While commonly mistaken for the German Shepherd, the Belgian Malinois is a different breed sharing similar characteristics with the German.
This breed is very similar to German Shepherds in terms of its larger muscular build but has longer legs, finer bones, and a differently shaped head
Popular as herding dogs in their native Belgium, these sharp-witted and intelligent dogs now partake in many other occupations and are a popular Police K9 breed.
Each dog’s dietary needs vary depending on its degree of exercise, energy level, and body type. Belgian puppies and dogs are a fast-growing, active, and cheerful breed.
This implies they can grow quickly and require a high-protein, high-vitamin, high-mineral, and high-nutrient diet. They will benefit from puppy kibble that has been appropriately prepared for them.
Consistent feeding regimens benefit both dogs and their owners by keeping the digestive system of the dogs predictable and regular.
Always seek the advice of a veterinarian when establishing a food regimen for your dog, taking into account parameters such as age, weight, and activity level.
However, feeding dogs before and after exercise or prolonged periods of activity is not recommended, as bloat, which is especially common in larger dogs like the Belgian Malinois, can be life-threatening.
Even though most human foods are perfectly healthy for your dog, chocolates, onions, and certain nuts contain substances that dogs are allergic to and can be dangerous in large doses.
Dairy products and various grains, such as soy, can cause common allergies in most dog breeds. Thus, it is critical to ensure that food for the Belgian Malinois breed doesn’t contain any of the allergens mentioned earlier.
One of the most difficult decisions you’ll have to make is which of the many seemingly similar dog food and nutrition on the market is the best for your Belgian Malinois.
Fortunately, we’ve produced a list of eight of the best-selling and highest-rated dog foods for medium and large dogs on Amazon.com for you and your canine companion.
Table of Contents
Ziwi Peak Grain-Free Air-Dried Dog Food For Malinois
The first entry on our list is “Ziwi Peak Grain-Free Air-Dried Dog Food.” With a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 3,979 ratings, we can be sure that this is a popular label of dog food among buyers.
“Ziwi Peak Grain-Free Air-Dried Dog Food” is available in six palatable flavors that dogs love – beef, chicken, lamb, mackerel & lamb, tripe & lamb, and venison. This feed comes in four sizes, between 1 and 8.8 pounds.
What makes “Ziwi Peak Grain-Free Air-Dried Dog Food” different is that it provides your Belgian Malinois with a raw diet without the inconvenience of having to handle raw foods. This brand of
dog food uses a “twin-stage air-drying process” to naturally preserve the ingredients and protect them from pathogenic bacteria. Additionally, the food does not need to be cooked or rehydrated, reducing the risks of any nutrients getting lost.
“Ziwi Peak Grain-Free Air-Dried Dog Food” is a high-protein, nutrient-dense dog food that contains 96 percent free-range protein, organs, bone, and New Zealand Green Mussels. For the pickiest dogs, air-dried ingredients provide optimal nutrition and taste.
Furthermore, this premium dog food with limited ingredients contains no additional carbs, making it excellent for food-sensitive canines. There are no inexpensive fillers in the meal mix, such as grain, potato, or peas, which have been linked to obesity, food allergies, and other health issues.
Furthermore, superfoods such as cold-washed green tripe, New Zealand Green Mussels, and organic Kelp make up 10% of the feed. These natural compounds help with digestion, skin, joint, and coat health, inflammation reduction, as well as heart and cognitive health.
This unique food is undoubtedly a great choice for large and active dogs like the Belgian Malinois. “Ziwi Peak Grain-Free Air-Dried Dog Food” is available for $28.78 to $180.88, depending on the size and variety purchased.
Merrick Grain-Free Recipe Dry Dog Food
“Merrick Grain-Free Recipe Dry Dog Food” is the second dog food for Belgian Malinois on the list. Over 3,675 Amazon.com customers have given this product a 4.7 out of 5-star rating. It is, therefore, an excellent choice of food for the Belgian Malinois.
This product is available in five different flavors: beef & bison, chicken, duck, lamb, salmon, and Texas beef. There are four sizes of packets available, ranging in weight from 4 to 30 pounds.
Merrick’s dog food is made with all-natural, long-lasting ingredients. Meat makes upto 65% to 70% of the total composition, with fresh produce accounting for the remaining 30% to 35%. Deboned beef is the main protein source in “Merrick Grain-Free Recipe Dry Dog Food,” accounting for 38% of the mix. Flaxseed and salmon oil are high in omega fatty acids, which will improve the appearance of your canine’s coat.
Furthermore, vitamins and antioxidants from vegetables like peas and fresh blueberries are abundant in these grain-free kibbles. The carbs come from potatoes, and the Glucosamine prevents joint problems in your Belgian Malinois as it gets older. This label can cost anywhere from $22.99 to $64.99, depending on the flavor and the weight.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
The third item on our list is also the best-selling dry dog food on Amazon.com. Based on its average rating of 4.7/5 from a whopping 30,685 customer ratings from all around the world, we can predict that this product would be a fantastic choice to buy for Belgian Malinois dogs.
“Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food” can be purchased in a large assortment of sizes and flavors. Packet sizes come in a range of 5 lbs to 34 lbs in weight, in six
delicious flavors – chicken & brown rice, beef & brown rice, fish & brown rice, lamb & brown rice, as well as small bite chicken & brown rice.
The dog food you buy will contain organically obtained high-quality, boneless beef, chicken, lamb, or whitefish, as well as a balanced and nutritious blend of many nutrients like barley grains, wholesome brown rice, and oatmeal grains, depending on the flavor of the dog food you buy.
In addition to added vitamins and minerals, this feed has a combination of healthy vegetables like carrots, whole peas, and sweet potatoes. Also added to the mix are antioxidant-rich fruits like blueberries and cranberries. With Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, Blue Buffalo dog food promotes vitality by preserving a strong immune system, assisting in muscle growth and production, and fostering healthy skin and coat growth.
Due to its high 24 percent protein and 14 percent fat composition, natural contents, exclusive “LifeSource Bits,” and a large selection of delicious and nutritious flavors, “Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food” is an ideal feed choice that will help your Belgian Malinois be active, healthy, and well in the long run. Depending on the amount and flavor of your purchase, this dog food costs between $16.98 and $136.50.
NUTRO ULTRA Adult Dry Dog Food
The fourth item on our list, “NUTRO ULTRA Adult Dry Dog Food,” is another popular dog food
among Amazon buyers. Based on 1,423 reviews, this label of feed has a weighted rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. There are just three flavors available – chicken, lamb, and salmon, and they are offered in two 15-pound and 30-pound sizes.
Unlike other dog foods listed, “Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food” provides proteins from three sources; real chicken, lamb, and salmon rather than just one. A skillfully constructed blend of ingredients dubbed as a “superfood medley” is the focal point for this label of dog feed. This exclusive combination champions healthy ingredients such as brown rice, whole oats, salmon, and egg proteins; grains such as – flaxseeds, sunflower oils, and organic tomatoes. And fruits and vegetables like apples, blueberries, carrots, coconuts, chia seeds, pumpkins, kale, and spinach.
This healthy and mouthwatering blend ensures that your Belgian Malinois thrives by helping to maintain a beautiful coat and skin, sturdy teeth and bones, sound digestion, as well as a slim and powerful muscular frame.
This kibble is differentiated by its holistically developed composition of exotic fruits, greens, proteins, and micronutrients, ensuring that your dogs get the supplements they need to stay healthy. “Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food” can be purchased for $59.99 to $82.45, depending on specifications.
IAMS Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food
“IAMS Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food,” the fifth dog food on the list, gets a superb average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from a massive 16,372 international users.
This product is climate pledge-friendly, which is a unique aspect of this company. This indicates that it has been approved by Amazon as a product that has a low carbon footprint and contributes to the preservation of our planet’s environment.
Iams employs a unique lightweight packing intended to reduce the number of materials used per product to make shipping easier, all the while considerably reducing the environmental impact of shipping and logistics.
“IAMS Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food” is a dry pellet dog food that comes in bag sizes ranging from 7 to 30 pounds. This dog food is confirmed to be 100 percent organic, complete, and healthy, with no fillers and just the finest of ingredients.
Organic, high-quality, farm-raised chicken kibble, chicken fat, and chicken by-product meal are all included in this food. Sorghum, dried egg product, flaxseed grain, crushed whole-grain cornmeal, raw beet pulp, and numerous vital extracts, vitamins, and minerals are among the other ingredients.
The veterinarian-approved special composition of nourishing components in “IAMS Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food” gives your Belgian Malinois a strong immune system, beautiful and healthy hair and skin, appropriate and healthy digestion, powerful muscles, as well as healthy teeth.
Iams’ micro chunks are created in such a manner that they brush your dog’s teeth while they eat, keeping them clean. Iams will always be an excellent choice for medium and larger-sized dogs, such as the Belgian Malinois, thanks to its unique blend of prebiotics, natural fibers, and antioxidants.
This dog food will cost you between $10.66 and $80.29, depending on your choice, making it an excellent selection of food for the Belgian Malinois breed.
Wag Dry Dog Food with Grains
An Amazon brand is the sixth entry on our list. Based on 5,132 user reviews, Wag Dry Food With Grains has a 4.4 out of 5-star rating. Amazon owns and distributes this private label brand exclusively.
It comes with a satisfaction guarantee, which states that if you aren’t totally happy with the product you can return it within a year of purchase. The major aspect of this product is that it is produced sustainably using only the best quality components.
Wag Dry Dog Food with Grains comes in three distinct packet sizes between 5 to 30 pounds. The three flavors available are beef, chicken, and salmon. Each protein is ethically and sustainably obtained from free-range American farms.
