Dog Care

If you’re a pet owner, it’s likely that your pet is considered a member of your family. It’s also safe to assume that, over time, you’ve figured out your furry friend’s preferences. Some of which may include their favorite toys, treats, foods, etc.

Putting care into making sure your pet is well fed and well loved can seem like second nature, but did you know that there are certain foods that are better for specific dog breeds than others?

For the corgi owners out there looking to keep their pets happy and healthy, take a look at our list of the best dog food for corgis to make sure you’re doing all you can for your pet.

Our Top Picks for the Best Dog Food for Corgis

Best Overall:
Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain Free Chicken Dog Food

Best Value Option:
Blue Buffalo Freedom Natural Chicken

Best for Puppies:
Purina One Plus Natural High-Protein

Best Overall

Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain-Free Chicken Dog Food

   

Overall, one of the best dog foods for corgis is the Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain Free Chicken Dog Food. This option aligns with veterinarians’ and other professionals’ recommendations for corgis that claim the healthiest diet for this breed is one that is grain-free, placing it at the top of our list.

The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Chicken Dog Food also uses real food ingredients which include free-range chicken, apples, and green beans. Honest Kitchen, as a brand, takes the time to gently dehydrate fruits and vegetables which helps maintain optimum digestion and maximizes nutrient absorption.

This pick on our list of best dog foods for corgis is also easy and convenient to make, even for the busiest pet owners. With the addition of warm water, this dog food is nutritious and delicious enough to serve by itself as a whole meal. It also makes for a great topping on your dog’s favorite dry food.

This dog food is also non-GMO, preservative-free, and contains no fillers, corn, wheat, or soy products. It claims to be “human grade”, meaning it has ingredients that are high enough quality even for humans. It has high safety standards and is also produced in a human food facility.

Pros:

• High-quality ingredients
• Different meat options
• No additives or artificial products, fillers, or preservatives

Cons:

• Non-resealable packaging
• Only recommended for adult dogs (not puppies)
• Poor smell

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Best Value

Blue Buffalo Freedom Natural Chicken

   

The best dog food for corgis that will give you a bang for your buck is this Blue Buffalo Freedom Natural Chicken. It's an affordable option that's sure to leave your corgi feeling nourished, energized, and happy.

This Blue Buffalo dog food is grain free, making it a safe choice for your corgi. Blue Buffalo focuses on using natural ingredients and creating a premium blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. With the help of holistic veternarians and animal nutritionists, Blue Buffalo focuses on providing your corgi with all it needs have a strong immune system while simultaneously catering to your pet’s age-related needs. Their blend of vitamins and minerals also helps your corgi maintain an optimum oxidative balance..

This is a dry dog food for corgis that uses only the finest ingredients mixed with vitamins and minerals to boost your corgi’s health. It contains no artificial flavors or preservatives and has both omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids which support skin and fur health.

The hand-picked ingredients in this dog food are not only delicious, but they are also sure to keep your corgi full and energized.

Pros:

• Allergy-friendly
• Flavorful and well-liked
• Cost-efficient

Cons:

• Can be hard to chew for older dogs (because of its dry formula)
• Higher fat content

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Best for Puppies

Purina One Plus Natural High-Protein

Puppies are extremely active and energetic, therefore it’s important to support their muscles and metabolism during the early stages of growth. That’s why the best dog food for corgi puppies has to be Purina One Plus Natural High-Protein. This is a dry formula that uses real chicken to ensure your pup is getting the substantial amount of protein it needs to stay energized and healthy.

Purina One Plus also includes DHA in this great choice of corgi food. DHA is a nutrient found in a mother’s milk and helps support vision, brain development, and strong teeth and bones.

There is a combination of crunchy bites and tender meats which helps attract the puppy’s attention and ensures they’ll eat all their food without getting too distracted. This brand uses high-quality ingredients and is made in the U.S. with no artificial flavors or preservatives.

This dog food for corgis option also contains a blend of four sources of antioxidants. These antioxidants maintain your corgi’s immune system and work with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to build a strong fur coat and healthy skin.

Pros:

• High in protein
• Specifically designed for puppies
• No fillers

Cons:

• Not grain-free (contains oats and rice)

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Best for Older Corgis

Open Farm RawMix Grain Free

   

Even if you have an older dog, it’s never too late to cater to their health. Check out this Open Farm RawMix Grain Free dog food. There are a few reasons why this brand is on our list of best dog food for corgis. Like other selections on our list, this food is grain free, which is the ideal diet for corgis.

