The 6 Best Dog Foods For Staffies Australia: Tested & Evaluated 2024
Written By Vedrana Nikolic | Canine Coach, B.A Ethnology & Anthropology, M.A Semiotics.
Edited & Fact Checked By Renae Soppe | B.A Journalism & Science.
Last Updated: 7th January 2024
Looking tough on the outside but irresistibly charming with hearts of gold, Staffies are hard not to love. And that’s not just a guess - the numbers are there, Staffies are in the list of the top 10 most beloved breeds in Australia [1].
But what’s the best food to feed these adorable dogs? Today’s Best Dog Food for Staffy Australia guide is here to solve that question. We teamed up with veterinarians and canine nutritionists to discuss everything you need to know about keeping your Staffy well-fed and nourished. After months of testing and more than 50 foods, we finally agreed on this list of the best food for your Staffy Australia offers. Let's check them out!
Quick Picks - The Top 3
Our Number 1 Pick -
Petzyo Kangaroo & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
- Nutrient-dense kibble with balanced fat content
- Ethically sourced wholesome ingredients
- Rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
- Enriched with superfoods like sweet potato, blueberries, and turmeric
- Fast & free shipping in Australia
- Meets and exceed AAFCO and PFIAA guidelines
Runner Up -
Eureka Wild Boar & Chicken Dog Food
- High protein and low carb formula
- Locally sourced ingredients
- Suitable for all ages
- Great as a topper for picky eaters
- Easy to use subscription system
Third Choice -
Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Mackerel and Lamb Recipe
- Ethically sourced meat & fish as main ingredients
- High protein contents
- Rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
- Suitable for all ages
Australia's Best Staffordshire Bull Terrier Dog Food Reviewed
#1: Best Overall: Petzyo Kangaroo & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
What sets this product apart from the rest?
Nutritional Analysis: | |
|---|---|
Protein | 25% |
Fat | 11% |
Fibre | 5% |
Petzyo - 5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Sustainable Kangaroo, Sweet Potato, Peas, Lentils, Carrots, Broccolli & Broccoli Stem, Tomato, Spinach, Kelp, Blueberries, Rosemary, Parsley, Basil, Oregano, Turmeric, Chicken Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Fish Oil, Vitamin and Minerals (Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B11, B12, D, E, K, Taurine, Niacin, Folic Acid, Biotin, Choline, Pantonthenic Acid, Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Iodine and Cobalt).
- Named Protein First: Yes.
- Dog Food Type: Grain Inclusive.
- Recipe Range: Kangaroo, Sweet Potato & Superfood Extras or Salmon, Ocean Fish & Green Lipped Mussels or Chicken, Turkey & Superfood Extras or Petzyo Raw Food Range.
- Suitable For: Petzyo's recipe range can be suitable for puppy, adult and senior dogs depending on the recipe.
- Cost: $$$
- Australian Owned: Yes.
Dr Kathryn Rosalie Dench - M.A VetMB MRCVS.
Gentle Dog Trainers Expert Reviewer
"Petzyo Dog Food is a great option for Staffy's. Always a named protein as the first ingredient and packed full of essential vitamins and minerals, it's the complete package."
When it comes to dry dog food made in Australia, there is probably no better product than Petzyo. The main product made by Petzyo is high-quality kibble. I also love how they offer three different recipes, all of which are made without any artificial preservatives, colourings, or flavours. Instead, this kibble contains only high-quality protein, fruits, veggies, and superfood additions.
The Petzyo Kangaroo & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food being tested by our independent expert team.
Related: Petzyo Dog Food Review.
Our team of testers and researchers found that the Kangaroo & Sweet Potato recipe offers pretty much the perfect Staffy diet. The main ingredient is kangaroo which is a wholesome source of protein that doesn’t contain too much fat.
We appreciate the fact that this is a single-protein recipe, unlike our second choice by Eureka, that can be helpful for Staffies with skin allergies. Talking about skin health, this Petzyo kibble is also rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids from flaxseed oil and fish oil which can greatly improve the state of skin and coat in dogs.
