Best Grain Free Dog Food For Large Breeds

Is Large Breed Dog Food Necessary

No, large breed dog food is not necessary.

However, large breed dogs can benefit from large breed formulas. This is because large and giant dog breeds like Labradors and Great Danes are prone to health issues that can be managed with the right food.

Also, considering their size, it is obvious that large breed dogs need sizable kibble so they can properly chew.

Best Overall Wet: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Food

Amazon

Key Ingredients: Chicken broth, turkey, carrots, pork liver, rice | Flavors: Turkey and rice, salmon and vegetable, chicken and vegetable | Package Size: 12.5 ounce can

• Contains both grains and proteins

• Supplemented with key nutrients

• Still has some chicken ingredients

Most dogs love wet food, and you can buy it either as a dense paté or as a thick stew. This recipe from Hills Science Diet comes as a rich stew that can be given alone for dinner or deliciously poured over dry food. This highly-palatable recipe is designed specifically with sensitive tummies in mind. Turkey is the lead protein instead of chicken, but there are still some chicken ingredients. It’s also supplemented with a number of key nutrients, including vitamin E, vitamin B12, and vitamin D3.

The Best Dog Food For Large Breeds

As a general rule, you should consult your veterinarian and not the internet for concerns regarding your dogs health and nutrition. It doesnt hurt to stay up to date on changes in the pet food industry, however, and to keep in mind the unique dietary requirements of your large-breed dog.

Here are our top picks for the best dog food for large breeds weve included a few grain-free options in our list as well:

Also Check: What Food Can I Give My Dog To Stop Diarrhea

Farmina N& d Ancestral Grain

Rating:

Farmina N& D Adult Medium and Maxi is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Farmina N& D Ancestral Grain product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken, dehydrated chicken, whole spelt, whole oats, chicken fat,
• Type: With grain
• Other recipes: Lamb formula, fish recipe, puppy, mini breed, senior and more
• See all 13 available recipes

This particular Farmina N& D formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from both fresh chicken and dehydrated chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 20% fat and 39% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.

Containing better quality, GMO-free ingredients and meriting its slightly higher price. Recommended with confidence.

Sample buyer reviewI have a senior corgi with a very sensitive stomach. He was eating a very high quality grain free but after the scare with grain free foods I had been unsuccessful finding an alternative that did not upset his stomach. My doggy day care sent me home with some samples of this product. It has been a lifesaver. It has been two weeks since I finished transitioning him 100% to Farmina. No upset tummy and he is doing so well.

How Much Food Do Large Puppies Need

Its complex to figure out how much to feed your huge breed puppy. Because a puppy of a large breed consumes more food each day than a puppy of an average or small breed, each cup of large puppy breed dry food contains a high quantity of calories.

Notably, its better to start with the amount of food indicated on the container. Afterward, adjust that amount to maintain your puppy at its appropriate weight.

Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Diet Dog Food On The Market

Best Kibble For German Shepherd

Kibble for german shepherd is a type of food that is designed specifically for this breed of dog. It is usually made from a mix of different types of meat, vegetables, and grains, and is often fortified with vitamins and minerals to ensure that your dog gets all the nutrients they need.

When Should I Switch My Puppy To Adult Food

Keep in mind

Adult dog food can contain excessive amounts of calcium which can make it unsafe for a puppy thats still growing.

So its important NOT to switch your puppy to adult food too soon.

With that in mind

The best time to switch your puppy to adult food depends on her breed type.

The table below can help you determine when its safe to switch your large breed puppy to adult dog food.1415

Keep in mind

Its much safer to keep your dog on puppy food too long than to switch to an adult food too soon.

Also Check: Complete And Balanced Dog Food

About Orijen Large Puppy Dry Dog Food

In addition to choosing a dog food formulated for large breed puppies, you also want to choose a dog food made from healthy, high-quality ingredients.

This grain-free favorite from dog food brand Orijen delivers a potent dose of protein courtesy of real animal ingredients like deboned free-run chicken and turkey, cage-free eggs, and wild-caught fish.

Solid Gold Natural Large Breed Puppy Food

This large breed puppy blend contains real natural bison and is potato free.

What Should Be Found In The First Several Ingredients Listed On A Dog Food Bag

Dog food labels are regulated by both the federal and state governments. One important aspect of this regulation is that . . . ingredient lists must be declared in the proper order of predominance by weight.

What does this mean for you? It means that you can compare the marketing hype of the front of the label to the ingredient list if the front says Chicken & Beef you can easily check the ingredient list to make sure theyre listed among the first. This means they carry the most weight in the dog food formula. Generally, a whole protein listed as the first ingredient is a good sign!

You May Like: How To Soften Dog Food For Puppy

How Much Should I Feed My Large Breed Dog

Large breed dogs are not all the same and some are more robust dogs, while some are athletic with specific energy levels that will affect their dietary needs.

One of the most effective ways to feed your large-size dog properly is to learn how to read pet food labels and choose commercial dog food based on its ingredients while keeping the dogs size, age, and activity levels on your mind all the time.

As a general rule, if your dog has 12+ months of age, you should feed him one to two meals per day.

