The Ultimate Guide to What Corgis Can (and Can’t) Eat

Corgis are not just meant for royalty; they are also meant for the everyday nobleman like me and you that enjoy the sight of an adorable and highly energized dog, like a Corgi! But to keep this energy up, it is important to know more about their diet.

The diet for a Corgi is quite simple, and consists mostly of proteins, fats, and grains, which keeps their energy up and running. Vegetables and some fruits that are viable options as well; yet there are some items that should be avoided as well.

Want to know what the best food items are? Then let’s keep reading to find the answers you seek!

Typical Feeding Requirements for Corgis

When feeding your Corgi, it is best to take into consideration three main factors: the food’s ingredients, the amount that you’re letting them eat, as well as the frequency in when they eat. The ingredients of your Corgis food is the most important.

You’ll want to present your little doggy with the best nutrient-dense food that is available to them for ultimate growth. The amount is imperative as well because Corgis are small dogs, and overfeeding them could cause health issues concerning their intestines and stomach.

Also, when they are eating is a high consideration. Eating too much could lead to obesity, – which would physically hurt for a small dog – so putting them on a schedule is the best option when it comes to feeding requirements.

Safe Vegetables for Your Corgis

• Broccoli: Chopped, raw, or cooked, this cruciferous veggie boosts vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Carrots: Crunchy, sweet carrots are packed with vitamin A for eyesight and skin health.
• Cucumbers: Hydrating cucumbers provide vitamin K, potassium, and trace nutrients.
• Green beans: A low-calorie choice that delivers magnesium, vitamins C and K, and fiber.
• Pumpkin: Canned 100% pumpkin aids digestion with fiber while providing vitamin A.
• Sweet potatoes: Baked and peeled, these provide vitamin A, potassium, and fiber.
• Zucchini: Mild zucchini slices or cubes offer moisture, fiber, vitamin C, and manganese.

Aim for 1-2 tablespoons of vegetables per day for a corgi, mixing up the selections. Introduce new veggies gradually to check for allergies.

Chop vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces. Lightly steam or cook veggies to soften them and enhance digestibility.

Some raw veggies like carrots or zucchini can be fed whole as chewing treats. Just monitor your corgi so they don’t swallow large chunks.

Safe Fruits for Your Corgis

• Apples: A crunchy favorite that’s loaded with fiber and vitamin C. Be sure to remove the core and seeds first, as they contain cyanide.
• Bananas: Packed with potassium and easily digestible carbohydrates. Opt for ripe bananas rather than green ones.
• Blueberries: Bursting with antioxidants and gentle on sensitive tummies. Frozen or fresh, blueberries make a tasty training treat.
• Cantaloupe: A hydrating, refreshing choice that corgis love. Cantaloupe provides beta-carotene and vitamin C.
• Mango: The tropical treat is full of vitamins A, B6, and C. The flesh is corgi-approved but remove the pit and skin first.
• Oranges: Sweet, juicy citrus is safe for dogs when peeled and sectioned. Opt for seedless varieties when possible.
• Pears: A soft, gentle way to provide fiber. Monitor sugar intake with particularly ripe pears.
• Pineapple: Contains vitamin C, manganese, and bromelain, which aids digestion. Fresh or canned plain pineapple is safe for pups.
• Watermelon: Made up of 92% water, so it’s super hydrating. Offer seedless watermelon in moderation.

When offering fruit, keep portion sizes small, about 1-2 tbsp worth per day for a corgi-sized dog. Introduce new fruits slowly and one at a time to check for any allergies or intolerances.

For training treats, cut larger fruits like apples into tiny, pea-sized bites. Or for an icy summer treat, freeze blended fruit like berries in an ice cube tray for your pup to gnaw on.

Foods That Corgis Cannot Eat

There are lots of foods out there, and as we know, dogs are capable of eating whatever they choose; but since your Corgi lives with you, let’s talk about food that they should not be eating. One food that should not be eaten by your Corgi are eggs.

Eggs can provide a decent amount of protein, but it isn’t the only source. Raw eggs are the worst form to give to your Corgi, no matter how protein-packed it is; it’s always best to give your Corgi cooked food.

There are a lot of human foods that Corgis should stay away from as well, due to the fact that their bodies are not capable of digesting the complex oils and minerals that come along with it.

Soy tends to be one of them, because it barely breaks down properly, and can cause gastro-intestinal distress for their little bodies.

Always Avoid Giving A Corgi These Foods

Corgis are known for their energy, and will eat whatever they find delectable! However, the foods that Corgis should avoid are necessary to speak of because if they do engage in these foods, it can cause major health problems for them.

Most of the foods that Corgis should avoid are human-based food; for example, no Corgi should ever eat chocolate. It contains methylxanthines, which will badly disturb your Corgis digestion track.

