Getting a puppy for the first time can bring immense joy and excitement, but it can also be a time filled with challenges, confusion, and messy situations. One of the most difficult aspects of new pet parenthood is finding the perfect large breed puppy food for your growing pooch, especially if they are picky eaters, have allergies, or sensitive stomachs. It is crucial to provide puppies with a nutritious diet that supports their growth into strong, content adults. However, the market offers numerous options, making it challenging to determine the best choice.
In order to gain a better understanding of the options available on the market, we interviewed veterinarian Dr. Samantha Morici, DVM, who is also the head of veterinary services at Koala Health. According to Dr. Morici, large breed puppies have specific nutrient needs in order to reduce the risk of developmental orthopedic disease. Therefore, it is important to choose a food that is specifically designed to meet these requirements. Dr. Morici explains that diets for large and giant breed puppies should have a slightly lower caloric density, contain lower levels of calcium and phosphorus, and have a carefully balanced ratio of calcium to phosphorus. Although individual dogs may have their own specific dietary needs or restrictions, Dr. Morici recommends looking for the Nutrition Adequacy Statement on the dog food packaging and selecting a product that is labeled as “complete and balanced” according to the requirements set by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials).
Keeping these factors in consideration, we have compiled a curated selection of the top large breed puppy foods that guarantee the essential nutrients required for the growth and overall well-being of your beloved furry companion.
Best Large Breed Puppy Food Overall
The initial four components are chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, and whole grain corn. This product is classified as grain-inclusive and is recommended for enhancing joint and bone health.
Dr. Morici notes that as large breed dogs get older, they have a tendency to develop arthritis. It is recommended to feed them diets that include chondroitin, glucosamine, and omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA to help maintain their joint health. Purina Pro Plan’s Puppy Large Breed Formula is specifically designed for puppies that will grow into large dogs and it includes important ingredients that are necessary for their development.
The formulation does not contain any artificial flavors or colors. Its first ingredient is chicken, which is rich in protein. Additionally, it includes calcium and phosphorus, which aid in the development of strong bones and teeth. Moreover, it contains omega-6 fatty acids that promote a healthy coat. This product is suitable for young puppies with no known allergies or sensitivity problems.
Best Large Breed Dry Puppy Food
The first four ingredients are chicken, rice, corn flour, and soybean meal. This type of food is grain-inclusive and is best for overall development and joint health.
The option includes crunchy dry food pieces that have different shapes, colors, and textures. These pieces keep your puppy engaged and wanting more. The food is enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, including DHA for overall development, glucosamine for joint health, and omega-6 fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin. It is specifically made for large breeds and aims to support a proper growth rate. Although the formula does not contain artificial fillers, it cannot be consumed by puppies with dietary restrictions or allergies.
Best Large Breed Wet Puppy Food
The initial four components consist of water, pork by-products, chicken by-products, and chicken. It is a grain-inclusive type of product that is most suitable for large breed puppies requiring assistance with their digestion and immune system.
Dr. Morici suggests Royal Canin as it is customized to meet the specific needs of growing puppies. In her opinion, the key factor in choosing pet food is to ensure it is suitable for their life stage.
This wet food by Royal Canin has been formulated with the appropriate amount of calories to meet the requirements of growing puppies, especially those of larger breeds with prolonged growth periods. Additionally, it contains antioxidants and vitamins that enhance the natural defense mechanisms of your puppy and foster a robust immune system. Besides its nutritional advantages, wet food aids in maintaining hydration levels as it sustains the essential gastrointestinal microorganisms, thus promoting healthy and optimal puppy stool.
Best Large Breed Puppy Food Without Chicken
The first four ingredients included in this gluten-free and grain-free type of food are cod, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and green beans. This option is highly recommended for puppies with sensitive stomachs who are seeking a protein-rich and fresh food.
Looking for puppy food without chicken can be difficult, but JustFoodForDogs offers an excellent choice made with wild-caught Alaska Pacific cod, sweet potatoes, green beans, and broccoli. Additionally, this meal is gluten-free and grain-free, containing no artificial colors, flavorings, or additives. It is carefully balanced and rich in natural proteins, providing optimal support for the development of a puppy’s bones and muscles.
Please be aware that this is a type of puppy food that is fresh and moist, and it needs to be kept in the refrigerator. Additionally, it can be stored in your freezer for a maximum of 18 months.
Best Giant Breed Puppy Food
The first four ingredients in this type of grain-inclusive dog food are lamb, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, and grain sorghum. It is recommended for large or giant breeds that require digestive support.
