Congratulations on your new Corgi puppy! These affectionate, medium-sized dogs are an excellent addition to any household. You want the best for your corgi, starting with the right puppy food. If you’re overwhelmed by all of the pet food brands on the market, you’re not alone. We’ve researched and compiled our top picks with detailed reviews and a buyer’s guide for young corgis.

A Quick Look at Our Winners in 2024

The 11 Best Foods for a Corgi Puppy

1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Pork Crecipe – Best Overall

Corgi puppies might be small, but as a working breed, their diet needs to not only help them grow but also support their energy levels and protect their joints. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Pork Recipe is the best overall food for Corgi puppies. You can also choose from two other recipes offered by the company—beef or turkey—to give your Corgi pup plenty of variety.

All three available recipes use fresh, human-grade ingredients that are processed in USDA-certified kitchens to create a healthy, balanced meal plan for your dog. The Farmer’s Dog also uses a short questionnaire to learn about your dog and customize the meals based on their weight, breed, and age. This customization enables you to ensure that your puppy gets all the nutrients that they need in order to grow as healthy and strong as possible.

The meals are in pre-made portions in eco-friendly packaging and shipped for free nationwide. However, The Farmer’s Dog is a subscription service, and the food isn’t available in physical or online stores, which can be inconvenient for many dog owners. You also need to store the fresh meals in the freezer until you’re ready to defrost and feed them to your dog, and the individually packaged meals can take up a large amount of space.

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2. Purina Puppy Chow Tender & Crunchy Dry Food – Budget Buy

We think the best food for the money is Puppy Chow Tender & Crunchy with Real Beef. Many pups love this value-priced brand from Purina. Some owners report that their puppies pass over more expensive brands but gladly eat Puppy Chow.

The kibble pieces are larger than some other puppy food brands. This size shouldn’t be a problem for most corgis, but it’s something to consider if your pup is on the smaller side.

Puppy Chow contains added DHA and calcium, which is a perk you may not find in other value brands. While corn is the first ingredient, this food still offers a decent protein content. If cost is your first concern, but you still want a quality diet from a trusted brand, Puppy Chow is a good choice.

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3. Solid Gold Mighty Mini Small & Toy Breed Dry Food

Solid Gold Mighty Mini Small & Toy Breed Dry Food has been a leader in the premium pet food market since 1974. The company bills itself as “America’s first holistic pet food.” This food appeals to pet owners’ values by only using cage-free chicken. Pumpkin might seem like an odd ingredient, but it is a canine superfood. This vegetable is a source of vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, and soluble fiber.

While the cost is more per ounce than other brands, Solid Gold Mighty Mini Gut Health has a high caloric content. You may need to feed your dog less if you’re switching from another puppy food. Check with your veterinarian before switching to a grain-free diet. Dogs are often allergic to protein sources², not grains. However, the added probiotics may be what your pup’s tender tummy needs.

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4. Holistic Select Adult & Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Most healthy puppies can digest chicken and beef. However, some dogs will develop an allergy to common protein sources². Holistic Select Adult & Puppy is a good option if your veterinarian recommends a grain-free food with novel protein like fish. This food is a lifelong recipe formulated for both puppies and adult canines. This convenience eliminates the trial-and-error owners face when their sensitive pups reach their first birthday.

Holistic Select is available through retailers, and you do not need a prescription. Vegetables like pumpkin, papayas, and pomegranates provide an essential source of fiber. The addition of omega 3 and flaxseed can help your corgi maintain a beautiful, shiny coat.

This brand probably won’t be the first puppy food that you reach for. But if your corgi struggles with a sensitive stomach or potential food allergies, ask your veterinarian about Holistic Select.

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5. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Food – Vet’s Choice

In the 1940s, veterinarians recognized the link between the proper diet and optimum health, and Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites remains a top pick of veterinarians today. But the company knows that no matter how nutritionally sound food is, dogs won’t eat it if it doesn’t taste good. All of Hill’s dog foods must earn the approval of the canines who live at the Pet Nutrition Center³. This center is home to approximately 450 dogs whose sole job is to ensure that your pup gets tasty and nutritious food.

One downside to Hill’s Science Diet is grocery stores, and big-box stores don’t carry it. You’ll have to go out of your way to buy it online or at a specialty pet store.

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6. Purina ONE Plus Healthy Dry Puppy Food

Another great option for corgi puppy food is Purina ONE High Protein Plus. Purina is a household name and a staple in the pet food industry. We give this brand high marks because of its affordability, availability, and nutrition. This food is suited for most puppies, making it a no-brainer for multi-breed homes.

Purina ONE High Protein Plus is a puppy food that will carry you through your dog’s entire first year. You can add water to create a softer food when your puppy first comes home. Older puppies can eat the kibble dry as they prepare to transition to adult dog food.

The smaller kibble pieces are perfect for puppy-sized mouths. However, some owners report that their pups pick through the kibble pieces, favoring the dehydrated meat chunks. Purina backs its food with a 28-day challenge. The manufacturer claims that you may see positive changes such as increased energy and a shinier coat in as little as 4 weeks.

