If you have a dog, you understand the importance of selecting the appropriate food for them. As a result, you may be searching for the finest natural or grain-free dog food that suits your pet’s specific requirements. However, it’s important to note that size also has a significant impact on determining the best diet for your dog. Therefore, if you have a large breed dog, it is prudent to make a wise choice by opting for the top-rated dog food formulated for larger dogs.
Best overall: Hill’s Science Diet
Dr. Navratik suggests Hill’s Science Diet Foods as an excellent choice overall. She has personally fed her own pets this brand for the past 35 years, and her last three dogs achieved a lifespan of over 17 years. The food contains beneficial ingredients such as real chicken, natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-6 fatty acids. It does not contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This particular formulation is designed for dogs weighing over 55 pounds, including giant dog breeds.
Best dry food: Purina Pro Plan Dry Dog Food
Dr. Melillo appreciates this dry dog food for various reasons. It not only aids in maintaining a healthy weight for your furry companion but also includes oatmeal, beneficial for dogs with delicate stomachs. Additionally, it contains prebiotics that contribute to digestive well-being. Furthermore, the food is enriched with sunflower oil, a source of omega-6 fatty acids that promote a glossy and healthy coat. The inclusion of fish-oil-derived omega-3s further improves the nutritional value. Purina Pro Plan also provides various protein and taste options to cater to your pet’s preferences.
Best wet food: American Journey Grain-Free Stews
James Fuller, founder of HonestWhiskers.com, advises that when choosing wet food, it is important to find one that includes different types of lean animal protein, such as beef, lamb, and venison. He explains that the best large breed dog food options should have higher protein content to support muscle maintenance and development. Fuller recommends this American Journey formulation because it contains whole-food ingredients that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. He also mentions that the inclusion of organ meat boosts the vitamin A content. These qualities combined will provide your pups with plenty of energy. Additionally, you can try making simple homemade dog treats for a special snack.
Best for puppies: Royal Canin Giant Puppy Dog Food
According to Fuller, it is crucial for the overall health of large breed puppies to have dog food that encourages steady growth. He believes that this dog food is the most suitable option for large breed puppies because it contains only 32 percent protein content, which prevents them from growing too rapidly. Additionally, he appreciates that the food includes a good mixture of fiber sources such as beet pulp, as this aids in supporting sensitive digestive systems. So, which specific big puppies is this food suitable for? It is appropriate for those up to eight months old who are expected to have an adult weight exceeding 100 pounds.
Best premium dry food for adult dogs: Royal Canin Large Adult Dog Food
Royal Canin is a brand known for its quality. When your large breed puppy reaches adulthood at 15 months, you can transition to this specific formula. According to Dr. Burch, it is her preferred choice as it is designed for easy digestion and supports the health of bones and joints. Additionally, it contains EPA and DHA fatty acids, which are beneficial for promoting healthy joints, skin, and coat. To determine the appropriate portion size based on your dog’s energy level and weight, you can refer to Royal Canin’s feeding guide. For instance, moderately active 75-pound dogs are recommended to be fed four cups per day. Moreover, if you want to maintain your pup’s coat, you should make sure to save these dog grooming tips for future reference.
Best for seniors: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
Although aging is inevitable, feeding your pet the right food can help them maintain better health as they reach their senior years. According to Fuller, this specific food contains antioxidants that contribute to increased activity in older dogs. The ingredients in this dog food are primarily aimed at supporting muscle maintenance and immune health. Moreover, it is fortified with vitamin E, which aids in preventing age-related tissue damage in dogs, and glucosamine, which helps prevent joint disease. By providing this food to your beloved furry companion, they will be able to accompany you for many more years.
Best budget option: Purina Dog Chow Complete
You want the best for your pup, but it would be great if the best didn’t cost a lot. The good news is that it doesn’t have to. Dr. Navratik suggests that Purina Dog Chow is the ideal choice, and we understand why with its price of only $24.99 for a 42-pound bag. It contains real chicken and 23 vitamins and minerals, making it a complete and balanced diet for adult dogs. Plus, it’s much more affordable compared to other dry dog foods for larger breeds. Are you tempted to feed your pup some human food instead?
Best dehydrated food: Stella & Chewy’s Raw Food
This dehydrated dog food is designed to imitate a dog’s ancestral diet, consisting of 90 to 95 percent meat, organs, and bone, and zero grains, according to Dr. Navratik. Compared to other dog foods, it is healthier for your pup as it contains fewer fillers and preservatives and is specifically formulated to suit the biology of large dogs. It is fortified with additional vitamins and minerals, enriched with probiotics and antioxidants, and includes cage-free chicken. Furthermore, it does not contain peas, lentils, or potatoes, making it a wise choice for large dog breeds with food allergies or sensitivities. If your dog is not eating and it is not a medical issue, trying out this dehydrated dog food might be beneficial.
