Best Dog Food For Irish Setters: Breed-Specific Picks

Best Dog Food For Irish Setters

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This is the ultimate guide to finding the best dog food for Irish Setters.

Navigating the myriad of dog food options available today can feel more like an uphill battle than a trip to the pet store on browsing online. This is especially true when catering to a specific breed’s needs, such as the energetic and affectionate Irish Setter.

These noble creatures, known for their beautiful red coats and agile prowess, require a balanced diet to maintain vitality and health. From puppyhood to senior years, this article provides the top food recommendations tailored to your Irish Setter’s age, health condition, lifestyle, and breed-specific needs. Let’s get started!

Best Dog Food For Irish Setters — At A Glance

Scroll to the right to see all our recommendations for the best dog food for Irish Setters.

Click this link to go to the reviews
(We encourage you to keep reading to make a more educated decision)

Why You Should Trust Us

169

hours of research went into this review. Hands-on tests, our dog’s experience, competitive analysis and more.

27

dog food manufacturing companies were under consideration for the top ten.

8

expert opinions and research studies were used to provide accurate information and rankings.

Best Dog Food For Irish Setters chapter 1
Chapter 1: The Research

Irish Setter Dog Food Health & Nutritional Needs

Ch 2 | Ch 3

What Is The Best Food For Irish Setters?

Providing your Irish Setter with the appropriate food from weaning to maturity is crucial for their overall health and happiness. Before we recommend the top dog food options for your Irish Setter, it’s important to understand how food affects their well-being.

As a medium breed, Irish Setter has distinct nutritional needs that require careful consideration. The ideal food for your Irish Setter should be of high quality and tailored to their unique dietary requirements, taking into account factors such as:

  • Age
  • Activity level
  • Health
  • Weight (size)

Food & Irish Setter Age

Irish Setters have specific nutritional needs at different stages of their life. A diet that meets these life-stage needs is essential for proper development and health maintenance.

  • Irish Setter puppies. Require a diet that is higher in calories and a high protein count of at least 22% to support their growth and development. They also need a balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for healthy bone growth. Feeding high-quality puppy food formulated explicitly for Irish Setter puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial developmental stage.
  • Adult Irish Setters. Require a diet that is moderate in calories and protein to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. They also need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to support their overall health and energy needs. You must slowly transition your dog to an adult recipe at one year old. Adult dog food should typically have a protein content of around 18-26%, depending on the specific needs and dog activity level.
  • Senior Irish Setters. Senior dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight and higher fiber to support digestive health. Senior dog foods often contain joint supplements to help mobility and joint health. At around 8 or 9, you should slowly transition your Irish Setter to senior food. Senior formulas concentrate on the unique needs of a dog’s aging body. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are important to boost their weakening immune system.

Food & Irish Setter Activity Level

The relationship between food and the activity level of Irish Setters is crucial for maintaining their overall health and energy levels. As an energetic and active breed, Irish Setters require appropriate energy to sustain their lively lifestyle. Originally bred as hunting and retrieving dogs, they have a natural predisposition for physical activity. Providing a well-balanced diet is essential to meet their energy requirements.

Maintaining an ideal body condition is vital for Irish Setters. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, decreasing activity levels, and negatively impact their health and quality of life. Conversely, underfeeding can result in low energy levels and potential health issues. Monitoring their weight and adjusting their food intake is essential to keep them in optimal shape.

The timing of meals also plays a role in their activity level. Providing regular and consistent feeding times can help regulate their energy levels throughout the day. This consistency makes their activity and exercise patterns more predictable, ensuring they are ready for playtime and physical activities when needed.

Food & Irish Setter Health

Generally, Irish Setters are healthy dogs, but like any breed, they are susceptible to several health concerns. Although certain health issues that Irish Setters may experience are congenital and beyond our control, others can be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet.

