Finding the right dog food for an Old English Sheepdog can seem overwhelming. With their sensitive stomachs, joint issues, and demanding energy needs for herding duties, proper nutrition is vital but tough to nail down. This guide cuts through marketing claims to reveal the top 10 dry dog foods truly tailored to support an Old English Sheepdog’s breed-specific digestive health, skeletal development, muscle maintenance, and coat nourishment.
Rank | Brand | Key Features | Ingredients | Expert and Customer Insights |
1 | James Wellbeloved Adult Large Breed Turkey & Rice | Hypoallergenic benefits for sensitive dogs, Importance of single-source animal protein, Supports skin and coat health | Turkey protein, Brown rice, Linseed, Omega oils, Prebiotics | Ideal for Old English Sheepdogs prone to sensitivities and skin issues, Promotes healthy digestion and nutrient absorption, Maintains healthy skin and lustrous coats |
2 | Iams Complete Dry Dog Food For Senior Large Breeds With Chicken | Tailored nutrition for senior Old English Sheepdogs, Digestive health and immune support, Maintains skin, coat, and dental health | Chicken and egg protein, Glucosamine and chondroitin, Essential fatty acids, Vitamins and minerals | Designed for aging Old English Sheepdogs, Supports joint health, digestion, immunity, skin and coats, Helps senior dogs maintain a healthy weight |
3 | Iams Complete Dry Dog Food For Adult Large Breeds With Lamb | High-quality protein for muscle health, Enhancing skin and coat health, Supporting digestive health and dental care | Lamb and egg protein, Omega fatty acids, Prebiotics, Minerals | Suitable for active adult Old English Sheepdogs, Supports muscle, skin, coat, digestion and dental health, Ensures overall vitality and energy levels |
4 | Harringtons Complete Large Breed Dry Dog Food Lamb & Rice | Joint health and mobility for large breeds, Digestive health for sensitive stomachs, Immune system support and overall health | New Zealand lamb protein, Glucosamine and chondroitin, Vitamins E and B, Prebiotic fibres | Aids in maintaining mobility, digestion, and immune health, Beneficial for Old English Sheepdogs with joint and digestive sensitivities, Promotes overall wellbeing |
5 | Harringtons Advanced Science Diet Large Breed Dry Dog Food | Natural and balanced diet for optimal health, Vet endorsed formulation for large breeds, Tailored nutrition for large breed requirements | Natural proteins like chicken, Wholesome carbs, Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables | Provides complete nutrition for Old English Sheepdogs, Formulated with veterinary insight, Supports musculoskeletal health and energy needs |
As a breed prone to sensitivities, Old English Sheepdogs can greatly benefit from James Wellbeloved’s hypoallergenic recipe. This limited ingredient formula contains no common triggers like wheat, dairy or soy that can cause adverse reactions. Instead, it uses wholesome, natural ingredients that are gentle on sensitive stomachs.
The single source turkey protein is a hypoallergenic alternative that avoids exposure to multiple proteins which can increase the chance of an allergic response. Turkey is less likely to cause issues than chicken or beef. Combined with easily digestible carbohydrates from rice and peas, this gentle formula promotes healthy digestion. It contains digestive aids like prebiotics and yucca extract to support a balanced gut flora as well. Avoiding additives minimises gastrointestinal discomfort. With reduced risk of diarrhoea and vomiting, nutrients are better absorbed.
The limited ingredients also help minimise skin irritations and flare ups. Dander, flaking and hot spots are less likely thanks to the diet’s soothing properties. This is important for the Old English Sheepdog prone to dermatitis and other skin issues requiring expensive vet care. Overall, James Wellbeloved’s sensitivity-focused formula aids digestion, nutrient absorption and skin health for improved wellbeing.
As an energetic large breed, the Old English Sheepdog requires sufficient protein for developing and maintaining muscle mass and an active lifestyle. James Wellbeloved provides a concentrated 29% turkey protein level with high bioavailability for lean muscle growth and repair.
Turkey is an excellent singled-sourced protein for dogs. It has a high biological value, meaning the body can efficiently utilise its essential amino acids. These amino acids cannot be synthesised by the body so must come from diet. Turkey contains optimal levels of amino acids like lysine and cysteine to encourage muscle protein synthesis. This supports strength, endurance and mobility – important for a working, herding breed like the Old English Sheepdog.
