As the saying goes: a well-fed corgi is a happy corgi.
Corgis are notorious for their ability to eat and eat and eat. From kibble to raw meat, there are a lot of options for you to choose from. That’s because corgis, like most dogs, are omnivores: which means they can eat meat, vegetables, and other food stuffs.
So how do you need what the right thing is to feed your corgi? Here are some of the best options to choose from and the benefits of each. These are the most important tips on what you should feed your corgi.
What dry food should I feed my corgi?
When it comes to what your corgi should eat, I generally recommend you pick dry food as your go-to meal for your corgi.
Dry food looks like a little biscuit. It is made from a dough-like substance, but may contains vegetables, meat meal, wheats and barley. They are often round, but may be found in fun shapes like bones or fish.
It’s the most obvious choice. It’s affordable, easy to store, and very likely to be a product your corgi will eat. It’s also good for your corgi’s gums and teeth. My corgi has dry food for most of their diet, and it doesn’t take a lot to keep them happy.
When picking your dry food, make sure you’re picking a healthy option. Dry food that is mostly dough is going to be less healthy (in most cases) than dry food that incorporates other food parts. Look for a high level of vegetable (for vitamins) and meat (for protein).
You also need to pick the right size dry food. Smaller corgis will need a smaller sized dry food that a big adult corgi. And certainly smaller than a St. Bernard or a malamute.
Make sure the dry food you choose is nutritious.
What wet food should I feed my corgi?
Wet dog food is a type of dog food that is typically sold in cans or pouches and is made with a higher moisture content than dry dog food. It is not as convenient as dry food, but can serve as a good alternative, particularly if your dog has issues eating.
On the opposite end to dry food is wet food, also known as canned dog food.
Wet foods are around 75% water mixed with dry ingredients. This doesn’t mean they’re sloshing around in the tin – the water is encased in the other ingredients.
Wet foods often contain a higher ratio of meats and vegetables, which is why they are often desired by your pets. This means they typically have a higher rate of protein and nutrients that standard dry good. It also means that you don’t get as much non-nutritious carbs that can lead to weight gain. My corgi occasionally gets wet food, and enjoys it a lot, but mostly as a treat.
The higher percentage of water also means that your dog stays hydrated and is less prone to urinary-tract infections.
Wet food is usually more expensive than dry food, which can add up over time. It’s also harder to store, and needs to be purchased more often than a big bag of dry food. Wet food is also messier for the house.
Wet food comes in many forms, some more processed than others.
What raw food should I feed my corgi?
Raw food typically means a diet of vegetables, fruits, uncooked meats, raw eggs, and bones. They contain lots of nutrients, but can be difficult to manage on as the main part of a corgi diet. They are better for treats.
Raw foods are increasing in popularity among pet owners – and not without good reason.
A raw food diet can be good for some dogs. They are packed with nutrients that are found in the food. However, because they are not specially made for dogs like wet and dry food products, you need to be careful that your corgi is actually getting all their required nutrients.
Likewise, raw food can have disease that your dog can catch. And bones can splinter in the body and cause health issues. I’ve learnt that you have to be really careful, particularly if a friend is gifting you bones for your dog.
If you choose to stick with a dry food diet, it doesn’t mean that you can’t add in some of the other options as an occasional treat.
Raw food is better to supplement a wet/dry diet – rather than the whole diet in itself. And a part of any household is the odd table scrap or two.
It’s not just corgis that love a good bone to munch on.
What foods should I not feed my corgi? 7 important foods to avoid giving your dog
While corgis can eat a range of foods, there are certain things you want to stop them from eat, namely nut, fruit, and herb based foods.
These can be harmful to your corgis health, and fatal if consumed in higher quantities (which may not be much depending on the food).
I’ve found that because my corgi loves to eat, I need to be very careful about making sure he doesn’t get into things he shouldn’t.
Here are the foods you should avoid feeding your dog:
- Chocolate: Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which can be toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors. You should also avoid feeding them candy, sweets, and lollies.
- Grapes and raisins: Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in corgis, even in small amounts.
- Onions, chives and garlic: These foods can cause anemia in corgis due to the presence of compounds that can damage red blood cells.
- Avocado: Avocado contains persin, which, depending on how much is eaten, can cause vomiting and diarrhea in corgis.
- Nuts: Some nuts, especially macadamia nuts, can be toxic to dogs and can cause tremors, hyperthermia, and abdominal pain.
- Alcohol: Alcohol can be toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, coma, and even death.
- Cooked bones: Cooked bones can splinter and cause blockages or tears in a dog’s digestive tract.
Also, as a quick warning, if your corgi comes home with a captured prey or roadkill, do not let them eat it where possible. The animal could be diseased, which is not good for your darling dog’s health.
It is important to feed your corgi a well-balanced and nutritious diet to ensure their overall health and well-being. If your dog eats any of the above, it is worth a visit to your vet if they show any signs of sickness.
How much should I feed my corgi?
On average, an adult corgi will require about 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry dog food per day, split into two meals.
But the amount of food you should feed your corgi depends on several factors, including its age, size, weight, and activity level. I’ve covered these factors in more detail in my article on how much food to feed your corgi.
Final thoughts on what you should feed your corgi
Corgis are a medium-sized breed with a high energy level, so they do well on a balanced diet that includes a mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and other nutrients – mostly from dry or wet food, supplemented with treats.
Whether dry is your thing, or wet is the answer you’re looking for, now you have a better understanding of the types of food for your corgi.
Look for a brand that uses high-quality protein sources as the main ingredient, and avoid products that contain fillers or artificial additives.
Always be sure to check in with your dog to make sure they are happy and healthy. That is, no matter which option you pick, the most important thing.
