Best dog food for Staffies to give them a balanced diet

As dogs became domesticated, they adapted to eating the foods humans provided, making them omnivores. While protein is essential for their diet, dogs can also metabolise carbohydrates. Recently, there has been a significant shift towards BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) or raw feeding to offer dogs a diet closer to their ancestral nutrition. Bella & Duke provides a low-maintenance approach to giving your dog a raw food diet. Send them your dog's age, weight and activity level, and Bella and Duke will devise the best plan for your pet. The frozen meals are delivered free to your door. Store the meals in your freezer, taking one 500g tub out each night to defrost. Once defrosted, food lasts for four days in the fridge.

Bella and Duke's guide to Staffordshire Bull Terriers references research that claims a raw diet can reduce the risk of hip dysplasia and skin issues. Also, Bella & Duke's raw food contains a blend of natural anti-inflammatories and oils that provide additional nourishment and support. It's 100 per cent natural food, with none of the irritants that can be found in highly processed dog foods. There's a range of recipes to choose from that are tasty and wholesome for any dog.

There are over 10,000 reviews on Trustpilot rating Bella & Duke, with 82 per cent of customers giving the brand 5 out of 5. Reviews comment that their dog is healthier and happier when fed this raw food. Some say it is a bit expensive, but having seen the improvement in their pet, they wouldn't go back. In addition, there is a responsive customer support service should you have any queries.

If raw food isn't for you, consider Butternut Box. It's a subscription to freshly cooked 'homemade'- style doggy dinners. There are lots of flavours to choose from, and the meals are supplied frozen, so they're convenient to store and defrost as needed. The ingredients are wholesome and recognisable, so you know that the goodness can only do your pet good! In addition, you can choose recipes that are grain-free or specially designed to support joint health and are easy to digest.

Butternut Box has over 30,400 Trustpilot reviews, with 92 per cent of reviewers rating the pet food 5 out of 5. In particular, owners of Staffies suffering from allergies and sensitive digestion say that Butternut Box has greatly improved their pets' health and wellbeing. Another comment is that their Staffie seems to be enjoying their food for once. It's been great for fussy eaters and older dogs, too.

Read our full review of Butternut Box, tried and tested by Waffle.

What sets this Wellcore CORE kibble apart from other dry dog foods is its high proportion of meat. It's also packed with fruit and vegetables, plus antioxidants. Its carbs mainly derive from potatoes, making it a grain-free option. Plus, it has prebiotics and probiotics to maintain a healthy gut biome. It's a nutritionally complete food that's available in a range of flavours.

Wellness CORE is an Amazon's Choice recommended brand, with around 3,000 reviews rating it 4.6 out of 5. It boosts dogs' energy levels, helps maintain a healthy weight, and gives fur a lovely glossy shine. The kibble is quite small and easy to eat. A review recommends it for dogs prone to sensitive stomachs.

However – as is the case with other brands of kibble too – a minority of customers received a batch that was no longer fresh. It clearly smelt off.

Support a Staffie's energy and health needs with Burns Sensitive Duck & Brown Rice. This is a low-fat kibble containing single-source animal protein. It's hypoallergenic and contains natural ingredients, so it's highly digestible and suitable for dogs with sensitive skin and delicate digestion.

Duck is a novel protein, meaning it is a less common meat source than typical proteins like chicken or beef. Because of its rarity, dogs are less likely to have developed an allergy to duck, making it a good option for dogs with food sensitivities.

Customer reviews say Burns' was recommended by their vet. It's effective in reducing sensitive dogs' digestive issues and is a good value for money dry dog food. Plus, dogs enjoy the taste.

It's worth trying a smaller bag first to make sure your dog is happy with the food, especially if it's prone to allergies.

This grain-free complete wet dog food from Forthglade contains three flavours that are composed of 75 per cent chicken and turkey. Plus, it includes lots of healthy oils, natural antioxidants and vitamins and minerals all from recognisable ingredients. It has a firm texture, which can be cut into chunks to serve.

Forthglade is an Amazon's Choice recommended product, with over 8,600 reviews rating this wet dog food 4.3 out of 5. Some owners chose Forthglade because of their dogs' sensitive digestion. For the majority of dogs, it has helped. Customer reviews say that dogs enjoy this food, but they've had issues with damaged trays upon delivery.

James Wellbeloved is a popular and established brand. Their hypoallergenic dry dog food for senior dogs contains turkey meal, rice, prebiotics, natural antioxidants and minerals to provide complete support for older dogs. It's a good choice for Staffies, as it contains a balance of complex carbs and protein and is relatively low in fat.

