Do I need large breed dog food
Best Large Breed Dog Food
Owning a large breed dog comes with large responsibilities, especially when it comes to choosing the best large breed dog food. After all, you want your dog to live a long, healthy, active life, and that starts with good nutrition. Feeding a properly formulated, high-quality diet is one of the most important things you can do to keep your dog healthy and prevent disease, according to the experts, which puts a lot of pressure on owners to find the best dog food for large breeds.
There are countless choices on the shelves, all claiming to be the best. Before you start shopping, there are a few things you need to know about large dog nutrition to help you choose the best food for your dog from puppyhood to his golden years.
Large Dog Nutrition 101
Dogs require a wide range of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, which is why feeding a complete and balanced commercial diet is the most reliable and convenient choice for most owners. Commercial dog foods include meats, grains, vegetables, and fruits to meet the nutritional standards of dog food regulations. A high-quality dog food combines sources of protein, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in a manner that is easily digested by dogs to make sure your dog gets what she needs every day.
For the most part, large dog nutrition is similar to small and medium dog nutrition, with a few important exceptions. Large breed puppies require special diets to avoid certain health risks, and large breed adult dogs require careful monitoring for signs of orthopedic disease, obesity, and bloat. All of these diseases are heavily influenced by nutrition.
Talk to your vet if you are considering exploring a home-cooked diet or alternative feeding regimen for your dog. Your vet can help you balance your dogs nutritional needs, while answering any further questions you may have about dog nutrition.
Best Large Breed Puppy Food
Large breed puppies require special attention when it comes to mealtime. Large and giant breed puppies grow quickly and keep growing longer than smaller dogs. A dog born weighing one pound can grow to 150 pounds within the first 18 months of its life. This accelerated growth rate means that large breed puppies are very sensitive to nutrient and caloric intake imbalances, deficiencies, and excesses all negatively impact your large breed puppys health.
Growing too quickly is not healthy for large breed puppies. Excessive growth has been linked to developmental orthopedic disease (DOD), which covers a range of conditions including:
- Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
- Osteochondrosis
- Retained ulnar cartilage core
- Panosteitis
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
Overnutrition plays a large role in excessive growth, which is why it is important to feed them a large breed puppy food formulated specifically for their nutritional needs. These diets differ from regular puppy diets in four ways:
- Lower in fat
- Lower in calcium
- Lower in phosphorus
- Lower in vitamin D
While it is tempting to think that large breed puppies need more calcium to support healthy bone growth, studies have linked high levels of calcium and phosphorus to DOD. Limiting the intake of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D helps reduce the risk of DOD in puppies, and limiting the number of calories in their food helps to slow growth rates.
How much you feed your puppy also matters. Veterinarians discourage free feeding of large breed puppies, as this too has been linked to DOD. Instead, feed your puppy several smaller meals throughout the day and monitor his weight to make sure it stays within a healthy range. Ask your veterinarian for help determining the appropriate weight range for your dogs breed.
Best Large Breed Dog Food for Adults
Once your large breed puppy has reached adulthood, it is time to find yet another food. This transitional period is a good opportunity to talk to your vet about her recommendations for the best large breed dog food. Your veterinarian will be happy to share insights and observations about the best diet for your dog based on breed, size, and other health concerns, and vets have access to a wide range of resources that allow them to help you make an informed choice.
There are three conditions that are influenced by your dogs nutrition that affect large breed adult dogs:
- Orthopedic disease
- Obesity
- Bloat
Orthopedic Disease in Dogs
Large and giant breed dogs are more prone to developing musculoskeletal and orthopedic disorders like hip dysplasia, arthritis, and osteochondrosis. These diseases are linked to excessive growth, hereditary factors, exercise, and nutrition. As an owner, there is not much you can do about hereditary factors, aside from selecting a puppy from a responsible breeder and only breeding healthy dogs, but you do have control over growth rate, exercise, and nutrition.
Feeding your puppy an appropriate large breed puppy diet decreases the dogs risk of developing DOD. Once he is an adult, it is up to you to monitor diet and exercise to make sure he maintains a healthy weight. A good quality diet with the proper balance of nutrients for large breed dogs helps prevent joints, muscles, and bones from breaking down. Many large breed adult formulas include the joint supplement glucosamine to further improve orthopedic health.
