A gentle giant, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a beloved family member in many households around the world. These medium-large-sized, sweet, and sensitive dogs are equally intelligent and energetic, making them the perfect friend, playmate, and jogging partner if that’s your thing. They’re also a healthy breed for the most part, with a lifespan averaging 10–12 years.
In terms of health issues, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are prone to joint issues1 like hip and elbow dysplasia. They also love nothing more than playing and exercising, so picking out high-quality dog food to support their joints and energy level is key.
If you’re not sure where to start, these reviews are a round-up of our top recommendations for Rhodesian Ridgebacks. If your Rhodesian Ridgeback has health issues, we recommend running any dietary changes by your vet first to make sure the new food would suit them.
It’s also a good idea to bear in mind that not every type of food will be suitable for every dog as every dog is an individual with unique needs. While we chose these products based on largely positive reviews, there’s no cast-iron guarantee that a product will sit well with your dog or that they’ll enjoy it.
A Glance at Our Winners in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Ollie Fresh Dog Food Subscription
High-quality protein sources
Personalized recommendations
Rich in nutrients
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Best Value
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food
Made with real chicken
High in protein for healthy muscle development
Supports an active lifestyle
Check Price
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Large Breed
Supports healthy mobility
Contains EPA from fish oil for joint health
Contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support cartilage
Check Price
Best for Puppies
Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy
Contains omega-3 fatty acids
Supports brain and visual development
Made with real chicken
Check Price
Vet’s Choice
Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food
Made with real salmon
Supports joints, hips, and healthy coat
Suitable for all breeds
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The 10 Best Dog Foods for Rhodesian Ridgebacks
1. Ollie Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall
Click Here to Save 50% with Ollie
Main ingredients Beef, chicken, turkey, or lamb (depends on the recipe), various vegetables (depends on the recipe)
Protein content Baked food 26% min, Fresh recipes – 10–12% (varies by recipe)
Fat content Baked food – 16% min, Fresh recipes – 5–10% (varies by recipe)
Calories Baked food – 3850 kcal ME/kg, Fresh recipes – varies by recipe
If you’re looking for the convenience of having your dog’s food delivered to your door on a scheduled basis, you might want to consider Ollie Fresh Dog Food. Ollie is a dog food delivery service specializing in baked and fresh recipes. By taking a quick quiz on Ollie’s website, you can get personalized meal recommendations based on your dog’s calculated optimum calories per day, their activity level, age, breed and likes and dislikes.
Ollie also takes into account any allergies or sensitivities your dog may have. The fresh recipes are made up of high-quality protein sources (beef, lamb, chicken, and turkey) depending on the flavor your dog likes best and are packed with healthy fruits and veggies like sweet potatoes, kale, butternut squash, blueberries, and cranberries.
Ollie is our overall best dog food for Rhodesian Ridgebacks pick for its high-quality ingredients and personalized approach.
Pros
High-quality protein sources
Personalized recommendations
Rich in nutrients
Delivered on your schedule
No fillers or preservatives
Offers grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes
Cons
Expensive
Some reviewers mention delivery and customer service issues
This grain-free chicken recipe by Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food is our best dog food for Rhodesian Ridgebacks for the money recommendation. High in protein (34% min), nutritionist-developed, and formulated to keep dogs as healthy and active as possible, we think this is an option worth considering for energetic Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
High-quality protein sources
Personalized recommendations
Rich in nutrients
Delivered on your schedule
No fillers or preservatives
Offers grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes
- High-quality protein sources
- Personalized recommendations
- Rich in nutrients
- Delivered on your schedule
- No fillers or preservatives
- Offers grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes
Expensive
Some reviewers mention delivery and customer service issues
- Expensive
- Some reviewers mention delivery and customer service issues
Main ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, pea protein
Protein content 34% min
Fat content 15% min
Calories 3599 kcal/kg, 409 kcal/cup
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The first ingredient is real chicken followed by chicken meal—we like that the meal protein source is named, which is a good indicator of quality. It also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and LifeSource Bits, which are an antioxidant blend in the form of small kibble pieces. On the downside, some dogs weren’t keen on the LifeSource bit and picked them out.