Some of the most common health issues faced by Irish Setters include the following:

  • Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Irish Setters. Food allergies in Irish Setters may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. It’s important to note that food intolerances can also occur. However, unlike allergies, food intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. 
  • Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). A genetic disease that affects the rod and cone cells in the eyes, leading to blindness 
  • Hip dysplasia. A genetic condition where the hip joint does not develop properly, leading to pain and mobility issues.
  • Hypothyroidism. A condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, leading to various health issues, including weight gain and lethargy.
  • Epilepsy. Irish Setters can be prone to seizures with genetic or environmental causes.
  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) or bloat. A serious and potentially life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, causing gas buildup and potential organ damage.
  • Dental disease. Irish Red and White Setters are more likely than other dogs to have problems with their teeth.
  • Megaesophagus. The esophagus isn’t contracting properly to move food down, so food stays in the esophagus instead of going into the stomach.
  • Ear infections. Their floppy ears make Irish Setters prone to ear infections, especially if not regularly cleaned and maintained.
  • Von Willebrand disease. An inherited blood clotting disorder that can result in excessive bleeding. 

Irish Setter-Specific Dog Food Qualities To Look For

To help maintain their health and prevent some health problems that may arise from poor nutrition, it’s essential to provide Irish Setters with a well-balanced and nutritious diet and preventative supplementation when your veterinarian advises.

Here are the key qualities to look for in dog food for Irish Setters.

  • Avoid common allergies. Because Irish Setters can develop allergies or food intolerances, we highly recommend conducting an at-home dog allergy test like the 5Strands kit. This particular kit can test for up to 255 ingredients and determine which ones may cause food intolerance in your dog. Once you receive the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas that contain potential allergens.
  • Probiotics. Irish Setters can have sensitive digestive systems. Look for a dog food that adds probiotics to its formula. Dog probiotics support a healthy digestive system and immune system. Probiotics also help to reduce your Irish Setter’s inflammatory responses to allergens and immunological attacks.
  • Digestibility. Irish Setters can be prone to digestive issues, so look for dog food that is minimally processed, such as fresh dog food or homemade dog food for Irish Setters. Lower-quality kibble may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harder to digest and may cause digestive upset in some dogs.
  • Eye health support. Look for dog foods containing antioxidants like vitamins C and E and taurine, which can help support eye health and may benefit Irish Setters with progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
  • Joint health formulas. Opt for dog foods formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to support joint health, helping to alleviate discomfort associated with hip dysplasia.
  • Balanced thyroid support. Consider dog foods that include adequate levels of iodine and selenium to support thyroid health, which can benefit Irish Setters with hypothyroidism.
  • Limited ingredient diet. For Irish Setters prone to seizures (epilepsy), consider dog food with limited ingredients, free from common triggers like artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.
  • Digestive health support. Select dog foods with easily digestible ingredients and added probiotics to support a healthy gut and reduce the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) or bloat.
  • Soft and moist options. For Irish Setters with megaesophagus, consider softer or moist dog food options to aid in swallowing and digestion.
  • Blood clotting support. If your Irish Setter has von Willebrand disease, consult your veterinarian to determine if a specific diet is needed to support their blood clotting function.

Other General Tips To Pick The Best Food For Irish Setters

Other factors to consider when picking food for this Breed.

  • AAFCO approved
  • High-quality protein as the first ingredient
  • Avoid meat meals or meat-byproducts
  • Made in the USA
  • Avoid food that contains fillers, by-products, or artificial additives
  • Your dog’s preferences

It’s important to note that each Irish Setter has unique dietary needs. Seek guidance from a veterinarian who can help you choose the most suitable food that fulfills your Irish Setter’s nutritional requirements.

Best Dog Food For Irish Setters chapter 2
Chapter 2: The Reviews

The Best Dog Food For Irish Setter Reviewed

Ch 1 | Ch 3

Best Irish Setter Dog Food

Here are Canine Bible’s top picks for the best dog food for Irish Setters.

Our research team chose all dog foods listed below based on AAFCO’s nutrient guidelines, Irish Setter’s exclusive nutrition needs, customer reviews, price, and more. This Irish Setter food list also includes food for specific needs such as weight loss, allergies, and more.