James Wellbeloved is an Amazon's Choice brand, with over 1,380 reviews rating it 4.6 out of 5. Customers praise this kibble for being gentle on their dogs' digestion. Also, fussy eaters have been tempted back to full appetite. However, there's some mixed opinion about the quality, with some reviews saying there's too much rice and question the meat source.

Reviewed by Joanna Cooper and her dog Coco: "I’ve been feeding my Bichon Frise James Wellbeloved kibble since he was a puppy, and it’s been brilliant. He’s never poorly, his joints are great, and his fur is superb. He’s always loved the Turkey variety, for small breed, so that’s what I’ve stuck with. Now he’s twelve years old (human years), and I’ve switched to the Senior variety, which is fewer calories, so he can still have his full bowl without getting overweight.

"I give him a very tiny amount of dry kibble in the morning for breakfast, which he sometimes doesn’t eat as he’s not hungry. He has a full bowl in the evenings, and I splash a couple of tablespoons of hot water onto the kibble to release the gravy and aroma; then he tucks in and eats it all."

Another dry dog food that contains whole food ingredients that you recognise, is IAMS Complete for Puppy with Chicken. It has 85 per cent protein from chicken and turkey so it's a powerhouse of nourishment for a growing puppy. In addition, it's enriched with DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that comes from fish, to support brain development. Plus, minerals and vitamin D to develop strong bones and healthy muscles. It's wheat-free, though IAMS notes that it's made in a factory that handles wheat. But, it remains an excellent choice for Staffies with sensitive tummies as it also contains prebiotics and beet pulp fibre to support healthy digestion.

The kibble is 10mm in diameter and 5mm thick, so it's a good size for medium-breed dogs and encourages chewing rather than scoffing.

IAMS is a popular brand, and an Amazon's Choice recommended product, with over 4,780 reviews rating the pet food 4.6 out of 5. Customers praise IAMS as a good quality dry food that their dog enjoys. Dogs appear to thrive on it, and even fussy pooches tuck in. As with all kibble, always have fresh water available for your dog. It's worth just trying your puppy on a small bag first, as in a minority of cases it may not agree with them.

Pooch & Mutt Joint Care Salmon and Sweet Potato is a single source protein dry dog food, with 45 per cent salmon. It's grain and cereal-free and intended for dogs who are highly active or have joint issues. The kibble contains natural ingredients, such as linseed and alfalfa, plus a 'Nutra-bionic' supplement to promote healthy skin and coat, and also aid digestion.

So, if you have a Staffie that's particularly sensitive to all the usual dog foods, this food may help. Try a small bag first to see if it suits your dog.

Customers say this Pooch & Mutt variety has improved the health and wellbeing of dogs with arthritis. Plus, it's a good choice for dogs with sensitive digestion. Also, some reviews comment that the price varies from retailer to retailer. Take A Break Pets always endeavours to find the best price, so check here first!

Eukanuba Sensitive Skin with Fish is a hypoallergenic dry dog food and contains a single protein source, which is fish. It's a natural source of omega 6 and 3 to nourish healthy skin and coat. The kibble also contains beet pulp for fibre and a prebiotic to improve digestion. Maize is the primary source of carbohydrate and as dogs have evolved to be omnivores, they can metabolise it and use it for energy. However, because Staffies are prone to weight gain, it's important to stick to the feeding guide and give them lots of exercise.

This is an Amazon's Choice recommended brand, with over 1,250 reviews rating Eukanuba 4.4 out of 5. Some customers say this food has effectively relieved their dog's skin irritation and improved their coat. Also, some reviews comment that it's settled their dogs' upset tummies. However, there is mixed opinion about it being smelly and that it hasn't resolved sensitivities some.

Pure Pet Food is a tailored dog food subscription that comes in dry form. Simply add water to rehydrate it. It's more convenient than having to defrost frozen food. It comes in portions that are determined by your dog's age, weight and if it has any conditions. There's a lot of added value in addition to the monthly delivery, including a personalised feeding plan and expert advice. Choose from a range of wholesome flavours, such as 'Chicken with garden greens & strawberry pieces'.

Reviews say that the quality of the food is excellent, and it's been great for fussy dogs, as well as dogs with medical conditions. In addition, it's worked for dogs with sensitive stomachs. In terms of value for money, a review comments that it worked out about the same as feeding their dog on commercial wet tray food.

Find out more about Pure Pet Food specially made for Staffordshire Bull Terriers.