The Best Large Breed Puppy Food
Large breed dogs such as the Bernese Mountain Dog or giant breeds like the Great Dane have different nutritional needs than their smaller and medium-breed counterparts.
Thats because larger breeds can suffer from joint problems like hip dysplasia as they age. As puppies, their fast-growing bones need extra calcium for proper development.
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Formula
This chicken recipe includes glucosamine for a larger puppys developing joints. It also boasts DHA, antioxidants, and live probiotics for digestion.
Its formulated especially for puppies that will weigh over 50 pounds upon maturity. The Pro Plan line from Purina also comes in formulas for adult dogs and other sizes of breeds.
Hills Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food
This large-breed puppy food is more affordable than some of its counterparts, but still of a solid quality, and is often veterinarian-recommended .
Its first ingredient? Chicken meal a highly-concentrated form of protein that is considered good quality when from a named source. The formula also includes whole grains, fruits, and veggies.
Bravo Packing Performance Dog
We normally like raw pet food because most of these are free from fillers and the meat included are in their purest forms, free from processing of any kind. However, in the case of Bravo Packings raw diet, wed have to rethink this.
Bravo Packings Performance Dog and all of Bravo Packings other raw diets have undergone a recall this year.
Although no deaths or illnesses have been associated with the food, it is troubling that the brand has once again been involved with a recall.
From 2011 to 2015, Bravo had 7 recalls, which included expanded recalls.
There was another in 2018 and another in 2019 before the one for 2021. All of the past recalls were due to the possible presence of Salmonella or Listeria.
Recall Info: On March 3, 2021, Bravo Packing, Inc. issued a voluntary recall of two of their raw pet food products for possible cross contamination after samples collected during a US Food and Drug Administration inspection tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.
The brand expanded the recall on March 16 to include ALL of its pet food and bone products of all sizes. No lot code or date code has been provided for the recent recall so assume, for the safety of your pets, that all are possibly contaminated.
Why Is Puppy Food Different From Adult Dog Food
Adult dogs dont necessarily eat all that differently from puppies. However, puppy formulas are designed to support the rapid growth and development of dogs in their early years.
A puppy recipe for pet food will include more calories per serving, for instance, and different levels of phosphorus and calcium than adult foods. Vets recommend switching to adult dog food once your puppy has reached their full height.
Also Check: When To Switch Dog To Adult Food
Best Overall Dry: Purina Pro Plan Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula
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Available in large and small breed formulas
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No artificial colors or flavors
With their rapid growth, puppies benefit from a higher protein diet, comprising between 22-32 percent of their food intake. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula accounts for this, with a higher proportion of protein, plus a puppy-optimal ratio of fats and carbohydrates, in their puppy food. That’s just one way a puppy-specific formula addresses a young dog’s unique needs, providing a diet designed to prevent the onset of orthopedic diseases or obesity.
The Purina Pro Plan Puppy formula uses high-quality proteinderived primarily from chickenfor muscle development, plus bone health ingredients like calcium, phosphorous, and other minerals. The formula also includes probiotics for digestive health, omega-6 fatty acids derived from fish oil, and a wide spectrum of vitamins.
The bag even includes a helpful chart providing month-to-month serving size guidance based on the anticipated adult weight of your puppy. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula is available in 6-, 18-, and 34-pound bags. Purina also offers several variations on the standard puppy food formula, with Purina Pro Plan foods designed for large breeds, toy breeds, and young dogs between the age of one and two.
Available Flavors: Chicken, lamb, beef | Nutritional Specs: 28% protein, 18% fat, 12% moisture
Our 4th Most Recommended: Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy Food
Eukanuba take their food production seriously having scientifically developed different foods to suit different breeds and stages in life Theres no one-size-fits-all, there are specifics.
They also allow regular independent inspections of their manufacturing process and source ingredients the US, EU and NZ. So quality control is well taken care of.
The large breed puppy formula contains a scientifically formulated balance of proteins, fats, phosphorous and calcium in just the right amounts and proportions to promote a healthy rate of bone and muscle development, highly important for large breed puppies where excessive nutrients can be just as harmful as malnutrition.
The food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for the health of connective soft tissues which is reassuring for large breeds, and especially Labradors, who can suffer from many joint problems in life.
It also contains omega oils for healthy brain development, as well as other fatty acids known to promote healthy skin and coat.
Its a highly popular brand and the reviews from current users are glowing, both on Amazon and on popular forums. So Eukanuba large breed puppy food comes recommended.
Recommended Reading: What To Feed Dogs Without Dog Food
Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food
Rating:
Wellness Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken and Oatmeal is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, ground barley, peas
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Other recipes: Senior, puppy, large breed, small breed, whitefish and sweet potato, lamb and barley, turkey and oatmeal and more
- See all 13 available recipes
This Wellness Complete Health formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 27% protein, 13% fat and 52% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
One of the best grain-inclusive kibbles on the market. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer reviewI have three dogs, all different breeds and sizes. They all love this food it has caused absolutely no stomach issues After discussing this with our awesome Veterinarian she recommended Wellness and our Goldendoodle hasnt had any stomach issues in 5 years. The stomach issues brought us to Wellness, but the quality ingredients kept us loyal.
