Best Dog Foods For Weimaraners: Puppies, Adults & Seniors

The Weimaraner dog is a much-loved canine companion for both families and hunters alike. He is known as the gray ghost of the dog world and has a huge appetite. This pup needs the very best canine nutrition around. But what exactly does this mean?

You need to know about all his different life stages and what to feed him in each. We take you through each life stage and what nutrients he needs and why. Plus, we’ve scoured the market for the very best dog foods to meet your Weimaraner’s high energy needs.

So, whether your resident Weimaraner needs a diet update or you are about to welcome a puppy into your life, this guide is a must-read.

At A Glance: Our Favorite Foods For Weimaraners

Weimaraner Puppy Nutritional Needs

This breed is expected to weigh between 55 and 90 pounds at maturity, making them a large dog breed. Large dog breeds need puppy food designed for large-breed pups. Many dog owners ask if it really makes any difference. Yes, it does! Let us explain.

Large-breed puppy food contains optimized calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and fat levels. These help control the rapid bone growth that large dogs experience. Rapid bone growth can increase the chances of joint dysplasia and other skeletal problems, so it can make a big difference between a healthy and not-so-healthy pooch.

Feeding your Weimaraner high-quality food also ensures that he eats healthy omega fats from the best ingredients. Healthy fats help keep his silvery coat looking his best and take care of eye and brain development. Look for ingredients such as fish, fish oils, meat meals,  eggs, and flaxseed. These ingredients also provide docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA). These are found in mothers’ milk and are important for steady development.

Another main component of puppy food is protein. This provides him with the building blocks (amino acids) that he needs to grow into a healthy adult ghost. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends that all puppies need a minimum protein content of 22%. Meat should always be the first ingredient, and meat meals are just as good as real meats as they are just concentrated protein.

Adult Weimaraner Nutrient Needs

Adults need less energy and fats now because they have completed most of their growing. Adult food provides a more balanced diet. Like before, you should stick to large breed recipes to meet his unique large breed needs. According to AAFCO, the minimum protein content needed for an adult dog is reduced to 18%.

If you have a working Weimaraner, you should feed him a performance formula that meets his high-energy needs. In addition to energy, all dogs need vitamins and minerals to strengthen their immunity. Look for fruits and veggies in the ingredients list, as well as added supplements. Healthy omega fats are still crucial for adulthood. They help with vitamin and mineral absorption, along with bone health for his hardworking joints.

Many Weimaraners are known to suffer from sensitive stomachs and skin. There are a few options specifically designed for sensitive skin that do not require a veterinary prescription. When it comes to delicate stomachs, look for recipes that contain probiotic ingredients such as ‘dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product.’ Probiotics promote friendly bacteria in the gut. Limited-ingredient diets are also great choices, as they are simple to digest.

Senior Weimaraner Nutrient Needs

All dogs are different, but you might notice that your pup starts to put a little bit of weight on them. Or he might become less active. Senior recipes are designed to provide all the goodness needed without as much energy and fats. Keeping your older pooch at a healthy weight is crucial to minimizing the likelihood of suffering from weight-related health concerns.

Senior options usually have higher fiber content, providing a low-calorie recipe that still helps your pup feel full in between mealtimes. Plus, it can aid with his slowing digestive system. High-quality senior dog foods contain higher levels of glucosamine and chondroitin to support aching joints. Look for ingredients such as meat meals, fish, fish oils, green-lipped mussels, and other meat products such as cartilage and organs.

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Best Food For Weimaraner Puppies

At around six weeks, Weimaraner pups should wean off their mother’s milk. This means that by the time you bring your pup home, he needs food ready and waiting. If it is different from what the breeder fed him, you’ll need to transition him slowly to avoid stomach upset. Here are our best food picks for Weimaraner puppies.

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Nutro has created this recipe to be cleaner and greener. The first two ingredients are deboned lamb and chicken meal, and it has the lowest protein content on this list, which is often an excellent option for sensitive pups who struggle to digest meaty recipes. Lamb meal is also listed, along with fish oil, which boosts the health of his eyes and brain thanks to DHA and ARA.

