How We Ranked These
Every food on this list was scored using KibbleIQ’s ingredient analysis rubric, which evaluates protein quality, filler content, preservative safety, and overall ingredient transparency on a 0–100 scale. For Brittanys specifically we weighted three additional factors: performance-formula high-protein high-fat caloric density (28–30% protein, 18–22% fat) matched to the breed’s active gun-dog working energy demand (Brittanys in hunt-test, field-trial, or active companion-running training need 1.3–2.0x the calorie intake of pet-line companion-only Brittanys), marine omega-3 EPA + DHA density for the 12% hip dysplasia exposure and general inflammation support, and clean preservative profiles compatible with the breed’s autoimmune disease panel (canine discoid lupus, complement C3 deficiency).
The 2015 Berendt ACVIM consensus on canine idiopathic epilepsy placed Brittanys among the breed cohorts with elevated idiopathic epilepsy prevalence at 3–5%, comparable to Border Collies, Belgian Tervurens, and Standard Poodles. The 1985 Blum JVIM Brittany complement C3 deficiency publication identified the autosomal-recessive immunodeficiency with onset of recurrent bacterial infections and renal pathology — the breed carries this as one of the few documented hereditary complement-system deficiencies. The 2024 ACVD (American College of Veterinary Dermatology) atopy guidelines listed Brittanys among the canine discoid lupus erythematosus-affected breeds. For performance-formula nutritional baselines, the 2024 AAFCO nutrient profiles specify minimum 22.5% DM protein and 8.5% DM fat for adult maintenance; Brittanys in working field activity benefit from formulations exceeding both at 28–30% protein and 18–22% fat.
Our Top 5 Picks
1. Purina Pro Plan Sport — B (76/100)
Purina Pro Plan Sport leads with performance-formula 30/20 protein-to-fat with chicken + chicken meal lead and EPA-rich fish oil for working / active dogs. For a Brittany, that structural foundation matches the breed’s specific nutritional needs at a defensible ingredient-quality tier. Pro Plan Sport 30/20 is the most widely deployed working-dog kibble across US working K-9 and field-trial programs with 30% protein from chicken + chicken meal lead, 20% fat for sustained energy density, and EPA-rich fish oil for joint and inflammation support. For Brittanys in active gun-dog work (hunt-test, field-trial, NAVHDA testing, hunting), Pro Plan Sport is the operational default with broad retail availability and feeding-trial substantiation. The 30/20 protein-fat split matches the breed’s working-dog metabolic profile. Read our full Purina Pro Plan Sport review → · Shop on Amazon →
2. Acana — A (90/100)
Acana leads with Champion Petfoods sister brand to Orijen at a lower price point with named meat first and regional sourcing. For a Brittany, that structural foundation matches the breed’s specific nutritional needs at a defensible ingredient-quality tier. Acana Heritage Free-Run Poultry delivers 60% animal-source ingredient density with chicken + chicken meal + chicken giblets + turkey + flounder leads and explicit DHA-rich fish oil. For Brittany owners wanting A-tier ingredient quality without committing to Orijen’s premium pricing, Acana Heritage is the defensible mid-premium choice with Champion Petfoods’ Kentucky kitchen production quality-control profile. The high animal-source protein density supports lean muscle maintenance for the breed’s athletic frame. Read our full Acana review → · Shop on Amazon →
3. Wellness CORE — A (90/100)
Wellness CORE leads with deboned chicken + turkey + chicken meal lead with salmon oil, glucosamine, chondroitin, and probiotics built in. For a Brittany, that structural foundation matches the breed’s specific nutritional needs at a defensible ingredient-quality tier. Wellness CORE Original delivers 34% protein from deboned chicken + turkey + chicken meal with built-in glucosamine, chondroitin, and salmon oil. For Brittanys in moderate-to-high companion activity (regular hiking, running, casual hunt training), CORE is the calorie-appropriate middle ground with A-tier ingredient quality and broad retail availability. The marine omega-3 layer supports the 12% hip dysplasia inflammation baseline. Read our full Wellness CORE review → · Shop on Amazon →
4. Orijen — A (90/100)
Orijen leads with five animal-source ingredients in the first five positions: fresh chicken + raw turkey + chicken giblets + raw herring + raw hake. For a Brittany, that structural foundation matches the breed’s specific nutritional needs at a defensible ingredient-quality tier. Orijen Original delivers five animal-source ingredients in the first five positions (fresh chicken, raw turkey, chicken giblets, raw herring, raw hake) at biologically-appropriate 38% protein density. For Brittanys with the most demanding working schedules (multi-state field trials, NAVHDA Utility testing, all-day hunt-test trials), Orijen’s premium-tier ingredient density supports peak performance. The Kentucky kitchen production and small-batch run sizes give Brittany owners managing high-investment field-trial lines meaningful batch-level quality-control assurance. Read our full Orijen review → · Shop on Amazon →