This Instinct example derives the majority of its animal protein from beef and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 40% protein, 23% fat and 29% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
With multiple flavor options, Instinct makes an ideal choice for feeding picky eaters. Highly recommended.
Frontier Pets The Next Best Thing To Raw
I flew from Perth to Brisbane, hired a car, and drove all the way to Evans Head in NSW to meet Di who founded Frontier Pets and see the factory.
The reason I did that is because I see them as being one of the most amazing Australian dog food companies. Time and consumer feedback has shown this to be 100% the case, and I highly recommend Frontier Pets to new puppy owners who want the best in health and nutrition it will pay dividends.
So why is Frontier Pets one of the best puppy foods in Australia?
Firstly, the food is made from all the stuff your puppy should be eating which is meat, organs, tripe, plus well select fruits, veggies, herbs, and spices to keep your puppy happy, active, and healthy.
Secondly, being freeze-dried offers you so much convenience. Its a process which takes out the moisture while leaving nutrition completely intact, which for you as the consumer means it keeps for literally ages. You just add water before feeding.
Frontier Pets is the best way to feed your puppy a nutritious raw diet without actually mucking around with raw .
Actually, when it comes to super-nutritious tripe, most raw feeders avoid it because in its fresh form absolutely stinks. Its a shame really, because its a fantastic thing to feed your puppy.
Ive fed Frontier Pets many times to my dogs over the years. Its not even as expensive as it may seem, and youll probably find the bag lasts longer than youd expect.
Benefits:
Read the full Frontier Pets dog food review.
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How We Chose The Best Dog Food
In order to find the best dog food among so many options, we took a look at the following factors:
Product lines. We looked at a brands options for different ages, sizes, breeds and health concerns to see if consumers could find what they were looking for, regardless of their dogs circumstances.
Ingredients. We read through the ingredients list, comparing them to label standards set by the FDA and AAFCO, and third-party ingredient analysis.
Recalls. We searched the recalls for each brand during the past decade to gauge not only the quality of the products, but a companys transparency and its approach to solving the issues.
Price. We calculated prices per pound or ounce and compared them with competing products in the same category to determine their value. Naturally, recipes with whole meats versus recipes with meat meals may be costlier, but could offer higher value.
What Is The Best Puppy Food Brand In 2021
Puppy owners have an overwhelming array of dog food choices. How do you know which foods are best? Which brands are most nutritional and reliable? Many companies claim to offer high quality food at the best cost, but not all foods are created equal, and not all can be the best.
Were offering a recommended list of foods that can help you navigate the various available brands and foods to make the best food choice for your four-legged baby. Our ratings have been developed based on quality ingredients, brand reputation, and dog owners experiences.
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Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Rice Formula
Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Rice Formula is a mid-priced canine formula that does little to impress, but also does little wrong.
It only comes in one size, but at $36 for a 40-lb bag, this food fits comfortably between a budget and mid-range price point.
Diamond Naturals take a holistic approach to crafting dog food, aiming to meet every pet’s needs with the use of proprietary probiotics and the inclusion of superfoods.
They believe that by making their dry dog foods contain 10-20% superfoods , your dog will be able to properly absorb all of its required vitamins and minerals.
These superfoods replace common fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy . It contains 25% protein and 15% fat which is pretty average in this price range.
Our Criteria: How We Choose The Best
The Best Quality Ingredients: Puppies need the best quality food available and that is one of the first things we look at when choosing a puppy food. We want to see high quality proteins such as real chicken, beef, or lamb combined with good sources of complex carbohydrates. Examples would be brown rice, barley, oats, or distillers mash. While this last may seem like a byproduct, it is in fact a highly digestible source of complex carbs. We also look for a good balance of vitamins and minerals to support the growth of healthy muscles and bones. We recommend that your pups food is certified by AAFCO to ensure the right balance of nutrients.
Kibble Size: When puppies are first being weaned from their mother, they need food that has been soaked to mush. This is much easier to do with small sized kibble. As they transition to solid food, those small bites are much easier for them to eat. This is especially true for the smaller breeds.
Value for Money: Raising a puppy is an expensive endeavor but it doesnt have to break the bank. We look for foods that offer good quality at a reasonable price.
Read Also: Why Use Grain Free Dog Food
Best Puppy Food To Help Prevent Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a common inherited deformity that occurs to the hip joint during growth. It is a genetic disease that is affected by many factors such as diet, growth rate, muscle mass, exercise, hormones and the environment the puppy lives in. As it is most commonly seen in large breed dogs, it is best to keep large breed puppies at a normal lean weight while they are growing. Thankfully, you can help delay onset or reduce progression of this condition by giving your puppy the right food. Here are two options to do just that:
Both products are from the same brand and contain the same ingredients, theyve just been formulated slightly differently to target specific breed sizes. The first option is for large breed puppies and the second is for giant breeds.
