Best Dog Food for Cane Corso Puppy – 2023 Update
- Last Updated: August 8, 2023

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Puppy, Large Breed, Chicken Meal & Oats Recipe

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Real Lamb Recipe Premium Dry Dog Food
Intelligent, affectionate, protective, and stable, Cane Corsos are also known as “bodyguard dogs.” This large dog breed has an average lifespan of 9 to 12 years and is a healthy breed.
To ensure lifelong health and vitality, it is important to give your dog the right food during puppyhood.
In this blog post, we will help you figure out the best dog food for Cane Corso puppy and share a few things about nutrition that you need to know.
Let’s get started!
Here’s What to Look Out For In The Best Puppy Food for Cane Corso
Let’s take a look at a few things that you need to know when you’re trying to pick out the best food for your furry friend.

Check the Meat Content
Puppies thrive on a meat-based diet since their bodies have evolved that way. Meat contains all the amino acids your puppy needs, and it should be the number one source of protein.
Some dog foods contain more protein from plant-based ingredients–like pea protein–, and you must avoid them at all costs!
No Artificial Color, Flavor, and Fillers
To seem more appealing, most pet foods contain artificial colors, flavors, and other filler ingredients that end up doing more harm than good. The more synthetic ingredients your puppy food contains, the greater are the chances of your pup getting allergies.
Some dog food companies use cheap ingredients such as gluten, soy, and corn that cause pet allergies and provide low-quality carbs to your pet. They don’t have a lot of nutritional value!
Ingredients are Easily Digestible
To ensure that your puppy doesn’t end up with an upset tummy, allergies, or other gastrointestinal issues, it is good to go for a puppy food that contains easily digestible ingredients.
The best puppy food for Cane Corso is one that contains high-quality animal proteins.
Bonus: Ensure He’s Getting Enough Calories
The number of calories your pup requires per day depends on various factors—your puppy’s age, breed, activity level, health conditions, etc. A vet will help you figure out how much food you should be giving your dog.
Underfeeding can cause malnourishment, while overfeeding may result in obesity and other health issues.
So, it is crucial to get things just right!
Unique Nutritional Needs and Cane Corsos
“So, what’s the best puppy food for my Cane Corso?” you ask.
Well, it’s one that can meet his unique nutritional needs. Since Cane Corsos are large dogs, they face the same health issues that other large dog breeds do. You need to get puppy food that focuses on these health issues.
Orthopedic Problems
Cane Corsos are large dogs, so the puppies have a quick growth spurt to reach their adult size. However, this growth spurt puts a strain on your puppy’s skeletal system, predisposing the dog to orthopedic issues.
This includes hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, etc.
To avoid this, you need to ensure that your puppy’s diet contains proper nutrition to keep these conditions at bay.
How Food Helps
You can keep orthopedic problems at bay by promoting healthy bone development through calorie restriction–under the supervision of a vet, of course. You’ll also have to ensure that your pup is getting adequate minerals from his diet–especially phosphorus and calcium.
According to AAFCO, good dog food for Cane Corso puppies should contain at least 1.2% calcium and 1% phosphorus.
Puppy foods that contain chondroitin, glucosamine, and Omega-3 & Omega-6 fatty acids help keep inflammation at bay and ensure lifelong joint health.
Bloat
While this condition doesn’t sound as serious as it is, it is a potentially life-threatening one!
In this condition, your dog’s stomach gets filled with air, creating pressure on the diaphragm and other internal organs, leading to breathing difficulties. If that wasn’t enough, the pressure cuts off blood supply to the heart. If left untreated, it can cause death.
So, you should take this condition seriously.
How Food Helps your Cane Corso Puppy
While giving your puppy one meal a day is definitely convenient, it’s not the best option as it increases his chances of developing bloat. Two to three meals are best suited. Bloat is also connected to:
- Exercise after meals
- Eating out of raised bowls
- Eating food quickly
Demodectic Mange
Demodex mites are common in dogs. However, those with a weak immune system develop an infestation, which leads to demodectic mange and patchy hair loss. Your Cane Corso puppy is at high risk of developing this condition due to hereditary factors.
The infestation, once developed, can cause a lot of damage to your puppy’s coat and skin.
How Food Helps
The disease affects dogs with a weakened immune system and a healthy gut is often associated with a healthy immune system as the two are connected dynamically. A healthy diet is key to ensuring gut health, and that of the immune system.
The best puppy food for Cane Corso will be one that contains plenty of probiotics and prebiotics.
Best Puppy Food for My Cane Corso: Dietary Requirements
The best dog food for Cane Corso puppy is to ensure your puppy’s overall health and well-being while taking into consideration the health issues this breed is prone to.
Let’s take a look at the basic dietary requirements.