Pros
Made with real chicken
High in protein for healthy muscle development
Supports an active lifestyle
Contains antioxidant-infused LifeSource bits
Cons
Fussy dogs may pick out the LifeSource bits
Hill’s Science Diet Healthy Mobility is designed to support your dog’s joint and hip health. Chicken meal is the main ingredient followed by brewer’s rice, and the recipe also contains EPA from fish oil. EPA is good for keeping your dog’s joint cartilage in good shape, which in turn helps keep them mobile and active.
Made with real chicken
High in protein for healthy muscle development
Supports an active lifestyle
Contains antioxidant-infused LifeSource bits
- Made with real chicken
- High in protein for healthy muscle development
- Supports an active lifestyle
- Contains antioxidant-infused LifeSource bits
Fussy dogs may pick out the LifeSource bits
- Fussy dogs may pick out the LifeSource bits
Main ingredients Chicken meal, brewers rice, whole grain sorghum, brown rice
Protein content 17% min, 28% max
Fat content 12% min
Calories 367 kcal/cup
This recipe has received plenty of reviews from happy customers citing how well it went down even with finicky eaters and some say that there have been notable improvements mobility-wise. Of course, not every dog enjoyed it. A few users weren’t happy with the kibble size and found it too large for their dogs. As Rhodesian Ridgebacks are pretty large, though, it might be a good fit.
Pros
Supports healthy mobility
Contains EPA from fish oil for joint health
Contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support cartilage
Lots of positive reviews
Cons
Kibble size may be too large for some dogs
4. Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy Food – Best for Puppies
For puppies, we recommend this large breed recipe by Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy Food. Formulated for puppies up to 18 months of age, it’s made with real chicken and other ingredients include kale, and spinach—two vitamin-packed vegetables that are a source of iron, antioxidants, and beta-carotene.
Supports healthy mobility
Contains EPA from fish oil for joint health
Contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support cartilage
Lots of positive reviews
- Supports healthy mobility
- Contains EPA from fish oil for joint health
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support cartilage
- Lots of positive reviews
Kibble size may be too large for some dogs
- Kibble size may be too large for some dogs
Main ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain sorghum, whole grain brown rice
Protein content 26% min
Fat content 14%
Calories 3622 kcal/kg, 379 kcal/cup
This formula also contains DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids to support brain health and glucosamine and chondroitin to support the developing joints. Some users found that this recipe was helpful for their puppies with sensitive stomachs, so it may be a good choice for puppies with digestive problems. Some users praised the quality of the food but commented that their dogs just weren’t keen on the flavor.
Pros
Contains omega-3 fatty acids
Supports brain and visual development
Made with real chicken
Antioxidant-rich
Overwhelmingly positive reviews
Cons
Only one bag size (30 lbs)
Our vet’s choice for Rhodesian Ridgebacks is this Merrick Healthy Grains salmon recipe which is made with brown rice and ancient grains including quinoa. This is another recipe containing glucosamine and chondroitin for joint and hip health and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to help keep the skin and coat shiny and healthy.
Contains omega-3 fatty acids
Supports brain and visual development
Made with real chicken
Antioxidant-rich
Overwhelmingly positive reviews
- Contains omega-3 fatty acids
- Supports brain and visual development
- Made with real chicken
- Antioxidant-rich
- Overwhelmingly positive reviews
Only one bag size (30 lbs)
- Only one bag size (30 lbs)
Main ingredients Deboned salmon, chicken meal, brown rice, barley
Protein content 25% min
Fat content 16% min
Calories 3739 kcal/kg, 396 kcal/cup ME
Best of all—it’s made with real deboned salmon, which is great for immunity and fighting inflammation. It’s also a good source of protein which keeps the muscles in good shape. According to positive user reviews, the kibble size is perfect and it’s a good choice for picky eaters. Others found the kibble size too small for larger dogs.
Pros
Made with real salmon
Supports joints, hips, and healthy coat
Suitable for all breeds
Mostly positive reviews
Cons
Kibble size may be too small for large dogs
If your Rhodesian Ridgeback has a sensitive stomach or skin, you might want to consider this Purina Pro Plan formula designed for dogs with these issues. It contains natural prebiotics, live probiotics, and oatmeal to aid digestion, as oatmeal is especially easy on the stomach. Sunflower oil is a source of omega-6 and nutrient-packed real salmon is the first ingredient.
