Cane Corsos are huge dogs that take a lot of time to grow. Therefore, you’ll be feeding your Cane Corso puppy food for much longer than most other breeds who eat puppy food. They’re simply puppies for longer.

Therefore, what puppy food you choose to feed your Cane Corso is extremely important, as they’ll likely be eating it for at least two years. Plus, large dogs like Cane Corsos have particular nutritional needs, so your average puppy food simply won’t work (and may lead to health problems later down the line).

In the end, picking the exact puppy food your Cane Corso needs can be complicated! Luckily for you, we’ve done a lot of the legwork already. Below, you’ll find our reviews of the best puppy foods for Cane Corsos on the market.

A Quick Glance at the Winners (2024 Update)

The 11 Best Dog Foods for Cane Corso Puppies

1. Ollie Turkey Dish With Blueberries – Best Overall

Large breed puppies, like Cane Corsos, can benefit from a regular puppy diet, but they do best with food that is formulated specifically for their size. The Ollie Turkey Dish With Blueberries can be tailored to your puppy’s individual needs through a questionnaire when you subscribe to the service. A veterinary nutritionist calculates the nutrition that your dog needs based on their age, breed, weight, and activity level, making Ollie the best overall dog food for Cane Corso puppies.

Like the other recipes that Ollie offers, this turkey dish is made fresh with natural ingredients that are purchased from trustworthy sources in the U.S.A. Along with the real meat content, the formulas include plenty of superfoods to help your puppy be as healthy as possible. Blueberries and kale contain antioxidants to support immune health, carrots provide vitamin A, and pumpkin aids digestion.

Although the meals can be frozen for up to 6 months, it does take up a large amount of space in the freezer. You also need to thaw the meals for at least 24 hours before feeding your dog and ensure that they are stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to retain freshness.

Unlike other commercial dog food brands, Ollie isn’t available at your local pet store or supermarket. It requires a subscription, which is only available through its website.

For these reasons, this is easily the best overall Cane Corso puppy food.

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2. Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy – Budget Buy

If you’re looking to save a bit of money, you may be interested in Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy. As the name suggests, this food is designed solely for large-breed puppies. Therefore, it works very well for Cane Corsos. Plus, it is a bit cheaper than what you’d typically find on the market while also still having quality products.

The first two ingredients in this food are both chicken. These ingredients provide all the amino acids your canine needs, as well as lots of protein and healthy fats. As a grain-inclusive formula, ground brown rice is also included. We prefer whole grains like this one over refined grains, as they contain more fiber and nutrition.

With that said, this formula does include peas high on the ingredient list, which we typically don’t recommend. Peas may be associated with certain health conditions in dogs. Therefore, we do not recommend that they are eaten in high amounts.

With that said, this is still a great budget Cane Corso dog food.

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3. ORIJEN Puppy Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food

If you have plenty of money to spend, you may want to take a look at ORIJEN Puppy Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food. While this formula isn’t made explicitly for large-breed puppies, it does contain all the ingredients that need to thrive, and the AAFCO has approved it for large breed puppies. Therefore, it may work great for your Cane Corso.

The formula is extremely high in meat. In fact, the first few ingredients are different sorts of meat, including chicken, turkey, and flounder. Several types of fish are included, which are high in omega fatty acids. Furthermore, animal organs are also utilized, which increases the overall nutritional content.

While there are some non-meat products, these are few and far between. For instance, eggs are utilized a bit further down the ingredient list.

We also love that this formula is coated in freeze-dried meats, which helps improve the taste of the food. For pickier dogs, this can be extremely helpful when it comes to improving your dog’s overall health.

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4. Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Food

We love Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food for a few different reasons. Firstly, this food is designed explicitly for large breed puppies. It includes the particular vitamin ratios that large breed puppies need to avoid joint problems later on. Secondly, it includes a lot of meat-based ingredients. Both lamb and lamb meal appear very early on the ingredient list, which ensures that your dog is consuming enough amino acids.

Thirdly, this food is grain-inclusive, and the grains utilized are whole. Typically, dogs do better on grain-inclusive food, as some grain-free foods are linked to health problems. Whole grains are best, as they are higher in fiber and nutrients.

This formula also includes probiotics, antioxidants, and prebiotics. All of these ingredients help support your puppy’s whole health, helping them grow into healthy and happy dogs.

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5. ORIJEN Amazing Grains Puppy Dry Dog Food

Since it is made by the same brand, the ORIJEN Amazing Grains Puppy Dry Dog Food is extremely similar to the previous food that we reviewed. In fact, the ingredients are very similar. However, this food includes grains, which works better for some puppies. While this food isn’t made for large breed puppies only, it is AAFCO approved for larger breeds. Therefore, your Cane Corso should be able to eat it without a problem.