5. Open Farm — A (90/100)
Open Farm leads with humane-certified animal ingredients with full traceability (every bag traceable to source farms) and Ocean Wise + Certified Humane partnerships. For a Brittany, that structural foundation matches the breed’s specific nutritional needs at a defensible ingredient-quality tier. Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon delivers marine omega-3 EPA + DHA density meaningful for a breed with both hip dysplasia inflammation exposure and elevated autoimmune disease panel (canine discoid lupus, complement C3 deficiency). The humane-certified animal sourcing and full bag-level traceability give Brittany owners managing a 12–14 year medium-breed feeding investment meaningful provenance assurance. The clean preservative profile (mixed tocopherols, no BHA/BHT) is compatible with autoimmune-disease-affected dogs. Read our full Open Farm review → · Shop on Amazon →
What to Look for in Food for Brittanys
Match food caloric density to actual working activity expenditure. A Brittany in active gun-dog work (hunt-test, field-trial, NAVHDA testing) needs 1.3–2.0x the calorie intake of a pet-line companion-only Brittany. Working Brittanys benefit from 30/20 protein-to-fat formulations like Pro Plan Sport or Acana Heritage’s 60% animal-source ingredient density. Pet-line Brittanys (companion-only, 60–90 minutes of daily exercise) will gain weight on the same kibble. Honest self-assessment of your dog’s daily activity is the most important food-choice variable for this breed, ahead of brand selection.
Marine omega-3 EPA + DHA for hip dysplasia inflammation support. Brittanys carry roughly 12% hip dysplasia prevalence per OFA scoring data. The 2014 Roudebush BSAVA review on canine osteoarthritis nutrition identified marine omega-3 EPA + DHA supplementation at 100–310 mg/kg combined daily dose alongside weight management as the highest-leverage non-pharmaceutical OA interventions. Look for fish oil, salmon oil, herring, hake, or anchovy oil on the ingredient list with meaningful DHA + EPA guaranteed analysis. The 2010 Roush JAVMA 127-dog OA RCT validated dietary marine omega-3 at 0.7% combined DM as clinically meaningful for canine OA pain reduction.
Clean preservative profiles for autoimmune disease panel compatibility. Brittanys carry elevated exposure to canine discoid lupus erythematosus and complement C3 deficiency (autosomal-recessive immunodeficiency per Blum JVIM 1985). For dogs with confirmed autoimmune disease diagnoses, prefer formulas using natural preservatives (mixed tocopherols, ascorbic acid, rosemary extract) over BHA / BHT / propyl gallate where the dog shows immune-system reactivity. Marine omega-3 EPA + DHA at 0.5–1.0% combined DM supports anti-inflammatory immune-system baseline.
Idiopathic epilepsy awareness and seizure-management nutritional considerations. Brittanys carry idiopathic epilepsy at 3–5% lifetime prevalence per Berendt ACVIM 2015. For confirmed-epileptic dogs on phenobarbital, potassium bromide, levetiracetam, or zonisamide pharmaceutical management, consistent daily caloric intake matters — weight fluctuations can change anticonvulsant blood levels. Some confirmed-refractory cases benefit from MCT-supplemented (medium-chain triglyceride) ketogenic-adjunct nutritional protocols under veterinary direction. Discuss with your veterinarian before any nutritional change in a stable-seizure-managed dog.
Bottom Line
The best Brittany food solves three problems at once: performance-formula high-protein high-fat caloric density matched to the breed’s active gun-dog working energy demand, marine omega-3 EPA + DHA for the 12% hip dysplasia exposure and 3–5% idiopathic epilepsy inflammation baseline, and clean preservative profiles compatible with the breed’s autoimmune disease panel. Purina Pro Plan Sport is our top pick for actively working Brittanys — the operational default across US working K-9 and field-trial programs with 30/20 protein-to-fat. Acana Heritage delivers premium-tier ingredient quality at moderate pricing. Wellness CORE is the calorie-appropriate middle ground for moderate-to-high companion activity. Pair any of these with marine omega-3 EPA + DHA supplementation at 100–310 mg/kg combined daily dose, OFA hip + elbow + thyroid screening at 2 years for breeding lines, and idiopathic epilepsy awareness (early seizure recognition + consistent caloric intake for confirmed-epileptic dogs).
Related condition deep-dive: Best Dog Food for Active Dogs