As the sole animal protein source, turkey avoids issues with multi-protein diets. Rotating proteins can overwork the liver and kidneys as they metabolise different amino acid makeups. Sticking to just highly digestible turkey places less strain on bodily systems while still providing sufficient protein. This contributes to long-term health and longevity for bigger dogs prone to joint issues later in life.
Maintaining the correct balance of oils and nutrients is crucial for healthy skin and lustrous coats in Old English Sheepdogs. James Wellbeloved includes omega oils, vitamins and botanicals to nourish skin and fur from the inside out.
Linseed provides omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA that reduce inflammation, excessive skin cell growth and flaking. Omega-6 rich sunflower oil also supports skin integrity and moisture balance. Vitamins A, D3, E and zinc promote collagen production and skin renewal as well. These nutrients ensure the dermis and coat follicles stay in excellent condition.
Prebiotics from chicory nourish beneficial gut bacteria, which benefits coat health and appearance. Natural yucca extract reduces odours from the skin and ears caused by yeast overgrowth as well. With high grooming needs, the Old English Sheepdog benefits greatly from these natural ingredients supporting cleaner, flake-free and more lustrous fur.
In conclusion, James Wellbeloved Adult Large Breed Turkey & Rice provides a balanced, easily digested diet suited to the Old English Sheepdog’s size, activity and sensitivities. With limited, natural ingredients it avoids allergens and gut irritation. Turkey protein specifically supports lean muscle mass important for strength and mobility. Added skin and coat conditioners reduce discomfort, odours and grooming needs as well. Overall, it provides complete daily nutrition to keep this active breed healthy and happy.
The aging process brings various health changes that require special dietary considerations. As Old English Sheepdogs reach 7+ years, they benefit greatly from senior-specific nutrition supporting joint health, digestive function, weight management and longevity.
Iams Senior Large Breed formula meets these unique requirements. Chicken and egg protein rebuild and maintain aging muscles while glucosamine and chondroitin support cartilage resilience and flexibility. Essential fatty acids from chicken fat ensure joint lubrication as well. This preserves mobility and activity for improved wellbeing.
Carefully balanced protein, fat and carbs provide energy for an active lifestyle without excess weight gain. As metabolism slows, managed calories reduce obesity risk which can worsen joint issues and shorten lifespan. Iams helps senior dogs achieve a healthy weight.
With 28 vitamins and minerals, Iams also supports immunity, organ health, skin and digestion. This nourishes the body from the inside out for sustained vitality in older dogs. In summary, tailored senior nutrition assists healthy aging changes in Old English Sheepdogs.
Common age-related issues like gastrointestinal sensitivity and weakened immunity are addressed in Iams’ senior recipe as well.
The specialised fiber blend with prebiotics and beet pulp ensures healthy digestion and nutrient absorption. Prebiotics encourage good gut flora which often declines with age, reducing diarrhoea and constipation. Beet pulp provides soluble fibre that positively impacts digestion. With more efficient nutrient uptake, dogs maintain healthy weight and muscle mass.
Antioxidants like vitamin E also boost immune health. This helps combat disease and infection risk that increases as dogs age. With supported digestion and immunity, overall health and comfort is improved.
Iams Senior Large Breed also contains omega fatty acids for skin and coat health which is essential to the Old English Sheepdog’s distinguished appearance. Omega-3 DHA and omega-6 support skin integrity and lustre while vitamin A nourishes coat follicles. This reduces dullness, shedding and flaking that can occur in older dogs.
Crunchy kibble texture helps clean teeth daily, reducing plaque and tartar buildup. With age, dental disease likelihood increases so maintaining healthy teeth and gums is important. This ensures lifelong ability to comfortably eat hard foods.
In conclusion, Iams Complete Dry Food For Senior Large Breeds delivers optimal nutrition for the unique needs of aging Old English Sheepdogs. With tailored protein, carbs, fat and micronutrients, it supports joint health, digestion, immunity, skin and coats. This allows senior dogs to continue enjoying an active, vibrant lifestyle in their later years while aging healthily.