The first five ingredients are meats. These meats vary from chicken to salmon, which provides complete and varied nutrition for your canine. Furthermore, probiotics are also utilized to improve your dog’s digestive health, and EPA is added for brain development.

However, this formula is still quite expensive. While it isn’t as costly as the formula above, it can be more expensive than other options on the market. With that said, it does include more calories per cup, so your dog may not need to eat as much.

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6. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Food

If your Cane Corso has sensitive skin, you may want to take a look at Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Dry Dog Food, our vet’s choice. This formula includes salmon as the primary ingredient, which increases the omega-fatty acid content of the food. On top of being good for larger dogs’ joints, these fatty acids are also useful for your dog’s skin.

Furthermore, this formula is grain-inclusive. However, many of the grains included are not whole. Instead, they are refined, which makes them a bit less nutritious.

We do like that this formula is formulated with probiotics. These probiotics help improve your dog’s immune system. Plus, they are also useful for dogs with sensitive stomachs and coats, as many diseases start in the gut.

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7. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Food

You’ve probably heard of Blue Buffalo thanks to their effective marketing. However, their Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice works well for many canines out there. It features all the nutrients and specific ratios that larger puppies need to develop well, making it AAFCO-approved for larger breeds.

Plus, the company adds extra DHA and ARA for improved brain and eye development. These nutrients are important for larger breeds. However, they are not required, so many foods do not include them. We also liked the inclusion of omega-fatty acids, which are extremely useful for larger dogs. On top of helping your dog’s coat and skin, these acids may also improve their joints.

Plus, like most premium dog foods, the minerals are chelated. Antioxidants are included, as well as all the necessary vitamins.

With that said, Blue Buffalo tends to be a bit expensive for what they provide. They also include high levels of peas in their foods, including this one.

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8. American Journey Puppy Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe

Like most grain-free foods, American Journey Puppy Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe features ingredients like peas and chickpeas instead of grain. While some dogs are sensitive to grain and may benefit from grain-free food, we generally recommend that dogs avoid peas unless they must consume a grain-free formula. However, besides the inclusion of peas, this food works very well for most Cane Corso puppies.

As the first ingredient, this food includes lamb. However, it also utilized both chicken and turkey meal. Therefore, despite using lamb as the main ingredient, this food isn’t particularly hypoallergenic.

We do love that this formula includes blueberries, carrots, and dried kelp. These extra ingredients add to the overall nutritional value of the food. Plus, salmon oil and flaxseed are also included, which improve the omega fatty acids content of the food.

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9. Country Vet Naturals 28/18 Healthy Puppy Dog Food

Despite not being as popular as other brands on the market, Country Vet Naturals 28/18 Healthy Puppy Dog Food works great for many Cane Corso puppies. The very first ingredient is chicken meal, which is extremely high in protein and amino acids. The formula also includes fish meal to increase the omega-fatty acid content of the food.

We love that this food is grain-inclusive. It includes brewer’s rice and brown rice—both of which are pretty nutritious. These ingredients provide high amounts of fiber and other nutrients, as well.

Despite being made for all puppies, this food does include all the nutrients that larger puppies need to thrive. Therefore, we highly recommend it for Cane Corso puppies—if you can afford the higher-than-average price.

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10. Natural Balance LID Salmon & Brown Rice Puppy Recipe

Natural Balance can be a great brand, but many of its formulas are hit-and-miss. For instance, this formula is designed for puppies with sensitive stomachs and works great for this purpose. However, Natural Balance LID Salmon & Brown Rice Puppy Recipe can also be quite expensive. Therefore, we moved it to a lower position on the list. It is still great food; the value just isn’t there.

As a grain-inclusive formula, we loved that there were lots of whole grains included. Whole grains are unrefined and have tons of fiber, which is helpful for dogs with digestive problems. Many puppies do better on an increased fiber diet.

Because of all the fish included, this formula is also high in DHA and omega fatty acids. Larger dogs do great on fish-based diets, as it improves their joint and coat health. Plus, DHA is vital for developing puppies.

• Also Read: Natural Balance Dog Food Review: Recalls, Pros & Cons

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11. Black Gold Explorer Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food

Compared to other dog foods, Black Gold Explorer Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food is reasonably priced and comparable to other premium brands on the market. It utilizes chicken meal as the first ingredient, which is very high in protein and amino acids. Furthermore, it is grain-inclusive and packed full of whole grains, which improves the overall fiber content of the food.

