The Catahoula dog breed is beautiful, muscular, and tough. These amazing dogs were originally bred to work in forests and swamps to assist farmers and herders. They are high-energy dogs that stand anywhere from 20 to 26 inches in height at the shoulder and typically weigh about 50 to 70 pounds.

Though these dogs aren’t as popular as other breeds, they’re some of the most lovable pups you can have. Catahoulas make for great guard dogs and are awesome family pets. It’s best to meet their high-energy needs by providing them with protein-heavy kibble or wet food and ensuring that they get the daily exercise they need. If not, you may find them terrorizing your home and shredding anything that they can get their paws on.

It’s also helpful to have meals that provide enough moisture, fat, and calories to maintain the dog’s beautiful spotty coat. In this review, we’re going to go over our top dog food picks for Catahoulas.

A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Ollie Fresh Dog Food Subscription	Only uses fresh meats, veggies, and fruit Gently cooked to preserve nutritional value No artificial ingredients or fillers	Click to Save 50%
Budget Buy		Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Adult Dry Dog Food	No byproducts Contains omega fatty acids Low glycemic formula	CHECK PRICE
		Orijen Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food	High protein Real meat ingredients Different flavors available	CHECK PRICE
		Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Dog Food	Contains real chicken Reliable brand Good for digestive health	CHECK PRICE
		Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Paws Dog Food	Easy to digest Contains essential nutrients Portioned ready-made trays	CHECK PRICE

The 11 Best Dog Foods for Catahoula Leopards

1. Ollie Fresh Dog Food – Best Overall

The beautiful Catahoula Leopard Dog is something of a conversation due to their striking coat pattern that makes them stand out in a crowd. Combine this with their loyal and affectionate nature, and you’ve got yourself an incredible dog!

To keep them in excellent health, you’ll need to feed them a high-quality diet, and our pick for the best overall dog food for Catahoula Leopards is Ollie Fresh Dog Food. If you want dog food that is as close to homemade as possible but without having to do all the work yourself, Ollie might be perfect for you and your dog.

It’s a subscription-based food service that uses whole meats, grains, veggies, and fruits that are slowly and gently cooked to retain their nutritional value. There are no added fillers or artificial ingredients among the four recipes of chicken, lamb, turkey, and beef. Ollie also offers baked kibble — beef or chicken — that is made using fresh food gently baked in small batches.

You start your subscription by filling in a quiz about your dog, and you’ll be sent a starter pack that is heavily discounted. If your dog doesn’t like the food, you’ll get a full refund.

The only issue with this food is the cost. It is fairly expensive, but given the quality, chances are that your Catahoula will love it, and they’ll get the benefits of a healthy diet! All in all, we think this is the best dog food for your Catahoula Leopard Dog.

2. N&D Ancestral Grain Adult Dry Dog Food – Budget Buy

Some owners want the best bang for their buck and this N&D Ancestral Grain formula by Farmina definitely fits the bill as a good budget option and the best food for Catahoula Leopard Dogs for the money. It’s affordable and super high in protein. It has limited carbohydrates, and it’s also low in fiber. So, if your dog is suffering from a yeast infection or other digestive problems, this may be a good choice.

The formula is made of deboned chicken and has tons of vitamins and minerals to keep your dog healthy and well-fed. Note that this is also a low glycemic formula, which is helpful for dogs that have issues with high blood pressure or diabetes. This meal contains zero legumes, byproducts, or peas. The downside is that it contains chicken as the main protein, which some dogs may not like, or they may be allergic.

3. Orijen Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – Premium Choice

For a premium choice food for Catahoula Leopard Dogs, we like Orijen Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This food contains real meat as the first five ingredients, and it is a high protein choice for a more active breed like a Catahoula. It is a more expensive option, but we love the high quality of this food. This particular recipe is chicken flavored, which won’t be suitable for dogs with a chicken allergy, but it also comes in other flavors with beef or fish as the main protein.

It’s worth mentioning that this food is a grain-free option, so it’s great if your dog has a grain sensitivity also. However, unless your dog has a grain allergy, grains may actually be beneficial to dogs, and grain-free diets are being investigated for a potential link to heart disease in dogs, due to the use of peas instead of grains. So discuss with your vet whether a grain-free diet is suitable for your Catahoula.

4. Purina Pro Plan Shredded Dry Dog Food

Here is another great dog food for Catahoulas. This chicken-based meal by Purina is one of the most popular meals on Chewy and Amazon. The recipe is made of shredded chicken, rice, and grain. It also contains omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A to help keep your dog’s skin and coat shiny and healthy.

This particular recipe includes live probiotics for immune health and support, and it’s made with real chicken. So, if you’re looking for a solid high-protein formula for your Catahoula, here’s one to consider. This recipe is great for adults and young pups, but there are few flavor options available if your dog is allergic to chicken.

5. Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws

Hill’s Science Diet has one of the most dedicated dog brands when it comes to balanced nutritious meals. This formula is great for puppies that are still developing and it’s one of the most popular picks on Chewy. It comes in convenient trays, so you don’t need to worry about whipping out any measuring cups.