This is a grain-inclusive recipe that lists rice, peas, and bran as the secondary source. Nutro is known for using antioxidant-rich ingredients, including chia seed, coconut, kale, and spinach. This formula also contains pumpkin. Which is rich in prebiotic fiber, and it soothes the digestion process. Vitamin E, biotin, and folic acid together boost his skin and coat’s health.

We love that this recipe is made with non-GMO ingredients making this a great option for owners who want to feed their pups an eco-friendly, cleaner formula. With no exposure to chemicals along the way, many sensitive dog owners state that this made a big difference.

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Purina Pro Plan is a top choice for canine lovers across the world. This recipe is created specifically for large breed puppies thanks to the controlled calcium and phosphorus levels. This recipe has a protein content of 28%, and chicken is the first ingredient. It also has dried egg products, fish meal, and fish oil to boost DHA and ARA for his growth needs.

This is a grain-inclusive recipe that relies on rice and corn as the secondary energy source. It also provides fiber and helps to keep your pup feeling fuller for longer. Vitamin and mineral supplements are added to the formula to support developing immune system. Biotin and folic acid are added to the recipe, which is great for his skin and coat health.

We love that this recipe is fortified with live probiotic ingredients. This promotes friendly bacteria in his gut, which in turn improves his digestive health. For you, this is likely to mean less puppy gas.

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Blue Buffalo is a well-known and wide-ranging brand that caters to dogs of all shapes and sizes. Wilderness is one of their higher protein formulas, and this option contains a high content of 35%, the highest protein content on our list of puppy foods. Deboned chicken and chicken meal are the first two ingredients. Menhaden fish meal is also added to the formula for extra-growing goodness and flavor.

This is one of the only grain-free options suited to large Weimaraner pups who need a grain-free diet. Peas are the alternative to grain, and they are also full of vitamins and minerals for his developing immunity. It also contains the highest fiber content, which is great for reducing snack hunting in between meals. Flaxseed, eggs, and fish oil provide the all-important DHA and ARA for eye and brain development.

We love that this recipe has the highest content of healthy omega-three fatty acids, making it a top choice for growing puppies. Plus, it’ll nourish his beautiful silver coat from the inside out, making it beautiful and healthy.

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Lamb and lamb meal are the first two ingredients in this recipe, making it high-quality. There aren’t many chicken-free options for large breed pups, but this one checks all the boxes. Fish meal, eggs, and salmon oil boost the protein content. While also nourishing his skin and coat, supporting organ development, and boosting overall wellness.

Wholegrain rice and barley are the main grains used in this recipe, which are gentle on the doggy digestive system. This recipe is full of superfoods and antioxidants, including kale, chia seed, pumpkin, blueberries, oranges, quinoa, kelp, coconut, spinach, carrots, and papaya. So your Weimaraner pup is bright and fit. It also contains five sources of naturally occurring microorganisms for best gastrointestinal health.

We love that this recipe uses lamb as the main protein source. Lamb is easy-to-digest meat for most, so it’s great for sensitive pups. Plus, it is also chicken free making it a great alternative for those who are allergic to the most commonly used meat ingredient.

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This is our premium option for the Weimaraner puppy. The first two ingredients are cage-free chicken and chicken meal, but the protein doesn’t stop there. This recipe also includes Menhaden fish meal, lamb meal, chicken liver, and chicken heart. Sounds gross, right? Not to your pup! It’s tasty and nutritionally dense to support his growth. And it all amounts to a protein content of 33.5%.

Montmorillonite clay, dried kelp, cranberries, and blueberries are also nutrient-dense ingredients that strengthen his immunity. This recipe has a high energy content of 485 calories per cup, which is great for extra bouncy pups. Peas, flaxseed, and pumpkin seeds replace the need for grains, and they are highly nutritious. This recipe also lists probiotic ingredients.

We love that this premium recipe is the only formula that contains freeze-dried raw pieces of chicken in addition to the tasty pieces—this is an excellent option for fussy pups who only eat kibbles with a big, meaty taste.

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Best Food For Adult Weimaraners

At around 12 to 15 months of age, it’ll be time to slowly transition your Weimaraner pup to big boy food, also known as adult food. Even if you choose to feed him the same recipe as a pup (obviously the adult version), you still need to transition him slowly to avoid stomach upset. Here are our top food choices for adult Weimaraners.

