10 Best Dog Foods for Miniature Schnauzers – 2023 Reviews & Top Picks
By Misty Layne
Updated on
We love our Miniature Schnauzers, so we want to give them the best of everything—including food. Figuring out which dog food will help them stay their healthiest can be challenging, though. The amount of dog food brands and types of food available is expansive, making it feel impossible to pick one our dog will love.
If you want to make finding the perfect dog food easier, then take a look at our quick reviews of the best dog foods for Miniature Schnauzers that are currently on the market. You’ll find fresh food, food that’s vet-approved, and more. We’ve also included a guide on how to choose healthy, delicious dog food for your pup.
A Quick Glance at Our Favorite Choices of 2023
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
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The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription |
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Click to Save 50% + Get Free Shipping |
Best Value
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Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition |
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Check Price |
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Cesar Poultry Variety Pack Dog Food Trays |
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Check Price |
| Best for Puppies |
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Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy |
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Check Price |
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Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Dog Food |
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Check Price |
The 10 Best Dog Foods for Miniature Schnauzers
1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken liver, Brussel sprouts, bok choy, broccoli |
| Protein content: | 11.5% min |
| Fat content: | 8.5% min |
| Calories: | 590/lb |
The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe is the overall best dog food for Miniature Schnauzers. If you’ve not heard of them before, The Farmer’s Dog is a meal subscription service for pups that creates freshly made and customized meals. Meal options include chicken, turkey, beef, and pork, but we love the chicken recipe because it’s got a good amount of protein and excellent ingredients. Besides the USDA chicken, USDA chicken liver, and fresh veggies, The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe is supplemented with plenty of needed vitamins and minerals—vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin D3, taurine, potassium, and more. And because it contains limited ingredients, you always know exactly what your pup is eating.
- Limited ingredient
- Freshly made
- Excellent ingredients and quality protein
- Have to purchase meal subscription
- Pricier than other foods
2. Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Dry Food – Best Value
| Main ingredients: | Ground whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal, animal fat |
| Protein content: | 21% min |
| Fat content: | 11% min |
| Calories: | 332/cup |
If you’re wanting the best value dog food for your Miniature Schnauzer, you might consider this food by Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Dry Food. Designed to work best for small breeds, this dog food provides your pup with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and active. Featuring a steak flavor your dog will adore, this food also has a special blend of fibers, along with whole grains, to improve digestive health, resulting in less gassiness and smelly poops. And besides the essential minerals and vitamins your Miniature Schnauzer requires, this dog food has plenty of omega-6 fatty acids that will keep their skin healthy and coats smooth and silky. Plus, as a bonus, the small food pieces are supposed to help your pup with their oral health by cleaning teeth as they eat.
One thing to note is that this dog food does contain dried peas, which have been linked1 to heart disease in some dogs. However, more research is needed on this matter, so it is best to consult your personal vet.
- Fiber blend to improve digestive health
- Omega-6 fatty acids
- Cleans teeth while your dog eats
- Doesn’t include meat among main ingredients
- Picky eaters didn’t enjoy
3. Cesar Poultry Variety Pack Dog Food Trays
| Main ingredients: | Turkey, chicken, duck, chicken liver, beef lung, chicken broth |
| Protein content: | 8.5% min |
| Fat content: | 4% min |
| Calories: | 90/tray, 95/tray, 105/tray |
Give your beloved Miniature Schnauzer a taste of something premium with these wet food trays by Cesar Poultry Variety Pack! Not only do they include common proteins like turkey and chicken, but they also have a tray that contains duck which will make for an extra-tasty treat. As a classic pate in sauce, the texture of this food should meet the approval of even the pickiest eaters and make a wonderful topping for dry food if you want to mix things up. Plus, each tray contains added minerals and vitamins to meet all your pup’s nutritional requirements.
This recipe is free of grains—however, most dogs don’t require grain-free diets, so talk to your vet about whether a diet of no grains is suitable for your pet before purchasing!
- Duck as protein
- Easy on teeth
- Low calorie
- Leaves you with a lot of waste because it’s single-serve
- Very rarely, these caused upset stomachs in dogs
4. Iams Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food – Best for Puppies
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, ground whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal |
| Protein content: | 30% min |
| Fat content: | 18% min |
| Calories: | 445/cup |
If you’re looking for the best dog food for your Miniature Schnauzer puppy, we encourage you to give this food by IAMS Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food a try. Made specifically for small breeds, it contains everything your little one needs to grow. This food meets your dog’s protein needs in a big way as it includes farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient. It also has 22 nutrients found in mother’s milk vital to your Miniature Schnauzer’s developing mind and body. Plus, they threw in omega-3 DHA to help your puppy’s brain improve cognitive skills, which will make training much simpler!