This puppy food contains an abundance of superfoods, which are rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for supporting healthy growth and development. It is carefully formulated to include a unique blend of soluble and insoluble fiber from ingredients like chia seed, pumpkin, dried kelp, and coconut. This makes it an ideal choice for puppies that need extra digestive support. The food also contains omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and probiotics, all of which are beneficial for maintaining a strong immune system. The main ingredient is lamb that is raised in pastures, and it is completely free from corn, wheat, artificial colors, and flavorings. However, it’s important to be aware that although this formula is primarily lamb-based, there is a possibility of trace amounts of chicken fat being present, which could pose a problem for dogs with chicken allergies.
Best Grain-Free Large Breed Puppy Food
The first four ingredients in this grain-free type are chicken, turkey, flounder, and whole mackerel. It is best suited for puppies with grain sensitivity who require a high-protein diet.
The primary purpose of this grain-free formula is to promote the healthy development of your puppy by providing a substantial amount of natural proteins. It is designed to imitate the diet that wild puppies would have by focusing on a “whole prey” diet. The essential components of this food include poultry, organs, and fish, with chicken, turkey, flounder, and whole mackerel being listed as the initial four protein-rich ingredients.
The formula contains natural proteins and essential nutrients like omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, DHA and EPA. These nutrients support different aspects of your puppy’s health. It is suitable for puppies who have intolerances, allergies, or sensitivities to certain grains, but it should be noted that young puppies may need time to adjust to the high protein content. If you decide to switch to this grain-free option from your current dog food, it is recommended to gradually introduce it into your puppy’s diet to prevent any digestive problems.
Best Large Breed Puppy Kibble
The initial four ingredients include corn, chicken by-product meal, wheat, and wheat gluten. This type of dog food is grain-inclusive and is most suitable for promoting bone and joint support as well as immune support.
Dr. Morici prefers Royal Canin because of its unique combination of antioxidants and minerals that aid in the healthy growth and development of puppies. This blend has a high protein content and appropriate calorie levels suitable for larger puppies expected to weigh between 56 and 100 pounds. Additionally, it contains antioxidants to support the immune system and prebiotics to promote digestive health. The kibble pieces are designed to be consistently sized and shaped, making it easier for younger puppies to chew thoroughly. Furthermore, it includes important components like chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, which Dr. Morici highlights as contributing to joint health and helping to prevent arthritis in the future.
More Large Breed Dog Foods
Wellness Core Grain-Free Large Breed Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, lentils, peas
- AAFCO: Maintenance
- Best for: All adult dogs including large breeds
The Wellness Core Large Breed formula is a grain-free recipe that contains a high amount of protein. The size of the kibble is larger, which encourages larger dogs to chew properly. Additionally, there are higher quantities of glucosamine and chondroitin, which help to maintain the bone and joint health of these larger dogs.
This recipe provides the ideal balance of fat and calories to support a dog’s healthy weight, specifically for a dog of this size. It is composed of a superior quality food that includes plentiful animal protein and nutritious vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, chicken meal, dried chicken, oatmeal, barley
- AAFCO: Maintenance
- Best for: All adults including large breeds
For individuals seeking higher protein and a well-balanced combination of calcium, phosphorus, and vital vitamins to support bone strength, Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Chicken presents a commendable choice.
Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, which are present in fish meal and flaxseed, contribute to the maintenance of a healthy coat. Additionally, a perfect combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrates is provided to support your large breed dog’s efforts in maintaining a healthy weight. It is worth mentioning that this product does not contain any grains or gluten, nor does it include any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Ollie Fresh
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, carrots, peas, rice, chicken liver
- AAFCO: All Life Stages
- Best for: All adult dogs including large breeds
Every Ollie meal is created by a DACVN board certified veterinary nutritionist and is made with ingredients that are safe for humans. The recipes are specifically formulated for adult dogs belonging to larger breeds.
This grain-free option is exceptional and perfect for individuals who desire a fully balanced diet that closely resembles homemade meals, without the hassle. It is not inexpensive but comes highly recommended with enthusiasm.
Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Adult
- First 5 ingredients: De-boned turkey, whole dried egg, potatoes, peas, potato flour
- AAFCO: Maintenance
- Best for: All adult dogs including large breeds
Now Fresh Large Breed Adult includes turkey, salmon, and duck, which provide balanced proteins and fats. It includes antioxidants sourced from spinach, cranberries, pumpkin, blackberries, and carrots, which aid in building a robust immune system to combat diseases.
This product is suitable for larger breed dogs weighing over 50 pounds and aged between 15 months and 5 years. It includes additional nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin, which promote hip and joint health.
Purina Pro Plan Adult Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, rice, whole grain wheat, poultry by-product meal, soybean meal
- AAFCO: All Life Stages
- Best for: All adult dogs including large breeds
Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend offers enhanced flavor and texture by combining a hard kibble and tender, real, shredded chicken pieces.