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We are not saying you want to eat this dog food from The Farmer’s Dog, but you certainly could because it includes only human-grade ingredients! This ensures that your dog’s coat stays shiny and his large muscles are kept strong and healthy. And the customized plan, designed by vets and recommended based on your Weimaraner’s specific needs, supports him in maintaining a healthy body weight and condition. And to get more bang for your buck, mix in homecooked rice if your dog does not require a grain-free diet.

In addition to high-quality meats, your dog can enjoy the gentle fibers, such as sweet potatoes and lentils, that encourage digestion and healthy gut flora. Prepared in a USDA-certified kitchen, these recipes are sure to please even the most discerning palate.

We love that these grain-free meal plans are customized for your dog’s weight, activity level, level of pickiness, and any special dietary needs. It’s an excellent option that guarantees your dog is eating the freshest, highest-quality, well-balanced meal available.

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This recipe focuses on the needs of large breed adults. With optimized calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients, his bones and joints remain strong and supported. This is a grain-inclusive diet that uses rice and corn as the main grains. This formula is fortified in probiotic ingredients to help support gastrointestinal health.

The protein content is 26%, which exceeds the recommendation of AAFCO. So, you can be sure that your active Weimaraner is supplied with all the protein he needs to stay fit and healthy. Chicken is the first ingredient, with fish meal following shortly after. Egg product and fish oil keep his coat nourished and his joints supple. Plus, they keep his cognitive function supported too.

We love that this recipe lists many vitamin and mineral supplements. So you can be sure that your Weimaraner’s immune system is supported with every bite.

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Natural Balance is well-known for the variety of limited ingredient diets designed for sensitive dogs. This option is our pick for large breeds with it optimized nutrition and larger kibble pieces. The sole protein ingredient is lamb, both real lamb and lamb meal, which are easy to digest and nutritious. Lamb meal provides additional healthy fats and glucosamine for his joints. This recipe is also chicken-free.

This is a gluten-free recipe. Gentle brown rice is the main grain, which is also easy to digest. Sunflower oil, biotin, and folic acid work together to soothe the delicate skin of sensitive dogs. This option is fortified with vitamin and mineral supplements too for strong immunity strength. Taurine is added, which is great for cardiac health.

We love that this limited-ingredient diet is the top choice for adults with sensitive stomachs. It uses one sole meat that is easy to digest while still being well-balanced and nutritious.

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Victor has created this recipe with high-energy dogs in mind. Hence its name, the performance formula. The protein content is 26%, and the beef meal is the first ingredient. Chicken meal and pork meal are also listed, which are full of glucosamine. This recipe has the highest glucosamine content on this list, supporting the hardworking joints of sporting and active pooches.

This recipe is made with nutrient-dense ingredients, including blood meal, alfalfa meal, and organic dried seaweed meal. A blood meal might sound gross to you, but to Fido, it adds tons of taste. L-carnitine is added to the mix, which helps to stimulate his metabolism to keep him trim despite the rich formula. There are also lots of probiotic ingredients which help with digestive health.

We love that this recipe is designed for sporting and high-energy dogs. The optimized protein to fat ratios ensures that your Weimaraner’s lifestyle is fueled while maintaining a healthy body.

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This option follows on from our Nutro puppy pick. So, if your Weimaraner liked this option as a pup, he is sure to like it as an adult. Deboned lamb and chicken meal are the first two ingredients. The protein content is 20%, but it still exceeds AAFCO requirements.

Like before, this recipe is full of antioxidants and superfoods that boost immunity. This includes chia seed, coconut, pumpkin, kale, and spinach. Pumpkin is a prebiotic fiber that soothes digestion and helps to keep hungry hounds feeling fuller between mealtimes. This recipe also has the lowest calorie count making it ideal for Weimaraners who are less active.

We love that this recipe is simple to digest, thanks to its lamb protein. Plus, it has the lowest protein, fat, and calorie count, making it a yummy choice for those who struggle to digest rich formulas.

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Best Food For Senior Weimaraners

Between the ages of seven and eight, it’ll be time to switch your Weimaraner to a senior formula. His diet needs to focus on less energy, protein, and fats and more on ingredients that aren’t as rich, more vitamins, minerals, and glucosamine. If you stick to adult food, he is more likely to become overweight and develop weight-related health concerns. Here are our top choices for senior Weimaraners.