The Source of Energy: Carbs
Carbohydrates help keep your puppy full and provide him with the energy he needs to go about his day. They also promote the growth of healthy bacteria in your dog’s gut.
A good puppy food contains high-quality sources of carbs such as brown rice, vegetables, whole fruit, legumes, etc.
Protein for Muscle-Building and Maintenance
Dogs thrive on a high-meat and high-protein diet. A protein-rich diet is crucial for your puppy, as it ensures his overall growth and development.
According to the Association of American Food Control Officials guidelines, good dog food must contain 22% animal protein. High-quality dog food must contain meat as the first ingredient. Meat meal is also a great ingredient for puppies.
Fats for Healthy Joints
Fats not only provide your puppy with energy, they’re also a great source of essential amino acids and vitamins. Adequate fat in your puppy’s diet will ensure proper skin and coat health.
Micronutrients: Vitamins and Minerals
What most people don’t realize is that micronutrients are as important as macronutrients!
Your puppy should get all of the nutrients he needs from his kibble–supplementing your dog’s diet may not be a good idea. In fact, in some cases, supplements do more harm than good!
It’s best to talk to your vet before adding things to your puppy’s diet.
Our Top 3 Contenders: The Best Dog Food for Cane Corso Puppy

Since we’ve covered everything you need to know about puppy food and nutrition, it is now time to take a look at some of the best puppy food for Cane Corsos. We’ve picked out three of the best puppy foods available on the market.
So, what’s the best puppy food for my Cane Corso?
Let’s take an in-depth look into all three of these to help you figure out the best choice for your furry friend.
Let’s begin.
Best Puppy Food For My Cane Corso | Here’s Why You Should Get It | Our Rating | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Puppy Dog Food | Made with real meat, fish, and poultry, No filler ingredients used, Real chicken is the number one ingredient used, High-protein for muscle growth, Easy to digest formula | 4.9 Stars | Check now |
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Puppy, Large Breed, Chicken Meal & Oats Recipe | Calcium ensures controlled bone growth, Contains fish oil and DHA that helps with healthy eye and brain development, Made in the United States, High-quality meat and protein used | 4.8 Stars | Check now |
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Real Lamb Recipe Premium Dry Dog Food | Made with pasture-raised lamb and contains optimal meat and amino acids, Made using premium ingredients, Highly digestible formula, Contains DHA which ensures healthy brain and vision development in growing puppies | 4.8 Stars | Check now |
Let’s take a look at each of these kibbles independently, shall we?
Purina is one of the most trusted dog food brands dedicated to giving your dog the best of nutrition. The brand uses a trusted network of supplies and can trace every ingredient used in its formula to its source, ensuring the food is ethically-sourced and highly nutritious.
Made Using Real Meat
The number one ingredient used in this kibble is chicken. The dog food is not only yummy to taste, but also rich in amino acids.
Easily Digestible Meal
The puppy food is formulated to be easily digestible for large breed dogs–especially those prone to getting bloat. The kibble is high in protein to encourage healthy muscle development.
Nutritional Breakdown
This dog food formula contains:
- 30% protein which is above-average
- 14% fat which is near-average
- 49% carbohydrates which are below-average
It also contains a moderate amount of meat, making it a good pick for Cane Corso puppies.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
✔Glucosamine helps support growing joints | ✖Some dog owners report bad breath |
✔Easily digestible | |
✔Suitable for puppies with sensitive stomachs | |
✔Tastes good |
The company was started by a vet, Dr. Mark Morris, who found a link between a poor diet and health issues in pets. The company strives to provide properly balanced foods and uses high-quality ingredients.
High-quality Ingredients
The dog food is made in the United States using high-quality and nutritionally-dense ingredients to ensure your puppy gets nothing but the best–that’s what he deserves!
Ensures Controlled Bone Growth
The recipe is specially formulated for large-breed puppies, such as Cane Corsos, and contains the ideal amount of minerals that help support Fido’s teeth and bones.
DHA for Growing Puppies
The fish oil contained in this kibble is an excellent source of DHA–something growing pups need for proper brain and vision development.
Nutritional Breakdown
This dog food formula contains:
- 30% protein which is near-average
- 19% fat which is above-average
- 43% carbohydrates which are below-average