This formula contains natural ingredients including chicken, vegetables, and brown rice, and it’s packed with a tasty gravy. These high-protein meals help your pup to develop lean muscles and grow strong bones. It’s also an easy-to-digest formula, so if your pup is struggling with dry kibble, it’s a good wet meal option to consider. The downside is that wet food is more perishable than dry food.

6. Royal Canin Adult Canned Dog Food

Royal Canin has become one of the biggest dog food brands in the marketplace, and this meal doesn’t disappoint. It’s a highly palatable wet food meal that’s perfect for larger dogs and those with nutrient deficiencies. This formula contains a range of B vitamins, amino acids, and powerful antioxidants.

The recipe should help your dog maintain adequate nutrient levels and provide digestive support. It has a smooth taste and texture, which seems to go over well with many dogs, at least according to the dog owner reviews. However, if your dog requires a high or low level of daily protein, this meal may not be ideal as a standalone option.

7. ACANA Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food

Catahoulas love high-protein meals, and this formula by ACANA is just that. Not only is it packed with real high-protein lamb, but it’s also full of healthy vegetables including pumpkin and butternut squash, both of which are also high in fiber and help support good health.

This meal is a heart-healthy option, and it’s full of vitamins and free of preservatives. It’s also free of gluten, legumes, and potato ingredients. So, if your dog has any allergies or you prefer a meal lower in carbs, this may be a good option. The downside is that it’s pricey and there are few recipe variations.

8. Merrick Healthy Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food

Does your Catahoula love fish? If so, you may want to check out this formula by Merrick. This salmon-based meal is full of protein, omega fatty acids, and healthy fat. It contains about 25% protein and also has a healthy mix of whole grains to support digestive health.

The formula is free of potatoes, lentils, and peas and contains no artificial preservatives or flavors. You can give this formula to adult dogs or small pups that prefer dry food over wet meals. The formula also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint and hip health, something that’s crucial for young & adolescent dogs. The downside is the limited recipe options and the large kibble size.

9. Chicken Soup for the Soul Dog Food

Here is a chicken-based favorite from Chicken Soup for the Soul. This is a simple formula that has chicken and turkey as the main ingredients. It’s also blended with salmon and turkey for a taste that your dog is guaranteed to love. The meal is free of artificial colors, soy, corn, and wheat. It’s also made in the USA. It’s ideal for adult dogs and helps to maintain lean muscles and daily nutrition. If you have a mature dog and are looking for an affordable, no-frills formula, here’s one to check out. The downside is that it’s not suitable for pups.

10. Merrick Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

This duck flavored meal from Merrick contains real deboned duck and it’s sure to have your dog licking the bottom of the bowl. All of the ingredients are sourced from trusted farmers. It’s a simple formula that contains the daily vitamins and minerals that your Catahoula dog needs for optimal health.

This particular recipe is free of wheat, soy, grains, and corn, so it’s perfect for dogs suffering from yeast infections or digestive issues. It’s also made in the USA and is one of the most popular wet food options on Chewy. If you need a good grain-free formula for your Catahoula that isn’t too expensive and comes from a reputable brand, this is one to consider. The downside is that this food is perishable.

Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Food for Catahoula Leopard Dogs

When it comes to choosing the best food for Catahoula Leopard Dogs, you’ll want to consider that the breed is very high-energy, so you want to look for a food that has a good amount of protein, calories, and is also made with quality ingredients.

Ideally, you want the first few ingredients to be a meat protein source, such as chicken, beef, or fish. But even if only the first ingredient is meat, it’s still better than the first ingredient being something like corn. Some people choose to feed grain-free recipes, but this should be discussed with your veterinarian. Grain-free diets are currently being investigated by the FDA for a potential link to dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs. The link is though to be the use of peas in place of grains, so unless your dog has a grain allergy, grains can actually be beneficial.

You’ll also want to consider your budget. Just because a food is more expensive, doesn’t mean it’s the best option. There are plenty of affordable foods that are still good quality and can provide your dog with good nutrition. Don’t think that you have to buy the most expensive food available if you don’t have the budget for it.

Finally, consider whether you want wet or dry food for your dog. Wet food tends to be more palatable to dogs and provide more moisture, but isn’t as cost effective and can contribute more to dental disease. Dry food tends to be more cost effective but lacks the moisture of wet food. However, the crunch of dry food can help your dog’s teeth and it doesn’t tend to stay on the teeth the way that wet food does.

These are some of the key factors to consider when choosing food for your Catahoula. But you can always consult with your vet for advice.

Final Thoughts

To sum things up, we found that Ollie Fresh Dog Food was the best overall pick according to its nutritional content and price. In 2nd place, we listed Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate due to its low price point, high-antioxidant formula, and limited carbohydrates.

Overall, there are many good options for feeding your Catahoula Leopard Dog. We hope you’ve found the perfect food!

See also:

• 11 Best Wet Dog Food for Huskies – Reviews & Top Picks
• 11 Best Canned And Wet Dog Food For Pitbulls: Reviews & Top Picks

Featured Image Credit: B Young, Shutterstock