- High protein
- 22 essential nutrients included
- Contains omega-3 DHA
- A couple of dogs became gassy after eating
- Bag is small
5. Farmina N&D Adult Mini Breed Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Lamb, dehydrated lamb, whole spelt, whole oats |
| Protein content: | 28% min |
| Fat content: | 18% min |
| Calories: | 395/cup |
Want a dog food that’s vet-approved? Check out Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Lamb & Blueberry Recipe! This high-protein dog food is made from real lamb that is bone-free (which is supposed to be healthier for your dog). All ingredients used here are always fresh and never frozen to provide the utmost nutrition. Farmina is also legume-free if you’re concerned about the potential heart risks of your dog eating those. And if your pup needs to keep its blood sugar level, this low glycemic formula will be perfect. The addition of blueberry ensures your dog gets plenty of antioxidants, while added omega fatty acids keep its coat shiny. Plus, since this is formulated for mini breeds, your four-legged pal shouldn’t have any issues with the size of the food.
- Vet’s choice
- High protein
- Free of bone & legumes
- Has a strong smell
- Picky eaters weren’t fans
6. Iams MiniChunks Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain sorghum, chicken by-product meal |
| Protein content: | 25% min |
| Fat content: | 14% min |
| Calories: | 380/cup |
Give your favorite Miniature Schnauzer a boost of protein in kibble sized just for them with IAMS Adult MiniChunks High Protein dog food! With farm-raised chicken as the main ingredient, this food helps your pup meet their nutritional needs with a premium meat that’s high in protein. IAMS MiniChunks also contains prebiotics and a special blend of fibers to improve your pup’s digestive health, which means less tummy upset for them. And it supports your dog’s immune system with antioxidants!
Pet parents mentioned it had helped their dogs be less itchy, got rid of earwax, stopped constant vomiting, and more.
- Improves digestive health
- Supports immune system
- Kibble is sized for smaller dogs
- Dogs with dental issues seemed to have problems chewing
- Picky eaters weren’t fans
7. Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer Adult Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Brewer’s rice, chicken by-product meal, brown rice, oat groats |
| Protein content: | 23% min |
| Fat content: | 10% min |
| Calories: | 309/cup |
If you want to go with a breed-specific food for your Miniature Schnauzer, we recommend this one by Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer Adult Dry Dog Food, as it’s been created to meet all the nutritional needs of Miniature Schnauzers 10 months old and up. The kibble is designed to be simpler for your pup to pick up and eat with their blunter muzzle and scissor bite. It also contains all the vitamins and minerals your dog requires to be healthy, along with fatty acids to promote the health of their coat and amino acids to keep the coat’s color. Royal Canin’s breed-specific food is also made to help your pup maintain a healthy weight. This food really does have it all!
- Promotes weight management
- Breed-specific
- Easier for dogs to eat
- Dogs with poor teeth had trouble eating
- Doesn’t have a great smell
8. ORIJEN Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Turkey, chicken, turkey giblets, quail |
| Protein content: | 38% min |
| Fat content: | 18% min |
| Calories: | 473/cup |
ORIJEN Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food has the highest protein content of any food on this list, which isn’t surprising considering its amount of meat. Besides the main ingredients, this food also has quail, whole blue whiting, whole mackerel, chicken liver, and chicken heart—all of which total up to a food that’s 85% animal product! This also means this food is nutrient-dense and packed with every vitamin and mineral your pup needs. Plus, the size of this kibble is designed to be easier to eat for smaller pups.
This is a grain-free food, though, and it does contain legumes, so you might want to be wary of that. Grain-free diets aren’t necessary for all dogs, so talk to your vet before feeding. And legumes have been linked to heart disease in dogs (although more research into this is needed).
- Super packed with protein
- Mostly animal product
- Kibble designed for smaller mouths
- Contains legumes
- Kibble was too hard for some pups
9. American Natural Premium Triple Protein Recipe Dry Food
| Main ingredients: | Deboned chicken, chicken meal, ground grain sorghum, oat flour |
| Protein content: | 24% min |
| Fat content: | 14% min |
| Calories: | 397/cup |
This triple protein dog food doesn’t have quite as much protein as ORIJEN, but it still has a lot due to the chicken and turkey it contains. American Natural Premium Triple Protein Recipe Dry Food also has non-GMO ancestral grains that provide your pup with the nutrients they need, along with probiotics and prebiotics to aid in healthier digestion. And with all that comes omega-3 fatty acids that will help your Miniature Schnauzer’s coat stay sleek and shiny. Plus, as a legume-free recipe, you won’t need to be concerned about potential heart health implications.
