Best Dog Food for Briards (2026)
Briards are medium-to-large herding dogs with high energy demands and a distinctive long, shaggy coat that requires proper nutritional support. Their active lifestyle and protective temperament mean they need calorie-dense, protein-rich diets to maintain muscle mass and sustain their working-dog heritage.
The best dog food for Briards prioritizes high-quality protein to fuel their athleticism, balanced omega fatty acids to support their coat health, and digestive support for optimal nutrient absorption. Look for formulas that account for their medium-large size and active nature, avoiding fillers that won't sustain their energy levels.
This page contains affiliate links to Chewy and Amazon. When you purchase through our links, pupprofiles.dog may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Our Top Pick
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice
A high-protein formula with joint-supporting glucosamine — the most widely vet-recommended dry food for large active breeds.
Purina Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice
Best overall for large breedsPurina Pro Plan's large-breed formula suits Briards at the upper weight range with glucosamine and EPA for joint support during their active herding work.
- 26% protein with real chicken as #1 ingredient
- Glucosamine & EPA for joint health
- Vet-recommended formula
Hill's Science Diet
Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Adult Chicken & Barley
Best vet-recommended for jointsHill's Science Diet large-breed formula supports Briards' joint cartilage with chondroitin and controls calories for healthy weight management during their active lifestyle.
- Natural chondroitin for joint cartilage
- Controlled calorie level for healthy weight
- Clinically proven antioxidants
Wellness
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Turkey & Chicken
Best grain-free for sensitive stomachsWellness CORE delivers 80% meat-based protein ideal for Briards' muscular build, with omega fatty acids supporting their long coat—discuss grain-free DCM concerns with your vet first.
- 80% protein from meat ingredients
- No corn, wheat, soy, or grain
- Omega-3 & 6 for coat health
Instinct by Nature's Variety
Instinct Original Grain-Free Raw Boost Chicken
Best kibble + raw comboInstinct's kibble and freeze-dried raw combination provides the high animal-protein content Briards need for muscle maintenance, with minimal processing to preserve nutrients.
- Combines kibble with freeze-dried raw pieces
- 95% animal ingredients in raw bites
- No corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives
Hill's Science Diet
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Adult
Best for sensitive stomachsHill's Science Diet supports Briards prone to digestive sensitivity with clinically proven digestibility over 90% and prebiotic fiber for balanced gut health.
- Clinically proven digestibility (>90%)
- Prebiotic fiber for balanced gut microbiome
- Vitamin E and omega-6 for skin barrier
Taste of the Wild
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free
Best value grain-freeTaste of the Wild combines premium bison and venison proteins to fuel Briards' herding heritage and active lifestyle while delivering probiotics for digestive support.
- Roasted bison and venison as primary proteins
- Best value premium grain-free
- Probiotics for digestive health
Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Adult
Best natural large breed formula- Real deboned chicken as #1 ingredient
- No chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy
- LifeSource Bits antioxidant blend
What to Look for in Dog Food for Briards
Briards are active herding dogs requiring 25–30% protein minimum to maintain lean muscle and support their energetic lifestyle. Look for foods listing named meat proteins (chicken, beef, lamb) as primary ingredients rather than generic meat meals. Since these dogs work in demanding conditions, they need sustained energy—aim for foods with 1,400+ calories per cup and moderate-to-high fat content (12–18%) for endurance.
Briards' long, shaggy coats need omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to prevent matting, reduce shedding, and maintain skin health. Prioritize foods with fish oil, flaxseed, or chicken fat alongside visible whole-food protein sources. Avoid grain-free formulas unless your vet specifically recommends them, as there's ongoing research linking them to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in large breeds.
Digestive health matters because Briards can develop sensitivities with poor-quality proteins. Choose foods with prebiotics, probiotics, or added fiber to support gut health. Medium-breed or large-breed formulas work best for Briards' 70–90 pound frame, providing appropriately sized kibble and calorie density suited to their size and activity level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much food does a Briard need daily?
Adult Briards typically need 2–3 cups of high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals, depending on activity level and metabolism. Working or very active Briards may require up to 4 cups daily. Your individual dog's needs depend on age, metabolism, and exercise—start with recommended amounts on your food's packaging and adjust based on body condition. Consult your vet if unsure about portions.
What should I feed my Briard with a sensitive stomach?
Choose limited-ingredient formulas or foods with single named protein sources (like chicken or lamb) to identify triggers. Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin and similar prescription-level foods offer clinically proven digestibility over 90%. Avoid corn, wheat, and soy initially, then reintroduce ingredients one at a time if needed. Always transition new foods gradually over 7–10 days and work with your vet if digestive issues persist.
Do Briards need grain-free dog food?
Not necessarily. While grain-free options exist, standard grain-inclusive formulas with whole grains (brown rice, barley, oats) are nutritionally adequate for most Briards. Recent research suggests potential DCM risk in some large breeds eating grain-free diets, so discuss grain-free options with your vet before switching. Many Briards thrive on quality grain-inclusive foods with excellent protein and digestibility.
Briard Full Breed Profile
Temperament, health conditions, care guides, and adoption resources.