While fish doesn’t appear very high on the list, there is a small amount included. This small amount increases the DHA content of this food, which can improve your dog’s development. Probiotics are also included, helping with digestion.

However, this is a premium brand, so it will cost more than other options on the market. It isn’t budget-friendly, though it is priced similarly to other budget brands. There is also no smaller bag available, which means that you’ll have to purchase the larger, more expensive bag. Furthermore, it doesn’t seem to work well for all dogs, especially those with sensitive stomachs.

Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Dog Food for Cane Corso Puppies

There is a lot you need to consider when purchasing puppy food for your Cane Corso. On top of finding a puppy food that’s suitable for a growing dog, you also have to consider your Cane Corso’s larger size, which can affect their nutritional needs. If your dog has any underlying problems like a sensitive stomach or skin issues, then you have even more to keep up with.

In this section, we’ll take a look at everything you need to know about your dog’s digestive system and the food they need to thrive. While this does vary somewhat from dog to dog, there are some common similarities.

Large Breed Puppy Nutrition

Large breed puppies have very specific nutritional needs that make the food they need a bit different from the average dog. You need to keep your large breed puppy at the proper growth rate. If they grow too quickly, they may develop joint problems later on like hip dysplasia. Therefore, bigger is not better in this situation.

To keep them at the proper growth rate, you’ll likely need food that’s lower in fat. However, you’ll still want a formula that is high in calories, as puppies burn a lot of energy. About half of the calories your puppy eats will go towards growth, so it is vital that they also get enough calories for their everyday activities. However, feeding food that is too high in calories can result in too much weight.

Like with most things, it is a balancing act.

Growing puppies also need more protein. However, too much protein can also be detrimental, as it can result in a calcium and phosphorus imbalance.

Calcium and Phosphorus

All dogs need a specific ratio of calcium and phosphorus to thrive. However, most dogs are not very sensitive to this ratio. Large breed puppies are a different story, however.

Calcium is necessary for strong bones, which your dog is currently growing. Puppies cannot regulate how much calcium they absorb. Therefore, too much calcium can also cause a problem. For instance, calcium decreases the amount of phosphorous your dog absorbs. If your dog is absorbing too much calcium, it won’t be absorbing enough phosphorus.

Phosphorus and calcium work together to ensure proper growth. Your puppy should be getting about as much calcium as phosphorus—or a bit more phosphorus than calcium. More calcium than phosphorus can lead to problems, though.

Vitamins

Of course, your large breed puppy also needs vitamins of all sorts. Vitamin D, vitamin A, copper, zinc, and manganese are all vital for proper joint and skeletal development. Therefore, be sure that your puppy also consumes enough vitamins and minerals to prevent future problems.

With that said, your Cane Corso won’t typically have any special vitamin needs compared to other puppies. Instead, their special dietary needs lie in their need for calcium, phosphorus, fat, and protein. Other vitamins are less important and needed in the same amounts as other puppies.

All Puppies vs. Large Breed Puppies

Your Cane Corso should consume a diet specifically made for large breed puppies or one that is suitable for all puppies. Many formulas are designed for all puppies, which generally means that they meet the more intense nutritional needs of larger breeds while also containing the vitamins that smaller breeds need.

There are many formulas out there suitable for all puppies, so it isn’t typically necessary to get one designed for only large breed puppies. Often, formulas suited for both are of higher quality.

However, there are also formulas out there suitable for only large breeds. In these cases, the company was specifically concerned with meeting the nutritional needs of large breeds and no one else. Therefore, they don’t contain the ingredients that some smaller breeds may need.

For this reason, they are only approved for larger breeds.

Macronutrient Needs

Macronutrients are protein, fat, and carbohydrates. These make up each food, and each dog needs them in specific amounts. Larger dogs typically need more protein, as they are growing very fast. Typically, it is recommended to feed them a diet containing around 30% protein. However, the quality of the protein also matters, as it’s all about what protein your dog absorbs—not just the amount of crude protein in their food.

Generally, these dogs also need less fat, as fat is very calorie-dense. Too much fat can make them grow too quickly, which can cause joint issues.

In Conclusion

For most Cane Corso puppies, we highly recommend Ollie’s Turkey Dish With Blueberries. This quality fresh food can be tailored to specifically suit your large breed puppy. It features tons of premium meat and the appropriate amount of nutrients for your dog needs to grow and thrive.

If you’re on a budget, you may want to consider Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy. This formula is a bit cheaper than other options out there, but it is still designed for large breed puppies. Therefore, it includes all the appropriate vitamins and minerals your larger breed needs.

We hope that one of the formulas on this list is suitable for your canine.

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Featured Image Credit: Bruno Simões, Pixabay