Top standard whole grains, such as brown rice, sorghum grains, and broken pearled barley, are paired with probiotics, minerals, nutrients, and fibers. Furthermore, Wag products do not include any additional soy, wheat, and other products that can stress your dog’s stomach.
“Wag Dry Dog Food with Grains” is appropriate for large and energetic dogs, with 24 percent protein and 14 percent fat. For your Belgian Malinois, this food label should suffice. With prices ranging from $11.99 to $39.99, this may be a more economical alternative to “Blue Buffalo Life Protection.” As it provides similar quality nutrition at a considerably lower cost, making it an ideal brand of food for the Belgian Malinois breed.
Pedigree High Protein Adult Dry Canned Dog Food
“Pedigree High Protein Adult Dry Canned Dog Food” is the seventh item on our list. Because of its outstanding ratings, commendable quality, delivery availability, and low cost, this feed has been designated as an “Amazon’s Choice” product.
The weighted average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,358 Amazon user ratings attests to the product’s high quality and dependability. Thus, this can be a good choice of food for the Belgian Malinois breed.
“Pedigree High Protein Adult Dry Canned Dog Food” comes in three sizes, ranging from 3.5 to 20.4 pounds, with six flavors: Beef & Bison, Beef & Lamb, Chicken & Duck, and Chicken & Turkey.
Two combo packs with multiple varieties are also available for purchase. Beef & Bison, Chicken & Duck flavored kibble may be found in one pack, while Beef/Lamb and Chicken/Turkey flavored kibble can be found in the other.
This dog chow is guaranteed to contain real beef, bison, lamb red meat, chicken, or duck meat, as well as peas and corn grains. This chow contains no refined sugar, high fructose corn syrup, or artificial flavors.
Furthermore, your Belgian Malinois will go crazy for this brand’s kibble because of the crispy granules and the high protein content.
Zignature Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
The eighth and final listed dog food is “Zignature Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food,” another “Amazon’s Choice” product. This variety of dog food is rated 4.7 out of 5-stars, from a sizeable 4,569 ratings on Amazon.com.
“Zignature Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food” is a limited ingredient dog food intended for hypoallergenic dogs. This feed is available in a whopping 13 flavors and is packaged in 3 sizes, between 4 and 25 pounds.
The flavors that this product is available in are – Catfish, Goat, Guinea Fowl, Kangaroo, Lamb, Pork, Salmon, Trout & Salmon, Whitefish, “Zssential,” Duck, Venison, and Turkey.
Belgian Malinois are one-of-a-kind creatures with specific requirements. While the majority of people do not have to worry about allergies, your dog may need to avoid specific foods. This kibble is based on animal proteins that dogs are seldom allergic to.
It contains 28% protein and vital fatty acids like chondroitin for joint health, as well as vitamins A and B. Chickpeas and peas are high in fiber and have a low glycemic index, making it easier for your dog to digest their diet.
Taurine and glucosamine, which support joints and offer amino acids for a healthy heart, are also included in “Zignature Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food.” There are no chemicals in this recipe that could cause allergic reactions, such as corn, wheat, soy, or potatoes.
Undoubtedly a unique offering, this can be a good choice for sensitive and picky Belgian Malinois dogs, due to the limited ingredients and high flavor variety provided. “Zignature Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food” retails from $15.24 to $72.99.
One thing to keep in mind when it comes to feeding dogs is that professionals, such as veterinarians, recommend a 10-day feeding schedule to help your dog transition and acclimate
to different labels and brands of dog food. Feed your dog 25 percent of the new brand and 75 percent of the old brand for the first 1 to 3 days of the plan. Ensure that the old and the new brand ratios are equal or two portions of 50 percent over the next 4-6 days.
Feed your dog 75 percent of the new brand and 25% of the old brand in his portions on days 7-9. By the tenth day, your Belgian Malinois will have adjusted to the new brand and will be able to eat solely the new brand of dog food.
This time span could also help you figure out if the food is right for your dog. Despite the fact that all of the items listed above are fantastic choices for food for the Belgian Malinois breed, they may contain elements that your dog will respond to unfavorably. In that situation, communicating with your veterinarian and switching to a different kind of feed may be the best option.
Is the Best Dog Food for Belgian Malinois Suitable for The Bernese Mountain Dog as Well?
The best dog food for bernese mountain dogs may not be suitable for Belgian Malinois. Each breed has unique nutritional needs and dietary requirements. It is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best dog food for your specific breed.
conclusion
All of the dog foods listed above are of similar excellent quality and, for the most part, cover the same bases: they’re high in protein, free of coarse grains that could aggravate your Belgian Malinois’ stomach, and are specially formulated to meet the energy, nutritional, and growth requirements of medium-large sized active dogs. With a little trial and error, you’ll undoubtedly find the one that best meets your dog’s specific needs.
If you want to know more about Belgian Malinois, keep an eye on our Belgian Malinois Category page
