large breedUpdated March 2026

Best Dog Food for Irish Setters

Our top food picks for Irish Setters. Fresh food delivery, subscription boxes, and kibble brands that actually work for this breed.

At 60 to 70 pounds, the Irish Setter is a very high energy large breed. As a Sporting breed, Irish Setters were built to work in the field all day, and that energy shows up at home. What you put in the bowl has a direct effect on how they feel and perform day to day.

Irish Setters are prone to Hip Dysplasia, Bloat, Heart Disease. Joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine help. A food that addresses these breed-specific risks goes a long way.

Irish Setters have demanding coats that need omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from their food. If the coat looks dull, diet is usually the first thing to check. We put together our top picks below: subscription food services, monthly boxes, and kibble options that work well for this breed.

Irish Setter Nutrition Profile

22–26%
Protein
10–15%
Fat
4–6%
Fiber
20 cal/lb
Calories

Best Fresh Food Delivery for Irish Setters

These services build a meal plan around your Irish Setter's weight and age. Real food, vet-approved recipes, shipped to your door.

1

We Feed Raw

Editor's Pick

Complete raw diet made simple

6.6/10
$45–$120/mo
2

Ollie

Human-grade fresh dog food

8.2/10
$60–$120/mo
3

Nom Nom

Restaurant-quality dog meals

6.8/10
$55–$110/mo
4

The Farmer's Dog

Real food made fresh

8.1/10
$50–$100/mo
5

Spot & Tango

Fresh & UnKibble options

7.7/10
$40–$90/mo
6

Open Farm

Ethically sourced, transparent ingredients

7.4/10
$55–$100/mo

Best Subscription Boxes for Irish Setters

Monthly boxes with toys, treats, and chews picked for your Irish Setter's size. Good nutrition is half the battle. Enrichment is the other half.

1

BarkBox

Monthly surprises for your pup

8.5/10
$23–$35
2

Super Chewer

Tough toys for power chewers

7.6/10
$29–$45
3

Pawstruck

Natural chews & treats at honest prices

7.1/10
$20–$35
4

Goody Box

One-time curated boxes from Chewy

6.7/10
$19.99–$35
5

Bark Bright

Dental care made delicious

6.5/10
$25–$35
6

Farm Hounds

Ethically sourced, single-ingredient treats from sustainable farms

6.4/10
$25–$45

Feeding by Life Stage

🐶Irish Setter Puppies

Irish Setter puppies should be on a large-breed puppy formula with controlled calcium. They grow to 70+ pounds, and rushing that growth stresses developing bones. Since Irish Setters are prone to joint issues, this is especially important.

🧓Senior Irish Setters

Irish Setters live about 12 to 15 years, so around age 10 you should start thinking about a senior formula. Fewer calories, easier on the stomach. Joint supplements like glucosamine become more important at this stage. Omega-3s and taurine can support heart health as they age.

🤧Irish Setters with Allergies

Irish Setters are known to develop food sensitivities. Watch for chronic ear infections. Common triggers are chicken, beef, wheat, and dairy. If you suspect a food allergy, switch to a limited-ingredient diet with a novel protein like duck, venison, or salmon. An elimination diet supervised by your vet is the most reliable way to identify the trigger.

Recommended Kibble Brands

Widely available dry food brands suitable for Irish Setters. Listed for informational purposes.

Best Overall
Orijen Large Breed
Tailored for large and giant breeds with glucosamine and chondroitin from natural sources
Vet Favorite
Hill's Science Diet Large Breed
Clinically proven antioxidants and glucosamine for large breed joint and immune health
Joint Support
Wellness Core Large Breed
Glucosamine and chondroitin built in, optimized protein-to-fat ratio for bigger dogs
Popular
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed
L-carnitine for lean muscle, glucosamine for joints, controlled calories
Budget Pick
Diamond Naturals Large Breed
Added glucosamine and chondroitin at the lowest price in the large breed category
Premium
Open Farm Homestead Turkey & Chicken
Humanely raised proteins, sustainably sourced, easy to digest

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Irish Setter

How much food does a Irish Setter need per day?

A Irish Setter weighing 60 to 70 lbs needs roughly 1800 to 2100 calories per day, depending on age and how active they are. Split that into two meals. Use a slow feeder or puzzle bowl to reduce the risk of bloat.

What health issues should Irish Setter food help with?

Irish Setters are known to develop Hip Dysplasia, Bloat, Heart Disease. Look for foods that address these: glucosamine and chondroitin for joints, smaller kibble and slower feeding for bloat prevention, and omega-3 fatty acids for overall health.

What protein percentage is right for a Irish Setter?

Irish Setters do well on 22–26% protein. The first ingredient should be a named meat like chicken, beef, fish, or lamb. Skip foods where corn, wheat, or soy is listed first.

When should a Irish Setter puppy switch to adult food?

Irish Setters are a bigger breed, so keep them on puppy food longer. 12 to 24 months is the usual range because their bones need time to finish developing. Your vet can check growth progress and give you a more exact timeline.

What foods are toxic to Irish Setters?

Same as all dogs: chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol (check sugar-free gum labels), onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and cooked bones. Irish Setters can get into things fast, so keep these stored where they can't reach.

When is a Irish Setter considered senior?

Irish Setters live about 12 to 15 years, so they start hitting senior territory around age 10. That's when you might want to look at lower-calorie formulas with joint support and easier-to-digest protein.

Learn More About Irish Setters

📖 Irish Setter Breed Guide🍖 Dog Food Services⚖️ Compare Breeds