How much protein is in IAMS large breed puppy 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)
How Much To Feed A Puppy By Weight And Puppy Feeding Chart
There are many elements to keeping your dog healthy. These include giving your dog enough exercise, playtime, and, of course, food. But do you know how much to feed a puppy? Are you wondering, How much food should I feed my puppy?
Lets discuss what a puppys diet should consist of, how much a puppy should eat, and how often a puppy should be fed. We hope our puppy feeding guide will help you provide the proper diet for your pup.
Puppy Feeding Chart: How Much To Feed A Puppy By Weight
Curious to know, How much should I feed my puppy? How much food to feed a puppy depends on age and weight. Most dog and puppy food packages have a feeding chart on the label, similar to our chart below. Be sure to check your puppys specific food bag for the label so you know how much to feed him. While this chart is a good baseline, we recommend double-checking with your vet, as all dogs dietary needs are unique.
How Much Food Should I Feed My Puppy?
These amounts are for every 24 hours.
| Ideal Weight of Dog (At Maturity) | Weaning-12 Weeks | 4-5 Months | 6-8 Months | 9-11 Months | 1-2 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-12 lbs | 0.5-1 cup | 0.75-1 1/3 cups | 0.5-1.5 cups | Adult portion | Adult portion |
| 13-20 lbs | 0.5-1.25 cups | 1-2 cups | 0.75-1.25 cups | 1-1.5 cups | Adult Portion |
| 21-50 lbs | 0.5-1.5 cups | 1.5-2.75 cups | 1.25-2.25 cups | 2-3 cups | 2-4.25 cups |
| 51-75 lbs | 0.75-2.5 cups | 1.5-4 cups | 1.5-3.75 cups | 2.5-4.75 cups | 4.25-6.25 cups |
| 76-100 lbs | 1-2.5 cups | 2.75-3.75 cups | 2.75-6.25 cups | 4.75-7 cups | 6.25-11 cups |
| 101+ lbs | 2.5 cups + 1/3 cup for every 10lbs over 100 | 3.75cups + 1/3 cup for every 10lbs over 100 | 6.25 cups + 1/3 cup for every 10lbs over 100 | 7 cups + 1/3 cup for every 10lbs over 100 | 11 cups + 1/3 cup for every 10lbs over 100 |
How Often To Feed A Puppy
So now that you know how much to feed your puppy, you might be wondering, How many times a day should a puppy eat? Setting a routine for your puppys feeding schedule is critical so he can learn when to expect his food.
- 4-12 Weeks: Young puppies need three or more feedings per day to adequately meet their nutritional needs. So, according to the feeding guide that comes with their food or the chart above, divide that by three or more and give the food to them throughout the day.
- 3-12 Months: As your puppygets older, you can reduce the number of feedings to twice daily. Their energy level should be reduced; thus, they dont need as much food throughout the day.
- 12+ Months: Most adult dogs eat two meals per day. Youll want to divide their food requirement by two.
Puppy Feeding Schedule
A typical feeding schedule for puppies is 7 am, noon, and 5 pm. If you decide to do more than three feedings, you can adjust your schedule for puppy eating times as needed. Make sure to keep that last feeding around the 5 oclock mark. That way, your pup has ample time to digest the food and eliminate it one last time before bedtime.
Keep To The Feeding Schedule To Avoid Overeating
We know that it can be tempting to leave food out all day for your puppy to munch on, especially if you have a busy schedule. However, free-choice feeding encourages overeating, which can cause your pup to gain too much weight. Portion control is key to making sure your puppy eats the proper amount for his size and age. Learning how much to feed a puppy and choosing the best food and nutrition helps avoid overeating, which leads to obesity and ensures proper development.
Dog Feeding Schedule By Age
Heres a quick timeline of a puppys nutrition in the first few months of his life. You will find more details just below our how much to feed a puppy chart.
- 0-3 Weeks: Puppies should be with their mother and nurse as they please. The mothers milk has the nutrients necessary to provide proper nutrition and protect puppies from diseases. During this time, you dont need to worry about how much to feed puppies because their mother providesthem with nutrition.
- 3-4 Weeks: Puppies will begin developing teeth and will begin weaning off their mothers milk.The puppy caregiver can blend a 50:50 portion of canned wet puppy food with a milk replacer in a flat saucer, gradually reducing the amount of milk replacer until youre only giving them puppy food. One should not be concerned if the puppies dont like the new food right away. It may take a few days to adjust to the new formula. Rubbing fingers in the mixture and then gently on the puppys nose and mouth can make the transition smoother.
- 4-6 Weeks: By this time, puppies should be fully transitioned to puppy food.
- 6 Weeks-6 Months: Puppy food based on their size and breed.