Best Overall Dog Food For Irish Setters — A Pup Above

Our rating: 4.9

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, pork, beef & turkey┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Fresh
Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, pork, beef & turkey
Life stage: All ages
Food type: Fresh
Ingredients: Human-grade
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

A Pup Above fresh recipes win the spot for the best dog food for Irish Setters. This Brand stands out because they use fresh human-grade ingredients. Think of fresh recipes as balanced home-cooked meals formulated by veterinarian nutritionists. Feeding your dog A Pup Above offers many research-backed health benefits of fresh dog food, including longer lifespans, better digestibility, higher energy levels, and more. It’s also ideal for dogs with food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or other dietary concerns because they avoid cheap fillers, additives, and harmful chemicals.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Unlike traditional kibble, A Pup Above’s fresh food is gently cooked from scratch, ensuring all nutritional integrity is retained — this means that your Irish Setter receives the healthiest, most nutritious and most flavorful meal with every serving.

Key Features

  • Vet-designed. Recipes are made by board-certified veterinary nutritionists that comply with AAFCO standards.
  • Human-grade. Cooked in human-grade kitchens with human-grade ingredients.
  • Excellent ingredient sourcing. Sourced ingredients from reputable suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Packaged as daily portions for easy serving
  • Zero chemicals
  • Pre-portioned pouches for easy serving
  • Never uses feed-grade ingredients
  • Doesn’t process ingredients to be shelf-stable
  • Enhanced with proprietary nutrient blends

Cons

  • It’s on the expensive side

Our Video Review

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Best Dry Dog Food For Irish Setters — The Honest Kitchen

Our rating: 4.8

Overview

Flavors: Chicken┊ Life stage: Adult ┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Chicken
Life stage: Adult
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Human-grade
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

The Honest Kitchen Chicken Clusters formula is our top pick for the best all-around dry dog food for Irish Setters. Unlike traditional dry dog food, this recipe is minimally processed. The Honest Kitchen recipes are roasted and dehydrated to preserve nutrients and flavor and maximize nutritional integrity.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

The Honest Kitchen is a superfood-powered kibble with functional ingredients that support and boost gut, skin and coat, immunity, heart, weight management and more.

Key Features

  • 100% human-grade. Made with USDA meat proteins, vegetables, and fruits.
  • Nutritionist formulated. Designed by veterinarians and backed by science to provide balanced nutrition
  • Digestive health. It contains naturally occurring pre and probiotics to help to regulate the dog microbiome

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Exceeds industry standards
  • No artificial flavors or preservatives
  • Cheaper than fresh dog food
  • Crunchy texture

Cons

  • It’s a bit more expensive than traditional kibble. NUTRO Ultra dry dog food is another great alternative if you want a more traditional dry dog food that’s less expensive.

Best Food For Irish Setter Puppy — Open Farm

Our rating: 4.7

Overview

Flavors: Blend of chicken, pork & salmon┊ Life stage: Puppies ┊ Food type: Fresh
Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Blend of chicken, port & salmon
Life stage: Puppies
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Fresh
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

The Gently Cooked Open Farm puppy recipe is the best dog food for Irish Setters. This puppy-specific formula provides the necessary nutrients for the optimal growth and development of Irish Setter puppies, including prebiotic fiber like pumpkin and chicory root, supports healthy digestion and calcium iodate as a source of energy production, and also promotes muscular and cognitive development in puppies.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

This formula is designed specifically for Irish Setter puppies and has a purposeful blend of three proteins to help prevent allergies. It also has added collagen for healthy joint development.

Key Features

  • Human-grade meats. High-quality meats are raised without antibiotics or added hormones.
  • Superfoods. Boosted with chia seeds, kale, flaxseed and other wholesome ingredients.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Made with non-GMO fruits and veggies
  • No potatoes, rendered poultry or meals
  • Serve as a topper or complete meal

Cons

Our Video Review

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Cheapest Dog Food For Irish Setters — Blue Buffalo

Our rating: 4.8

VIEW ON AMAZON

Overview

Flavors: Beef, chicken, lamb & fish ┊ Life stage: Adult ┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Natural ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Beef, chicken, lamb & fish
Life stage: Adult
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Natural
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is great if you are looking for the most affordable dog food for Irish Setters. For a slightly lower price than other brands, this dry food is formulated to provide your Irish Setter pup with sustained healthy energy from high-quality animal-based proteins. This dog food helps build strong, lean muscles and maintain optimal body conditions. It is made with real meat, brown rice, and sweet potatoes, which are easily digestible and provide a balanced diet for adult dogs.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Blue Buffalo’s exclusive LifeSource Bits are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog’s immune system and overall health. It is made with real meat as the first ingredient, rare in most affordable dog food brands.