Pros | Cons |
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#2: Runner Up: Eureka Wild Boar & Chicken Dog Food
Nutritional Analysis: | |
|---|---|
Protein | 37% |
Fat | 25% |
Fibre | 2% |
Eureka Wild Boar & Chicken Dog Food - 4.5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Wild boar; wild boar offal (liver, heart, lung, kidney, finely ground bone); wild boar liver; free range chicken; free range chicken offal (liver, heart, tripe, kidney, lung, cartilage, bone); salmon oil; free range eggs; broccoli; flaxseed; chia seeds;
blueberry; kelp; chicory root (inulin); green lipped mussel; turmeric; apple fibre; sea salt.
*Also contain: Postbiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifdbacterium animalis ssp. Lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum), lecitihin, citric acid, mixed tocopherols (natural anti-oxidant). - Named Protein First: Yes.
- Dog Food Type: Grain Inclusive.
- Recipe Range: Wild Venison & Lamb; Wild Kangaroo & Lamb; Wild Boar & Chicken
- Suitable For: All ages
- Cost: $$$$
- Australian Owned: Yes.
Eureka is the locally-sourced super premium dog food we’ve all been waiting for. When looking at the ingredient list, our expert panel says they see precisely what dog food should be like (but unfortunately, it often isn’t).
So why is that? First of all, we see very few grains, other fillers, and a lot of meat and offal. In fact, over 90% of each Eureka formula are ingredients of animal origin. In the recipe we are showcasing today, the meat in question is wild boar and free-range chicken (both produced locally in Australia), but you can choose any of their three recipes and rest assured you are feeding your dog the best proteins available.
The Eureka Wild Boar & Chicken Dog Food being tested by our independent expert team.
Moreover, every ingredient is clearly named, including specific animal parts. That kind of transparency is something we always appreciate. And I know my dog loves the taste and happily gobbled it down during our testing phase!
Related: The Eureka Pet Food Review.
The non-meat additions include salmon oil, broccoli, flaxseed, green lipped mussel, and turmeric. Similar to our Petzyo choice at number one, all of those contain valuable nutrients to boost your dog’s health, so we have nothing to complain about.
Related: The Best Meal Toppers For Dogs.
The recipe resembles a BARF diet, but the food isn’t raw. Instead, it’s gently air-dried, thus successfully achieving a middle ground between freshness and convenience.
Pros | Cons |
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#3: Third Place: Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Mackerel and Lamb Recipe
Nutritional Analysis: | |
|---|---|
Protein | 45% |
Fat | 23% |
Fibre | 2% |
Ziwi Peak - 4.5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Mackerel, Lamb, Lamb Heart, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Liver, Lamb Lung, New Zealand Green Mussel, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Bone, Lecithin, Inulin from Chicory, Dried Kelp, Minerals (Dipotassium Phosphate, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Selenium Yeast), Salt, Parsley, Preservative (Citric Acid, Mixed Tocopherols), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid).
- Named Protein First: Yes.
- Dog Food Type: Grain-free air-dried dog food
- Recipe Range: Lamb, Mackerel & Lamb, Venison, Beef, Tripe & Lamb, Free-Range Chicken +more
- Suitable For: All ages
- Cost: $$$$
- Australian Owned: No (but NZ owned)
Ziwi Peak is in third place in our list because we’ve found that our top two picks offer a better price-value ratio. However, the food from Ziwi Peak is still a great choice. The food is made with only top quality ingredients which makes it quite expensive. But if your budget can handle it, the price is well worth it.
Our expert panel also suggest you take into consideration the fact that this food is air-dried which makes it quite lightweight. In order words, one cup of Ziwi Peak air-dried food will contain more nutrients and calories than one cup of standard kibble. Hence, the recommended daily portions are considerably smaller than with standard dry food.
The Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Mackerel and Lamb Recipe being tested by our independent expert team.
Related: Ziwi Peak Dog Food Review.
But what about the contents of Ziwi Peak food? If you look at the list of ingredients, you’ll immediately understand while this food is in our top three. The protein is not only named, but also very specifically named (lamb hart, lamb tripe, lamb liver, for example). In other words, I knew exactly what my dog was eating - no mystery ingredients.