This recipe includes bone broth, kibble, and freeze-dried meat to ensure an adequate protein intake for your mature pup. The chicken and turkey in this recipe are welfare certified (no antibiotics, no hormones, and a vegetarian diet) and the food is packed with plenty of nutrients to keep your dog healthy and well.

If your corgi has a bit of a wild side, this kibble is perfect for them. With a combination of raw meats and protein-packed ingredients, this mix is an ideal choice for your four-legged friend.

The brand, Open Farm, focuses heavily on using high-quality ingredients, which contributes to its ability to be named one of the best dog food for corgis. They partner with farms that have the same mission and strive to provide better-for-you foods consistently while simultaneously giving back to family-owned farms, animals, and the environment.

Many of the five-star reviews highlight this food’s flavor, likability, value, and quality of ingredients. If you’re looking for the best dog food for corgis, especially for those older pups, this Open Farm RawMix Grain-Free food is a great choice.

Pros:

• Protein-packed
• Non-GMO

Cons:

• Relatively expensive

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Best for Weight Control

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula

If there’s a little more of your corgi to love than there should be, take a look at our pick for the best dog food for corgis who need some weight control. This Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is a dry formula with high-quality proteins and other ingredients to foster your pup’s health.

Along with a high protein content, this mix contains L-Carnitine which is great for building lean muscle and minimizing calories that come from fat. Glucosamine and chondroitin are also beneficial ingredients and contribute to healthy joints.

Although it does contain brown rice, this formula has no corn, wheat, soy, or chicken by-products making it an overall great choice if you’re looking to find the best dog food for corgis.

If those ingredients weren’t impressive enough, the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula also includes a blend of nutrients mixed with a special blend of antioxidant rich ingredients to maximize your pup’s health.

Not only will this dog food help with your corgi’s weight control, but it will also promote immune system health, and improve bone and joint strength.

Pros:

• Contributes to lean-muscle growth
• Low fat and calorie content

Cons:

• Contains brown rice (aka not grain-free)

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Best Organic

Castor & Pollux Organix Chicken and Sweet Potato Recipe

Castor & Pollux Organix Chicken and Sweet Potato Recipe has everything it needs to earn itself a spot on our list of the best dog food for corgis. Similarly to other options, this dog food is made with free-range chicken, however, what sets this brand apart is its use of organic ingredients and the addition of sweet potatoes.

The combination of these sweet potatoes with flaxseed and blueberries creates an enhanced flavor profile your corgi is sure to adore. This Castor & Pollux mix contains no artificial flavors or colors and uses no preservatives. It’s also made without corn, soy, wheat, chickpeas, or lentils, to help prevent inflammation and improve health.

This corgi food blend uses superfoods and omega-6 fatty acids to promote your pup’s skin and fur health. All ingredients are cooked in an organically certified kitchen in the U.S.A., so you can always know that you’re feeding your four-legged friend a well-sourced and complete meal.

When transitioning your dog to a new diet, make sure to slowly introduce this product by mixing it in with your dog’s current foods. Utilize this mix for about 7-10 days before gradually increasing the amount of Organix and decreasing the amount of your dog’s old food.

The Castor & Pollux Organix Chicken and Sweet Potato Recipe is a dry mix and is a perfect choice of corgi food for adult pets of any size and weight. If you’re into providing your furry friend with top-notch organic ingredients, this brand’s addition to the best dog food for corgis list is a no-brainer and a must-buy.

Pros:

• Organic
• Non-GMO
• Great for sensitive digestion

Cons:

• Necessary transition period
• Expensive

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Best Vegetarian

Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula

There are a few reasons why people may not want to feed their pets meat, which may make it challenging to find the best dog food for your corgi to make sure it gets all the nutrients it needs. If this is something you struggle with, look no further.

This Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula Dry Dog Food makes sure to contain essential ingredients to give your pup all it needs without the use of meat. It’s a dry-kibble formula that is free of not only meat, but also dairy, soy, gluten, and artificial colors and flavors.

This mix is also allergy friendly and great for dogs with digestive sensitivities. It’s tasty and hearty enough that your dog won’t even notice the lack of meat. If you’ve been looking for the best dog food for your corgi, this vegetarian option is a great choice.

Pros:

• Vegetarian
• High-protein content (despite lack of meat)

Cons:

• Contains preservatives and natural flavors
• Contains Grains

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Best Dog Food for Corgis Buyer's Guide

Corgis are small to medium-sized dogs that are highly energetic. They're also prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and other joint-related problems. Choosing foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin will keep your corgi's joints healthy and strong.

