Best Large Breed Puppy Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food Chicken And Brown Rice 30

• ANTIOXIDANT-RICH LIFESOURCE BITS: A precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage needs and a healthy oxidative balance
• REAL MEAT FIRST: Blue Buffalo foods always feature real meat as the first ingredient High-quality protein from real chicken helps your dog build and maintain healthy muscles Plus they contain wholesome whole grains, garden veggies and fruit
• Contains one 30 lb. Bag of BLUE Life Protection Formula Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice
• A NATURAL DOG FOOD: BLUE dry dog food is made with the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals BLUE contains NO chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives
• LARGE BREED DOG FOOD: Specially formulated for the wellness of adult large breed dogs, BLUE Life Protection Formula Large Breed dry dog food contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help support joint health and overall mobility of bigger dogs

Top Large Breed Puppy Food Reviews At A Glance

• Ollie Lamb Recipe: Best overall
• Pet Plate Chompin Chicken: Subscription-based chicken recipe
• Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food: Digestion formula
• ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food: Fresh animal-sourced formula
• Purina Pro Plan Puppy Dry Dog Food: Chicken & rice recipe
• Wellness Complete Health Puppy Recipe: Formula for overall well being
• Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Plate: Grain-free chicken recipe
• Fromm Family Foods Gold Puppy Dry Food: Duck formula
• Chicken Soup Puppy Dry Dog Food: Chicken formula for healthy digestion
• Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food: Skin and stomach support
• Eukanuba Puppy Dry Dog Food: Complete & balanced meal
• Solid Gold Natural Puppy Food: Bison recipe
• Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Puppy Dog Food: High protein large breed puppy food

Here’s What To Look For In Puppy Food For Big Dogs

It turns out that not all food for puppies is created equal. If you have a big-breed puppy, then youll want to make sure youre feeding him a large-breed puppy food to make sure hes getting all the necessary nutrients to grow up happy and healthy but which formulas are best?

We reached out to several veterinarians to get a better understanding of why its important to feed your large-breed puppy a specific formula and which ones, in their opinion, are best for your pet. Here are their top picks:

• Royal Canin Large Puppy Dry Dog Food

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Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Recipe

Wellness large breed puppy food is a recipe of deboned chicken, brown rice, and salmon meal. Made in the US in packages of 20 lbs. Its free from GMO, meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives. Aims for the overall well-being of large puppies.

Wellness supports all aspects of your large fluffs health energy, skin, coat, immunity, digestive health, eyes, teeth, and gums. Its large breed formula is GMO-free and without meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives. The main ingredients are deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, ground brown rice, and salmon meal.

The Wellness package for large puppies contains 20 lbs of dry food made in the US. Its globally sourced ingredients include protein and wholesome grains. Also, this top large breed puppy food is full of omega fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants, glucosamine, and probiotics.

Product Specifics:

Buyers Guide: Selecting The Best Large Breed Puppy Foods

Choosing a large breed puppy food is important because what your puppy eats at an early age can affect their physical and mental development, as well as build up immunity to sicknesses. There are several factors to consider when choosing a large breed puppy food, including the importance of joint and cartilage support, the importance of protein, whole grains, and vegetables as primary ingredients, and the importance of DHA for brain health.

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Large Breed Dog Food With Grain

The myth that grains are bad has long been debunked. Sure, dogs dont need a lot of carbs, but some carbs are a beneficial part of their daily diet. When it comes to dog foods though, many popular options use either way too much grain or only use poor quality and nutritionally deficient grain sources.

Sticking to low glycemic, whole grains will provide much more nutrition while limiting the number of sugary carbohydrates that can affect your dogs metabolism.

• Low glycemic whole grains provide helpful fibre to support digestion
• Lifesource Bits are cold-pressed vitamins and minerals that offer maximum nutrients
• L-carnitine helps to support metabolism and healthy weight in large breed dogs

For Those On A Budget: Hills Science Large Breed Puppy

Hills Science Diet is known for containing high-quality ingredients, though it must be said they arent as quality as our first three recommendations.

However, this particular dry food is complete and balanced, providing 100 percent of all your pups essential nutrients in just the right mix and quantities.

It will boost your dogs immune system and ensure healthy bone development because of the correct levels of calcium in it.

The fiber in it will help with digestion while it has antioxidants that are known to help keep your dog healthy for many years to come.

Although not the best food we have listed here, for those who simply must be cost conscious, you can feed your puppy this, they will thrive and you can feel confident youve provided them with all the nutrients they need.

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The Health Of Your Dog

If your large breed dog has any health problems, it’s important to choose a food that will help them stay healthy. For example, if your dog has joint problems, you may want to choose a food that is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin.