Our panel especially recommends the Mackerel & Lamb recipe for energetic Staffies because it’s not only rich in protein with a whopping 45% protein content but also full of healthy fatty acids. These nutrients come from the mackerel as well as New Zealand green lipped mussel which is added into the mix.
Pros | Cons |
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#4: Best Food for Staffy Puppies: Ivory Coat Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Chicken Puppy
Nutritional Analysis: | |
|---|---|
Protein | 37% |
Fat | 19% |
Fibre | 5% |
Ivory Coat - 3.5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Peas, Tapioca, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), ground flaxseed, Tomato Pomace, Coconut Oil, Pea fibre, salmon oil, sweet potatoes, Carrots, kale, broccoli, spinach, parsley, apples, blueberries, vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, D3, E, Beta-Carotene, Niacin, d-Calcium pantothenate, Biotin, Folic Acid, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Copper, Natural Prebiotic, Rosemary Extract & Green Tea Extract.
- Named Protein First: No (but chicken meal is OK)
- Dog Food Type: Grain-free dry dog food
- Recipe Range: Recipes for puppies, adult dogs, and mature dogs based on chicken or beef or lamb or fish +more
- Suitable For: Puppies (but there are formulas available for every life stage)
- Cost: $$$
- Australian Owned: No (but made in Australia)
If you're looking for dog food made specifically for puppies, then you might want to look into the Ivory Coat Puppy line. For this review, we’ve chosen the Chicken recipe, but I appreciate how Ivory Food offers a couple of other recipes designed specifically for puppies too.
Our panel of experts point out that while Staffies are young, it is especially important to get the diet right and ensure they get all the nutrients they need to grow into healthy and happy dogs. This is the exact reason why we love this kibble from Ivory Coat. The recipe was formulated specifically to meet the requirements of puppies, ensuring that they get the necessary levels of protein and fat as well as vitamins and minerals.
The Ivory Coat Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Chicken Puppy being tested by our independent expert team.
Related: Ivory Coat Dog Food Review.
The first ingredient on the list for this recipe is chicken meal, which sets apart from our first three choices. While not the most premium choice, chicken meal is generally considered a suitable source of protein for dogs. An additional plus is the fact that Ivory Coat uses chicken sourced from Australia.
Besides the meat, this kibble is enriched with wholesome fruits and veggies that add vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre to your pup’s diet. Coconut oil and salmon oil are added to boost the levels of healthy fatty acids. What is not added are grains and useless fillers, which is definitely what we like to see in any dog food.
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#5: Best for Active Dogs: Black Hawk Working Dog Lamb & Beef
Nutritional Analysis: | |
|---|---|
Protein | 32% |
Fat | 22% |
Fibre | 3% |
Black Hawk - 3.5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Lamb Meat Meal, Beef Meat Meal, Oats, Pea Protein, Rice, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols [source of Vitamin E], Citric Acid, Rosemary Extract), Field Peas, Fish Meal, Chicken Meal, Canola Oil, Beet Pulp, Essential Vitamins & Minerals, Eggs Dried, Fish Oil, Salt, Brewers Yeast, Flax Seed, Chicory Root, Natural Antioxidants, Emu Oil, Omega 6 Fatty Acids, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Carrot, Yucca Schidigera, Tomato Powder, D-Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Blueberries, Cranberry, Dandelion Tea, Peppermint Tea, Kelp, Spinach, Rosemary
- Named Protein First: No (but meals are ok)
- Dog Food Type: Grain-inclusive
- Recipe Range: A range of grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes
- Suitable For: Adult dogs (but recipes are available for different life stages)
- Cost: $$
- Australian Owned: Yes.
Most Staffies love attention, games, and all sorts of activities. Most of these dogs can be characterised as active dogs, but some of them are really active - you could almost say hyper! Always running around and enjoying some sort of play. Those also tend to be the dogs that can’t seem to get enough food.
Is your Staffy looking a bit too skinny no matter how much you feed them? Then you our panel of expert vets and nutritionists recommend you consider a formula that backs an extra nutritional punch like this option from Black Hawk.
The Black Hawk Working Dog Lamb & Beef being tested by our independent expert team.
