
Rhodesian Ridgeback is usually a medium-large dog breed with origins from the southern part of Africa. Back in Southern Africa, it was bred to hunt down lions and other wild beasts around them hence the name ‘African Lion Hounds’.
It won’t be gainsaying if one refers to this dog breed as one of the incredible breeds around. Determination, power, and durability; these are words that best fit the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Cheers to everyone with a Rhodesian friend. We will be sharing with you some of the best dog food for Rhodesian Ridgeback.
RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK’S DIET REQUIREMENTS
For someone who owns a Rhodesian Ridgeback, understanding its diet will go a long way to help keep the dog healthy. Of course, all dogs have the same nutritional needs – at least, one the basic level. However, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is quite different; while there are dogs that are relatively fat and muscular, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is on the other hand: thin and muscular.
What this simply means is that it will require lots of protein. The protein is meant to help with healthy body weight (or at least, to help maintain it). Fat, on the other hand, helps with a concentrated source of energy.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Diet requirements
Puppy Rhodesian Ridgeback Diet
When Rhodesian Ridgebacks are in the Puppy stage, they need a minimum of 8% fat and 22% protein in their diet. It is important to take note of this as it will determine the dog’s growth and development. You could go for the large – breed recipe as they are known to contain the perfect ratio of nutrients. Which are known to help with the growth of the puppy without tampering with the dog’s growth process. Large – breed recipes won’t hasten the growth of your dog, but it will support it.
Adult Rhodesian Ridgeback Diet
The Adult Rhodesian Ridgebacks, on the other hand, will require fewer fats and protein in their diets. When they reach this size, one should switch to diets with a minimum of 5% fat and 18% protein. To help maintain lean muscle mass, more protein will be needed. Meanwhile, moderate fat will help support your dog for more energy.
Senior Rhodesian Ridgeback Diet
Rhodesian ridgebacks are usually at risk for obesity when their metabolism slows down. This is why you need to feed it a little. You could also switch to a healthier weight formula. Always go for a senior weight formula too; all of these will help protect your dog health-wise.
Dog food is of quality if it contains the necessary level of fat, carbohydrate, and protein. Always look out for the basic requirements for these three (protein, fats, and carbohydrates). Speaking of quality food, you can also try supplements, vegetables, and fresh fruits. Vegetables and Fresh fruits are natural sources of essential nutrients.
Rather than opting in for synthetic supplements, veggies and fruits are more valuable to your dog’s health. To help to soothe your dog’s digestibility, and probiotics should be at the top of the list; they are good for healthy digestion. Chondroitin and Glucosamine provide support for your dog’s joint.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Feeding Chart
When it comes to feeding your Rhodesian Ridgeback, it is important to always look out for quality dog food. While you need a quality dry dog food for a full-grown Rhodesian Ridgeback, the puppies, on the other hand, require top-quality name brand puppy meal.
Ridgeback owners usually make the mistake of going to “People food.” These people food put these puppies at the risk of having vitamin and mineral imbalances and bone problems. For:
Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy
Rhodesian puppies that are between eight to twelve weeks require 4 meals daily. They need a viable source of energy; one that is steady and reliable. For puppies that are within 3 to 6 months, they are to be fed 3 meals daily. The energy is required to help with the pup’s growth, and the protein helps with strong muscles.
It is important to note that after a few months (approximately 6 months), one should consider toning everything down to avoid overgrowth. One of the main causal agents of musculoskeletal issues is ‘overgrowth.’ This is why you need to tone things down. Finally, for puppies that are within 6 months to a year should be fed two bowls of food every day.
Adult Rhodesian Ridgeback
For ridgebacks that are 1 year old, a bowl within 24 hours is ideal. But this is optional as some ridgebacks are known to eat two lighter meals too. You just have to be conversant with your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s eating abilities.
Senior Rhodesian Ridgeback
For Senior Rhodesian Ridgebacks, you should also look out for meals with joint-supporting nutrients. This is important for senior Rhodesian Ridgebacks. When a Rhodesian Ridgeback gets to this stage (senior Rhodesian Ridgeback), you will have to scale down on the feeding and switch to recipes that help prevent obesity. One recipe that readily comes to mind is the large – breed senior recipe.

Must Have Ingredients for Rhodesian Ridgeback Food
Like we said earlier, ridgebacks are also needed quality food. When you feed your dog with a cheap dog meal, you are bound to get poor results. From omega 3 fatty acids to Folic acids, some ingredients shouldn’t be missing from your dog’s food.
- Folic Acid
One of the must-have ingredients for Rhodesians Ridgebacks is Folic Acid. Especially for the adult female Ridgebacks. It is known to help protect the puppies from Dermoid Sinus; a condition known to affect the canine’s spine. Raising their chances of being infected with other diseases such as ulcers and meningitis.
- Omega 3 Fatty Acid
Just as we stated earlier, omega 3 fatty acid is an essential piece to premium-quality dog food. To help maintain a healthy heart, omega 3 fatty acid is needed. It also ensures that the dog food is well equipped to keep the canine’s heart at the optimal level.
5 Best Dog Food For Rhodesian Ridgeback With Details
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Contains high in protein
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Low in fat
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soya, corn, wheat, and grain-free
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Improve eyesight
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Good for a healthy digestive system
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Good for dog with allergy and sensitive stomach
- Blue Buffalos are relatively expensive then others.
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It has low calories.
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The Taste of the Wild is grain-free.
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Great for controlling your dog’s weight.
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It is rich in chelated minerals, fatty acids, prebiotics, probiotics, carbohydrates, and animal proteins.
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The primary source of fat is canola oil (plant-based).
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It also contains potato and pea protein, which are both plant proteins.
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Contains plant proteins. So, not ideal for all Rhodesian Ridgebacks
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It contains natural ingredients
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It is highly digestible
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The chicken ingredients may not be edible for dogs that are sensitive to chicken ingredients
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It is not grain-free
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The Solid Gold – Wolf king, is holistic, which makes it great for dogs with allergies.
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Made in the United States.
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Great for Rhodesian Ridgebacks with skin irritations.
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It is low in calories.
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The solid gold wolf – the king is a great choice for weight control.
- It is relatively expensive.
- Dermoid Sinus
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart Disease
How many Calories Does a Rhodesian Ridgeback Need?
Food Rhodesian Ridgebacks are Allergic to
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Grains
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Soy
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Wheat
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Corn