Obesity in Dogs
An estimated 53 percent of American dogs are obese or overweight. Obesity is particularly dangerous for large breed dogs, as it increases their risk of developing orthopedic diseases later in life. All of that extra weight stresses their joints, muscles, and bones, which can lead to serious conditions that affect their quality of life and mobility. Obesity has also been linked to other serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and high-blood pressure.
Bloat in Dogs
Bloat, known in the veterinary community as gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV), is a very serious and sometimes fatal condition that affects large and giant breed dogs. Bloat occurs when gasses accumulate in the stomach rapidly and have no way to escape. Bloat can be fatal in just a few hours. While there are several different treatment options, prevention is still the best approach for dealing with bloat. Here are a few steps you can take to reduce your dogs risk of bloat.
- Feed multiple meals a day, instead of one large, heavy meal, to prevent rapid eating
- Feed from floor level (not a raised feeder)
- Avoid foods with high-fat contents (foods with oil and fat in the first four ingredients on the label)
- Feed foods with large kibble
- Avoid strenuous exercise 1-2 hours after eating
The best option to help your large breed dog avoid this condition is usually a large breed dog formula. Look for a reputable dog food manufacturer that carries a large breed formula and dont hesitate to ask your veterinarian for her recommendations.
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 (AAFCO) or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 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.
The Truth About Dog Food Labels
Dog food labels are a valuable source of information about your dogs food. They can also be misleading. As you search for the best food for large breeds, you will encounter a huge selection of products. As you do your research, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Look for a dog food labeled complete and balanced
- Select a dog food that has been clinically tried and tested
- Ignore unregulated phrases such as all natural and human-grade ingredients
- Avoid foods with oils and fats listed in the first four ingredients
Dog food labels wont tell you very much about the quality of the ingredients. In fact, no reference to quality is technically allowed. What the ingredient list does tell you is where the proteins and carbohydrates in the food come from. This is very useful for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities and for owners looking for a specific source of protein for their dogs.
How Much to Feed a Large Breed Dog
There is no easy answer to the question: how much to feed a large breed dog? Every dogs caloric needs are unique. The nutrition label on your dogs food provides guidelines for owners, but you may need to tailor them to your dog.
A good way to figure out how much food to feed your dog is to talk to your veterinarian about your dogs weight. Veterinarians judge the weight of a dog based on something called the body condition score. This helps them determine if your dog is at an ideal weight or if he is overweight or underweight, and how you should adjust his food.
The Price of Large Breed Dog Food
Large breed dogs consume large amounts of food, which means that it costs more to feed a large breed dog than it does to feed a small breed dog. This is an important consideration for anyone thinking about purchasing a large breed puppy.
It is tempting to purchase a cheaper food for large breed dogs to save money. While there are plenty of good quality dog foods in various price ranges, always be sure to investigate the quality of your dogs food. When you invest in dog food, you invest in your pets health. In the case of cheap, poor quality food, that can mean getting exactly what you pay for.
So What Is the Best Food for Large Breeds?
There is no one brand of food that is the best food for large breeds. As an owner, it is up to you to do your research about large breed nutrition and determine which food is the best for your dog. The best way to do this is to consult with your veterinarian. Your vet can help you come up with a lifelong nutrition plan for all your dogs stages of life, giving him the best chance at a long and healthy life.
Best Large Breed Dog Food
Wellness Core Large Breed formula is a grain-free, high protein recipe with substantial kibble size to promote proper chewing time in larger mouths. Increased amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin also supports bone and joint health in these larger sized dogs.
This recipe contains the perfect amount of fat and calories to help maintain a healthy weight for a dog of this size. A higher quality food with an abundance of animal protein and nutrient-rich vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli.
Key Facts No meat by-products or fillers Grain-free. Absolutely no corn, wheat or soy High protein recipe for strong muscles No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives Wellness Core Grain-Free Large Breed is recommended by 94% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is highly recommended for large breed adult dogs.