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7. Royal Canin Medium Puppy Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin is known for its breed-specific foods. While the brand has yet to release a formula just for corgis, its Royal Canin Medium Puppy Dry Dog Food is suitable for the canines. The small kibble shape accommodates a growing puppy’s mouth and teeth.

Beef is a common canine food allergy² and can leave pet owners scrambling for food that won’t upset their dog’s tummy. Royal Canin Medium Puppy Dry Dog Food is beef-free.

This puppy food can be a good starting point if your veterinarian suspects a beef allergy. Many dog owners report that this food firmed up their pup’s loose stools.

Royal Canin acknowledges that consumers want sustainable and eco-friendly products. That desire extends to pet food, as well. The company launched several healthy planet initiatives⁴ in the countries where it operates.

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8. Diamond Naturals Small & Medium Breed Puppy Food

Diamond Naturals is a family-owned company that abides by strict quality assurance standards. This in-house testing offers peace of mind to dog owners who are concerned about product safety. A proprietary blend of probiotics, antioxidants, and prebiotics boost your puppy’s immunity and aid digestion.

Diamond Naturals Small & Medium Breed Puppy Formula is a good choice for corgis that love chicken. The company only uses cage-free chicken in its pet food. This kibble is more calorie-dense than other brands, so you should be careful not to overfeed your pup. It’s a good option for owners who want superfoods like kale, pumpkin, and quinoa.

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9. Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Natural Dry Dog Food

Rachael Ray got her start on the Food Network, whipping up tasty dishes for humans. She has since branched out to pet food with her Nutrish line of pet food. This product is your average, affordable puppy food that you can buy at most retailers. Purchasing this food helps animals in need, as a portion of all proceeds benefits the Rachel Ray Foundation.

The company recently reformulated its Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Food. The new product contains less dried peas, more whole corn, and different amounts of added vitamins. This is a middle-of-the-road dog food in terms of price and nutrition. You may choose this food because of its availability or simply because your corgi pup loves it.

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10. IAMS ProActive Health Smart Puppy Original Dry Dog Food

IAMS is a global brand trusted by pet owners around the world. Some people claim that IAMS ProActive Health Smart Puppy Original cleared up their dog’s loose stools and flatulence. This may be due to the added beet pulp, which is a source of moderately fermentable fiber. (And in case you’re wondering, eating beet pulp will not turn your corgi’s fur purple.)

This brand does not overwhelm pet owners with a variety of unnecessary choices. IAMS focuses on life stages rather than offering dog food in dozens of flavors.

We gave this food a lower ranking because of its “natural flavor” ingredient. This vague description could make it difficult to pinpoint a potential food allergy. IAMS costs more than other brands that offer comparable ingredients.

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11. Pedigree Puppy Growth & Protection Dry Food

Since it has a lower calorie content than the competition, Pedigree Puppy Growth and Protection may not last as long as other brands. You may find a better value elsewhere if cost is your primary concern. Pedigree Puppy is only available in larger bags, so you could be stuck with food your dog doesn’t like.

Non-specific protein sources like “Meat and Bone Meal” and “Animal Fat” could make it difficult to pinpoint allergies. The “vegetable flavor” might be a bit of a stretch as carrots and peas are far down on the ingredient list.

While Pedigree Puppy Growth & Protection has a lower protein and fat content than other brands, it does meet AAFCO guidelines. The company donates to animal shelters through its You Buy We Give Program.

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Dog Food for a Corgi Puppy

Many new owners continue to feed their pups the same brand of food, and you may not have any reason to switch if the current brand fits your budget and your pup loves it.

However, you may want to switch food for any number of reasons. Below we answer some of the top questions that corgi owners have about puppy food.

How Do I Switch From One Puppy Food to Another?

If you decide to change dog food, do so slowly over 5 to 7 days. On the first day, your corgi’s diet should be about 25% of the new food and 75% of the existing food. Slowly increase this ratio over the coming days. Your puppy could experience loose stools if you switch brands too quickly.

Does my Puppy Need Grain-Free Food?

While there are numerous grain-free dog foods on the market, most puppies do not have a problem digesting grains. A protein allergy or an environmental allergy is more likely to cause health issues. Consult with your veterinarian before you switch to grain-free food. These foods typically cost more, and the added expense may not be necessary. You can look for organic or GMO-free dog food if genetically modified wheat or corn are a concern.

Is Homemade Dog Food Healthy?

Check with your veterinarian or a certified veterinary nutritionist before you feed your dog any food that does not meet the Association of American Feed Control (AAFCO) guidelines. That includes homemade and raw diets, which may not contain all of the nutrients your corgi needs to grow.

Conclusion

Our reviews detailed some of the best brands for your corgi, but The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food won our top award for its nutrient-rich, all-natural ingredient list. Our best value pick, Puppy Chow Tender and Crunchy, impressed us with its affordability and nutritious ingredients. Solid Gold Mighty Mini Gut Health was our premium choice, and it’s a healthier option than most holistic brands. Holistic Select Adult and Puppy Grain-Free was our pick for pups with allergies, and Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Healthy Development rounded out the list as the best vet-recommended brand.

• You might interested in: 10 Best Puppy Foods in Canada

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Featured Image Credit: Masarik, Shutterstock