Best fresh food: BalanceIt.com and PetDiets.com Fresh Food Recipes
If you want your dog to have a diet that closely resembles their natural diet, it is recommended to choose fresh food. Dr. Burch suggests using websites such as BalanceIt.com and PetDiets.com, where you can access customized recipes for your dog that have been approved by veterinarians and nutritionists. These recipes are specifically designed for your dog’s age and breed, and by using them, you can ensure that your pet’s diet meets all the necessary minerals, vitamins, and nutrients required for a healthy life. This is important because most online dog food recipes are not nutritionally balanced. In fact, a study conducted by the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California in 2013 found that only 2.5 percent of 200 homemade recipes for adult dogs were nutritionally balanced. On these websites, you can find tailored recipes for larger dog breeds that you can easily prepare at home. These recipes often include ingredients such as beef, brown rice, peas, and carrots.
Best for weight control: Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic Dog Food
If your dog has gained some weight and you are worried about his well-being, Dr. Burch suggests modifying his diet by reducing the number of calories and increasing the amount of fiber obtained from fruits and vegetables. The Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic variant is recommended for this purpose. According to Dr. Burch, this specific formulation contains a unique combination of fiber that assists in making dogs feel satiated and prevents overeating. The blend consists of pea fiber, dried beet pulp, dried tomato pomace, and flaxseed. Additionally, the formula aids in enhancing the dog’s ability to burn fat, which ultimately leads to weight loss.
Best organic: Solid Gold Holistique Blendz Complete Health
As previously stated, Dr. Navratik advises against feeding large breed dogs a grain-free diet unless specifically recommended by their veterinarian. This is due to the association between grain-free diets and cardiomyopathy or heart disease in larger breeds. Dr. Navratik, therefore, suggests an organic dog food that includes grains and superfoods such as oatmeal, pearled barley, and fish. These ingredients provide long-lasting energy for your dog, improve gut health, and enhance overall immune support. Another advantage of this organic dog food is its inclusion of 90 million probiotics per pound, which assist with digestion.
Best for stomach issues: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach
If your dog frequently vomits, has diarrhea, feels bloated, or experiences constipation, changing to a sensitive stomach dog food designed for large breed dogs can be beneficial. Other indicators of digestive problems include licking the lips frequently, gulping, or a decrease in appetite and energy levels. In cases of these types of intestinal issues, Dr. Burch suggests using Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach, as it has yielded superior outcomes compared to other readily available brands.
The product contains ingredients such as salmon, rice, and oatmeal that are easily digestible. It also has live probiotics and prebiotic fibers, which aid digestion. The omega-6 fatty acids in the salmon reduce inflammation, while the prebiotics promote a healthy gut. Dr. Burch advises that regular bathing with the appropriate dog shampoo can make dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin more comfortable.
Best for allergies: Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Large Breed Dog Food
Allergies in dogs commonly manifest as itchiness, hives, diarrhea or vomiting, sneezing, chronic ear infections, constant licking, and itchy, watery eyes. If your dog experiences these symptoms regularly, your vet may suggest changing its diet. Fuller recommends the Natural Balance formulation due to its gluten-free nature, which helps with energy levels in larger dogs and reduces the risk of allergens. This dog food only contains one protein source (lamb) instead of multiple sources, minimizing the chances of developing new food allergies. Additionally, the kibble is larger and has a rough texture, promoting proper chewing and aiding in teeth cleaning.
More Dog Food for Large Breed Dog
Wellness Natural Pet Food Complete Health
Due to its faster potential development rate and longer growth cycle, your large breed puppy needs a complete and nutritious diet to support its physical development. The Wellness Large Breed Complete Health dry dog food includes deboned chicken as well as additional DHA and regulated calories, which are essential for promoting a healthy brain, bone, and eye development.
Our team of veterinarians and scientists thoughtfully developed this formula to provide nutrients that promote a lifetime of good health, including omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics, and taurine, which are all beneficial for a healthy heart.
Ensure your dog food storage container is filled with this food to always have a fresh scoop of dog food. Your small dog, large dog, senior dog, adult dog, or puppy will be delighted by this high-quality grain and grain-free dog food option.
This dog food, which is rich in protein, is manufactured in the United States and contains ingredients sourced from different parts of the world. Whether you prefer lamb, chicken, salmon, or whitefish, there is a suitable option for you in terms of dog food.
ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food for Large Breeds
Because they are ancestral carnivores, dogs’ diets must consist of biologically appropriate and rich in whole animal products. ORIJEN, with its exceptional quantities of fresh or raw meat obtained from a variety of whole prey animal protein sources, represents the pinnacle of natural nourishment.
Our fresh foods are preserved by refrigeration, which is how they retain their unparalleled components that provide your dog with the necessary nourishment for their thriving. On the other hand, our raw ingredients are frozen at the peak of freshness to safeguard nutrients while being similar to our fresh ingredients.
Orijen’s belief is that puppies should be nourished in the same way as their ancestors, focusing on their biological need for a diet rich in meat and protein. By providing a big meal that aligns with nature’s intentions, Orijen meets this dietary requirement for modern puppies who are similar to their ancestors.
Diamond Naturals Premium Large Breed Formulas Dry Dog Food
Diamond Naturals large breed puppy chow is formulated to provide your pet with the correct balance of protein, calories, and fat, with the additional inclusion of phosphorus and calcium. Protein is derived from lamb and rice, and the presence of these two minerals is crucial for the development of bones and joints.