Key Features

  • Omegas. This dog food is also packed with omega-6 and -3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a radiant coat.
  • Muscle support. L-Carnitine to help burn fat while preserving lean muscles
  • Bone and joint health. It also contains Glucosamine and chondroitin for strong bones and joint development. 

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • No chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives

Cons

  • It may not be suitable for dogs with severe food allergies or sensitivities, as it is not specifically designed for these conditions
  • The inclusion of brown rice and sweet potatoes may be higher in carbohydrates than some dogs need, which could be a concern for overweight or diabetic dogs

Best Food For Senior Irish Setters — JustFoodForDogs

Our rating: 4.6

Overview

Flavors: Lamb, pork & chicken┊ Life stage: Senior ┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Human-grade┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Lamb, pork & chicken
Life stage: Senior
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Human-grade
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Most veterinarians consider a dog a senior once it reaches seven years old. If your Irish Setter is in that stage of his life, it might be time to switch to a high-quality senior dog food diet. If you’re concerned about keeping your Irish Setter healthy during his older years, JustFoodForDogs Senior dog food will support long-life vitality. It’s crafted specifically for your senior Irish Setter to help them stay healthy by supporting lean muscle mass and weight maintenance.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

JustFoodForDogs is made with only the highest quality fresh ingredients and is free from preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors.

Key Features

  • Bones and joint support. It is enhanced with glucosamine and chondroitin to aid with cartilage wear and tear as your pet ages.
  • Human-grade meats. No rendered poultry or meat meals.
  • Bones and joint support. It incorporates type II collagen to aid with cartilage wear and tear as your pet ages.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Transparent sourcing practices
  • Great feedback from senior dog parent 
  • Certified humane for animal welfare

Cons

  • A bit expensive

Raw Food For Irish Setters — Instinct

Our rating: 4.8

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, lamb & beef┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Raw
Ingredients: Raw┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, lamb & beef
Life stage: All ages
Food type: Raw
Ingredients: Natural
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

As more dog parents opt to raw feed their dogs, it’s essential to understand the ins and out of a raw diet for dogs. If you are in the market for raw dog food for Irish Setters, Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Real Beef Recipe formula is one of our top picks for the best raw dog food delivery brands. This formula is protein-packed with 85% meat and organs and 15% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals to give your Irish Setter a complete BARF diet. It’s minimally processed, never cooked, pure, natural nutrition to keep your best friend strong. 

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Raw dog food benefits a shinier coat, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, more energy, and smaller stool. Instinct Raw states that raw dog nutrition can promote strong, lean muscles and energize your pup.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Never cooked
  • Non-GMO vegetables, fruits, and wholesome ingredients
  • All ingredients are frozen in their prime to maintain the highest level of nutrients
  • Cold-pressure processing to keep the nutrients and taste intact

Cons

  • Needs to be kept frozen until it’s your pet’s mealtime
  • Not as convenient as feeding dry dog food. Open Farm freeze-dried raw dog food is an excellent alternative for a more convenient way to feed raw.

Best Food For Irish Setters With Sensitive Stomach — Hill’s

Our rating: 4.7

Overview

Flavors: Chicken & Barley┊ Life stage: Adult┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Natural ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Chicken & Barley
Life stage: Adult
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Natural
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

If you are looking for the best food for Irish Setters with sensitive stomachs, Hill’s Science Diet For Sensitive Stomach & Skin is a top choice. This kibble is formulated to protect sensitive tummies and skin. It’s made with easily digestible ingredients, including barley, beet pulp, and brown rice, and contains no soy, wheat, or artificial that can cause upsets or skin flare-ups on your Irish Setter. 

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Specialized formula fortified with prebiotics fiber for healthy digestion, sensitive stomachs, and immune health. Prebiotic fiber nourishes healthy intestinal bacteria.