Some large breed dogs are also prone to obesity, so it’s important to choose a food that is lower in calories if your dog is carrying around extra weight.

Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices and find the best dog food for large breeds in 2022.

Recommended Best Puppy Food For Labs And Large Breeds

In this next section we give you 4 of the best foods on the market made from high quality ingredients but still available at a reasonable price.

These foods will provide your puppy with all the nutrients they need in just the right mix and quantities, not just so they survive, but so they can truly thrive.

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Compare Big With Small Breed Pup Food

Formulas specifically designed for large breed puppies include less:

• Calcium. Inappropriate amounts can impact the development of the skeleton negatively.
• Calories and fats. By reducing the calorie and fat intake, you decrease the chances of overfeeding your puppy.
• Vitamin D. By decreasing the amount of vitamin D in a pups food, you ensure that the pet will not struggle with unwanted growth and imbalance issues.
• Phosphorus. Like calcium, too much of this mineral may result in skeletal defects.

Should Large Breeds Eat A Limited Ingredient Puppy Food

It all depends on the definition and what food companies consider a limited ingredient diet. For example, a meal can have only one protein source, instead of three. On the other hand, it can also feature a reduced number of actual nutrients.

In most cases, a limited ingredient diet is fed to canines with food sensitivities and GI disorders.

Also Check: Where Is Pure Balance Dog Food Sold

What Should You Look For In Large Breed Dog Food

You should take several factors into consideration, including your dogs age, breed, size, and activity level. For instance, large breed puppy foods should have a good amount of protein. They should have 30 percent protein and 9 percent fat on a dry matter basis in addition to calcium amounts up to 1.5 percent and phosphorus around 0.8 to 1 percent DM, explains Michelle Burch, DVM, a veterinarian with Safe Hounds Pet Insurance. Large breed puppy foods should also not be fed to a dog in all its life stages.

For adult dogs, youll need a diet that provides a balanced ratio of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Pay close attention to the labels on dog food and look for foods labeled complete and balanced, which is the best indicator that a food has all the necessary nutrients, says George Melillo, DVM, Chief Veterinary Officer and cofounder of Heart + Paw. Beyond that, of course, youll want to take your dogs special needs and preferences into consideration, as well as consult your vet. The expert-approved picks on this list will get you off to a good start and help your dog live a long, healthy life.

via chewy.com

Choosing The Correct Calorie Count For Large Breed Puppies

Determining how much of the best food for large breed puppies to feed a pup will depend on a number of different factors. The dogs activity level, age, and breed will be important considerations. As a starting point, it is a good idea to consult the bag of food for suggested serving sizes, adjusting amounts until achieving the correct meal portion to support a healthy weight and satisfied appetite.

Puppies require their food to be spread throughout their day to maintain optimal energy levels. It is a good idea to divide the puppys food into mini meals to keep hunger at bay.

Since large breed puppies experience a longer growth rate and also have specific nutritional needs, it is best to feed this pup a large breed puppy formulation only until the pooch reaches one year of age or has achieved 75 percent of its adult size. At this time, the dog can be transitioned to an appropriate adult food.

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How We Chose The Best Dog Food For Large Breeds

To find the best dog food for large breeds, we reviewed the ingredients in a variety of different dog food options for large pups. Based on their input, and the information that we obtained from countless reviews offered by pet owners, we were able to narrow down the options and compile a list of what we believe are the top five dog food choices for large breeds.

Summing It Up

To ensure your large pooch is getting the well-balanced nutrition that he needs to thrive, make sure that you do your due diligence and select a premium grade pet food. All of the options listed in our review contain the highest quality ingredients, offer the calorie content that large breed dogs need, as well as the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that they require.

What Dogs Are Considered Large Breed

A large-breed dog must weigh at least 50 to 70 lbs and stand at the height of approximately 24 inches. Large dogs thrive in suburban or rural environments where they have more room for adventures.

Before you start feeding large breed puppies, see if you can find them on our list thats based on AAFCO guidelines:

• Afghan Hound
• Black Mouth Cur
• Black Russian Terrier

Despite their size, many huge dogs are content to sleep all day if they receive enough daily exercise to burn off their energy.

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Best Dog Food For Large Breed Dogs

There are plenty of foods that claim to be the best dog food for large breed dogs Canada, but finding the right food for your unique dog is about more than just a clever label or bigger pieces of kibble.

Choosing the right food for your giant pooch isnt always easy. Their size is just another factor that you need to consider on top of breed, activity level, age, and quality.

To suit your dogs individual needs you may have to find a food that also suits your dogs allergies, sensitivities, and preferences. When you put all these factors together, picking a dog food may seem daunting, but we can help you narrow down your options so that you can find the perfect diet for your enormous pooch.

So where do you start?