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This recipe is created for all breed shapes and sizes, including large dogs. Although we wouldn’t usually recommend a generic all-breed food for large breeds, this one does the job and then some. This is a grain-free option that uses sweet potatoes and peas as the main carbohydrates. Apples and blueberries provide antioxidants for his immunity, and probiotic ingredients support his gut health.

This recipe provides the highest protein content on this list. At 30%, you can be sure that your Weimaraner’s muscle needs and overall wellness are taken care of—not to mention his taste buds! The first two ingredients are deboned chicken, and turkey meal and salmon meal are also listed. The trio of proteins makes this recipe a premium one.

We love that this recipe has the highest level of glucosamine on this list and is one of the best in the dog food market. This means that your Weimaraner’s hardworking joints are supported more than ever.

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This product has the highest fat content and calorie count per cup. This is only suitable for active Weimaraners. But those who still need the energy find this product the best for sure. The first ingredient is chicken, with fish meal shortly after. The protein content is 29%, which is relatively high for a senior kibble—another top choice for fussy pups.

This recipe has extra glucosamine for his aging needs, which takes care of his ever-hardening joints. This is a grain-inclusive recipe that relies on rice for slow-release energy. And for his immunity, there are plenty of added vitamins and minerals too. Probiotic ingredients support gut health, ensuring that this rich formula is digestible for older guts.

We love that this recipe has added botanical oils, DHA, and ARA, which are all scientifically proven to enhance cognitive function in older age.

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Here, we have a Blue Buffalo option that is different from our previous recommendations. The recipe is not too rich, but at 20%, the protein content still exceeds AAFCO recommendations. The first ingredient is tasty deboned chicken, and chicken meal also makes an appearance shortly after. This, and fish oil, provides high glucosamine content for his joints, bones, and coat health.

This is a grain-inclusive recipe that uses gentle brown rice to supply the much-needed slow-release energy. L-carnitine is added to the formula to help stimulate his metabolism to reduce weight gain in his older years. Like before, their exclusive LifeSource Bits are mixed into the kibble. These contain optimized superfoods and nutrients required in senior canine years.

We love that this recipe offers a fiber content of 7%, making it a high-fiber diet. This means your pooch feels fuller for longer without adding calories. Plus, it helps to keep his digestive system regular.

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Hill’s Science Diet is known for the scientific formulas that work for most dogs. This option is specifically designed for the nutritional needs of large dog breeds aged six years and over. The first ingredient is chicken meal which is full of concentrated protein for his muscle maintenance. And it is also rich in glucosamine which is super important in supporting the tired joints of active breeds.

This is a grain-inclusive recipe that uses barley and rice as the main two grains, which are not difficult to digest. Dried beet pulp is a great source of prebiotic fiber, which is great for his gut. Vitamin E and C work together to improve immunity, and there are also other added vitamin and mineral supplements.

We love that this recipe is made by scientists who have studied the nutritional needs of large senior dogs.

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This is similar to the previous two Nutro options we have recommended, but this is slightly different. Instead of lamb, the main protein source is chicken, and chicken and chicken meal are the first two ingredients. Chicken meal, plus eggs, provide DHA and ARA for continued cognitive support. Biotin and folic acid keep his skin and coat nourished.

This is a grain-inclusive diet that lists brown rice and split peas as the primary carbohydrate sources—both are full of fiber and other nutrients, which are great for the aging needs of senior dogs. Like before, Nutro has listed many antioxidant-rich ingredients such as chia seed, coconut, kale, and spinach. Pumpkin is also included, which is known for its gut-soothing properties.

We love that this recipe has a low-calorie count per cup without compromising on nutritional goodness, so it’s a top choice for much older Weimaraners or those who are very inactive.

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Final Thoughts

That is the end of our Weimaraner nutritional journey. We hope you have learned a lot along the way and can put this education to good use (and into your pup’s bowl!). Remember always to consider your pup’s individual dietary needs. But by sticking to our recommendations above, you can be sure that you are taking the best steps towards better Weimaraner health.