Maintaining strength and energy levels is crucial for the Old English Sheepdog’s active herding lifestyle. Iams Adult Large Breed contains 27% high-quality protein from lamb and egg to preserve lean muscle mass.
As a richly flavoured red meat, lamb is highly palatable and bioavailable, meaning nutrients are efficiently absorbed. This includes essential amino acids for building and repairing muscle tissue after exercise. Lamb is also gentler on digestion than other proteins, supporting nutrient uptake.
With sufficient protein intake matched to energy needs, adult Old English Sheepdogs avoid excess weight gain which can burden joints. This supports long-term mobility – essential for a working breed prone to hip and elbow dysplasia later in life.
Overall, tailored protein levels deliver key support for muscle development, strength and metabolic health in active adult Old English Sheepdogs.
Omega fatty acids in Iams also cater to the appearance needs of the Old English Sheepdog. Omega-3 DHA from fish oil and omega-6 ARA ensure skin integrity and hydration balance. This reduces discomfort, flaking and irritation to the skin.
Vitamins A and E also nourish coat follicles down to the roots for fuller, shinier fur with less shedding. This is important for maintaining the admired long, double layered coat. With supported skin and coat health, the Old English Sheepdog’s characteristic elegant appearance thrives.
This life stage recipe additionally supports complete health with prebiotics for digestion and kibble texture for better oral care.
Prebiotics like dried beet pulp and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) feed beneficial bacteria which boosts nutrient absorption and gastrointestinal comfort. This ensures ideal stool consistency and avoids issues like diarrhoea. Complete digestion and gut health are essential for an active lifestyle.
Hard, crunchy kibble also helps clean teeth with daily chewing, reducing plaque and tartar buildup. Constant grazing of grass when herding makes dental care important in this breed. Maintained dental health ensures their ability to comfortably eat various textures as adults and into maturity.
In summary, Iams Adult Large Breed’s optimal balance of lamb protein, omega fatty acids, prebiotics and minerals deliver robust nutritional support for the Old English Sheepdog’s high activity and health needs. It truly covers all bases to help adult dogs thrive.
Ensuring lifelong mobility and ease of movement is crucial for a working breed like the Old English Sheepdog prone to joint dysplasias. Harringtons contains supplements that preserve connective tissue resilience.
Glucosamine HCL is the natural building block needed for healthy cartilage formation and shock absorption in joints. Chondroitin sulphate slows degenerative damage by inhibiting inflammatory enzymes. These ingredients help prevent issues like arthritis and lameness which can limit activity. They also alleviate pain and stiffness to improve comfort and quality of life when problems do occur.
With supported joint integrity, Old English Sheepdogs maintain the freedom and desire to stay active into maturity, reflecting good musculoskeletal health. The breed’s risk for weight gain and obesity, which burden joints further, is also reduced through an active lifestyle.
This gentle recipe also benefits the breed’s notoriously sensitive digestive system. Common symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting and flatulence can be worsened by rich proteins and inappropriate fibre levels.
Premium New Zealand lamb is more digestible due to its naturally higher Omega-3 content than other red meats, reducing inflammation in the gut. Whole grain brown rice offers better tolerance with gentle fibre nourishment of intestinal walls compared to wheat or corn.
Beet pulp provides specialised nutrition fibre that positively impacts digestion. It adjusts intestinal transit times for ideal stool consistency while acting as a prebiotic to nourish healthy gut flora for improved nutrient absorption. This aids in maintaining a healthy weight as well.
With comfortable digestion, the Old English Sheepdog can enjoy their food and avoid issues keeping them from their energetic, playful selves. Digestive health promotes overall wellbeing.
This dry food additionally supports the innate health needs of the Old English Sheepdog with Vitamin E, Omega oils and antioxidants.
Vitamin E and Omega 3 fight inflammation and cell damage from free radicals, stimulating circulation and immunity for disease resistance. This helps combat risks of bacterial and viral infections which tend to afflict the thick-coated breed.
Biotin and zinc also contribute antioxidants and help metabolise fatty acids for maximised energy. Maintained organ function through mineral balance reduces waste buildup like tear staining as well.
With Harringtons Complete’s support of skeletal strength, gentle digestion and immune defence, the Old English Sheepdog enjoys the optimal health to thrive in their intense herding duties and family life.