Related: Black Hawk Dog Food Review.
This formula from Black Hawk was designed for working dogs, but it’s suitable for any dog with high activity levels. To sustain frequent strenuous activity, this feed is packed with protein. The protein comes from various sources too (the first two ingredients are lamb meat meal and beef meat meal, similar to our number four and number six choices, but the feed also contains chicken meal and dried eggs). For some dogs, this variety can actually be a great thing, although it might be problematic for pups with sensitive stomachs.
Pros | Cons |
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#6: Budget Pick: Stockman and Paddock High Performance Dry Beef Food for Working Dog
Nutritional Analysis: | |
|---|---|
Protein | 26% |
Fat | 16% |
Stockman - 3.5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Australian beef meal, Australian wheat, Australian wheat meal, Australian hydrolysed chicken protein, Australian beef fat, beet pulp, natural flavour, salt, potassium chloride, flaxseeds, dry chicory root, choline chloride, essential vitamins (A, D, E, B1, B6, niacin, riboflavin, folic acid, B12) and minerals (zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, selenium) and antioxidants.
- Named Protein First: No (but beef meal is OK).
- Dog Food Type: Grain Inclusive (a grain-free option is available)
- Recipe Range: Beef (Working Dog recipe or Grain Free recipe)
- Suitable For: Active adult dogs
- Cost: $
- Australian Owned: Yes.
Spending a fortune on dog food is usually quite easy, especially if you start looking into premium options. However, not every household has a budget that can withstand this kind of spending, especially if it includes multiple hungry dogs like mine.
If you are looking to spend less on dog food, but still keep your canine companion fed and healthy, then our panel suggests Stockman & Paddock dog food as a good option. It's the least expensive food on this list, but I'm glad to say that it doesn't sacrifice quality.
The Stockman and Paddock High Performance Dry Beef Food for Working Dog being tested by our independent expert team.
Quite frankly, we couldn't find a better kibble in this price range since Stockman & Paddock feed is very affordable. But as we said, the low price doesn’t mean this food is of lower quality. For starters, the main ingredient is beef meal (from Aussie beef). While not as wholesome as fresh meat, beef meal is an acceptable source of protein for dogs.
Like many options on this list, its formula is grain inclusive though Stockman & Paddock does provide grain-free formulas if you prefer that for your Staffy.
Related: The Stockman & Paddock Dog Food Review.
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Staffordshire Bull Terrier Food: Everything You Need to Know
Before we start, let’s acknowledge one thing: the American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are two different breeds [2]. However, the two breeds are closely related and although there are differences, they share lots of similarities.
In terms of dietary requirements, our panel of experts point out that there is pretty much no difference, so for the needs of this article, we’ll use the term Staffy to refer both to the American and the English version.
Now, let’s get to the point. What should one look for when buying food for Staffies?
Understanding Dog Food Labels
Whenever you are shopping for dog food, the ingredient list is what you should be paying attention to. When you know what you are doing, all you need is a quick glance to find out if the feed is worth buying.
But where to start? Our vets and nutritionists have some ideas. Here are the key points to pay attention to when buying food for Staffies:
Related: How To Choose The Right Dog Food.
Related: What is AAFCO? The Association of American Feed Control Officials
Related: What Is the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA)?
Related: AAFCO vs PFIAA: Dog Food Standards Comparison Australia
Named protein first
This is the golden rule if you want quality dog food. If an ingredient list lists only ‘meat’, that’s a major red flag. What you want is to know exactly what kind of meat. On that note, named meat meal is a decent option, while meat by-products is a questionable category that can mean a lot of things but is usually used to label the lowest-quality protein.
Related: The Best Meat for Dogs.
Related: Real Meat vs Meat Meal in Dog Food.
Fruits, veggies & co
While dogs are primarily carnivores, they can benefit from vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants certain plant-based foods can offer. If you see blueberries, sweet potato, kelp, flaxseed and other foods of that sort on the ingredient list, consider them a good sign.
Preservatives
In general, it’s best to avoid all kinds of artificial preservatives and other additives in your dog’s food. However, if that’s not possible, still make sure to avoid sulphite preservatives. Our experts note that they can be detrimental to canine health.
