Best Dog Food For Norwegian Elkhounds 2024 [Hands-On Review]

Best Dog Food For Norwegian Elkhounds

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With their rich history and unique dietary needs, Norwegian Elkhounds deserve a menu that’s as special as their lineage. But with the myriad dog food options out there, how do you discern which is the perfect plate for your Nordic furry friend?

This article delves deep into the world of canine nutrition tailored for Norwegian Elkhounds. From their protein needs to those particular nutrients that keep their coat shimmering, we’ve got the scoop on the best dog food brands and formulas. Let’s dive in!

Best Dog Food For Norwegian Elkhounds — At A Glance

Scroll to the right to see all our recommendations for the best dog food for Norwegian Elkhounds.

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

149

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

23

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

7

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

Best Dog Food For Norwegian Elkhounds chapter 1
Chapter 1: The Research

Norwegian Elkhound Dog Food Health & Nutritional Needs

Ch 2 | Ch 3

What Is The Best Food For Norwegian Elkhounds?

Providing your Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Elkhound, it’s important to understand how food affects their well-being.

As a medium breed, Norwegian Elkhound has distinct nutritional needs that require careful consideration. The ideal food for your Norwegian Elkhound 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 & Norwegian Elkhound Age

Norwegian Elkhounds 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.

  • Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Elkhound puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial developmental stage.
  • Adult Norwegian Elkhounds. 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 Norwegian Elkhounds. 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 Norwegian Elkhound 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 & Norwegian Elkhound Activity Level

Norwegian Elkhounds are historically bred for hunting, rendering them naturally energetic with higher metabolic needs than some other breeds. This means an active Elkhound requires a diet rich in quality proteins and fats to support its energy expenditure, muscle health, and integrity, especially given their susceptibility to joint issues like hip and elbow dysplasia. On the other hand, a less active Elkhound needs careful dietary monitoring to prevent obesity, which can exacerbate their predisposed health concerns. Thus, the activity level of an Elkhound significantly dictates its food intake, emphasizing the importance of aligning diet with activity to ensure optimal health, and regular consultations with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist can guide appropriate dietary choices.

The timing of meals further affects a Norwegian Elkhound’s activity level. Feeding them right before or immediately after exercise can lead to digestive discomfort, while feeding them too long before physical activity might leave them with inadequate energy. A consistent feeding schedule can help ensure they have the necessary energy reserves to sustain their activity levels and remain vibrant.

Food & Norwegian Elkhound Health

Generally, Norwegian Elkhounds are healthy dogs, but like any breed, they are susceptible to several health concerns. Although certain health issues that Norwegian Elkhounds 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 Norwegian Elkhounds include the following:

  • Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Norwegian Elkhounds. Food allergies in Norwegian Elkhounds 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. 
  • Hip dysplasia. This is a genetic condition where the thigh bone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint. It can lead to pain and lameness on one or both rear legs.
  • Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). This is a degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness. It occurs when the photoreceptors in the back of the eye fail over time.
  • Fanconi syndrome. This disorder of the kidney tubules leads to the inappropriate loss of important electrolytes and nutrients.
  • Pyotraumatic dermatitis. Also known as “hot spots”, these are surface skin infections caused by bacteria.
  • Sebaceous cysts. These are benign lumps filled with sebum, a waxy substance.
  • Thyroid disease. Norwegian Elkhounds can be prone to hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones.
  • Elbow dysplasia. Similar to hip dysplasia, this is a hereditary condition affecting the elbow joint.
  • Cataracts. These are opacities in the lens of the eye, leading to impaired vision or blindness. They can be hereditary or develop due to old age or injury.
  • Patellar luxation. Also known as “slipped stifles”, this condition is when the patella, or kneecap, becomes dislocated.

Norwegian Elkhound-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 Norwegian Elkhounds 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 Norwegian Elkhounds.