- Worked well for dogs with allergies/sensitivities
- No legumes
- Plenty of protein
- Kibble might be a little large for smaller mouths
10. ACANA Wholesome Grains Small Breed Recipe Dry Food
| Main ingredients: | Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oat groats, whole sorghum |
| Protein content: | 27% min |
| Fat content: | 17% min |
| Calories: | 413/cup |
Another of the higher protein dog foods on this list, ACANA Wholesome Grains Small Breed Recipe Dry Food offers protein in the form of chicken, turkey, and eggs. It also provides your Miniature Schnauzer with a fiber-rich food that supports a healthy gut via wholesome grains such as oat and millet. Bonus—if your dog has an allergy to gluten, you don’t need to worry about feeding them this, as the only grains here are gluten-free! ACANA is also free of legumes, so there’s no concern over potential heart health issues. It does, however, contain added omega fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy brain. Plus, the size of the kibble is designed for those with small mouths, so your dog should be able to eat it easily.
- Legume free
- High protein
- Fiber-rich
- Some dogs became gassy after eating
- A few dogs threw up after eating
- Couple of reports of receiving moldy food
Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Dog Food for Miniature Schnauzers
The kind of dog food you get for your Miniature Schnauzer will depend greatly on your dog (such as whether they have any allergies or sensitivities or if they’re prone to stomach issues). But there are things to consider, in general, when it comes to finding a dog food that’s perfect for your pup.
Allergies or Sensitivities
If your dog has food allergies, it’s most likely due to a common protein such as chicken or beef, so you’ll need to find a food that offers an alternative form of protein. This could include duck, quail, buffalo, and other novel meats.
Your Miniature Schnauzer might also be prone to skin sensitivities. If that’s the case, finding a food that nourishes their skin will be highly beneficial. Look for foods that contain omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coats.
Protein Content
Dogs require protein, so be sure you’re getting a food that has enough of it for them (roughly 10% of their calories should come from protein). Protein content varies significantly in dog food, so check the nutritional stats and ensure what you’re considering has enough.
Weight Management
All dog breeds can become overweight if you aren’t careful with what and how much they eat. Finding dog foods that are lower in calories will help, as will looking at dog foods that are designed to help maintain a healthy weight. And too much fat isn’t great for Miniature Schnauzers as they can be more prone to pancreatitis, so keep that in mind as well!
Health of Their Teeth
Not only will your pup need kibble that’s smaller in size because of its smaller mouth and blunter muzzle, but it may need a food that’s easier to eat if the teeth aren’t in great shape. If dental disease is an issue, look for food that is softer, so your dog is able to chew it and won’t swallow it whole or spit it out.
Grain-Free
Some people want to feed their dogs grain-free diets, which is fine. But be aware that not all dogs require grain-free foods, and it might do more harm than good. We recommend speaking with your vet about putting your pup on a grain-free diet before you do so.
Legume-Free
Many dog foods have peas and other legumes in them. However, there’s been some evidence that dogs who eat legumes are more likely to develop heart disease. If this is a concern, check ingredients carefully to guarantee no legumes are hidden in them, or look for foods labeled “legume-free”.
Breed-Specific
Sometimes the best and easiest thing is to get a breed-specific food for your Miniature Schnauzer. Foods made just for them are designed to meet their nutritional needs fully and will have bite-sized pieces of kibble for easier eating.
Price
Prices for dog food can vary wildly, so look carefully at the ingredients in food you like, then price shop around to find the dog food that has what you want for the best price.
Reviews
Nobody knows better than pet parents the challenge of finding a good dog food. That’s why reading reviews from others can be beneficial. You can likely even search reviews by keyword to discover what other Miniature Schnauzer owners have said about a food.
Final Verdict
For the 1st and best overall dog food, we recommend The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe for its fresh ingredients and general healthiness. As the best value food, Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Small Breed has an excellent price point and promotes better digestion. For a premium dog food, Cesar Poultry Variety Pack is soft enough for any dog and contains a novel meat source in duck. For puppies, Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy is breed-specific and contains essential nutrients from mother’s milk. Finally, as a vet-approved food, Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Lamb & Blueberry Recipe has a great alternative meat source.
See Also: 10 Best Toys for Miniature Schnauzers — Reviews & Top Picks