This is a traditional kibble that includes grains and gets most of its animal protein from fresh chicken and poultry by-product meal. When analyzing the dry matter label, it shows that the recipe has 30% protein, 18% fat, and an estimated 44% carbohydrates. This results in a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 62%.
Orijen Six Fish
- First 5 ingredients: Whole Atlantic mackerel, whole Atlantic herring, monkfish, Acadian redfish, flounder
- AAFCO: All Life Stages
- Best for: All dogs including large breeds
Champion Petfoods, the renowned producer of Orijen, has consistently emphasized and promoted a meat-centered, “biologically suitable” diet for dogs since its inception… an established, well-balanced formula that positions this food as a preferred option for large breed dogs. It comes highly recommended.
Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed Real Chicken and Sweet Potato
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, sweet potatoes, potatoes
- AAFCO: All life stages
- Best for: All dogs including large breeds
Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed recipe is composed of sweet potatoes, peas, apples, and blueberries, which are packed with antioxidants that aid in disease resistance. Additionally, the inclusion of substantial protein assists in maintaining lean muscles for larger breed dogs.
Extra glucosamine and chondroitin, like in the majority of large breed dog food formulas, are necessary and included for the purpose of promoting hip and joint health. Additionally, omega-3 and 6 fatty acids are incorporated in order to improve the health of the skin and coat.
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken and Rice
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice
- AAFCO: Maintenance
- Best for: All adult dogs including large breeds
The protein sources in Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult are diverse, including fresh chicken, chicken meal, and egg product. There is minimal use of plant-based ingredients for protein, making it suitable for imitating an ancestral diet.
In order to enhance absorption, chelated minerals are included as well.
Eagle Pack Adult Large and Giant Breed Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, pork meal, ground brown rice, oatmeal, rice
- AAFCO: Maintenance
- Best for: All adult dogs including large breeds
Eagle Pack Adult Large and Giant Breed is specifically designed to assist bigger dogs in maintaining a healthy weight by providing them with optimal quantities of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Additionally, the inclusion of dual animal proteins helps in the development of lean muscle mass.
This formula is free of any corn, wheat, or meat by-products and does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It offers perfectly balanced nutrition for dogs weighing over 50 pounds.
Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Adult Health Chicken and Oatmeal
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, rice, oatmeal, oats, chicken fat
- AAFCO: Maintenance
- Best for: All adult dogs including large breeds
A unique dog food specifically designed for large and giant breed dogs has been created by Holistic Select, called Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Adult Health. This dog food includes additional glucosamine and chondroitin to promote strong joints, and calcium and phosphorus to support healthy bones.
To promote a healthy gut and improve absorption, this particular formula also includes probiotics, ample fiber, and chelated minerals to aid in proper canine digestion.
Taste of the Wild Wetlands Recipe Adult Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Duck, duck meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas
- AAFCO: Maintenance
- Best for: All adult dogs including large breeds
The formulation of Taste of the Wild Wetlands recipe includes a generous amount of animal protein, with duck and duck meal being the primary ingredients, alongside turkey, quail, and chicken meal.
Real fruits and vegetables, which contain antioxidants to combat disease, are included. Additionally, probiotics and chelated minerals are incorporated to assist with digestion and promote enhanced absorption. This budget-friendly choice offers ingredients with exceptionally high quality and protein content.
I and Love and You Nude Super Food Poultry Palooza
- First 5 ingredients: Turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, chickpeas, red lentils
- AAFCO: All life stages
- Best for: All dogs including large breeds
I and Love and You Nude Super Food Poultry Palooza is crafted using entire deboned meat and contains plentiful antioxidants derived from real fruits and vegetables. Additionally, it incorporates whole flaxseed, coconut, and fish oils, ensuring the presence of Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids that promote a nourished skin and coat.
Chelated minerals are used to guarantee excellent absorption and probiotics assist in digestion. No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives are included, and the food is completely grain-free.
Go! Solutions Carnivore Grain Free Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon meal, de-boned chicken, de-boned turkey
- AAFCO: Maintenance
- Best for: All adult dogs including large breeds
The new recipe, which was previously named Go! Fit and Free Chicken, Turkey and Trout, contains an increased amount of high-quality animal protein essential for your large breed dog to develop robust muscles.
Now named Go! Solutions Carnivore Chicken, Turkey, and Duck, this formulation remains faithful to its original delicious flavor and high-quality ingredients. It continues to exclude by-product meals, artificial preservatives, wheat, corn, and soy. This recipe, abundant in protein, contains a generous amount of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables, ensuring sufficient nutrition for your active large breed adult dog.
