Best Dog Food for Mini Schnauzers In 2024

The Miniature Schnauzer packs a lot of dogs in a small body. These smart, affectionate dogs are descended from the larger standard Schnauzer. They’re a generally healthy breed and shed very little. Since they were originally developed to hunt down mice and other rodents around the farm, they are hardy and brave, but not overly aggressive.

They are typically smart and very trainable. Their small stature makes them well suited to apartment living, but they’re equally comfortable roaming around and protecting acres of farmland. They’re tireless companions and get along well in families of any size. They can be clingy, and will likely not want to leave their human side.

Your Mini Schnauzer should get a healthy, balanced diet so they can continue to be with you for a long, long time. If you look at these puppies for sale on sites such as PetsforHomes, you’ll see that they have a striking colour and a beautiful coat that should be kept healthy and shiny. Nutrition also plays a large part in coat and skin health, so your dog food needs to be high quality. With so many different brands offering different sizes, shapes, and flavours of dog food, it can be difficult to choose the right one.

Mini Schnauzer Dietary Needs

As small active dogs, their diet must contain protein, fibre, carbohydrates, and fats in the proper ratio. The right dog food must have the appropriate caloric content to provide enough energy for the dog to thrive but not gain excess weight. Some of them have also been known to have sensitive digestive systems, so the ingredients must be of good quality.

1. Protein – Like all dogs, Mini Schnauzers need high-quality protein from animal sources such as beef, pork, chicken, fish and eggs, or from plant-based sources. Adult ones need around 10 percent of their calories from protein.
2. Carbohydrates and fibre- These should be from plant sources, such as root vegetables, legumes, and cereal grains. Wheat products may cause weight gain in dogs when consumed in excess. Carbohydrates and fibre should constitute around 50 to 55 percent of total calories.
3. Fat – Dietary fats should be from animal sources or derived from nuts and seeds. Some of them can develop health problems due to excess fat, so it’s best to keep the fat content of their diet at around 5 percent of total calories.
4. Water – All dogs need water. Your Mini Schnauzer may need more or less depending on their activity level, overall health, and living environment. Dogs can self-regulate their water intake, so it’s best to have fresh, clean water available for them to drink at all times.

These are just guidelines for nutrient ratios in your Mini Schnauzer’s diet. It’s best to consult with your veterinarian if it has special dietary concerns.

The Best Mini Schnauzer Dog Food

Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer Adult Dry Dog Food

This dog food is specially formulated by the brand Royal Canin for Miniature Schnauzers older than 10 months. Royal Canin is the only brand we’ve found that makes breed-specific dog food for Mini Schnauzers, and it shows in both the shape and size of the kibble as well as the nutrient ratios.

They have a moderately blunt muzzle and a scissor bite, so the kibble is shaped for them to easily pick up and chew. The protein, carbohydrate and fat content is in line with the recommendations for Mini Schnauzers and comes from high-quality sources. It contains the essential vitamins and minerals for your dog to thrive, as well as enough fibre for proper digestion. The caloric content of the kibble is high enough for a moderately-active one without risking excess weight gain.

Overall, Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer Adult Dry Dog Food is our top pick. What’s even better is that there’s a version of this dog food for Mini Schnauzer puppies, as well. It retains most of the same traits, but with the proper macronutrient ratios for a growing puppy. This means you can easily swap from puppy food to adult food with minimal risk of an upset stomach since the protein, carbohydrate and fat sources are so similar.

Pros

• Specially formulated for Mini Schnauzers
• Easy to eat
• Easy to digest
• Enough Omega-3 fats for a healthy coat and skin
• Good for controlling weight

Cons

• None

Other Mini Schnauzer Dog Food Options

Wellness Small Breed Adult Turkey & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food

While not breed-specific dog food, Wellness Small Breed Adult Turkey & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food was formulated for small breeds, making it appropriate for Mini Schnauzers. The nutrient sources are of good quality and the Omega fatty acids help keep the dog’s coat and skin healthy.

There are few complaints about the taste as well, making this a good choice for picky eaters. Overall, this dog food will keep your Mini Schnauzer happy and healthy, so we heartily recommend it.

Pros

• Good nutrient ratios
• Easy to eat
• Omega fatty acids for healthy coat and skin
• Popular with picky eaters

Cons

• Somewhat expensive

Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

This dry dog food was designed for small breeds, so it’s a good choice for any Mini Schnauzer. The crunchy texture makes it easy to eat, and the protein sources are high-quality. It uses a blend of Omega fatty acids to keep the dog’s coat and skin healthy. It also contains amino acids to improve joint health and boost the immune system.

Because it’s based on whole foods, it’s a good pick for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. The only thing that we don’t like is that it’s very dense and will not soak up water or broth if your Mini Schnauzer prefers their food to be moistened.

Pros

• Based on whole foods
• Easy to eat
• Good for dogs with food sensitivities
• Affordable

Cons

• Kibble cannot be moistened

True Acre Foods Grain-Free Chicken & Vegetable Dry Dog Food

This dog food was created with only high-quality ingredients using a whole foods approach. We like that it has a well-balanced formula of macronutrients, mainly using complex carbohydrates so your dog stays energetic for longer. It’s completely grain-free, which may be beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities.

The only thing we dislike is the size of the kibble, which seems to be a bit large for the Mini Schnauzer to pick up and chew. Otherwise, it’s a great option if you have a place to store the large bags it comes in.

Pros

• Good nutrient ratios
• Grain-free
• Contains Omega fatty acids and antioxidants
• Very affordable

Cons

• Not small breed specific
• Bags only come in larger sizes

Keep Your Mini Schnauzer Healthy With High-Quality Dog Food

Your dog’s diet is one of the biggest factors in their overall health and happiness. We think it’s a good idea to give your dog the best food that you can afford. Not only does this keep them energetic and happy, but it also prevents them from developing medical issues that may end up costing you more in the long run. Any of these options we’ve presented to you today will be a good choice for your Mini Schnauzer.