Made with real salmon
Supports joints, hips, and healthy coat
Suitable for all breeds
Mostly positive reviews
- Made with real salmon
- Supports joints, hips, and healthy coat
- Suitable for all breeds
- Mostly positive reviews
Kibble size may be too small for large dogs
- Kibble size may be too small for large dogs
Main ingredients Salmon, barley, rice, oatmeal
Protein content 26% min
Fat content 12% min
Calories 3,511 kcal/kg, 373 kcal/cup
Some happy users commented that this recipe worked well for their sensitive dogs and that they spotted a reduction in unpleasant symptoms like itchy skin and diarrhea. Others weren’t so happy about a possible recent formula change and found the kibble too powdery.
Pros
May help dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs
Made with real salmon
Oatmeal for gentle digestion
Contains prebiotics and probiotics to aid digestion
Great reviews
Cons
Expensive
Kibble may be powdery
This Wellness Complete Health Adult Lamb & Barley recipe is, as its name suggests, formulated to support your dog’s whole-body health—immunity, skin, coat, eyes, teeth, gums, and the digestive tract. It contains antioxidant-rich blueberries and spinach, flaxseeds for an omega boost, and added taurine, vitamins, and minerals.
May help dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs
Made with real salmon
Oatmeal for gentle digestion
Contains prebiotics and probiotics to aid digestion
Great reviews
- May help dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs
- Made with real salmon
- Oatmeal for gentle digestion
- Contains prebiotics and probiotics to aid digestion
- Great reviews
Expensive
Kibble may be powdery
- Expensive
- Kibble may be powdery
Main ingredients Lamb, lamb meal, oatmeal, ground barley
Protein content 24% min
Fat content 12% min
Calories 3,655 kcal/kg, 417 kcal/cup ME
Lots of users commented on the flavor and how much it was enjoyed by their dogs and praised the kibble size. Some dogs weren’t keen on the flavor, but this can happen with new foods. If your dog has a chicken allergy, we recommend staying away from this recipe as even though lamb is the main ingredient, it still contains chicken fat.
Pros
Supports all areas of health
Antioxidant-rich
Quality protein source
Enjoyed by many dogs
Cons
Not suitable for dogs with poultry allergies
This Purina One formula is another recipe supporting overall health. The first ingredient is real lamb—a quality protein source to support muscle development. Vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, and selenium support the immune system. If your dog isn’t a fan of lamb, there are other flavors available, including chicken.
Supports all areas of health
Antioxidant-rich
Quality protein source
Enjoyed by many dogs
- Supports all areas of health
- Antioxidant-rich
- Quality protein source
- Enjoyed by many dogs
Not suitable for dogs with poultry allergies
- Not suitable for dogs with poultry allergies
Main ingredients Lamb, rice flour, whole grain corn, whole grain wheat
Protein content 26% min
Fat content 16% min
Calories 3,972 kcal/kg, 380 kcal/cup
It appears that most reviewers would recommend this product, with many praising the great taste and how their dogs can’t wait to wolf it down. Negative reviews mostly point to dogs not enjoying it, but this is always a risk we run with new foods. It’s also important to be aware that this product contains chicken by-product meal as well as lamb, so it’s not a good choice for dogs with poultry allergies.
Pros
Supports overall health
Made with real lamb
Contains vitamins E and A
Lots of great reviews
Cons
Not suitable for dogs with poultry allergies
Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie is a popular dog food brand that creates high-protein recipes based on what dogs would be eating in the wild. As such, this formula is made with a range of meat sources—water buffalo, pork, chicken meal, and roasted bison—and ancient grains. So, if your dog has exotic tastes beyond the standard protein sources typically included in dog foods, this one might be worth a shot!
Supports overall health
Made with real lamb
Contains vitamins E and A
Lots of great reviews
- Supports overall health
- Made with real lamb
- Contains vitamins E and A
- Lots of great reviews
Main ingredients Water buffalo, pork, chicken meal, grain sorghum
Protein content 32% min
Fat content 18% min
Calories 3,920 kcal/kg, 445 kcal/cup
Judging by the user reviews, this formula went down a treat with plenty of dogs, with tastiness and the quality of the ingredients being cited as two of its winning points. Some users found that it didn’t sit well with their dogs, though, and it’s important to note that this recipe contains chicken meal, so be careful if your dog has poultry allergies.
