Do I really need large breed puppy food
How To Choose the Best Puppy Food for Large Breeds
The following content may contain Chewy links.PetMDis operated by Chewy.
Puppies are not just smaller versions of adult dogs. Their rapid growth and development put special demands on their bodies, and those demands must be met by the food they eat. While this is true for all puppies, the changes that large-breed puppies go through are especially dramaticjust think of how much more growing a young Mastiff has to do in comparison to a young Shih Tzu!
This is why we need to pay extra attention to a large-breed puppys diet. Thankfully, finding a good puppy food for large breeds is easier than it used to be. Manufacturers now have to say right on the labelwhether or not a puppy food is designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of large breedsyou just need to know where to look.
Lets discuss why large-breed puppies need special diets, what makes their puppy foods different from other puppy food and adult dog food, and how to pick out and feed the best large-breed puppy food.
Why Do Large-Breed Puppies Need Special Diets?
What sets large-breed puppies apart from smaller dogs? The obvious answer is their size, but theres more to it than a measurement. When dogs are left to breed on their own, adults tend to max out in the range of 40 to 45 pounds. However, people have emphasized specific dog traits, including size, through selective breeding, which has led to all the different large breeds that are recognized today.
In order to reach their adult size, large-breed puppies have to grow unnaturally fast. While large breeds do keep growing longer than small breeds18 to 24 months versus 10 to 12 months, respectivelythey still must grow at a faster rate. This rapid growth rate increases a large breed puppys risk of having serious developmental orthopedic diseases (DOD) like hip dysplasia,elbow dysplasia, and osteochondritis dissecans.
Rapid growth isnt the only risk factor for DODgenetics plays a big role toobut its something you can help manage at home. By making small changes to what we feed large-breed puppies, we can slow down their rate of growth and lower their risk of DOD. Large-breed puppies will still get as big as they would otherwise; it will just take them a little longer to do so.
How Are Large-Breed Puppy Foods Different From Other Puppy Food?
Several characteristics make large-breed puppy foods different from regular puppy foods. The most important nutrient to consider is calcium.
Calcium
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) revised its guidelines for large-breed puppy foods in 2018. For a large-breed puppy food to be called complete and balanced, it now has to have a lower maximum calcium level in comparison to foods for all other life stages, including regular puppy foods. The minimum levels are the same, so this change creates a smaller acceptable calcium range for large-breed puppy foods.
AAFCO focused on calcium because it plays such an important role in bone growth. By ensuring that large-breed puppies arent overfed calcium, we can moderate their growth rate.
Phosphorus
Manufacturers of quality large-breed puppy foods also pay close attention to dietary phosphorous levels. Calcium and phosphorus work together to build bone, so large-breed puppy foods usually have a little less phosphorus and a more tightly controlled calcium-to-phosphorous ratio than do regular puppy foods.
Fat and Calories
It's also very important for large-breed puppies to stay on the slim side as they grow. Overfeeding will negate the effects of feeding a large-breed puppy food, and extra body weight puts unneeded stress on a growing puppys bones and joints. Therefore, large-breed puppy foods tend to contain a little less fat and be less calorie-dense than foods designed for smaller puppies.
Can I Just Give My Large-Breed Puppy an Adult Dog Food?
The short answer is no. Remember that large-breed puppies are still puppies. Regardless of their size, all puppies have an increased need for protein, certain amino acids, fat, certain fatty acids, electrolytes, and several minerals. Large-breed puppy foods continue to meet these needs while making slight adjustments to slow growth. Feeding an adult dog food to a puppy puts that puppy at risk for nutritional deficiencies.
Choosing a Puppy Food for Large Breeds
No single food is right for every dog, so its always best to consult with your veterinarian when youre trying to pick the best food for your large-breed pup.
You should also look for the following on the label:
One of these two AAFCO statements of nutritional adequacy:
[Dog Food Name] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth, including growth of large-size dogs (70 pounds or more as an adult)
[Dog Food Name] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, including growth of large-size dogs (70 pounds or more as an adult)
A minimum protein level of at least 25% on a dry matter basis listed on the Guaranteed Analysis
High-quality protein sources such as chicken, chicken meal, salmon meal, lamb, turkey, and egg at the top of the ingredient list
Added docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to promote healthy brain and eye development
Large-breed puppy foods that meet these standards include:
How Long Should You Feed Puppy Food to Large Breeds?
Eventually, a large-breed puppys bones do stop growing, and this is the right time to switch them over to adult dog food. However, puppies reach their final adult heights at different ages.
As a general rule of thumb, large breeds can make the switch between 12-18 months. Giant breeds (those that weigh 90 pounds or more when fully grown) may benefit from continuing to eat a large-breed puppy food until they are around 24 months old. Your veterinarian can help you determine the right time for your pup to make the transition to adult dog food.