How To Transition Your Puppy To Adult Food
When it comes time to transition your puppy from puppy food to an adult formula, make sure youre making the switch over a long period of time.
Transitioning should be done over a month or so, gradually decreasing puppy and increasing the amount of adult food, Dr. Bryant said, noting that the transition should happen around the age of 12 months until 16 months for giant breeds.”
Starting your puppy on the right foot with a great vet-recommended puppy food will prepare him for a long, healthy and happy life. So make sure youre making an informed decision, and dont forget to ask your vet for guidance.
Also Check: Best Food For Puppy Goldendoodle
Purina One Natural High Protein +plus Healthy Puppy Formula Dry Puppy Food
Image courtesy Chewy
Purina ONE Natural, High Protein +Plus Healthy Puppy Formula Dry Puppy Food is made with real chicken as the first ingredient, and it’s enriched with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
This food also has a high protein content to help your puppy build lean muscle mass, and it’s made with ingredients that are easy to digest.
Puppy Food: Tips And Advice
Your puppy needs optimal nutrition for proper growth and development. Follow these feeding tips to keep them healthy.
Use a measuring cup: More than half of dogs are overweight or obese. Measuring out your puppys food can help prevent her from overeating.
Limit treats: Treats are great training tools but avoid offering too many. Treats shouldnt make up more than 10 percent of your dogs daily calories, Rollins says. Too many treats could also spoil your dogs appetite, making it harder to get the right balance of nutrients from her puppy food.
Store food safely: Wet food should be kept refrigerated after its opened and kibble should remain in its original bag and stored in a cool, dry place.
Recommended Reading: Is Raw Dog Food Good For Dogs
What To Avoid In Dog Food
Dogs are usually not picky eaters, but that does not mean they can safely eat anything and everything. Certain ingredients should be avoided in dog food to keep dogs safe. Dr. Shepherd provided insight on which toxic ingredients dog owners should look out for, and avoid, when selecting a dog food:
- Garlic powder: Garlic enhances the flavor of food but can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. Signs of anemia in dogs include lethargy, pale gums, and weakness. Dr. Shepherd recommends avoiding any dog food that contains garlic powder.
- Raw meat: Although raw food diets have become increasingly popular for dogs, raw meat may contain disease-causing bacteria, such as E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes, and genes that promote antibiotic resistance. Both the CDC and FDA advise against feeding raw meat. Dr. Shepherd points out that freeze-dried meat products should still be considered as raw food, and thus avoided, because their manufacturing process does not get rid of disease-causing pathogens. Read more about the harmful effects of feeding your dog a raw diet.
- Specific allergens: For dogs with food allergies, certain ingredients should be avoided to prevent triggering an allergic reaction. For example, if a dog is allergic to chicken, their diet should not contain any form of chicken a diet containing a novel animal protein source, such as duck or kangaroo, would be a good choice. A food elimination trial is typically used to determine which particular ingredient to avoid.
My Mother Refuses To Grow Up
If Buddy is barking at you to fill his bowl, listen up.
He may also be speaking up to demand a switch in his daily dinner, or breakfast and lunch too, for that matter.
Since we all love our fur babies as our own, what we feed them matters. Finding the right kibble can be difficult, as there is a sea of choices for pooches of all shapes and sizes with less-than-helpful packaging and guidance.
The first step when choosing a dog food is to consult your local vet, as they know what is best for their favorite, slobbery patients. However, for those that want even more recommended or even a place to start before your annual visit, we have that covered.
We spoke with Dr. Danielle Bernal, a veterinarian for Wellness Pet Company as well as Dr. Katy Nelson, senior veterinarian at Chewy about what to look for in a dog food formula, what to avoid and also any tips and tricks for choosing the right chow for your Chihuahua and the best munchies for your Maltese.
Read on for the answers to those questions and more, plus our top picks for pet food brands you can buy online right now.
Recommended Reading: Is Wholehearted Dog Food Good
Best Puppy Foods 2022
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Bringing a puppy into your home is a joyful and life-changing process. An important first step in preparing for your new puppys arrival lies in the food you choose to feed him. An essential foundation of your puppys health is feeding him the best possible dog food from the start.
Just as adult and senior dogs need specific food for various stages of life, puppies require certain vitamins and nutrients to help them grow up healthy and happy, setting the stage for a full, productive future.
Puppies have need of high nutritional and caloric values in their food. As such, your puppy should consume food that contains twice the amount of daily dietary requirements as found in an adult dog food.
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Puppies grow up quickly, especially in the main areas that need the right nutrition to develop and operate efficiently: the immune system, internal organs, bones, joints, and muscles.
The right puppy food has between 21 – 30% protein, has a high-fat content to supply energy and has the vitamins and minerals necessary to give your pup a leg up on growing up.