Read our review of the full Wellness Core Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, lentils, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large dogs Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Chicken is a great option for those looking for higher protein and an optimal blend of calcium, phosphorus and essential vitamins to help keep bones strong.
Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids found in fish meal and flaxseed ensure a healthy coat. An ideal blend of protein, fat and carbohydrates are also included to assist your large breed dog in keeping a healthy weight. Never any grains or gluten and no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Key Facts No poultry by-product meals Glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints Antioxidants to boost dogs immune system 100% Grain-free Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Chicken is recommended by 98% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a great choice for your large breed adult.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned Chicken, chicken meal, dried chicken, oatmeal, barley Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adults including large breeds All Ollie meals are human-grade and expertly designed by a board certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN). Each recipe is suitable for larger breed adults.
An exceptional, grain-free option. Ideal for those who prefer a fully balanced diet, thats as close to homemade as you can get. Without all the fuss. Not cheap. Enthusiastically recommended.
Key Facts Made with fresh poultry. Contains no by-product meals. Free of BHA or other chemical preservatives Optimized for the age, weight, activity level and breed size of your pet Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, carrots, peas, rice, chicken liver Type Grain-free, fresh AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All adult dogs including large breeds Now Fresh Large Breed Adult contains balanced proteins and fats from turkey, salmon and duck. Contains antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables such as spinach, cranberries, pumpkin, blackberries, and carrots. Great for building a strong immune system to help fight disease.
Recommended for dogs over 50 pounds and between 15 months and 5 years of age. Contains extra nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint care for larger breed dogs.
Key Facts No by-products or artificial preservatives Omega-3 and 6 from coconut and canola oil for healthy coat Probiotics to support digestion Grain-free. No gluten, wheat, corn or soy Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Adult is recommended by 100% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a superb selection for your large breed adult.
Read our review of the full Now Fresh Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients De-boned turkey, whole dried egg, potatoes, peas, potato flour Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds Adult Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice is one of 19 dry recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan product line.
Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend combines a hard kibble with tender, pieces of real, shredded chicken for enhanced flavor and texture.
A classic, grain-inclusive kibble that derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh chicken and poultry by-product meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
Key Facts Live probiotics to support healthy digestion Omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat Highly digestible recipe for optimal nutrient delivery No artificial colors or flavors This Purina Pro recipe is recommended by 96% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a top pick for large breed adult dogs.
Read our review of the full Purina Pro Plan Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, rice, whole grain wheat, poultry by-product meal, soybean meal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All adult dogs including large breeds From its founding, Champion Petfoods, the fabled maker of Orijen, has always favored and touted a meat-based, biologically appropriate canine diet a proven, balanced formula which makes this food a top choice for large breed dogs. Highly recommended.
Key Facts Coated with freeze-dried liver for enhanced flavor Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat Grain-free. No corn, wheat or rice Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for optimal joint health Orijen Six Fish Grain Free is recommended by 96% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is an outstanding buy for your large breed adult.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Whole Atlantic mackerel, whole Atlantic herring, monkfish, Acadian redfish, flounder Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including large breeds Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed recipe is a high-protein formula with sweet potatoes, peas, apples and blueberries. These fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants to help fight disease resistance while the significant protein is included to help larger breed dogs retain lean muscles.
Like most large breed dog food formulas, extra glucosamine and chondroitin are essential and included for hip and joint health. Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids are incorporated to enhance a healthy skin and coat.
Key Facts No artificial preservatives Grain-free. No corn, wheat or soy 60% protein and healthy fats No by-product meals Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed is recommended by 90% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a fantastic choice for large breed adult dogs.
Read our review of the full Merrick Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, sweet potatoes, potatoes Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including large breeds Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult contains a variety of protein sources. These include fresh chicken, chicken meal and egg product with minimal protein derived from plant-based ingredients. Ideal for mirroring an ancestral diet.
Chelated minerals are also added for superior absorption.
Key Facts Contains no plant-based protein boosters No artificial colors or preservatives Abundance of meat-based protein Ancestral diet Diamond Naturals Large Breed recipe is recommended by 91% of actual buyers and earns 4.5 stars on Chewy.com. A great option for your large breed adult.