  • Avoid common allergies. Because Norwegian Elkhounds 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. Norwegian Elkhounds 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 Norwegian Elkhound’s inflammatory responses to allergens and immunological attacks.
  • Digestibility. Norwegian Elkhounds 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 Norwegian Elkhounds. 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.
  • Joint support. Given the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia, look for dog foods fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. These ingredients can help maintain joint health and reduce the risk of joint-related issues.
  • Kidney health: To mitigate the risk of Fanconi syndrome, opt for dog foods with controlled levels of phosphorus and appropriate protein content.
  • Eye health. For dogs prone to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts, choose foods enriched with antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E. These nutrients can support eye health and delay the progression of degenerative eye disorders.
  • Thyroid support. To address thyroid disease, look for dog foods with appropriate levels of iodine and selenium. Consult your veterinarian to determine if a prescription diet is necessary to manage thyroid conditions.
  • Pyotraumatic dermatitis. A diet rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can support skin health and boost the dog’s immune system.
  • Weight management: Given the risk of obesity with some of these conditions, select dog foods that promote healthy weight management. Look for “weight control” or “low-fat” formulas and monitor your dog’s calorie intake. Ensuring the dog maintains a healthy weight through a balanced diet can reduce the strain on the knees and potentially reduce the risk of dislocation.

Other General Tips To Pick The Best Food For Norwegian Elkhounds

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 Norwegian Elkhound has unique dietary needs. Seek guidance from a veterinarian who can help you choose the most suitable food that fulfills your Norwegian Elkhound’s nutritional requirements.

Best Dog Food For Norwegian Elkhounds chapter 2
Chapter 2: The Reviews

The Best Dog Food For Norwegian Elkhound Reviewed

Ch 1 | Ch 3

Best Norwegian Elkhound Dog Food

Here are Canine Bible’s top picks for the best dog food for Norwegian Elkhounds.

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


Best Overall Dog Food For Norwegian Elkhounds — Raised Right

Our rating: 4.9

raised-right

Overview

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

Overview

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

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Raised Right fresh dog food recipes win the spot for the best dog food for Norwegian Elkhounds. This brand stands out because it uses fresh, human-grade ingredients to craft pre-portion recipes delivered directly to your doorstep. Feeding your dog Raised Right comes with numerous scientifically-supported health benefits of fresh dog food, including longer lifespans, better digestibility, higher energy levels, and more. Fresh recipes are also ideal for dogs with food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or other dietary concerns because they avoid cheap fillers, additives, and harmful chemicals. Unlike traditional kibble, Raised Right is gently cooked from scratch, ensuring all nutritional integrity is retained — this means that your Norwegian Elkhound will receive the healthiest and most nutritious meal with every serving.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Raised Right stands out from other dog food brands by taking a personalized approach to nutrition. Many dog food brands offer one-size-fits-all recipes, but Raised Right takes the time to create a custom formula for each dog, considering factors like age, weight, and activity level to ensure your dog gets the perfect balance of nutrients for their unique needs. You can tell Raised Right any concerns about your dog’s health, such as food allergies, tear staining, bad breath, joint issues, or any other problem your pet may be experiencing. They will tailor your dog’s meals to accommodate your pet’s needs.

Key Features

  • Vet-designed. All 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. They only source from reputable food suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards.

Pros

  • The level of customization is unmatched
  • Packaged as daily portions for easy serving
  • Non-processed food (zero chemicals)
  • Nom never uses feed-grade ingredients
  • Does not process ingredients to be shelf-stable

Cons

  • It’s on the expensive side

Our readers have access to 50% off their first order. Just use this link to get started. The discount will be applied automatically.

Our Video Review


Best Dry Dog Food For Norwegian Elkhounds — 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 Norwegian Elkhounds. 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.

Our readers can save 30% off their first order by using the code CANINEBIBLE30 — Use this link to get started.


Best Food For Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Elkhounds. This puppy-specific formula provides the necessary nutrients for the optimal growth and development of Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Elkhound 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

Readers get 20% off subscription orders with code CANINE20 + an extra 5% off for subscribing. Cancel anytime. Use this link to get started!


