As a veterinarian focused on nutrition, I have a soft spot for the Icelandic Sheepdog. This is Iceland’s only native dog breed, a hardy Spitz-type herder built to work in a cold, demanding climate. They are compact, agile, and energetic, with a famously thick double coat and an alert, friendly temperament. All of that working heritage means their diet matters more than many owners realize.
The encouraging part is that feeding this breed well is straightforward. You do not need an exotic or expensive formula. You need a complete and balanced diet built around quality protein, sensible fat for steady energy, and the right fatty acids to support that signature coat. In this guide I will show you exactly how I help owners choose a food, the steps to follow, and the mistakes I want you to sidestep.
What You Will Need
Before comparing brands, get clear on what a good Icelandic Sheepdog diet actually requires. Use this checklist while you shop.
- A complete and balanced food carrying an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement
- A named animal protein (such as lamb, chicken, or salmon) as the first ingredient
- The correct life stage formula: puppy, adult, or senior
- Moderate fat (roughly 12 to 18 percent) to fuel this active breed without overfeeding
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for the thick double coat and skin
- Your dog’s current weight and an honest body condition score
- A measuring cup or kitchen scale for accurate portions
- Your vet’s input if your dog has allergies, digestive issues, or is still growing
Step by Step: How to Choose the Best Food for an Icelandic Sheepdog
Choosing food gets easy when you follow a clear order. This is the process I walk owners through.
Confirm the life stage
Match the food to your dog’s age. Puppies need a growth formula, adults need maintenance, and seniors often do well on slightly lower calories with added joint support.
Find the AAFCO statement
Look for the sentence confirming the food is complete and balanced for that life stage. It tells you the diet meets baseline nutritional standards.
Read the first five ingredients
You want a named meat or meat meal near the top, recognizable carbohydrates, and a named fat source. Skip foods that lead with vague terms like meat by-product with no species named.
Check protein and fat percentages
For most active adult Icelandic Sheepdogs, aim for around 22 to 28 percent protein and 12 to 18 percent fat on a dry matter basis. Younger or hardworking dogs sit at the higher end.
Transition slowly
Mix new food with old over seven to ten days, increasing the new portion gradually. This protects digestion and prevents loose stools during the switch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I see the same feeding errors repeatedly, and nearly all of them are easy to prevent.
Overfeeding tops the list, especially because a thick double coat can hide a few extra pounds until it strains the joints. Free-feeding (leaving the bowl out all day) makes accurate portion control almost impossible, so stick to measured meals. Abrupt food changes commonly trigger digestive upset, and choosing trendy grain-free diets without a medical reason can introduce its own concerns. Lastly, do not let treats and table scraps creep past about ten percent of daily calories.
Tips for Success
Small daily habits make a big difference in how well your Icelandic Sheepdog does on any quality diet.
Weigh or measure each meal rather than eyeballing it, and feed two meals a day on a steady schedule. Run your hands along the ribs every couple of weeks: you should feel them easily under a thin layer of fat without seeing them. Keep fresh water available at all times, and store kibble sealed in its original bag to keep the fats from going rancid. On heavy exercise days, nudge portions up slightly, and ease them back on rest days.
When to Get Professional Help
Most healthy Icelandic Sheepdogs thrive on a good commercial diet, but some situations call for veterinary guidance rather than online advice.
- Persistent itching, recurring ear infections, or chronic loose stools that may point to a food sensitivity
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain despite consistent feeding
- A growing puppy, a pregnant or nursing dog, or a senior with new health changes
- Any diagnosed condition such as kidney disease, pancreatitis, or food allergy that needs a therapeutic diet
- Vomiting, lethargy, or refusal to eat for more than a day
For diet questions tied to a medical condition, your veterinarian can build a tailored plan or refer you to a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. If you ever suspect your dog has eaten something toxic, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 right away.
Safety note: Always transition your Icelandic Sheepdog to a new food gradually over seven to ten days and consult your veterinarian before changing the diet if your dog has any existing health condition.
Sources and further reading
What you need to know
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a hardy, medium spitz herding breed with a thick double coat and a cheerful, active temperament. A balanced recipe with a clearly named meat, moderate fat for working energy and omega oils to support the coat suits this breed well and helps maintain lean muscle.
These dogs enjoy plenty of activity, so match portions to real exercise and keep them at a trim weight to protect the joints over time. The dense coat benefits from omega 3 and omega 6 fats, paired with regular brushing through heavy seasonal sheds. Two measured meals a day suit most adults. If the coat dulls, weight shifts or appetite changes noticeably, a vet check is sensible before adjusting the food.