Key Features

  • Omega-6. Excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids to nourish your dog’s skin and help maintain a healthy, shiny coat. 
  • Highly digestible. The food is gentle on the stomach

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Supports a balanced gut microbiome in your grown dog
  • No artificially colored, flavored, or preserved

Cons

  • Not recommended for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs.
  • 15% may still be sensitive to this diet. Another option is going fresh with a premium choice like JustFoodForDogs Balanced Remedy. Its plain composition of a single protein source, single starch source, and low-fat levels make it perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Best Food For Irish Setters With Allergies — Royal Canin

Our rating: 4.7

Overview

Flavors: Natural ┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Hypoallergenic ┊ Manufactured: USA┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Natural
Life stage: All ages
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Hypoallergenic
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Whether your Irish Setter suffers from skin allergies, food allergies, or food intolerance to certain ingredients, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein is the best hypoallergenic dog formula you feed an allergic Irish Setter. This vet-exclusive prescription formula helps dogs with itching, hair loss, skin allergies, and digestive upset. It’s also highly digestible and supports gastrointestinal and dermatological health.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

This formula uses hydrolyzed soy protein (non-animal protein). Hydrolyzed protein is made by a process known as hybridization, which breaks down proteins to a size less likely to be recognized by the immune system, effectively stopping allergic reactions.

Key Features

  • Limited ingredients. Its limited ingredients also make it great against allergies. They use one single source of carbohydrates.
  • Supports GI health. Contains a unique blend of fibers and prebiotics.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Specially designed for canines with food intolerances or allergies
  • It helps to reduce skin and GI reactions caused by proteins
  • Support healthy skin and help reduce inflammation
  • Best dog food for Irish Setters with skin allergies
  • Best dog food for itchy skin Irish Setters

Cons

  • A bit expensive
  • Requires vet authorization. While we recommend Royal Canine Veterinary for the best results, unfortunately, it requires a prescription. If you can’t wait to visit your vet or don’t have the budget to afford it, ACANA Lamb & Pumpkin Limited Ingredient Diet can help also help with allergies and does not require a prescription.

Best Grain-Free Food For Irish Setters — Open Farm

Our rating: 4.7

Overview

Flavors: Beef, chicken & turkey, salmon, lamb, venison & more┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Premium ┊ Manufactured: USA┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Beef, chicken & turkey, salmon, lamb, venison & more
Life stage: All ages
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Premium
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Does your Irish Setter dog suffer from grain allergies or intolerances? If so, Open Farm’s grain-free dry dog food is your best bet. We picked it because they skip the grain, corn, soy and wheat in favor of science-backed superfoods like non-GMO pumpkin, carrot, leafy greens and coconut oil for a balanced and complete diet that provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support Irish Setter nutritional needs. Open Farm grain-free recipes are specifically designed for dogs with grain sensitivities.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

It’s made responsibly from ethically sourced and sustainable ingredients free from antibiotics, hormones, and artificial preservatives, making it one of the most sustainable dog food brands.

Key Features

  • 100% traceable ingredients. Instantly trace the origin of every ingredient in their bag of Open Farm pet food
  • Premium ingredients. Locally sourced non-GMO fruits and veggies
  • Ethically sourced protein. Only uses ethically sourced and humanely raised meats

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • No rendered poultry or meat meals
  • Meats from audited higher welfare farms
  • High in protein
  • Local carbon footprint per bag

Cons

  • It can be more expensive than other brands on the market

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Best Wet Dog Food For Irish Setters — Open Farm

Our rating: 4.6

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, salmon, beef, & more┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Wet
Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, salmon, beef, & more
Life stage: All ages
Food type: Wet
Ingredients: Human-grade
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Are you looking for the best-wet food for Irish Setters? Open Farm Rustic Stew Wet Dog Food is our favorite choice. Irish Setter is a convenient and healthy option for dog owners who want to feed their dogs soft-textured meals and keep them hydrated, especially those in warmer climates. Unlike traditional canned wet dog food, Open Farm Rustic Stew uses only ingredient fit for human consumption to ensure the highest quality nutrition. Additionally, they use a unique cooking process to make Rustic Stew preserves the nutritional value and taste of the ingredients, making it a nutritious and tasty option for dogs.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Open Farm’s wet dog food is made with sustainable vegetables and meat raised without antibiotics or other harmful additives.