The kibble also contains a moderate amount of meat, making it one of the best dog treats for Cane Corso.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
✔Grain-inclusive diet | ✖Lack of consistency between bags |
✔High-quality protein used | |
✔Made in the United States | |
✔An optimal level of minerals and calcium |
Diamond Naturals aims to provide holistic and complete nutrition for your pet–ensuring that your dog gets everything he needs from his food. The company uses high-quality ingredients to make high-quality kibble for your dog.
Joint and Bone Development
The formula is created for large breed puppies to ensure they get the right food for their developing bodies. The kibble contains phosphorus and calcium to ensure proper bone and joint development.
Superfoods and Antioxidants
This formula contains highly nutritious superfoods such as chia seeds, blueberries, pumpkin, kale, etc. to ensure your puppy gets all the vitamins and minerals he needs.
The kibble is also rich in antioxidants that support and strengthen your puppy’s immune system.
Nutritional Breakdown
This dog food formula contains:
- 27% protein which is average
- 15% fat which is near-average
- 58% carbohydrates which are above-average
It comes with a moderate amount of meat, which means that it is a great fit for Cane Corso pups.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
✔DHA for vision and brain development | ✖The bag isn’t re-sealable |
✔Antioxidants | |
✔Highly digestible formula | |
✔Contains probiotics | |
✔Longer shelf life |
Let’s Take a Peek at Some Frequently Asked Questions
When I was looking for the best puppy food for my Cane Corso, I came across several questions that people were frequently asking.
Let’s take a peek.
How is a healthy diet beneficial for my Cane Corso puppy’s bones?
A poor diet can cause more harm than you ever thought is possible.
A healthy diet is extremely beneficial for your Cane Corso’s orthopedic health as it:
- Contains the right number of calories you should be giving your puppy–ensuring that you aren’t overfeeding or underfeeding him–helping him maintain optimal weight
- Is balanced and contains adequate protein for muscle growth and development, fats for joint health and lubrication, and carbs for energy
Contains right amounts of chondroitin and glucosamine which improve joint health and stimulate tissue repair
Can a healthy diet prevent bloat?
Did you know that an average human passes gas between 13 to 21 times a day?
The human digestive system is excellent at eliminating gas and helps you get relief from bloating. This isn’t the case with large-breed dogs for whom gas can become a medical emergency!
We don’t know why canine bloat happens.
However, what we do know is that it is fatal and often preventable if he’s on the right diet.
- The chances of blat are higher after your dog has a large meal
- Excessive water consumption is also linked to bloat
- If your dog eats food too quickly, his chances of developing bloat are higher
So, what can you do?
Serve smaller meals throughout the day as opposed to one large meal–splitting them into 500 kcal servings is a great idea.
How can my puppy’s diet prevent demodectic mange?
The chances of a Demodex Canis infestation are very low if your dog’s immune system is strong enough.
Excellent nutrition is key to ensure that your dog’s immune system is working as it should be. Stress, malnutrition, disease, etc. weaken your dog’s immune system, putting him at risk of developing the infestation.
Here’s what you can do.
- Give your puppy an antioxidant-rich diet to boost immune system function
- Ensure that the puppy food contains probiotics to ensure gut health
- Make sure you’re giving him the right number of calories
Is it safe to give raw meat to my Cane Corso puppy?
Choosing to feed your Cane Corso puppy a raw food diet is a big decision. Consult your vet to figure out whether or not it will be a good choice for your puppy.
In Conclusion: The Best Puppy Food for Cane Corso
We hope that we helped you pick out the best puppy food for your furry friend.
It’s crucial to pick a puppy food that meets all of your furry friends’ nutritional needs. In this life stage, a lot is going on in your pup’s body–his vital organs are developing along with his immune system. Poor nutrition can do a lot of long-term harm.

Dr. Veronica Heller
Born and brought up in Grand Marais, Minnesota, ever since she was a little girl, Dr. Veronica Heller dreamed of becoming a vet thanks to Sruffy, her family pet. She graduated from College of Veterinary Medicine, Minnesota and began her veterinary career in Larpenteur Animal Hospital in St. Paul as an emergency Veterinarian. Since then, she has worked with Minnesota Veterinary Hospital, Small Animal Hospital, and Blue Pearl Pet Hospital. Her interests in the field include preventive medicine, internal medicine, nutrition, and surgery. She’s also a loving pet mother to two cats and a Golden Retriever.