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.
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A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Ollie Fresh Dog Food Subscription | Click to Save 50% | ||
Budget Buy  | Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Adult Dry Dog Food | CHECK PRICE | ||
 | Orijen Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food | CHECK PRICE | ||
| Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Dog Food | CHECK PRICE | |||
| Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Paws Dog Food | CHECK PRICE |
The 10 Best Dog Foods for Catahoula Leopard Dogs
1. Ollie Fresh Dog Food – Best Overall
| Main ingredients: | Turkey (or beef, chicken, or lamb) |
| Protein content: | 10% |
| Fat content: | 7% |
| Calories: | 1390 kcal ME/kg |
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.
- Only uses fresh meats, veggies, and fruit
- Choice of when and how often it’s delivered
- Gently cooked to preserve nutritional value
- No artificial ingredients or fillers
- Costly
2. N&D Ancestral Grain Adult Dry Dog Food – Budget Buy
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, Dehydrated Chicken, Whole Spelt, Whole Oats |
| Protein content: | 30.0% min |
| Fat content: | 18.0% min |
| Calories: | 3,997 kcal/kg, 400 kcal/cup |
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.
- No byproducts
- Contains omega fatty acids
- Low glycemic formula
- Contains chicken as the main ingredient
3. Orijen Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – Premium Choice
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, Turkey, Salmon, Whole Herring, Chicken Liver |
| Protein content: | 38% min |
| Fat content: | 18% min |
| Calories: | 3940 kcal/kg, 473 kcal/cup |
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.
- Real meat as first five ingredients
- High in protein
- Comes in different flavors
- Pricey
- Grain-free diets have potential link to heart disease
4. Purina Pro Plan Shredded Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Poultry By-product Meal |
| Protein content: | 26.0% min |
| Fat content: | 66.0% min |
| Calories: | 4,038 kcal/kg, 387 kcal/cup |
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.
- Contains real chicken
- Reliable brand
- Good for digestive health
- Few flavor options
5. Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws
| Main ingredients: | Chicken Broth, Chicken, Pork Liver, Brown Rice, Wheat Flour |
| Protein content: | 5.0% min |
| Fat content: | 3.0% min |
| Calories: | 88 kcal/ 3.5-oz tray |
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.
- Easy to digest
- Contains essential nutrients
- Portioned ready-made trays
- Perishable
6. Royal Canin Adult Canned Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Water, Chicken, Pork Liver, Chicken By-Products, Pork By-Product |
| Protein content: | 6.5% min |
| Fat content: | 3.5% min |
| Calories: | 1,002 kcal/kg, 386 kcal/can |
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.
- Supports nervous system function
- Great for a shiny coat
- Has essential nutrients and antioxidants
- Pricey
- Low-protein option
7. ACANA Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Deboned Lamb, Lamb Meal, Oat Groats, Whole Sorghum, Lamb Liver |
| Protein content: | 27% min |
| Fat content: | 17% min |
| Calories: | 3,370 kcal/kg, 371 kcal/cup |
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.
- Nutrient-dense meal
- High-protein option
- No legumes or gluten
- Few recipe variations
- Expensive
8. Merrick Healthy Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Turkey Meal |
| Protein content: | 25% min |
| Fat content: | 16% min |
| Calories: | 3,739 kcal/kg or 396 kcal/cup |
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.
- Has omega fatty acids
- High-protein formula
- Supports healthy coat
- Good for digestive health
- Limited recipes
- Large kibble pieces
9. Chicken Soup for the Soul Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken & Broth, Turkey Broth, Turkey, Chicken Liver, Ocean White Fish |
| Protein content: | 7.5% min |
| Fat content: | 4.0% min |
| Calories: | 1,071 kcal/kg, 395 kcal |
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.
- Affordable
- Well-balanced formula
- Ideal for aging dogs
- Not for puppies and young dogs
- Limited flavors
10. Merrick Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Deboned Duck, Duck Liver, Turkey Broth, Dried Egg Product |
| Protein content: | 8.0% min |
| Fat content: | 7.0% min |
| Calories: | 996 kcal/kg |
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.
- Full nutrient profile
- Grain-free formula
- Free of artificial flavors and preservatives
- Supports yeast infection recovery
- 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.
If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
How We Selected These Dog Foods for Catahoula Leopard Dogs
This buyer’s guide was carefully crafted by our writers and editors in collaboration with our team of in-house veterinarians. The dog foods reviewed here are rated on a combination of factors: brand reputation, customer reviews across multiple retail outlets, personal experience, and in some cases, feedback from our own dogs! Together, we choose and review only the best dog foods available, to help you make the most informed decisions that foster the well-being of your furry friends.
Why Trust Dogster?
Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online since 2004, which means we have a lot of experience with dog foods. We’re a team of passionate dog owners who care about our pups as much as you do yours. We want the best for every canine on the planet. Dogster’s writers, editors, and veterinarians are deeply invested in the well-being of our pets, and we believe that all pet owners share this dedication to providing only the highest quality products and services for our dogs.
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