Pros
Variety of meat sources
High in protein
Affordable
Supports healthy digestion
Cons
Not suitable for dogs with poultry allergies
If your Rhodesian Ridgeback is more of a wet food fan, you might want to give this Blue Buffalo turkey recipe the once over. Apart from turkey, it contains a variety of garden vegetables including peas and sweet potatoes. Two things we can really appreciate about this wet food are that it can be offered as a meal or treat and that it contains no by-product meals—an indicator of high quality.
Variety of meat sources
High in protein
Affordable
Supports healthy digestion
- Variety of meat sources
- High in protein
- Affordable
- Supports healthy digestion
Main ingredients Turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, carrots
Protein content 8% min
Fat content 6% min
Calories 1,194 kcal/kg, 421 kcal/cup
According to reviews, plenty of users’ furry friends are enjoying this recipe, and some especially appreciated that it’s made with turkey instead of chicken for a change. As with almost every product, though, a few users commented that their dogs weren’t happy with the taste and texture, and some complained of cans arriving dented.
Pros
May benefit dogs who need more hydration
May benefit dogs on a diet
Made with real turkey
Contains no by-products
Can be fed as a meal or a snack
Cons
Cans may be dented on delivery
Wet food is lower in protein than dry food
Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Dog Food for Rhodesian Ridgebacks
When it comes to choosing suitable dog food for your Rhodesian Ridgeback, it’s easy to feel bowled over by all the options on the market. The easiest way to choose a brand is to narrow your options down based on a few factors, including:
May benefit dogs who need more hydration
May benefit dogs on a diet
Made with real turkey
Contains no by-products
Can be fed as a meal or a snack
- May benefit dogs who need more hydration
- May benefit dogs on a diet
- Made with real turkey
- Contains no by-products
- Can be fed as a meal or a snack
Cans may be dented on delivery
Wet food is lower in protein than dry food
- Cans may be dented on delivery
- Wet food is lower in protein than dry food
Your dog’s age
Your dog’s size
How active your dog is
Any allergies your dog has
Any health conditions your dog has
Whether your dog is on a weight management plan or some kind of special diet
Your dog’s meat and flavor preferences
Whether you’re going grain-free or sticking with grain-inclusive
Whether you prefer to-your-door fresh food delivery or commercial dog food you can buy online or in stores
Whether you want to feed fresh food or kibble
Your vet’s advice
If you’re ever uncertain or have any doubts about the best kind of food for your dog, your vet is the best person to ask. They’ll be able to recommend brands they trust and that they consider best for your dog’s needs.
Your dog’s age
Your dog’s size
How active your dog is
Any allergies your dog has
Any health conditions your dog has
Whether your dog is on a weight management plan or some kind of special diet
Your dog’s meat and flavor preferences
Whether you’re going grain-free or sticking with grain-inclusive
Whether you prefer to-your-door fresh food delivery or commercial dog food you can buy online or in stores
Whether you want to feed fresh food or kibble
Your vet’s advice
- Your dog’s age
- Your dog’s size
- How active your dog is
- Any allergies your dog has
- Any health conditions your dog has
- Whether your dog is on a weight management plan or some kind of special diet
- Your dog’s meat and flavor preferences
- Whether you’re going grain-free or sticking with grain-inclusive
- Whether you prefer to-your-door fresh food delivery or commercial dog food you can buy online or in stores
- Whether you want to feed fresh food or kibble
- Your vet’s advice
Conclusion
To recap our top picks if you’re still a little on the fence, we chose Ollie’s dog food delivery service, which uses high-quality ingredients and offers customized meal recommendations as our best overall choice. Our best value pick was the protein-rich Blue Buffalo’s chicken recipe from its Wilderness range and we went for the Hill’s Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Large Breed Chicken Meal Recipe as our third pick.
For puppies, we recommend the Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy chicken recipe, and, finally, our vet’s choice is Merrick’s Healthy Grains Real Salmon & Brown Rice with Ancient Grains Recipe.
We picked these products based on their suitability for large breeds, their high-quality protein sources and ingredients, mostly excellent user reviews, and, in some cases, their potential health benefits like joint care and mobility. We hope you’ve found these reviews useful and can click away with at least one perfect food for your smart, sweet Rhodesian Ridgeback in mind!
Sources
US Food & Drug Administration PDSA
Featured Image Credit: Couleur, Pixabay
- US Food & Drug Administration
- PDSA