- 6-12 Months: Gradually begin to switch your puppy to adult food. Small breeds can switch between 7-9 months, and larger breeds can switch around the 12-month mark. It doesnt hurt to keep him on puppy food longer than needed to make sure hes getting all the nutrients he needs as a developing dog but since puppy food has higher calories, be sure to watch for unnecessary weight gain. A balanced diet that also maintains a healthy body weight is important for an adult dog.
What Can Puppies Eat?
A dogs food needs differ as they age, and you uncover different dietary needs. Here is a guide to our top recommended items for several different canines.
Can Puppies Eat Adult Dog Food?
Puppies and adult dogs have different nutrient needs. To help puppies grow into adult dogs, they require more protein, micronutrients, and carbs. Protein provides them with amino acids and energy. Puppies need more fat as they use a significant amount of energy, and fats help them absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Puppy formulas always have more fat than adult foods.
Calcium is vital to developing healthy bones and teeth. Puppies need more calcium than adults. However, larger breeds need than smaller breeds due to their rapid rate of growth. It is healthier to feed your puppy food that is formulated for their specific breed size to ensure they get the right amounts of essential nutrients like calcium.
DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, is vital to puppy growth and is very important to brain and vision development. t is found in their mothers milk but is added to puppy food in the form of fish protein or fish oils.
Puppies also require a high amount of calories to help them grow, so its essential to purchase a high-quality food brand for your puppy. You want them to have a balanced diet to ensure healthy growth and development, and adult dog food will not meet their needs.
A puppys mouth is smaller than an adult dogs mouth, which helps explain why their food is not as big as adult kibble. Feeding puppies adult dog food can be dangerous because the kibble is larger, and the texture is harder to chew. Giving a puppy adult dog food can cause damage to their teeth, jaws, and overall health.
The same can be said for puppy treats. Treats made for adult dogs are often larger and harder to chew. Puppy treats ingredients also tend to be more suitable for them than those made for adult dogs. If you can, stick to treats that specifically say they are safe for puppies.
If youre looking for high-quality food for your little friend, perhaps you could try The Farmers Dog, one of our top picks for fresh dog food. Its a healthy solution for dogs of all ages. Learn more in our The Farmers Dog review.
How Long Do Puppies Eat Puppy Food?
For many breeds, puppies will need to eat a puppy-specific recipe until they reach a year or 12 months old. Smaller breeds may make the transition between 7 and 9 months old. Larger breeds, like the Great Dane, stay on puppy formulas for longer, some even until 18 months old.
How long your pup needs to stay on puppy food will depend on breed, health, and size. It is always better to stay on puppy food a little too long than to switch too early. Switching too soon can deprive them of vital nutrients needed to reach full development and can lead to health issues later in life. Discuss this change with your vet before making the switch.
Dont overlook the importance of planning and allowing for a transitional process when changing dog food. Imagine eating the same meals every day. Then, suddenly, you switch to something completely different. Youll probably experience a tummy ache orother gastrointestinal problems.
The same thing goes for your puppy. Remember that its a process that should take a minimum of six days and sometimes longer (up to several weeks).Do not try out too many different new foods at a time, as this can lead to digestive upset and stomach pain. It can also lead to body weight issues if your pup isnt eating enough. You want to keep your dog on a consistent feeding schedule and feed the appropriate amount for their age.
Puppyhood Is The Best Time To Consider Pet Insurance
As a puppy, your dog has probably not shown any significant health concerns at a young age. Since pet insurance companies dont cover pre-existing conditions, the younger your dog is when you sign up, the better coverage you will likely receive throughout his lifetime.
Pet insurance can help support you financially during the unpredictable puppy years when dogs are more likely to chew on things they shouldnt and run into dangerous situations. Check out our pet insurance guide to learn more and to determine whether pet insurance is worth it for your puppy. You can also use our free tool below to get instant pet insurance quotes.
Your Best Puppy And Dog Food Options (And Other Tips)
Remember, having a dog who has his dietary needs met will be happier and healthier as a result. Not eating enough can lead to malnutrition, and overeating makes your pup obese (read our tips to help your dog lose weight). You do not want your puppy to become a picky eater, or develop a sensitive stomach, so stick to puppy formulas. If you have any concerns about how much to feed a puppy, are worried your puppy is not eating enough, or need help ensuring they are on the right diet, reach out to your vet. This is a perfect topic to bring up at a puppy checkup.
Are you looking for more dog food articles? Weve got plenty of resources on various dog diets and nutrition, including our recommended foods for any age, diet type, and health concern, the best dog food delivery services for puppies and adult dogs, and homemade dog food recipes.
Tagged With: Reviewed By Dr. Pendergrass, DVM