The ideal food you feed your corgi will contain at least 18% protein and have a 5% or more fat content. Obviously, the pieces should be small enough for your dog to eat with no risk of choking and the formula should match up with your dog's age category.

What to Know About Grain-Free

More vets are recommending against grain-free diets for dogs since there appears to be a correlation between a grain-free diet and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). DCM is a serious heart condition that can lead to congestive heart failure in dogs. Grains in a diet play a role in heart health for dogs the same way they do for humans.

Having said that, there are certain reasons why a dog would need to be on a grain-free diet: food allergies, difficulty digesting certain grain ingredients, or anal gland problems, for example. Talk with your corgi's vet about your dog's specific diet needs to determine if a food that contains grain or a grain-free formula is best.

Keep Your Furry Friend Happy and Healthy

Corgis are a unique breed of dog that requires high-quality ingredients and optimum nutrients to allow them to live a happy, healthy, and energetic life. Our dogs are members of our families, so why not feed them like one?

If you’re looking to provide your dog with not only the necessary nutrients but also great flavor, any of these options are great choices when determining the best dog food for corgis and what is right for your pup.

Eager to learn more about corgis and other dog breeds? Check out our Dog Breeds series!

Having a dog is one of the greatest joys a person can experience. However, sometimes they have more energy than we know how to handle.

Animal exercise equipment is a great way to make sure your dog stays active while having fun. It’s also great for strengthening their mental acuity and creates a fun and new way to spend time with your pet.

If you’ve been searching for the perfect way to exercise your dog, but don’t know where to start, then you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn all about the best dog exercise equipment for your furry friend based on your pet’s needs.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:
Interactive Flirt Pole Toy

Best for Fetchers:
Nerf Tennis Ball Blaster

Best Solo Play:
Self Rolling Ball

Best Budget:
Kong Durable Rubber Frisbee

Best Splurge:
Dog Pacer Treadmill

Best Overall

Interactive Flirt Pole Toy

   

This Interactive Flirt Pole Toy is an amazing choice for those who want close-range play without having to lift more than a finger (or arm). This is a small type of dog exercise equipment that has a teaser wand with a fleece rope and tether each with unique features that’ll excite your pup.

The flirt pole toy uses the natural prey-drive instinct of a dog and converts it into exercise. Watch how your dog will attempt to catch the lure through jumping, sprinting, and weaving. After using this toy for only about 10-20 minutes, Fido will be exercised and likely tire out.

This isn’t only a great piece of dog exercise equipment but it can also be used for obedience training. It helps teach your dog how to walk alongside you and not run away.

The flirt pole can be used indoors or outdoors and helps promote communication between you and your dog during play.

The toy is also great for keeping your dog entertained for as long as you need. Its rod is said to be indestructible, as it's made of 304 stainless steel. This means you don’t have to worry about your dog tearing it apart, no matter how strong their tugging skills are.

The toy wand has two sections and is easy to set up. It has a non-slip rubber handle to make sure you can keep up with your dog without hurting your hands. Each piece of this toy is thought-out and well-made to make sure it’ll last.

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Best for Fetchers

Nerf Tennis Ball Blaster

For the dog that never runs out of energy and loves playing fetch, you need to try this Nerf Tennis Ball Blaster. This piece of dog exercise equipment allows you to easily launch a tennis ball up to 50 feet away. Simply load the tennis ball, pull back the handle, aim, and shoot!

This tennis ball blaster lets you manipulate the shooting distances, allowing you to accommodate any environment. Whether you’re playing with a big dog in a small yard, or a little dog in a big park, this ball is sure to keep your fur kid both active and entertained.

This tool is much more than just a basic piece of dog exercise equipment. It’s also great for keeping their minds active. As your dog chases the ball and brings it back to you, they’ll learn new commands and have the opportunity to bond with you, as well.

The tennis blaster is a great choice for dog exercise equipment for any owner, especially those with joint problems or injuries. It allows you to spend time with and exercise your dog, without having to exhaust yourself. Your dog is guaranteed to love getting to play with this toy for hours on end before tiring out and getting a great night’s sleep.

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Best for Solo Play

Self Rolling Ball

   

Although we all love playing fetch with our dogs, sometimes it seems like they’re never going to quit. Oftentimes, this is a problem for people who have busy schedules or need to spend their time elsewhere.

If this sounds like you, fear not! This Automatic Self Rolling Ball is one piece of dog exercise equipment that ensures your pup never has to stop playing!