Cheapest Dog Food For Norwegian Elkhounds — 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 Norwegian Elkhounds. For a slightly lower price than other brands, this dry food is formulated to provide your Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Elkhounds — 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 Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Elkhound healthy during his older years, JustFoodForDogs Senior dog food will support long-life vitality. It’s crafted specifically for your senior Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Elkhounds — 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 Norwegian Elkhounds, 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 Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Elkhounds 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 Norwegian Elkhounds 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 Norwegian Elkhound. 

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 Norwegian Elkhounds 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 Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Elkhound. 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 Norwegian Elkhounds with skin allergies
  • Best dog food for itchy skin Norwegian Elkhounds

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 Norwegian Elkhounds — 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 Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Elkhound 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

Readers get 20% off subscription orders with code CANINE20 + an extra 5% off for subscribing. Cancel anytime. Use this link to get started!


Best Wet Dog Food For Norwegian Elkhounds — Open Farm

Our rating: 4.6

Overview

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

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, lamb, 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 Norwegian Elkhounds? The Honest Kitchen One Pot Stew is our favorite choice. Norwegian Elkhound 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, The Honest Kitchen One Pot Stew uses only ingredients fit for human consumption to ensure the highest quality nutrition. Additionally, they use a unique cooking process to make One Pot Stews preserve the nutritional value and taste of the ingredients, making it a nutritious and tasty option for dogs.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

The Honest Kitchen’s wet dog food is made with the same human quality and safety standards as people’s food. They adhere to over 100 safety standards and only use verified human-edible ingredients.

Key Features

  • Vet and chef-formulated. A team of veterinarians and a chef formulates every recipe.
  • Whole grain and grain-free options. Perfect for dogs who like or can’t tolerate grains.
  • 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
  • A variety pack for picky eaters
  • Money back guarantee
  • Lots of protein options

Cons

  • More expensive than traditional wet dog food

Other Best Dog Food For Norwegian Elkhounds

  • Best dehydrated dog food for Norwegian Elkhounds. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Gourmet is our favorite dehydrated food. Dehydrated food is often easier for Norwegian Elkhounds 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 Norwegian Elkhounds. 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 Norwegian Elkhounds. JustFoodForDogs makes creating a custom recipe for your fur baby easy. They work with your veterinarian to create a custom recipe if your Norwegian Elkhound has a medical need for a restricted diet.
  • Best dog food for Norwegian Elkhounds to lose weight. Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low is great if your Norwegian Elkhound needs to lose weight.
  • Best dog food for Norwegian Elkhounds 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 Norwegian Elkhounds chapter 3
Chapter 3: Tips, FAQs & More

Calories, Transition & Other Food Tips.

Ch 1 | Ch 2

Norwegian Elkhound Food Calorie Requirements

The caloric needs of dogs are based on their weight. An adult Norwegian Elkhound usually weighs between 48 and 55 pounds, meaning most Norwegian Elkhounds need between 1129 and 1250 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 Norwegian Elkhound Dog Food

If you decide to switch your Norwegian Elkhound’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% fresh 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 Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Elkhounds

If your Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Elkhounds — Conclusion

Choosing the right dog food for your Norwegian Elkhound isn’t just about satiating hunger; it’s about understanding their unique nutritional needs and ensuring they thrive. Remember, these energetic hunting dogs have specific dietary requirements, ranging from high-quality proteins and fats to support their activity, to vital nutrients that back their joint health.

But, beyond the labels and nutritional facts, remember that the food you choose is an investment in your furry friend’s health and happiness. Your Norwegian Elkhound is not just a pet but a family that deserves the best care and nourishment. Make every meal count, ensuring it echoes your love and commitment to their well-being.


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Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Editorial Team at Canine Bible | + posts

Canine Bible authorship represents the unified voice of our entire editorial team and our in-house veterinarians rather than a single author. Each article, blog post, and review published under the Canine Bible name undergoes a rigorous review process, involving all team members to guarantee accuracy and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. This collaborative effort is an integral part of our editorial process and aligns with our four pillars of content creation. This approach ensures our content is backed by expert knowledge and factual information, offering our readers reliable, actionable, and trustworthy content.

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