Quality nutrition begins with quality ingredients selected by nutritional experts to deliver complete, harmonious nourishment. Harringtons avoids artificial additives, focusing solely on natural proteins like chicken, wholesome carbs and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.
This balance ensures optimal intake of all essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals needed to fuel and protect the body. Natural prebiotic fibres also support digestion and nutrient absorption without gastrointestinal irritation that commonly affects the sensitive Old English Sheepdog. Wholesome nutrition empowers the immune system, organ function, energy levels and cellular communication as well.
Overall, the natural diet optimises all aspects of health from inside out, free of negatives from excess or deficiencies. This is the ultimate pathway to wellbeing and longevity.
While most dog foods meet minimal standards, this recipe goes above and beyond with specialised large breed nutrition backed by science and professional veterinary insight.
Formulated by PhD and veterinary nutrition experts, Harringtons Advanced contains precise ratios of proteins and minerals tailored for heavyweight dogs’ higher musculoskeletal demands. This includes ample calcium and phosphorus for proper skeletal development in young dogs, preventing bone deformities. There is also glucosamine and chondroitin to protect aging connective tissue and joints.
Higher energy needs are met with 30% protein and 15% fat without overburdening internal organs. This prevents dangerous rapid growth in adolescents as well. With sound structural and metabolic health supporting mobility and comfort, Old English Sheepdogs enjoy an active lifestyle protecting against obesity – a top detriment impacting life expectancy and quality.
In summary, following superior veterinarian guidance ensures nutritional needs specific to genetic predispositions are fully addressed for the best possible wellness.
From nutritional percentages to ingredient selection, this formula delivers advantageously tailored complete nutrition that caters to the Old English Sheepdog’s size, energy expenditure and health tendencies.
Higher protein intake sustains the increased muscle mass crucial for strength and endurance in demanding, constant herding work. Omega fatty acids also enable sustained energy output and joint shock absorption while avoiding inflammatory distress.
Strategic calorie levels prevent unhealthy rapid growth spikes but still fuel high drive working energy through nutrients over empty fillers. Lean mass is supported without excess body fat putting more stress on already heavy frames.
Finally, tailored mineral content sustains sound skeletal development, resilience and fluidity to uphold the mobility so vital to a largely outdoor vocation and unending play drive with families.
In a nutshell, this specialised diet takes the unique blueprint of the Old English Sheepdog into account to deliver advantages traditional generic foods cannot. Trusted veterinary oversight ensures the specific needs of big dogs are fully satisfied for good health today and years to come.
The Old English Sheepdog thrives on constant stimulation and rigorous activity requiring substantial caloric energy. As a large, dense breed reaching over 90 lb. as adults, calorie needs are also higher just for everyday maintenance compared to smaller dogs.
Gilbertson & Page Arkwrights provides concentrated nutrition that meets increased energy requirements. Quality complete proteins like beef and chicken offer a rich protein level of 18% to nourish and preserve ample muscle tissue which fuels movement. Animal fats like chicken fat maintain energy reserves as well, providing over 150 kcal ME per 100g to sustain vigorous work and play without rapid depletion leading to exhaustion or weight loss.
With sufficient dietary energy to match their high drive, this nutritionally reinforced fuel tank helps Old English Sheepdogs happily keep pace with their demanding duties across extensive terrain over long hours. Nutrient fortification assists in building and preserving high performance abilities.
In addition to sustained energy, this recipe also delivers balanced nutrition optimal for growth, maintenance and health.
Beef and chicken offer high bioavailability as complete proteins, meaning their full amino acid profiles including essentials like lysine and leucine are efficiently absorbed for both muscle development and continual rebuilding. This nourishes strength and mass to heft and direct livestock while also transporting ample oxygen to working muscles.
Chicken fat also provides hearty taste along with omega fatty acids dogs cannot internally produce like linoleic acid. These support cell membrane flexibility, resilience and intercommunication. A blend of seven natural antioxidants additionally protects cells from damage.
With sound nutritional reinforcement, the natural physical abilities and performance potential of the Old English Sheepdog can truly thrive both structurally and metabolically. A diet fit for champions!