Not only is it remote-controlled and self-rolling, but it also has color-changing LED lights to keep your pup’s attention and entertain them for hours on end. It has two modes, depending on your dog’s energy levels, and is suitable for wood and tile floors.

This self-rolling ball is made of durable natural silicone to ensure maximum safety for both you and your dog. It’s odorless and non-toxic and has a removable shell for easy cleaning.

Another unique feature of this toy is its motion sensor. When your dog bites or touches the ball, it will automatically continue to move and light up. However, if there’s a period of no interaction, the ball will stop moving for two to three minutes before turning on again to grab your dog’s attention.

This ball is also rechargeable and comes with a wireless remote so you can be in control of playing with your canine companion at any time with the simple push of a button.

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Best Budget

Kong Durable Rubber Frisbee

Another great budget-friendly piece of dog exercise equipment is this Kong Durable Rubber Frisbee. Frisbees have been around for quite some time, and they’re a classic for a reason. These toys are easy and fun to use, for both the dog and the owner.

This specific product is made of durable non-toxic rubber that helps give a softer and less painful catch during fetch. The rubber is softer on your pet’s teeth, which helps extend play time. It also makes it safer and more comfortable on their teeth and gums.

The frisbee comes in two sizes, which allows it to be used for small or large dogs. It’s lightweight and flexible to allow dynamic movements that give your dog a challenge while staying active. It also fosters healthy exercise and mental stimulation while playing outdoors which makes it a great pick for your dog exercise equipment needs.

Many reviews highlight the frisbee’s ability to travel long distances, increasing the activity level for your pup and giving them more opportunities to exercise. The reviews also note its durability, and state that this frisbee lasts a while, even for dogs with the toughest bite.

The lightweight technology of this frisbee makes it comfortable for throwing, so you as the owner can enjoy your play time too, without tiring out before your pet. Although it’s meant for being thrown outside, your dog will love this toy so much that they’ll want to carry it around with them at all times!

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Best Splurge

Dog Pacer Treadmill

   

Some dog breeds have more energy than others and need to release this energy in some form of exercise. Not every pet owner has the time or ability to go outside and take their dog for runs or long walks, which is where this Dog Pacer Treadmill comes in handy.

This treadmill is perfect for use indoors, allowing you to keep an eye on your pup while you’re doing other things. It’s easy to assemble and use, which is always a plus when finding the perfect type of dog exercise equipment. Once your dog gets the hang of it, they’ll never want to stop!

Using a dog treadmill will not only give your pet something to do, but it also keeps them at a healthy weight through exercise. It increases safety for owners, as well, as you no longer have to worry about getting your pet moving even when it's dark outside.

The Dog Pacer Treadmill can hold weight up to 179 pounds and ranges in speed settings from 0.5-7.5 miles per hour with 0.1mph increments. It’s also foldable which makes for easy storage.

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Outdoor Dog Agility Obstacle Course

   

Last but not least, one of our favorite picks for the best dog exercise equipment is this Outdoor Dog Agility Obstacle Course. In this kit, you’ll find a 70-inch tunnel, adjustable hurdle, jumping hoop, frisbee, and much more.

The obstacle course can be used indoors or outdoors and only takes about 10 minutes to set up. This kit is great for keeping your dog active, as it improves agility and mobility. It’s also an amazing way to train your dog and strengthen their understanding of commands and obedience tasks.

With a treat bag included, you can reward your dog for learning new tricks and being able to make his/her way through the obstacle course. Expressing your love and appreciation for your pet will motivate them to continue to be active and also strengthen their bond with you.

Once your dog gets the hang of the course, they’ll never want to stop. With so many unique activities and exercises that come in this dog exercise equipment kit, your dog is sure to be entertained for hours on end.

Customers who have purchased and used this obstacle course highlight its easy setup and compact storage abilities. Some also say it’s the first time they have been able to “teach an old dog a new trick”. Because it can be used inside or out, your dog never has to stop playing, no matter the weather.

If you’re looking to enhance your dog’s mind, find a new hobby for you to enjoy with your pet, and keep your canine active, this dog agility obstacle course is the right pick for you.

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Paw 5 Dog Snuffle Mat

Using dog exercise equipment doesn’t mean you’ll have to play outside all the time. This Snuffle Mat for Dogs is an easy way to keep your dog mentally and physically active during mealtimes. This product comes in a range of sizes making it perfect for any pet.

To use this product, simply sprinkle your dog’s favorite food into the mat when it’s time to eat. The tufts of the mat will allow your dog to spend time sniffing and searching for their food and forces them to slow down their eating.