In addition, foods like almonds and cinnamon are also off limits to Corgis because the oils in them can disturb their palate. Garlic is another big no-no because it’s considered toxic to the dogs mouth, gums, and stomach lining.

And lastly, like many other people and animals in the world, Corgis should stay away from ice cream; it contains lactose, which is indigestible for their stomachs, and could cause severe stomach issues, like constipation.

Inferior Foods for Corgis to Avoid (Not Dangerous, But Not Great)

Food is considered anything that is grown directly from the Earth itself; so anything that’s edible that comes off of a tree, bush, or the ground.

Corgis are capable of eating and filtering most of these natural foods, however there are some foods that we give them that are O.K., but aren’t the best for their overall health. Processed foods are a common food that Corgis shouldn’t have.

Sure, they may like the taste of your fast food pizza or burger, but there are multiple types of additives that come with that, and your Corgi’s body may not be strong enough to filter it.

Other foods like potatoes are also good for them, but within reason. Potatoes are high and carbs, and if left unfiltered, can cause fast weight gain.

Food for Sensitive Stomachs

The best food for a Corgi with a sensitive stomach can certainly come down to dry foods, and by that, I don’t mean Kibbles, I mean food that tastes almost bland. Excess flavors are a trigger for sensitive stomachs, and can send your Corgi down the road of loose flatulence.

So it’s best to keep it nice and tight with food that is filled with fiber and easy for the stomach to break down. For instance, a small bowl of rice and some well-cooked protein can be considered a great meal for a dog’s sensitive stomach.

Other foods that would fit into this category are small amounts of whole grains, and easy to digest fruits and vegetables that will build up good gut bacteria, and help your dog eat a quality meal without the risk of vomiting, or having runs.

Wet or Dry Foods

It’s good to know that Corgis are capable of eating both wet and dry foods with little-to-no problem. Although dry foods are more common for dogs, there are a few perks that work well for Corgis when it comes to wet food.

Wet food allows for more moisture within it, therefore it hydrates your dog while they eat, and also makes them feel fuller, faster. In addition, it may have less of the synthetic materials within it compared to dry food.

However, dry food is the most popular choice because there can be more nutrients within the density of the food; which means your Corgi will be full of food instead of water. In essence, either form of food is fine, as long as the ingredients are satisfactory to the dog’s diet.

How Often Should Corgis Eat?

When it comes to Corgi puppies, they may be smaller, but they require a lot of energy. Around 2-4 months, about 4 small meals per day is necessary. From 4-6 months, one meal can be taken away, and reduced to 3 daily meals.

As they get a little older, around 6-8 months, they are bigger and more than capable of breaking down food properly, so their meals can be reduced to 2-3 meals per day.

Once they hit full maturity, and are considered adult status, Corgis can continue to eat 2-3 meals per day, depending on the size; or to be more cautious 2 solid meals per day could be optimal for their health, energy level, and overall size.

How Much Should Corgis Eat?

Corgis are small dogs with big appetites; yet, they still don’t have to eat an excessive amount in order for them to be full. According to the Golden Gates Corgi Association, the weight standard for this breed for males is around 28 to 30 pounds, and 26 to 28 pounds for females.

With that being said, to create this healthy weight, Corgis can eat between ⅓ cup of food to ¾ cup of food per meal, with half of a cup being the average. Luckily this doesn’t take much to create, as long as the type of food, amount of food, and feeding time is consistent.

Now, if your Corgi is a bit hungrier than the average, – and it has reached its physical maturity – giving it one full cup of dry or wet food won’t hurt it; just keep an eye out for their weight and any signs of gains.

What to Watch for With Their Diet

Giving your Corgi a proper and nutritious diet is not a hard endeavor; and you’ll know if you’re doing it correctly based on the health, size, and happiness of your dog.

While they eat, always watch for whether or not they finish the bowl; if they do, you know you have a good meal to serve your dog, if they don’t it may be time to switch to something more flavorful or healthy.

Always Take Note of Their Weight.

If your Corgi tends to stay within their healthy weight range, then the food you’re giving them is adequate; however, if they are gaining weight, it’s best to either switch their foods, or give them less than you’re serving now.

Check for How They are After Their Meal.

They may be energetic or casual; yet if they are laying down every time, lighter food may be recommended.

Health Problems Caused By Unhealthy Foods

Yes, diet plays a major role in health problems associated with Corgis. Corgis are known to have diseases just like other dogs. One disease that they have is Progresseive Retinal Atrophy, which is the breaking down of eye muscles.

With a proper diet filled with vitamin A, the chances of this disease coming to pass can be slimmer. There is also Hip Dysplasia and Achondroplasia, which are common in Corgis as well, and gives them their signature short legs.

The malfunctioning of their hips and/or joints can be enhanced by eating food packed with calcium and vital minerals that help with healthy bone development, and slow down the process of any of these diseases causing significant damage to your Corgi dog.

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