Rounding out this breed-appropriate diet, crunchy kibble texture helps clean teeth while added vitamins and minerals support digestion. Chewing activity scrapes away accumulating plaque bacteria to preserve dental health. This ensures lifelong ability to comfortably eat a variety of textures.
A precise balance of calcium and phosphorus also sustains efficient nutrient assimilation for hydration and waste elimination. Metabolic balancing reduces excessive tear staining as well. Probiotics promote a diverse healthy gut microbiome for improved digestion and immunological function.
With comprehensive nutrition catering to all aspects of health in energetic herd-driving companions, Gilbertson & Page empowers the Old English Sheepdog to thrive every day.
As a longhaired breed requiring heavy seasonal shedding, tailored skin and coat care ensures the Old English Sheepdog looks and feels their best. Eukanuba contains a perfected ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids to nourish skin and fur.
Omega-6 lipids like linoleic acid maintain structural barrier integrity for reduced water loss and enhanced insulation. Gloss-enhancing omega-3s EPA and DHA nourish roots and follicles for silkier texture and lustre while also regulating inflammation. This minimises discomfort, flaking or itching.
Vitamins A and E additionally revitalise dermal layers and coat growth cycles from within while zinc and biotin smooth keratinisation. With total skin and fur fortification, the magnificence and distinction of the breed radiates through.
This recipe also delivers advantage for dental and musculoskeletal health. Unique kibble texture combined with calcium enforcement scrubs away plaque bacteria to reduce painful gum decay and tooth loss risk while invigorating fresh breath.
High quality proteins like salmon supply essential amino acids to nourish lean muscle development, maintenance and efficiency. This preserves strength and mobility for tireless acceleration and agility managing livestock across extensive terrain. Barley avoids digestive sensitivity that could limit nutrient absorption while still providing sustained energy for the breed’s enduring stamina.
Together, dental vitality and resilient musculoskeletal metabolism uphold two pivotal facets enabling continuation of the Old English Sheepdog’s signature energetic working abilities protecting livestock. Fitness supports function!
Comprehensive wellness advantages are rounded out with EPA/DHA immunomodulation, antioxidants that protect cells from free radical damage and probiotics facilitating digestion.
Boosted circulation, blood cell and antibody production improve infection response and speed of healing. This reduces downtime from common illnesses. Antioxidants also neutralise bodily toxins from metabolic waste and environmental factors that would otherwise accumulate causing systemic stress over time.
With whole body fortification, enriched health spans and quality of life help the Old English Sheepdog continue doing what they love with less impediment as they biologically thrive.
In essence, Eukanuba’s breed-tailored recipe supplies complete, advantage-driven nutrition to match the Old English Sheepdog’s needs for sustained wellbeing as hardy herding protectors.
The primary fuel for muscular Old English Sheepdogs engaged in rigorous livestock herding is quality animal protein from fresh chicken. As the #1 ingredient and protein source, chicken offers a concentrated 30% protein level containing all 10 essential amino acids required for building, preserving and powering muscle tissue through contracting movement.
Chicken also has a high biological value meaning it is efficiently digested and assimilated for maximal retention and bioavailability without excess waste. This effectively nourishes muscle mass and efficient metabolic function.
With sufficient protein continually replenishing muscular and organ systems exerted through high activity, Eukanuba empowers the Old English Sheepdog to happily sustain enduring speed, agility and liveliness carrying out their protective livestock duties without depletion or exhaustion leading to injury.
This tailor-made recipe also leverages the proprietary 3D DentaDefense system to support oral health. Unique kibble texture, chemical composition and size scrubs away plaque bacteria with enhanced effectiveness compared to conventional kibbles.
This reduces gum infection risks leading to pain, tooth loss and systemic inflammation which can enter the bloodstream. Continual effective teeth cleaning also freshens breath.
Maintained ability to fully chew and enjoy food improves digestive capacity and nutrient assimilation as well – pivotal factors enabling the Old English Sheepdog’s sustained high energy requirements for performance longevity.
Rounding out holistic nutrition advantages, whole grain wheat fibres and prebiotics aid comfortable digestion while vitamins and chelated minerals optimise nutritional uptake.