Is Dry Food Recommended For Large Breed Puppies

There are several reasons why you should consider dry dog food over wet:

• Dry nutrition is more convenient to purchase, and it has a longer shelf life
• With dry food, you can measure the exact portions
• Dry dog food its better for your pets teeth, chewing promotes natural exercise and cleans teeth
• Wet recipes are on the pricier side

Read Also: What’s The Best Dry Dog Food For Puppies

Best Large Breed Dog Food

Once your big pooch has finished growing, its time to start transitioning him to an adult formula. Adult large breed dogs still need a little more protein and less fat than small and medium-sized doggos, but they dont need as many calories as a puppy.

An adult formula will offer many of the same benefits as the large breed puppy foods will, but with subtle differences to the formula. While adults and puppies all need the same nutrients, they require them in different quantities.

American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain

Protein 32%, Fat 14%, Fiber 5%, Moisture 10%

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Salmon, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Turkey Meal, 4. Peas, 5. Sweet Potatoes

If you prefer a grain-free meal for your growing pup, the American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is your best pick. Crafted with deboned salmon as its first ingredient, the kibble is composed of high-quality protein sources to support growth and active muscles.

The variety of fruits and veggies is rich in minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins and supports cognitive development and healthy immunity.

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Best Dry Dog Food For Large Breed Puppies

Kibble is the most popular food format. Its convenient, has a long shelf-life, and is generally a little easier on the wallet. Not every brand offers a puppy formula, no less one designed to specifically meet the needs of a large breed pup. Here is one of our top picks:

• Multi-protein formula: chicken, eggs, and flounder
• 70% meat inclusion, including nutrient-dense organs
• Anti-inflammatory fatty acids and supplements to support joints and mobility
• Optimal calcium to phosphorus ratio for skeletal development

Best For Puppies: Royal Canin Giant Puppy Dog Food

Large breed puppies require dog food that promotes steady growth, says Fuller, noting that its essential for their overall health. This is the best food for large breed puppies because 32 percent protein content, which prevents them from growing too quickly. He also loves that the food has a healthy balance of fiber sources such as beet pulp, which supports sensitive digestive systems. So, exactly which big puppies is this right for? Those up to eight months old with an expected adult weight of over 100 pounds. Heres what else you need to buy if you have a puppy.

Highlights:

via petco.com

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Switching From Puppy To Adult Food

Large breeds weigh between 50 and 100 lbs and need 18 months to two years to mature. So its best to select when to switch to adult food after you know when your puppy will reach maturity.

If your puppy is fully developed a couple of months after its first birthday, you can begin to research whats the best large breed dog food and change its food. That transition can take 710 days. Heres how to do it:

• First and second day: ¾ puppy food and ½ adult food
• Third and fourth day: half puppy food and half adult food
• Fifth to the seventh day: ¼ puppy food and ¾ adult food
• Eight to the tenth day: 100% adult food

Things To Consider Before Selecting The Food For Your Large Breed Dog

The following are some characteristics to look for in high-quality large-breed dog food:

• It should contain no fillers, by-products, or artificial additives.
• Must be manufactured with whole food ingredients.
• It should be rich in lean protein. Lean protein is best obtained from animal sources such as meat, poultry, and fish.
• Depending on the activity level of the dog, low to moderate fat content is recommended.
• Larger kibble size to limit portion sizes and reduce the danger of bloat in dogs.
• Buy food that has the label complete & balanced.

Beyond all these factors, you must consider your dogs unique needs and preferences, as well as consider consulting your veterinarian.

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What Makes Up The Best Large Breed Puppy Food

As mentioned before, large breed puppies thrive when theyre fed a diet with some specific requirements.

When it comes to the best dry foods, calories are a big consideration. Studies have found that big puppies who have excess energy intake are more susceptible to developmental orthopedic disease . Because of this, the ideal large breed puppy dry dog food should have a caloric density of 350 to 400 kcal/100g, which is a significant reduction from the average 450kcal/100g density in normal puppy foods .

In terms of nutrients, one of the most important components of pet food is protein. High protein intake doesnt have any effects on large breed puppies, but low protein intake can lead to insufficient energy and a thinning coat. Protein is particularly important for puppies, as it provides the amino acids that help to facilitate the growth of strong lean muscles and tissue. Large-breed puppy dry foods should have at least a 30% protein content .

When it comes to dog food in general, a lower carbohydrate content is better. Dogs, including puppies, dont actually require any carbohydrates in their diet, which means that carbs can simply be empty calories that take up the space where more essential nutrients such as protein should be . For large breed puppies, the carbohydrate content of food ideally shouldnt exceed 30% and the lower it is the better.

Learn More:Best Small Breed Dog Foods