Best Dog Food for Greyhounds 2024

Written by Ellie Roddy

Veterinary reviewed by:

Published: 03/27/2024, edited: 03/27/2024

Best Dog Food for Greyhounds 2024 image

The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.


Greyhounds are famously used for racing. While many race tracks have since closed down and the racing of this breed is illegal in more than 42 US states, there’s a high chance — especially if you’ve rescued a Greyhound — that they’re retired from the track. But, even if you get this breed from a puppy, they’re still one of the fastest breeds in the world and so their diet may continue to reflect that of a racing Greyhound.  

This speedy breed requires high protein and fat from a whole source such as fish as well as more calories than most other dogs. Their need for high meat content means that many are fed a raw food diet. 

High-quality protein also builds muscle that will protect your dog’s joints and bones. This is important for Greyhounds as they’re prone to joint issues, particularly if they were rescued from racing and especially if they then gain too much weight. You should also look for food with glucosamine and chondroitin as this will help support healthy joints while calcium is beneficial for strong bones. 

This breed can also suffer from bloat so healthy, nutritious food that’s fed in smaller portions and ideally from a slow feeder elevated off the floor, will be best for them. They can also get skin issues and allergies so avoid food with fillers and additives including meat by-products and corn. 

If you have an Italian Greyhound, you should keep in mind that, while these are very active dogs so may have a fairly similar diet, they’re significantly smaller than the Greyhound. We recommend researching the best dog food for Italian Greyhounds, in this case.

So, with all that in mind, what is the best dog food for Greyhounds? 



Overview

Ollie

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As well as being a great option for Greyhounds, Ollie is also among the best dog food for Italian Greyhounds.

This is because Ollie will create a meal plan based on your dog's specific age, breed, weight, activity level and any allergies they may have. So you know your Greyhound is getting exactly what they need.

This fresh food brand has recipes for all life stages with flavors including: 

  • Beef with Sweet Potatoes
  • Pork with Apples
  • Lamb with Cranberries
  • Chicken with Carrots
  • Turkey with Blueberries

These meals, which are slow-cooked at low temperatures and developed by a veterinary nutritionist, are made with whole meat, vegetables and grains. There are no by-products or fillers. 

There’s also baked products. The two flavors you currently have to choose from are chicken and beef. 

Ollie Dog Food

Ollie Dog Food

Why Wag! Loves It

  • Slow-cooked, human-grade ingredients 
  • Meals designed specifically for your pup 
  • Delivered fresh to your door

Considerations & Concerns

  • You’ll have to sign up for a subscription 
  • The high-quality means a higher price tag 
  • You’ll need space in your freezer or refrigerator to store it 

What pet parents say about Ollie 

“Our greyhound had diarrhea the first 2 years we had him. Raw food helped a bit, but was awful---really unpleasant--- to handle in the kitchen. Another greyhound owner recommended Ollie. We chose the Chicken with Carrots recipe. Our dog loves it and it totally cured his digestive problem. Pleasant to handle. Smells good. And I love the home delivery and great customer service!”

“Cooper had pretty much stopped eating kibble no matter what we mixed in. He had loose stools, gas, and was tired all the time. We had thought it was because his kidney disease was worsening and being a 13 year old greyhound that he wasn’t long for this world. 

We were giving him appetite stimulants to even get him to take any food. We switched him to Ollie and he has never skipped a meal, he is having solid poops and his energy and clarity has improved. I think he will make it to 14! Thanks to Ollie for giving us the taste of more time.”

Read more reviews on Trustpilot.

Image sourced from the OIllie website. Copyright Ollie Pets, Inc.




Nom Nom

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5

Nom Nom is ideal as being among the best types of dog food for Greyhounds, especially those that require a specific diet for any of the health conditions they’re prone to. 

This is because they will create a meal plan based on their age, weight and any conditions. Plus, it’s pre-portioned so they get exactly the calories that they need. 

The meals, which are formulated by a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist, are gently cooked using human grade ingredients that will look good enough to eat yourself. 

You can choose from four flavors including beef, chicken and pork.  

Nom Nom Dog Food

Nom Nom Dog Food

Why Wag! Loves It

  • Human-grade ingredients with no fillers  
  • Meal plan created specifically for your dogs needs 
  • Delivered fresh to your door 

Considerations & Concerns

  • It’s high-quality food so it is quite expensive
  • There are only four recipes to choose from 
  • You need to have space to store it in your refrigerator or freezer  

What pet parents say about Nom Nom 

“My 4-year old greyhound loves the food. Licks the bowl to get every bit, which never happened prior to NomNomNow. I have recommended NomNomNow to my greyhound owning friends and others.”