Gentle fibres adjust intestinal motility for healthy stool formation eliminating constipation or irritation. Prebiotic FOS feeds beneficial microbiome strains, enhancing nutritional extraction and gut barrier function. This reduces leakage triggering immune responses that can lead to food intolerance.
Bioavailable vitamin chelates also ensure micronutrients like iron, zinc and copper are fully absorbed to synthesise enzymes, proteins and cells vital for energy production rather than being flushed out through waste.
In essence, Eukanuba’s breed-tailored recipe supplies complete, advantage-driven nutrition to match the Old English Sheepdog’s needs for sustained wellbeing as hardy herding protectors.
While still requiring robust nutrition for size and breed predispositions, aging or less active Old English Sheepdogs have lower metabolic demands than their youthful working prime. Dr John Silver provides appropriate energy, protein and nutrient levels to match this change.
With 18% high quality protein from British beef and added amino acids, less active adult dogs maintain muscle mass for strength, mobility and ideal body condition without unnecessary excess. Balanced fat fuels basic movement and warmth without overworking internal organs. Chelated vitamins and minerals also optimise nutritional absorption. This contaminant-free diet sustains adequate health and vigour while avoiding weight gain during decreased exercise.
As dogs reach maturity, Dr John Silver gently meets altering nutritional requirements while supporting longevity and comfort. The easily digestible limited recipe eases gastrointestinal workload as well. Gentle energy fuels basic exercise like short walks while the body rests.
Dr John Silver also contains joint wellness and dental care advantages essential for senior dogs. Glucosamine, chondroitin and yucca extract preserve aging connective tissue, cartilage and synovial fluid which cushion joint impact. This maintains flexibility and comfort reducing arthritis stiffness or limping issues.
Crunchy kibble texture also helps clean teeth to reduce bacteria accumulation leading to plaque, tartar and gum disease. Plus vitamin C enhances immunity and collagen production for wound and bone healing. By including skeletal and dental reinforcement, this recipe helps aging Old English Sheepdogsretain active enjoyment of life.
Skin and coat health are supported with vitamin E, zinc and omega oils containing natural essential fatty acids from plant and fish sources.
Essential omega-3 DHA and omega-6 nourish skin hydration, suppleness and hair follicle anchoring to reduce environmental irritation and shedding. Zinc accelerates cell renewal and healing while vitamin E calms inflammation.
With comfortably nourished skin and fur, aged or less active dogs maintain the regal coat inherent to the breed with less dermal distress or grooming exertion. Peak condition no longer has to be an uphill battle.
A limited ingredient diet built around gentle animal protein and grain reduces irritation in digestion-prone Old English Sheepdogs. Pasture-raised lamb offers a novel, easily tolerated protein source with bioavailable amino acids to support muscle repair and maintenance without overtaxing delicate stomachs.
Whole grain brown rice slowly releases encased nutrients to provide sustained energy for an active breed. Prebiotics including chicory nourish beneficial bacteria, enhancing nutritional extraction while probiotics like Bacillus coagulans additionally balance gut flora for healthy stool consistency and avoided diarrhoea. Overall gastrointestinal comfort allows this sensitive breed to gain full nutritional benefit from their food.
Maintaining the glorious coat is also supported throughnutrient cofactors. Zinc accelerates skin turnover and healing while biotin ensures hydration balance for sheen and luster. Vitamin A nourishes follicles and hair anchoring while Omega 3 DHA regulates inflammation and oil production preventing dry itchiness that could lead to hot spots. With both dermal and fur reinforcement, the coat remains a crowning emblem of the breed.
Rounding out nutritional support, Complete Dry Food provides bone and cartilage fortification essential to lifelong mobility in active, heavier set herding dogs. Vitamin D regulates calcium absorption while phosphorus deposits calcium into bone matrix to avoid skeletal abnormalities or fractures. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate maintain joint capsule elasticity and synovial cushioning preventing early onset arthritis.
With musculoskeletal vitality, Old English Sheepdogsavoid detrimental mobility losses threatening both working ability and quality of later years. They continue enjoying high activity pain-free while avoiding obesity stressing joint integrity. This recipe helps provide for genetic potential.
In essence, this diet delivers advantage-focused nutrition tailored to sensitivities and high drive in the Old English Sheepdog for sustained health inside and out. Complete care empowers complete living.