Not only is it a fun way for your dog to stay busy, but it has a range of overall health benefits. Slowing down your dog’s eating will improve his/her digestion, decrease bloating, and make mealtimes more enjoyable. It is also great for mental stimulation and helps keep your dog busy.

The tufts of the mat mimic grass which will also increase your pet’s affinity for this toy. It’s machine washable, pet safe, and made from cotton fibers. It’s small and easy enough to use in any room of your home and is a great activity for all breeds.

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Jolly Pets Push-N-Play

Purchasing dog exercise equipment doesn’t have to break the bank. Designed for constant motion and simple use, the Jolly Pets Push-N-Play is a great way to keep your dog active, even when on a budget. It comes in many different sizes making it customizable for dogs from 10 pounds to over 110 pounds.

This ball can be used indoors or outdoors, depending on your space and preferences. It’s also able to float, allowing it to be used both on land and in water.

It’s designed to constantly be in motion and is a favorite for dogs that love chasing, pushing, and herding. Even the most energetic dogs will fall in love with this toy!

The Jolly Pets Push-N-Play is made in the USA and Jolly Pets works hard to ensure that all of its equipment is safe to use. This dog exercise equipment company also proudly supports organizations that donate toys to shelter dogs. So, when you’re purchasing from Jolly Pets, you’re not only helping your pup but so many others!

The Push-N-Play has hundreds of great reviews that highlight its sturdiness and longevity. With a budget-friendly price and sturdiness that will last through even the roughest play days, this ball is an excellent choice for anyone looking for the best dog exercise equipment to keep your furry family member active!

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Dog Exercise Equipment Buyer's Guide

When it comes to exercise equipment for dogs, you want to buy things that keep your pup happy and active. But even more important than that, you want him or her to be safe!

Make sure you take the following into consideration before buying any exercise equipment product for your dog.

Durability

Not all products marketed for dogs are meant for every dog.  Some are aggressive chewers or are a lot rougher on products than other dogs -- this is especially true of large breeds or ones with powerful jaws.

Parts that can be torn, broken, or chewed off pose choking hazards. Or they can cause problems in a dog's GI tract if swallowed, which means emergency trips to the vet for removal.

Make sure you buy quality products and inspect them for durability.  If you meet owners with dogs similar to yours, you can even ask them for recommendations based on their dogs' experiences.

Materials

Have you ever wondered about what's used to make dog exercise equipment? Particularly ones that are made for chewing?

Phlalates, latex, lead, and BPA are things we as humans want to keep out of our bodies. The same goes for dogs.  Read labels and look for the chemical name of the material used to manufacture an exercise product for dogs.  

Do some research to make sure it's not something you wouldn't put into your own body.

Cleaning

It's inevitable that your dog's exercise equipment will become dirty (maybe even gross!) with use, and you'll need to periodically clean it. Some can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher, washing machine, or outside with a garden hose. Others will need to be hand washed or wiped clean.

Read all instructions that come with the product so that you know the recommended clearing method to keep your dog's exercise equipment neat and tidy.

FAQs

Why do dogs need exercise?

For the same reason that we do -- to be healthy and to feel good!

You may have heard "tired dogs are good dogs" and there's a lot of truth to this.  Dogs that have too much pent-up energy can be anxious, engage in destructive behaviors and become obese.  

Exercising gives your dog an outlet for releasing its energy and keeps them mentally stimulated, too.

Do dogs need exercise equipment?

You can exercise dogs by doing things like taking them along to participate when you exercise (walking, jogging, hiking, swimming, bike-riding, etc).  But if you don't do those things, you'll need some way to get your dog to be active. and that's where exercise equipment comes into play.

Exercise equipment should stimulate natural behavior in dogs to run, chase, play, and explore -- things that wear them out!

What's the recommended amount of exercise my dog needs?

While it varies according to age, weight, and breed, a dog should be active for around 30 minutes each day.  Walking, running, playing -- as long as they're doing one, or a combination, of these for at least half an hour, they're getting the average amount of daily exercise a dog needs.

Time to Get Your Furry Friend Moving!

With a busy world and a tight schedule, it’s sometimes hard to keep up with your dog and its exercise needs. Luckily, there are plenty of toys and types of dog exercise equipment out there to keep your pup active, both physically and mentally.

Whether you love to run around with your dog outside, or you’re more of a hands-off indoor player, hopefully, this article has helped you find the exercise equipment that’s right for your dog.

Curious to learn more about other types of dog breeds and how to give your dog the best care? Visit All Paws for all you need to know!