issues so making sure you’re on top of this is critical. To help your dogs joint and mobility, we recommend the Hill’s Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Small Bites Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food.
Chicken meal is the source of the Hill’s Science Diet Healthy Mobility Small Breed Dog Food formula’s formula
To give big dogs secure sources of energy, it contains a number of whole-grain ingredients.
High levels of omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can help to lessen joint inflammation. These beneficial fats aid in reducing inflammation in sore joints. It is also packed with EPA from fish oil that helps with joint discomfort.
Then there is the benefit of glucosamine and chondroitin ingredients. These components are essential for enhancing comfort in your dogs joints.
Reading reviews, customers also absolutely love this blend and have seen big improvements.
Main Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum, Brown Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Cracked Pearled Barley
Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 17% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 359 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Joint Issues & Health
Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer Dog Food – Best Weight Loss Dog Food For Miniature Schnauzer
The Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer Dog Food is made specifically for Miniature Schnauzers. Due to the breed’s issues to sensitive skin, the recipe includes a ton of ingredients to help aid this. These include vitamin A, EPA, and DHA, which support an amazing skin pH. For support of the joints, it also contains glucosamine and chondroitin.
We don’t like how protein is not the first ingredient here (Brewer’s rice is and chicken byproduct meal, the main meat ingredient is second).
Maintaining a healthy caloric is where we really like this blend. The list of ingredients in this dog food is quite long, and each one has advantages of its own. We particularly enjoy the kibble’s size, though. This kibble size was chosen by Royal Canin on purpose to match the shape of a Miniature Schnauzer’s mouth.
Main Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Brown Rice, Oat Groats, Wheat Gluten, Chicken Fat
Guaranteed Analysis: 23% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 309 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Weight Management for Miniature Schnauzers
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Entree – Best Sensitive Stomach Dog Food For Miniature Schnauzer
Let me just start by saying my dog (Jack) absolutely loved this food. Jack was diagnosed with a hemangiosarcoma on November 7th, 2019. This is a malignant tumor derived from the cells lining blood vessels.
The reason why I am sharing this with you here is because, this ended up pressing up against his stomach and made him sometimes very bloated. I decided to incorporate giving him some sensitive stomachs blends. I’ve tried dozens of different sensitive stomach blends but my Jack loved this food. He would eat it all every single time.
About the food, it is made up of some really good ingredients.
Chicken broth is listed as the first ingredient. As with other broths, chicken broth adds flavor and moisture. Salmon is the second ingredient and is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Carrots make up the third ingredient. Carrots are a natural sources of numerous vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant as well as dietary fiber. Another top-notch protein source is turkey, which is the fourth ingredient. Potato is the fifth ingredient. As a source of gluten-free carbohydrates that also offers a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, potatoes are frequently used in all types of pet food.
Some other key features here are the fact that you’re getting chicken fat, which provides a healthy dose of omega-6 fatty acids, egg whites for lean high-quality protein, and dried whey to increase the proteins.
Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Salmon, Carrots, Turkey, Potatoes, Green Beans, Potato Starch, Pea Protein
Guaranteed Analysis: (Wet analysis) 4% Crude Protein, 3% Crude Fat, 1% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
Caloric Content: 379 kcal/can
Type of Product: Sensitive Stomach for Miniature Schnauzers
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Food for Miniature Schnauzers
Your head might spin from the variety of dog foods available on the market. Your Miniature Schnauzer’s activity level, current health, age, allergies, and food sensitivities should all be taken into consideration when deciding on a dog food formula.
Everything You Need to Know About Feeding a Miniature Schnauzer
Understanding your Miniature Schnauzers unique dietary needs will help you choose the best food for them, and ensure that they get what they need. Making a choice will be easier if you have a better understanding of potential allergies, serving sizes, caloric needs, and other factors that are centered around your dog and there breed.
The reason for this is because all dogs require specific needs. For example, some dogs need certain ingredients more then other ingredients.
Understanding if your dog is a full breed Mini Schnauzer, or a mix, is critical. If your dog is a mix, then you might want to check this out. Simply find the other breed your dog is, and check out the nutritional requirements and any health issues this breed may be more likely of getting. Then you will know exactly what type of food is best for your dog!
Nutritional Requirements
Like all dogs, Miniature Schnauzers require a diet with a proper balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Moderate Protein
One of the key components of your Mini Schnauzer’s dog food is protein. You want to find recipes with just one “real source,” such as real chicken or beef. Because meat “meals” are concentrated sources of the vitamins and minerals that dogs need to stay healthy, dogs can also benefit from them. By-product meals, and those things are things you want to avoid.
Fats
A moderate amount of fat is important. The overall flavor and appeal of the food are significantly impacted by the amount of fat in the formula.
Fat will aid in accelerating your dog’s metabolism and enable them to maintain energy levels throughout the day. Many foods will continue to use fat that originates from the primary protein source. A good fat that you want to see is fish oil/omega 3’s / 6’s. They can support the long-term health of your dog’s skin and coat.
DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, is known to aid in puppy eye and brain development. These are present in oils like flaxseed and coconut.
Digestible Carbohydrates
Energy is aided by carbohydrates. Although many dog owners avoid them, carbohydrates are a crucial component of your dog’s diet. But it’s crucial that you choose complex carbohydrates. These include oats, barley, peas, sweet potatoes, and many other foods.