Best Large Breed Puppy Foods
Complete Health Large Breed Puppy is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line.
Complete Health Large Breed Puppy derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh chicken as well as chicken meal and salmon meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 14% fat and 45% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
A safe, balanced calcium design from a trusted brand. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, ground brown rice, salmon meal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies including large breeds This Orijen formula is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Orijen product line.
Orijen Puppy Large gets the dominant portion of its animal protein from deboned poultry and fresh fish. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 18% fat and 30% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 41%.
A premium large breed puppy food. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, yellowtail flounder, whole eggs, whole atlantic mackerel Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 43% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies including large breeds (also safe for adults) Beef Mash is one of 4 fresh-made recipes included in our review of the Nom Nom Dog Food product line.
Beef Mash derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh ground beef. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 35% protein, 17% fat and 40% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
If youve ever wished you could serve your new puppy a fresh, home-cooked meal but you dont have the time for all the fuss then Nom Nom makes a smart choice.
Made with top-quality, human-grade ingredients and a balanced recipe designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN).
Not cheap. Enthusiastically recommended for all breed sizes including puppies of larger breeds.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 35% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Salmon and Sweet Potato recipe is one of 4 dry recipes included in our review of the Jinx product line.
This Jinx recipe derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 16% fat and 46% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
A fully-balanced, grain-inclusive dog food. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Jinx Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, pearled barley, ground peas, turkey meal, brown rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at ThinkJinx.com"Ive had my pup on jinx for a year now and his tummy issues are no longer an issue. Ive gone through so many brands before I found jinx and Im so thankful I found them when I did."
This Large Breed Puppy product is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.
This Diamond Naturals formula gains the greatest share of its meat protein from fresh lamb and lamb meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
A safe, budget-friendly option for your large breed puppy. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Diamond Naturals Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Lamb, lamb meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies including large breeds (also safe for adults) Life Protection Large Breed Puppy Chicken and Brown Rice is one of 21 dry recipes included in our review of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line.
This Blue Buffalo Life Protection recipe acquires the lions share of its meat protein from chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 17% fat and 46% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.
A top-rated, large breed growth option at an affordable price. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies including large breeds Large Breed Puppy is one of 10 dry recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan Puppy product line.
Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy obtains the major portion of its meat protein from chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 15% fat and 45% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
A time-proven field-tested formula with balanced calcium levels ideal for large and giant breed puppies. Recommended with confidence.
Read our review of the full Purina Pro Plan Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, poultry by-product meal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies including large breeds (also safe for adults) Hills Large Breed Puppy is one of 6 dry recipes included in our review of the Hills Science Diet product line.
Hills Science Diet Large Breed Puppy derives the dominant portion of its meat protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 14% fat and 48% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
A classic, balanced design ideal for large breed puppies. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Hills Science Diet Puppy Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, whole grain oats, whole grain sorghum, corn gluten meal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies including large breeds Pacific Stream Puppy is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.
This Taste of the Wild puppy recipe derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh salmon and ocean fish meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
We like the inclusion of omega-3 DHA-rich fatty acid from salmon oil which helps support brain and vision development in growing puppies.
This super-popular, scientifically-designed, all life stages formula is not only ideal for large breed puppies its also reasonably priced. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies including large breeds This Eukanuba puppy formula is one of 14 dry recipes included in our review of the Eukanuba product line.
Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed gains the principal part of its meat protein from fresh chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 16% fat and 48% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 55%.
A classic puppy design thats especially popular among large breed enthusiasts. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Eukanuba Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies including large breeds Royal Canin Large Puppy is one of 4 dry recipes included in our review of the Royal Canin product line.
This Royal Canin large breed puppy formula derives the dominant portion of its meat protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 16% fat and 45% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
A vet-designed, grain-inclusive formula ideal for large breed puppies. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Royal Canin Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Corn, chicken by-product meal, wheat, wheat gluten, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 31% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies including large breeds Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy is one of 19 dry recipes included in our review of the Nutro Natural Choice product line.
This Nutro Large Breed Puppy formula acquires much of its meat protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 16% fat and 48% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 54%.
A time-proven, fully-balanced large breed puppy food with added omega-rich fish oil. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nutro Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain sorghum, whole grain brown rice, whole grain barley Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies including large breeds This Chicken Soup formula is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Chicken Soup for the Soul product line.
Chicken Soup Large Breed Puppy derives the bulk of its animal protein from poultry and poultry meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 14% fat and 48% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.
A top-rated, large breed puppy food at an affordable price. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Chicken Soup for the Soul Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, cracked pearled barley Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies including large breeds (also safe for adults)