“Very good quality food, great delivery service and timing. A little pricey but well worth it when the discount codes and special deals can be taken advantage of.”

“Love the content of "real food". Love the individual packaging for easy peel. Love the dry ice packs that dissipate in the box so I don't need to worry about tossing or recycling it. Love the auto notification before every delivery. You guys did everything right, please keep up the good work!”

Read more reviews on Trustpilot.

Image sourced from the Nom Nom website. Copyright NomNomNow Inc. 




Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe

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4.5
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Vet recommended

When this breed is racing, Greyhound dog food will typically include raw beef, lamb, mutton or chicken.

This gives the dog everything they need to give their best performance. Whether your pup has retired from the race track or never raced before, this may be something you would like to consider as part of their diet. 

This Merrick dog food has all the benefits of high protein and a raw food diet with  freeze-dried raw-coated kibble and freeze-dried raw dog food bites.

The poultry-free and grain-free food has all the nutrients they need plus vitamins, minerals and taurine

There are also other flavors to choose from if your pup isn’t keen on beef and lamb. Plus, there’s a healthy grains recipe for those that don’t require a grain-free diet and food specifically formulated for puppies. 

We think this Greyhound dog food is great but you don’t just have to take our word for it.

Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, pet nutrition expert and one of Wag!’s veterinary consultants says: “Merrick products are made with high-quality, whole food ingredients, and they use no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.”

Merrick Dog Food

Merrick Dog Food

Why Wag! Loves It

  • Real, deboned beef is the first ingredient 
  • Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids for their skin and coat
  • Glucosamine and chondroitin supports hips and joints

Considerations & Concerns

  • It’s more expensive than many other brands 
  • There are some concerns about raw food diets 
  • Some pet parents aren’t happy with the amount of freeze-dried pieces

What pet parents say about Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe

“I tried this because I like what Merrick puts in the food (or doesn't put in their food). I have a 2-year old female greyhound, and when I put this into her bowl, she uses her long nose to move the food around to find the raw infused bits and then she eats the rest. It is hilarious to watch! I will buy all the flavors of this raw-infused recipe.”

“My girl can be very picky when it comes to her food and she also develops a terribly severe skin allergy if anything has grain in it. I am no longer able to purchase her old brand of dog food that she had spent most of her life eating (she just had her 4th birthday.) 

A friend of mine gives her dog Merrick so she recommended it to me. I am so glad I did because both of my girl(s) LOVE it”

Read more reviews on Petco.

Image sourced from the Chewy website. Copyright Merrick Pet Care.




Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream

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Vet recommended

This is among the best food for Greyhounds that are retired from racing. That’s because they benefit from kibble with around 20% protein from the likes of chicken, beef, fish or lamb.

This Taste of the Wild is around 25% protein and salmon is the first ingredient. This helps to support healthy bones, joints and muscles.

If your greyhound isn’t a fan of fish, then there are other flavors to choose from which are equally high in protein, plus there’s also wet food which can be fed on its own or mixed in with this dry food.

There’s also an ancient grains range if your pup doesn’t require a grain-free diet.

We’re not the only ones who rate this food highly, it’s approved by vets too. Dr. Georgia Jeremiah says, “Taste of the Wild offers both wet and dry dog and cat foods for all life stages incorporating species-specific probiotics, antioxidants from ancient grains, fruits and seeds, and omega fatty acids.” 

Why Wag! Loves It

  • Real fish is the first ingredient 
  • Contains proprietary K9 Strain Probiotics
  • Antioxidants and prebiotics for a healthy digestion and immune system

Considerations & Concerns

  • There are some concerns about grain-free diets 
  • Also includes ocean fish meal and salmon meal 
  • Contains canola oil which is a controversial ingredient 

What pet parents say about Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream 

“We tried several brands of dog food in addition to cooking daily for our retired greyhound. He had {ongoing} digestive problems that required many vet visits. We finally tried Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Formula. No more loose stools, his coat is shiny and he {loves} the taste! He has eaten Pacific Stream during the past year and we are relieved to find a healthy food that works for him.”

“I have used Taste of the Wild dog food for several years for my retired racing greyhounds and it works so well for them! Soft fur, great skin, bright eyes and energy for my babies!”

“My dogs love this food & I love that it's grain free. I have Greyhounds (that are typically gassy) and they are less gassy with this food.”

Read more reviews on Petco.

Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright SCHELL & KAMPETER, INC.

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