Best Dehydrated Food: Stella & Chewys Raw Food

Dehydrated dog foods like this one are formulated to mirror a dogs ancestral diet, with 90 to 95 percent meat, organs, and bone, and zero grains, says Dr. Navratik. Its healthier for your pup because it contains fewer fillers and preservatives than other dog foods and is formulated specifically to complement your large dogs biology. That said, it is fortified with added vitamins and minerals, enhanced with probiotics and antioxidants, and includes cage-free chicken. Its also pea-free, lentil-free, and potato-free, making it a smart choice for large dog breeds with food allergies or sensitivities. If your dog isnt eating and its not a medical issue, this dehydrated dog food might help.

Highlights:

Inti St Clair/Getty Images

Also Check: What Is The Best Raw Dog Food

Dry Vs Wet Food: Which Type Is Best For Your Large Breed Adult Dog

Canned dog food and dry kibbles both offer advantages for your pup and provide adequate nutrients and immune support.

But, in all honesty, it comes down to personal preference and knowledge of your dogs individual needs.

Preference also comes down to your dogs age, weight, metabolism, and health. Like, do they have issues with their teeth that require softer food? Are they teething and in need of teeth strengthening kibbles?

In general, wet food has a high protein content which fits bouncy dogs living an active lifestyle. To determine which works best for your pooch, have a friendly chat with your veterinarian.

Nutritional Requirements Of American Bullies

Before deciding what the best food for American Bullies is, its essential to look at their nutritional requirements.

All dogs do well on a prey-based diet, including plenty of fresh, high-protein ingredients.

Like most dogs, American Bullies have unique healthcare requirements, and its a good idea to feed your pup food that is suitable for the breed, its age, and any relevant health conditions.

American Bullies are susceptible to the following conditions:

• Allergies. Many American Bullies are sensitive to allergens such as dust mites, grass, and pollen. Allergies can manifest as itchy, red skin, or paw licking.
• Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis . This is a neurological condition resulting from natural toxins building up in nerve cells. In extreme cases, it can cause seizures, balance issues, strange behavior, and sometimes death.
• Elbow or hip dysplasia. Dogs with an elbow or hip dysplasia have poorly shaped joints where the bones rub against each other, causing pain, inflammation, and difficulty moving around.
• Hypothyroidism. This is a common condition in young American Bullies and is caused by too little thyroid hormone, thyroxine. Symptoms include low energy, weight gain, and a dull coat.
• Obesity or being overweight. American Bullies are prone to being overweight if their diet contains too much fat, too little protein, and not enough fiber. Dogs that dont get enough exercise can also become overweight or obese.

Also Check: Can I Make My Own Dog Food

Large Breed Puppy Food And Growth

Dog owners need to be aware of the importance of finding the right dog food that fits their dogs size, breed for their optimal growth and development.

Large breed puppies have specific dietary needs that should be taken into account when choosing a food. The first thing to understand about large breed puppy food is that it is specifically formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of large breed puppies. Large breed puppies grow at an accelerated rate and require more calories and nutrients than smaller breeds. Large breed puppy food is higher in calories and protein to help support their growth, while also containing specific nutrients like calcium and phosphorus to help their bones and joints develop properly.

Some important considerations regarding large breed puppy food and their growth are as below:

Wet Food Toppers And Treats

Our grain free food line also includes a number of wet recipes, treats, and toppers in a variety of flavors and textures that are sure to please your dog. Our grain free wet food recipes include classic like Grammys Pot Pie and Cowboy Cookout. Treats and toppers offer endless opportunities to give your dog some extra love and can spice up mealtime! Grain Free Bone Broth toppers are also available for cats, an added reason this human-grade pet food meal topper should join your family.

Read Also: Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe

Image courtesy Blue Buffalo

The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Large Breed Adult Dog Food is a protein-rich diet made with real salmon as the first ingredient. Formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large breed adult dogs, this recipe contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy hips and joints.

Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids from salmon oil and flaxseed promote a lustrous coat and healthy skin.

Best Food For American Bullies: Purina One True Instinct

With a 30% protein content and containing natural meat ingredients, Purina ONE True Instinct is palatable, healthy, and full of all the nutrients your American bully needs.

You have a choice of bag sizes , and it has a high Omega-3 fatty acid content.

Although it is an excellent food choice for any American Bully, its suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Also Check: Instinct Raw Dog Food Review

Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food

Best For Weight Gain

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Corn, 3. Wheat, 4. Chicken Fat, 5. Ground Grain Sorghum

• Life Stage: Puppy
• Suitable for: Large, Giant Breeds
• Caloric content : 3,723 kcal

Giant pups are highly active and can become underweight if they dont eat enough calories. But not with Eukanuba Puppy Food. This high-energy formula is specifically made for athletic puppies and features nearly 357 kcal per cup. Most of its calories come from wheat, sorghum, and chicken fat to promote digestion and a healthy coat at the same time.

Moreover, protein is abundant in the recipe at 26% minimum content from deboned chicken to accelerate muscle growth. Puppies are also developing their brains and bones, which is why the food is enriched with DHA and calcium. Special prebiotics are also added to build their gastrointestinal system and vitamin E is used to strengthen their immunity.