Complex carbohydrates have a lower glycemic index, so they help to provide your dog with high levels of energy throughout the day rather than spikes. Even though it’s crucial for Schnauzers, carbohydrate intake should be moderate. Corn and soy are some others that are not the best. They can be difficult on your dog’s stomach and may lead them to an energy crash sooner.
Fiber
For dogs, fiber is not their main source of energy. However, it supports the good bacteria that reside in your dog’s gut.
Make sure the dog food you feed contains both soluble and insoluble fibers. The absorption of nutrients will be improved by these ingredients. By doing this, you’ll ensure that your Mini Schnauzers can utilize the nutrition that comes from his diet.
Vitamins and Minerals
Like humans, dogs need fruits and vegetables. These essential vitamins and nutrients can be found in them. They include the components required to support your dog’s physical and mental growth.
Additionally, they can boost your dog’s immune system, strengthen their bones, protect them from free radical damage, and provide them with the fiber they need to maintain a healthy digestive system.
Antioxidants
This component is excellent for your dog’s immune system, cognitive health, and eye health. Make sure to include enough of this in your preferred recipe.
Things to Consider before Deciding Your Dog’s Calorie Intake
Miniature schnauzers require a lot of energy and wholesome food to stay in good health. High-quality, organic ingredients are what your pet needs. The majority of dog foods contain filler ingredients and meat byproducts that are unhealthy for your miniature Schnauzer.
Life Stage
Despite their large size, miniature Schnauzer puppies are very energetic and hyper, so they need more calories to keep up. Compared to older dogs, puppies eat more dog food. To grow and be healthy, dogs need food that is high in calories and nutrients. Mini Schnauzers should consume 1/3 to 1/2 cup of dog food twice daily because they are active.
Activity Level
You should get a kibble that fits your dog’s lifestyle if they are especially energetic. Formulas for an active lifestyle are usually higher in calories and carbohydrates to replace the nutrients our bodies use up throughout the day.
Allergies
You need to get a diet plan if your dog has been identified as having any kind of food allergy in order to completely avoid the offending ingredients. Fortunately, there are plenty of commercial dog foods available over-the-counter that are specifically formulated to satisfy the dietary requirements of sensitive dogs.
How Much Food Do Mini Schnauzer Need
Set up a healthy feeding schedule for your miniature Schnauzer and select the best dog food. Overfeeding a Mini Schnauzer can result in kidney stones, skin allergies, hyperlipidemia, hair loss, and other health issues.
Most Mini Schnauzers weigh 12 to 20 pounds and grow to a maximum height of 15 inches. Due to their small size, you can feed them 480 calories every day. For Miniature Schnauzers, emphasize natural ingredients and high protein content.
Health Issues and Diet
Eye Conditions
The presence of conditions like cataracts and retinal atrophy is higher in miniature schnauzers. Their vision may be affected by the clouding of their eyes. Sometimes they might even become blind.
Maintaining a healthy weight and physical condition for their bodies is one of the best ways to prevent these issues. A diet full of vitamins and antioxidants can support overall ocular health.
Hypothyroidism
The Schnauzer breed includes all sizes that are susceptible to this condition. Dogs with the condition have low thyroid function, which causes fatigue and poor concentration.
Fruits and vegetables have a history of aiding in the condition’s treatment. They do so because natural sterols are present. Many plants and seeds contain organic steroids.
Pancreatitis
The pancreas of some smaller dogs, such as Miniature Schnauzers, are prone to inflammation or pancreatitis. Digestive enzymes and insulin are produced by the pancreas. Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fever, lethargic behavior, and dehydration are all signs of pancreatitis.
By removing processed, fatty foods from your Schnauzer’s diet, you can prevent pancreatitis.
Gastric Dilation
A life threatening issue known as Bloat.
Large, processed meals can cause the dog’s belly to enlarge and lead to a buildup of food and gas.
The pressure that builds up inside the expanding belly can have disastrous effects. It disrupts stomach walls, decreases blood flow to the stomach lining, and prevents blood from reaching the heart. If you want to avoid fatal outcomes, make sure your dog is fed high-quality food.
Joint Problems and Hip Dysplasia
Foods containing glucosamine can be beneficial for all dogs who have joint problems. This supplement lessens joint discomfort.
Hip dysplasia is a painful condition that affects the dog’s joints and is most prevalent in Mini Schnauzers. The hip’s connective tissue is unable to stabilize the joint. It shows up as a limp and difficulty standing up.
To lessen the discomfort, you can feed your dog a diet high in omega fatty acids, chondroitin, and glucosamine. They assist the bones and connective tissue of the body.
Conclusion
We hope you found our guide helpful and we hope we have made your decision easier. While proper nutrition is important for all dogs, your little Mini Schnauzers overall health depends on them receiving the vitamins, minerals, and healthy ingredients they require.
The best overall choice for your Mini Schnauzer is Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food or Nature’s Recipe Small Breed Chicken & Sweet Potato.
As always, if you want to treat a condition with diet, talk to your veterinarian and make sure the food you select is vet-approved and free of harmful preservatives and grains. As always make sure to bookmark this page for more helpful guides are articles.