Key Features

  • Vet-formulated. A team of veterinarians and canine nutritionists formulate every recipe.
  • Gently cooked. This process maximizes the nutritional value and promotes a healthy immune system.
  • Travel friendly. Two-year unopened shelf life and transportable tetra pak packaging make it easy to store and travel.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • USDA certified meats
  • 100% traceable ingredients from certified family farms
  • A variety pack for picky eaters
  • Nutrient-dense

Cons

  • More expensive than traditional wet dog food

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Other Best Dog Food For Irish Setters

  • Best dehydrated dog food for Irish Setters. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Gourmet is our favorite dehydrated food. Dehydrated food is often easier for Irish Setters to digest. Additionally, if your dog has dental problems or is missing teeth, dehydrated food can be easier for dogs to eat than traditional kibble.
  • Best food topper for Irish Setters. Portland Pet Food Company offers a fantastic variety of tasty fresh dog food flavors you can add as a topper to your dog’s kibble meals.
  • Best health-specific custom diets food for Irish Setters. JustFoodForDogs makes creating a custom recipe for your fur baby easy. They work with your veterinarian to create a custom recipe if your Irish Setter has a medical need for a restricted diet.
  • Best dog food for Irish Setters to lose weight. Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low is great if your Irish Setter needs to lose weight.
  • Best dog food for Irish Setters to gain weight. With 600 calories per cup, Miracle Vet High-Calorie Weight Gain Dog Food is ideal for helping your Mastiff gain lean muscle mass.
Best Dog Food For Irish Setters chapter 3
Chapter 3: Tips, FAQs & More

Calories, Transition & Other Food Tips.

Ch 1 | Ch 2

Irish Setter Food Calorie Requirements

The caloric needs of dogs are based on their weight. An adult Irish Setter usually weighs between 55 and 75 pounds, meaning most Irish Setters need between 1,250 and 1,578 calories daily. You can use our dog calorie calculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight.

How to Switch Irish Setter Dog Food

If you decide to switch your Irish Setter’s dog food to a new dog formula, it’s advised to adhere to the following recommendations by vets:

  • Week 1: 25% new food and 75% old food
  • Week 2: 50% new food and 50% old food
  • Week 3: 25% new food and 75% old food
  • Week 4: 100% new food

Pro tip: Never change your dog’s food abruptly. It could cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Only increase the weekly food percentage if your Irish Setter seems to be doing well during each transition. Monitor closely, and if you notice any adverse reaction to his new food, stop feeding it to your dog.

Health Dietary Changes In Irish Setters

If your Irish Setter is struggling with the following health conditions, adopting a new diet or adding supplements can be beneficial to get these dog-related issues under control.

ConditionDietary Needs & Adjustments
Coat Color ChangesIncrease amino acids which can be found in protein (>75 grams per 1000 calories)
Concurrent GI SignsAvoid foods with tryptamine and histamine, such as dairy, fermented vegetables, and meats (yes, this includes bacon); try a simple ingredient food trial.
Chronic Itching and DermatitisFortify the diet with Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Zinc, omega-6, and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil; add a dog probiotic; try a simple ingredient food trial.
Dull Coat and ScalingAdjust EPA and DHA levels in the diet (added fish oil being the most common way); try food with added zinc.
Dandruff and CrustinessAdd Zinc and Vitamin A levels

Best Dog Food For Irish Setters — Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the best dog food for your Irish Setter is crucial for its health, longevity, and overall well-being. It’s imperative to consider age, size, activity level, and health conditions when choosing the right dog food. We’ve discussed some of the best brands that cater to the unique nutritional needs of Irish Setters.

While these foods are tailored to provide your Setter with high protein, balanced nutrition, essential vitamins, and minerals, they also cater to common health issues in this breed, like hip dysplasia, bloat, and skin allergies. Remember to transition slowly when introducing new dog food to avoid digestive upsets. It is always recommended to consult your veterinarian before significantly changing your Irish Setter’s diet.


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