Read our review of the full Diamond Naturals Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds Wellness Complete Health Large Breed is formulated with glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate for excellent hip and joint health. Balanced blend of high-quality protein, healthy fat and grain-free carbohydrates for extra energy and optimum performance.
Added fiber and probiotics to aid in digestion making it ideal for a dogs naturally sensitive stomach. Antioxidants to defend against disease and infection.
Key Facts High-quality ingredients Salmon oil for healthy skin and coat Grain-free. No corn, wheat or rice No meat by-products or filler Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Large Breed recipe is recommended by 100% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and an excellent selection for your large breed dog.
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, potatoes, chickpeas Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds Eagle Pack Adult Large and Giant Breed is specially formulated with the right amount of fat, protein and carbohydrates to help larger dogs maintain a healthy weight. Dual animal proteins also help provide lean muscle mass.
This formula contains no corn, wheat, or meat by-products of any kind and has no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Perfectly balanced nutrition for dogs over 50 pounds.
Key Facts Affordable, budget friendly recipe Glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints Traditional grain-inclusive formula Calcium and phosphorous to support strong bones Eagle Pack Adult Large and Giant Breed recipe is recommended by 96% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is highly recommended for large breed adult dogs.
Read our review of the full Eagle Pack Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, pork meal, ground brown rice, oatmeal, rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Adult Health has produced a dog food unique to large and giant breed dogs. It incorporates extra glucosamine and chondroitin for strong joints with calcium and phosphorous for healthy bones.
This special formula also contains specific ingredients for proper canine digestion. This is accomplished by adding probiotics and plenty of fiber to support a healthy gut and chelated minerals for better absorption.
Key Facts Antioxidant-rich to support cellular health Free from artificial colors or preservatives Traditional grain-inclusive formula Specially formulated for large and giant breed dogs Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Adult Health is recommended by 97% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a great option for your large breed adult.
Read our review of the full Holistic Select Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, rice, oatmeal, oats, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds Taste of the Wild Wetlands recipe is loaded with animal protein. Not only is duck and duck meal the first two ingredients, but there is also turkey, quail and chicken meal included in this formula.
Real fruits and vegetables are included with antioxidants to fight disease. Probiotics and chelated minerals are also incorporated to aid in digestion and provide superior absorption. A budget-friendly option with extremely high quality, high protein ingredients.
Key Facts Grain-free. No corn, wheat or rice Budget-friendly, affordable option High protein for lean muscle mass Made in the USA using high quality ingredients Taste of the Wild Wetlands recipe is recommended by 98% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a fantastic choice for a large breed adult dog.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Duck, duck meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds I and Love and You Nude Super Food Poultry Palooza is made with whole deboned meat and rich antioxidants from real fruits and vegetables. Whole flaxseed, coconut and fish oils are included as well to provide Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to support a healthy skin and coat.
Never any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives and 100% grain-free. Chelated minerals are incorporated to ensure superior absorption and probiotics aid in digestion.
Key Facts Grain-free. No corn, wheat, soy or rice No fillers or by-product meals GMO-free ingredients Contains probiotics for healthy digestion I and Love and You Nude Super Food Poultry Palooza is recommended by 95% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and a superb option for large breed dogs.
Read our review of the full I and Love and You Nude Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, chickpeas, red lentils Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including large breeds Formerly called Go! Fit and Free Chicken, Turkey and Trout, this new recipe is enhanced with plenty of premium-quality animal protein your large breed dog needs to build strong muscles.
Now called Go! Solutions Carnivore Chicken, Turkey and Duck, this formula still holds true to its original great taste and exceptional ingredients. Still no by-product meals, artificial preservatives, or wheat, corn and soy. This protein-rich recipe has plenty of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables which provides ample nutrition for your active large breed adult dog.
Key Facts Grain-free. No corn, wheat or rice Omega-3 fish oil for healthy skin and coat High-protein recipe for lean muscles GMO-free ingredients Go! Solutions Carnivore is recommended by 97% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and an exceptional selection for large breed adults.
Read our review of the full Go! Carnivore Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon meal, de-boned chicken, de-boned turkey Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds
