Taste Of The Wild Southwest Canyon
Image courtesy Taste of the Wild
You can give your dog with a high-quality food that is tailored to his or her unique health requirements with Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Grain-Free Dry Dog Food.
This grain-free recipe, which is complemented with nutrient-dense legumes like peas and garbanzo beans as well as natural antioxidants found in real fruits and vegetables, dried chicory root for prebiotic help, and wild boar, contains highly digestible proteins like wild boar that give your active dog plenty of energy.
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Importance Of Joint And Cartilage Support
As your puppy is rapidly growing, it needs to be fed with food that contains the right nutrient to support its developing cartilage and joints. This is important as they grow to be quite big and muscular and require strong joints to remain active and healthy.
Glucosamine helps puppies develop strong joints to support them and grow taller and gain more weight. Most quality large breed puppy foods will include glucosamine, a valuable part of your puppys nutrition.
Large Breed Puppy Nutrient Needs
As we have already said, there is not a one size fits all approach to puppy nutrition. Not only do you need to think about their individual needs, such as sensitive stomachs, ingredient allergies or intolerances, and believe it or not, likes and dislikes, but you also have to think about their breed and the size that they are expected to be.
Small breeds need much smaller pieces thats nutrient-packed, while Large breeds like the Great Pyrenees often need a food with a higher protein content considering their larger muscle mass and higher energy needs. Large breed foods also have optimized fat, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels, because these ingredients control the speed at which his large bones grow.
If his bones grow too fast, then he will be at a much higher risk of suffering Hip Dysplasia and other developmental bone disorders. Therefore, it is important to feed your large pup nutrition that is specifically designed for his size, and most generic puppy food packaging will state that it is not suited to large breed puppies for this reason.
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Nutro Wholesome Essentials Large
For wholesome, balanced nutrition from high-quality ingredients, consider this Nutro Wholesome Essentials Large-Breed Adult Farm-Raised Chicken Recipe. This formula features real farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient with digestible whole-grain carbohydrates. It is rich in healthy fats from chicken fat and provides a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat support. In addition to fresh chicken, it also contains chicken meal as a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, plus it has chelated mineral supplements to ensure complete and balanced nutrition. Overall, this recipe is packed with protein and healthy nutrients but limited in fat and calories to control body weight.
- Pros: Formulated for large breeds, farm-raised chicken first ingredient, highly digestible, whole-grain carbohydrates, rich in omega fatty acids, no artificial additives
- Cons: Not a grain-free recipe
Elbow & Hip Dysplasia
Another common condition appearing in big puppy breeds, elbow, and hip dysplasia, affect joints and cause malformation of the bone. With hip dysplasia, the head of the femur isnt sliding properly inside the hip joint, but it rubs against it. Over time, joints can deteriorate, leading to excruciating pain.
On the other hand, hip dysplasia can affect your pets front legs. The rapid growth of elbow joints is the most common cause.
Read more:Best Food for Dogs with Hip Dysplasia
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How To Read A Dog Food Label
One of the first things conscientious owners look at is the label on a bag of food. While this is a good practice, the reality is that dog food labels can be very misleading and hard to interpret. There are a few things to keep in mind as you look at a label:
- Look for the statement complete and balanced
- Check the life stages
- Examine the ingredients for any allergens your pet may have
Complete and balanced dog foods contain at least the minimum amount of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients considered necessary for dogs, helping ensure that your pet does not suffer from a nutrient deficiency. Choosing the appropriate life stage also helps keep your pet nutritionally satisfied, and avoiding allergens prevents your dog from suffering from an allergic reaction.
The ingredient list is a good way to see what the primary ingredients in the dog food are, but it will not tell you very much about the quality of the ingredients. The best way to determine if the food is made from good quality ingredients such as meats, grains, vegetables, and fruits is to contact the manufacturer or consult your veterinarian.
- Do they follow AAFCO feeding trials?
- Have they participated in clinical studies about their products?
- Do they manufacture their foods in-house where they have control over all aspects of development, or do they outsource?
- Where do they source their ingredients?
- How many calories are in their servings?
Taste Of The Wild Sierra Mountain Grain
Most Popular Large Breed Dog Food: Large-breed dogs need a diet rich in protein to sustain their lean muscle mass. If youre not sure where to go for dog food, you can always go with a popular brand like Taste of the Wild. Though this brand doesnt offer any recipes specifically formulated for large breeds, any of their recipes would be a good choice. We chose this Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Food because it contains plenty of protein with more limited fat content than some of their other recipes . It is still an excellent source of high-quality animal protein in fact, it is a single-source protein recipe. It also features grain-free carbohydrates as well as fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources for key nutrients.
- Pros: Real lam first ingredient, single-source protein, rich in healthy fats, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, probiotic supplements, chelated minerals
- Cons: Could be higher in protein, not specifically formulated for large breeds
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Can Large Breed Puppies Eat Normal Puppy Food
While dog food specifically formulated for large breed puppies is definitely the best option, in a pinch, its totally fine to feed your dog food formulated for smaller pupsas long as its from a reputable brand. Puppy food that is approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials is safe to feed large breed puppies, says Fulcher.
But just because the food is formulated for smaller dogs doesnt mean your pet is entitled to an all-you-can-eat-buffet. Large breed puppies should not be fed as much as they want. They need portion control, no matter what diet is being fed, to avoid growing too rapidly or gaining too much weight, says Fulcher.
About Wellness Natural Pet Food Dry Puppy Food
Not only does the Complete Health Large Breed puppy food from Wellness Natural Pet Food contain a balance of nutrients essential for the health of your large breed puppy , but it also has a larger kibble size than your typical puppy food optionsperfect for your puppys bigger teeth.
Nutro Ultra Large Breed Dry Dog Food
While chicken is the #1 ingredient in this recipe, lamb and salmon also make this a well-rounded dry dog food.
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Why Wont My Puppy Eat
It can be concerning if your puppy wont eat. If you notice a loss of appetite, it could be anything from stress to sickness. As long as your pup has an average energy level, its okay if she misses one meal. If it turns into multiple meals and your puppy becomes lethargic, you may want to pay a visit to your vet.
Hills Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Lamb Meal & Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Lamb Meal, 2. Brown Rice 3. Wholegrain Wheat, 4. Wholegrain Sorghum, 5. Corn Gluten Meal
Carefully formulated with natural DHA and controlled levels of calcium, Hills Science Diet Puppy recipe is a complete and balanced diet, highly recommended for growing pups.
The kibble contains only natural and high-quality ingredients to ensure perfect support and conditioning for large breed dogs in during their growing stage. Give your pooch the nutrition they deserve for optimal health and development.
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What Ingredients Should You Avoid In Large Breed Dog Food
The right large breed dog food should be free from the following ingredients:
- Propylene Glycol. This is literally antifreeze and is used to prevent moisture build-up and bacteria growth in some dog food. This can be cancerous to a dogs intestines.
- Corn and Corn Products. Often used to sweeten the taste of dog food, this ingredient can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and altered mental behavior. It is commonly found in low-end dog food due to its inexpensive nature.
- Artificial Colors. Dyes are sometimes added to kibble to make it more aesthetic. Artificial colors have been linked to hyperactivity and improper biochemical processes.
- Meets AAFCO Standards. To ensure food is fit for your dog, it is generally a good idea to make sure it reaches AAFCO standards for dog food.
How Much Food Should I Feed My Large Breed Puppy
Determining how much to feed your large breed puppy is a processNOT a one-time decision.
Since a large breed puppy consumes more food each day than a smaller breed
And because each dry food contains a different number of calories per cup
Its best to start with the recommended feeding amount printed on the package. Then, adjust that amount to keep your puppy at her ideal weight.
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Best Inexpensive Dog Food For Large Breeds
We all want the best for our pets, but sometimes our budget just doesnt account for extravagance. The good news is that you can still find high-quality dog food at a reasonable price.
The word cheap can be associated with poor quality, but thats not always true. Sometimes the inexpensive option is the best one. Take a look at our top pick for the best inexpensive dog food for large breeds:
- Multi-protein formula: turkey and salmon
- Low glycerin carbs like oatmeal and barley
- Joint care protection from glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM
- Probiotics and other digestive aids improve nutrient absorption
Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Health Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Recipe
Some dog breeds are large, and others are giant. If you have a giant breed like a Great Dane, you might want to look for a recipe formulated specifically for giant breeds like this Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Health Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Recipe. This formula features chicken meal as a concentrated source of lean protein as well as a natural source of joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin. It is made with digestible whole-grain carbohydrates and supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources for key nutrients. This recipe is loaded with natural flavor and contains plenty of fiber as well as probiotics for healthy digestion. It also contains taurine and L-carnitine to support your dogs healthy heart function.
- Pros: Formulated for large and giant breeds, highly digestible, whole-grain carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, glucosamine and chondroitin, supports heart health, complete and balanced
- Cons: May be too high in calories for some dogs
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Best Large Breed Dog Food For Seniors
Dog food designed for senior dogs is relatively new. There is no senior stage approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as of yet, which means that the senior dog foods marketed in pet stores have not undergone the same rigorous tests as food for the other life stages. That does not mean, however, that they are not a good option for your senior dog. Adult formulas, all life-stage formulas, and senior formulas can all be appropriate foods for senior dogs.
Senior dogs often develop other health problems that require veterinary attention and maintenance. Sometimes a prescription diet is the best dog food option for large breed seniors, as these veterinary-approved foods are specifically formulated to address your dogs needs. Talk to your vet about the best food for large breed senior dogs.
Raw Diets For Large Breed Dogs
So far we talked a lot about kibble for large breeds. This is because the large breed labels arent often used outside of dry foods, but that doesnt mean that other dog food formats arent suitable for bigger dogs too.
A popular option for big dogs is a raw diet. Much like their wolf ancestors, dogs are well suited to a raw, unprocessed diet. The nutrients in raw foods are easier to digest and are not denatured or altered by the cooking process.
Many large breed dogs do well on raw because the food is natural, allowing them to absorb and distribute nutrients that a cooked diet would need to buffer with synthetic nutrients to suit their size and age groups.
Raw diets are considered all life stages and all-breed, meaning they generally suit a variety of dogs well, but for large, and especially giant breeds, some minor supplementation or customization might be recommended.
Remember that large breeds need to watch how much calcium they are consuming. Too much calcium can lead to abnormal bone growth and hip and joint issues, especially during their growth stages.
While the commercial raw diets themselves dont offer excessive bone content, you do need to watch how many raw edible bones you are offering your dog to chew on. 10% bone is a good standard to stick to, so be aware of how much bone is already included in your dogs raw diet.
How do you feed your large breed pooch? Let us know in the comments below!
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How Does Glucosamine Help My Large Dog
Glucosamine is an important nutrient for large dogs because it helps to protect their joints. It works by providing the building blocks that the body needs to repair and rebuild cartilage. Chondroitin is another important nutrient for large dogs because it helps to reduce inflammation in the joints.
What Breeds Of Dogs Need Large
Your vet can tell you if your puppy qualifies as a large-breed dog, but according to Dr. Zay Satchu, co-founder and chief veterinary officer at Bond Vet in New York City, large-breed formulas are most appropriate for large- and giant-breed puppies expected to weigh over about 60 to 75 pounds as an adult.
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How Often Should I Feed My Large Breed Puppy
Once youve determined how much to feed your puppy per day
Simply divide that daily feeding amount into 3 or 4 smaller servings.
Then feed those smaller portions to your puppy at regular intervals throughout the day.
To make it easy
Try feeding your puppy whenever YOU eat breakfast, lunch and dinner.
About Solid Gold Natural Large Breed Puppy Food
The Wolf Cub Large Breed Puppy Food from Solid Gold combines a number of high-quality ingredientslike bison, oatmeal, and barleyto deliver the nutrition your growing puppy needs.
Plus, this dog food also comes in a large kibble size thats ideal for large breed puppies. If your dog is allergic to potatoes, this potato-free blend could be great for them.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Food
This dry food for puppies contains chicken as a main ingredient to promote healthy growth and strength.
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At What Age Is A Canine No Longer A Pup
Dont you wish your pet could stay a puppy forever? To answer your question, the age at which a puppy becomes an adult canine depends on its specific breed and size.
Small breeds stop growing at around 68 months, while medium breeds stop growing at approximately 12 months. For large breed dogs, this number stands at 1418 months. That said, theres a lot of wiggle room here, and some dogs can stop growing sooner or later than the 1-year mark.
Can You Feed Large Breed Food To Medium Breed Puppies
There is a significant difference in food ingredients between these two breeds even though, they are slightly different in size. For instance, large breed puppy food is low in calcium and phosphorus, that may affect some medium breed pups.
Additionally, large dogs require less calorie, than medium ones. For that reason, we cant recommend this feeding habit.
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Large Breed Puppy Food
Just like large breeds have specific nutritional requirements, large breed puppies have even more specific requirements to keep up with their quick growth. In addition to the general needs of large breeds, dog food for large breed puppies is typically higher in calories. Puppies have much higher metabolisms than older dogs while theyre growing, so higher calories helps aid healthy development.
Additionally, when looking for a large breed puppy formula youll want to look for higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid . DHA is an Omega-3 fatty acid that helps to develop your puppys nervous system and cognitive development. While Omegas are commonly associated with skin and coat health , they put in extra work for puppies as they grow and develop.
Another thing to consider about large breed puppies is their age. With average-sized dogs, typically at one year old is when they are no longer considered puppies and can be transitioned to adult dog food. However, large breed puppies reach the age of maturity much latersome as late as almost three years old. This all depends on how big your dog will be once theyre all grown up, but this also affects the food you choose to feed them.
This is a milestone best determined with the help of your vet, so be sure to keep up with consistent visits while your dog is a puppy so they can help you determine when is the best time to switch from puppy to adult dog food.