For more info about dog food in general check out this guide.
Do Staffies Have Any Special Dietary Requirements?
Staffies are a strong and adaptable breed. They appreciate a lot of attention and exercise, and failing to provide stimulation can make them temperamental. They are not especially prone to any serious disease, although problems like elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, hereditary cataracts and certain metabolic disorders can sometimes appear [3].
However, the most common issues with Staffies are skin allergies or other skin problems. As I know firsthand with my pupper, skin issues in dogs are often connected to their diet, so it’s especially important to provide proper support to skin health through food when it comes to Staffies. The key to this are essential fatty acids.
“There are two important polyunsaturated fatty acids—omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Deficiencies in fatty acids can decrease wound healing and create a dull and dry hair coat, and they may increase certain dermatological conditions.” - Tiffany Tupler, DVM for PetMD
An open question when it comes to Staffies is the number of calories they should consume. While younger Staffies often tend to appear skinny even when they are well-fed due to the tendency to develop muscle mass, as they get older they become more prone to getting overweight:
“Senior Staffies will require diets that are more protein based with few, if any, grains. [...] Grains are carbohydrates and, just like humans, carbs tend to add weight faster, as well as add to digestive problems. Since older Staffordshire’s are less active, there is a higher risk of them putting on weight, even with the same diet that has been used to maintain weight when they are younger and more active” - Kevin Winslet, “The Complete Guide to Staffordshire Bull Terriers”
Overall, our team of experts say it depends on the lifestyle you and your dog have. Younger Staffies and those who exercise a lot will benefit from a high-protein diet that also includes a decent amount of fat. As they grow older, they might need a leaner diet, though. The key is, as always, watching your dog and changes in their body or behaviour.
Final Verdict
What’s the best food for Staffies? Our team of experts want to remind you that the perfect food often depends on the needs and preferences of the individual dog. But after months of testing dozens and dozens of dog food varieties, we’ve found the Petzyo dry dog food to be a great option overall.
This high-quality feed is made in Australia and reasonably priced. If you are looking for only the best, there are some great options from Eureka too.
FAQ
While it might be tempting to immediately offer the new awesome food you’ve got to your canine companion, switching to a new kind of food is best done gradually. On the first day, simply swam around ¼ of your dog’s daily food with the new one. Make it half and half the next day, and keep changing the ratio gradually until you are serving only the new food.
This is an issue that’s open to debate. Some say that dogs, as initially carnivores, do not need to eat grains. On the other hand, dogs have been living with humans for thousands of years and some would say grains are now pretty much a necessary part of their diet. Either way, small amounts of grains are usually not bad for dogs and can be a good source of certain vitamins and minerals. Some dogs can exhibit food sensitivity or allergic reactions when eating grains, in which case they should definitely go grain-free.
While there is no simple way to tell, skin and coat health can often be a good indicator of whether a dog’s diet is appropriate. Itchy skin, excessive hair loss, and constant scratching are often a sign of irritation by something the dog is eating. However, various other symptoms can appear too. If your dog is vomiting or having diarrhea frequently, you might need to change the food, but make sure to contact your vet too in such cases.
References
- MacSmith, J. August 17, 2021. “Australia’s most popular dog breeds”. The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved May 22, 2023. https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/lifestyle/home/pets/australias-most-popular-dog-breeds/news-story/44cd695b2ccf02de38b0ad90e3c03ab8
- “What's the Difference Between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier”. Modern Dog. Retrieved May 22, 2023. https://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/whats-difference-between-american-staffordshire-terrier-and-staffordshire-bull-terrier
- Phillips, G. February 01, 2023. “American Staffordshire Terrier”. PetMD. Retrieved May 22, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/american-staffordshire-terrier
- Tupler, T. February 01, 2021. “Dog Nutrition: Guide to Dog Food Nutrients”. PetMD. Retrieved May 22, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_dg_whats_in_a_balanced_dog_food
- Winslet, K. 2012. “The Complete Guide to Staffordshire Bull Terriers”. For Dogs Sake!