Diamond Naturals provides comprehensive, holistic nourishment for every pet by utilizing exclusively the finest ingredients. Every Diamond Naturals dry formula incorporates superfoods and ensured probiotics for utmost nutrition and assistance with digestion. This formulation also includes DHA for the optimal development of the brain and vision.
This food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of your large breed puppy, with ideal levels of protein, minerals, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants to support their growth and development. Additionally, L-Carnitine helps convert protein and fat into energy, promoting a well-balanced and healthy body.
Purina Pro Plan High Protein Wet Puppy Food
Purina Pro Plan has created a wet puppy food called Chicken and Brown Rice Entree that is designed to support the growth of your puppy. The main ingredient in this canned dog food is real chicken, which is beneficial for providing your pet with the necessary high-quality protein to develop lean muscles. This puppy food is produced by Purina, a reliable source for puppy food. It is suitable for puppies up to one-year-old.
This dog wet food is created with high-quality ingredients and is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which makes it perfect for your growing puppy. It is also a complete and balanced high-protein mix for the growth and development of puppies, containing 23 essential vitamins and minerals.
Include Purina Pro Plan puppy food as a consistent component of your puppy’s diet, as it consumes a superior wet puppy chow that benefits both its immune system development and its skin and coat health. Moreover, the Chicken and Brown Rice Entree is enriched with DHA, aiding in the development of your puppy’s brain and vision.
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food
The egg-free recipe contains fish, which is a source of animal protein. This fish is high in omega fatty acids, which contribute to healthy skin and silky fur. The tiny kibble size of the recipe is packed with unique flavors from smoked salmon, veggies, beans, and fruits, providing the necessary nutrients for puppies’ general vitality.
Because of the guaranteed levels of DHA and well-balanced nutrition, this formula is perfect for pregnant or nursing mothers as well as other adult dogs. Scientifically speaking, your puppy’s DNA is similar to that of a wolf. Thanks to domestication and proper care over the years, your puppy has transitioned from a short-lived potential adversary to a long-lived best friend.
Ensure that your puppy receives all the necessary elements and nutrition to thrive, regardless of their DNA remaining unchanged and their preferences desiring something unconventional. This blend without grains provides easily digestible energy and proper nourishment for your growing puppy. Crafted using diverse fish protein sources, this generous meal offers a unique taste experience that is unparalleled.
Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food
With its endless energy, determination, and intelligence, your giant breed puppy is far from ordinary. Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food is designed to assist them in achieving their maximum potential. This complete and well-balanced puppy food nourishes your developing puppy’s body, mind, and energy.
The growth and health of muscles and bones are supported by high-quality animal protein, sufficient levels of calcium and phosphorus. Extensive clinical approval has been obtained for DHA levels, which encourage the development of a healthy brain in puppies, making them smarter and more trainable. For your puppy, the dog food has been formulated with the right levels of fat and carbohydrates to provide concentrated energy for their growth and play.
Gentle digestion is supported by a combination of natural fiber and prebiotics. The immune system of your young champion is developed with guaranteed levels of Vitamin E. In addition, our large breed puppy food contains high-quality chicken as the first ingredient, ensuring your huge dog stays energized throughout the day.
How to Tell if My Puppy is a Large Breed
To begin, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the term “big breed.” Any breed that can reach a weight exceeding 50 pounds (22.7 kilograms) and a height surpassing 24 inches (60.96 centimeters) is classified as a large breed. It is important to note that this classification pertains specifically to adult dogs. Nevertheless, puppies exhibit a range of sizes, varying across different breeds.
Although many giant breed puppies may not initially appear bigger than other breeds, they experience faster growth. Despite their small size at the moment, large-breed puppies will eventually surpass their peers. This unique growth pattern results in distinct dietary requirements, as supported by various studies and research.
Understanding whether your puppy is a large breed is crucial as it ensures that you meet all the necessary requirements for their development into a joyful and healthy adult dog, without overlooking any developmental milestones.
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food
Why are Large Dog Breeds Predisposed to Hip Dysplasia?
If a puppy of considerable size is not fed correctly or is allowed to eat freely, it may experience rapid development, resulting in excessive mass that surpasses its bone capacity. It is important to note that numerous studies have substantiated the association between nutrition and health issues related to joints.
How to Know if a Dog Food is Safe?
To ensure that your pet is consuming high-quality, nutritious, and safe food, there are several steps you can follow. The primary step involves carefully examining your dog’s food label. AAFCO provides a guide on their website that can help familiarize you with the essential factors to consider while reading a dog food label.
On the label, it is essential to take note of named proteins, species life stage and condition, and guaranteed analysis (which specifies the exact amount of nutrients in the food).
How Much Food do Large Puppies Need?
Determining the appropriate amount of food to give your large breed puppy can be a complicated task. This is due to the fact that large breed puppies require a greater quantity of food per day compared to average or small breed puppies, resulting in high-calorie content in each cup of dry food specifically designed for large breed puppies.
To ensure the appropriate weight for your puppy, it is advisable to start with the amount of food specified on the container and then adjust accordingly.