Analysis: Protein 26%, Fat 14%, Fiber 3.7%, Moisture 10%

How To Make A Picky Dog Eat: Palate

Despite our efforts to avoid unpalatable foods and instill proper feeding habits in our dogs, youll occasionally find yourself faced with a protesting pup, who turns her nose up at the food you have on hand.

This can even happen in dogs who typically have an eat-first-ask-questions-later attitude from time to time.

Fortunately, dog owners, vets, breeders, and other invested parties have developed a number of tricks for enticing finicky four-footers into eating. Weve tried to compile a pretty exhaustive list of proven strategies below.

If you have another safe and effective trick, please share it in the comments below. You never know who youll help by sharing!

Drizzle something delicious over your dogs kibble. A little bit of just about any common fat can be an effective taste-bud-tempter for picky dogs.

Avoid things made from toxic or problematic substances, but your basic oils including those derived from olives, peanuts, sunflower seeds, vegetables, or safflowers will work admirably in such a context . If you can, use salmon, flaxseed, or anchovy oil to provide omega fatty acids while improving the foods flavor.

In such contexts, a little goes a long way so, youll definitely want to invest in a couple of can toppers, to keep the wet food fresh and appetizing.

Just be sure to allow for any additional calories these additives provide.

Also Check: Is Canned Cat Food Bad For Dogs

Choosing The Best Large

Weve spent a lot of ink above highlighting some of the best large-breed dog foods for big dogs and explaining some of the things youll want to look for when picking the healthiest dog food for your pet.

However, it is important to understand that all dogs are individuals, and the best dog food for your dog wont necessarily be the best food for someone elses dog.

Just as our bodies react differently to different foods, your dog will physically react differently to different types of large-breed dog foods .

Unfortunately, we cant ask dogs which flavors and ingredients they might like best, so its often an exercise of trial and error.

So, as always, youll want to start by looking for a food that meets the AAFCO guidelines for your pets life stage and addresses any specific health problems your dog has.

From there, you can just run it by your vet for a quick green light, and start trying it with your pooch .

Take several weeks to test out your chosen recipe and see how your dog reacts. If it doesnt seem to be working for him, go ahead and try another brand listed here. Eventually youll find your dogs perfect food.

Whats your dogs favorite brand of dog food for big dogs? Have you found one that works particularly well for your four-footer? Are you still searching for the perfect pet food for your doggo?

Like it? Share it!

How To Shop For The Best Dog Food For Puppies

Choosing the best food for your new puppy can be a daunting task. There are so many brands and formulas to choose from, and it can be hard to know what is best for your pup. However, there are a few things to keep in mind that can help you make the best choice for your new furry friend.

First, consult with your veterinarian. They will be able to recommend a food that is tailored to your pups individual needs.

Second, opt for food that is designed specifically for puppies. Puppy formulas are generally higher in calories and nutrients than adult dog foods, and they can help your pup grow and develop properly.

Finally, make sure the food you choose is of high quality. Look for brands that use quality ingredients and have a good reputation. With a little research, you can find the perfect food to keep your puppy happy and healthy.

You May Like: Is Freeze Dried Dog Food Healthy

Hills Science Diet Small Paws Puppy

Rating:

Small Paws is one of 6 dry recipes included in our review of the Hills Science Diet Puppy product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, whole grain sorghum, chicken fat, whole grain corn
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Life stage: Growth
• Best for:Small breed puppies

This Hills Science Diet Puppy formula gets the major share of its animal protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 20% fat and 42% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.

A longstanding company with multiple puppy recipes to choose from. Great selection.

Sample buyer reviewI have used Science Diet forever and would not change from it! My dogs and cats all do very well and I am a loyal customer!

Common Big Dog Health Problems

Whether you own a giant Pit Bull breed , a Rottweiler, a Mastiff, a Barnese Mountain Dog, or some other giant breed the common denominator is that giant dogs are at a higher risk for certain health problems than smaller dogs.

Most common health problems seen in giant dogs:

Please make sure you are in a position, both time wise and financially, to take care of a big dog should any of the below occur. These gentle giants rely on our nursing, in exchange for the joy and love they bring into our lives.

Orthopedic issues

• hip and elbow dysplasia
• cruciate ligament damage
• hyperthrophic osteodystrophy
• wobblers syndrome

Heart issues

• dilated cardiomyopathy
• aortic stenosis

Eye issues

• entropion and ectropion

Other issues

• bloat or torsion

Certainly a lot to digest, isnt it? The above is by no means an all encompassing list either. Theres just too many breed specific and overall variables to consider. Early detection and early treatment can play a pretty big role in the ultimate outcome.

So . . . youre probably wondering what the best approach is to avoiding/reducing the above?

Formula for success :

• Premium, quality giant breed dog food
• Adequate, appropriate exercise
• Good lifetime veterinary care
• Continuous, conscientious monitoring of weight and activity

Recommended Reading: Which Dry Dog Food Do Vets Recommend