Is it OK to feed large breed dog food to a small dog
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 Dog Food for Small Dogs
Turkey Fresh is one of 4 fresh recipes included in our review of The Farmers Dog product line.
This Farmers Dog formula takes the majority of its meat protein from fresh turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 18% fat and 42% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
A fresh, human-grade recipe custom designed and packaged to fit the nutritional needs of all puppy breeds. As close to a homemade dog food as you can get. Not cheap. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full The Farmers Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients USDA Turkey, chickpeas, carrot, broccoli, spinach Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and adults (including large breed puppies) Raised Right Beef is one of11 fresh recipesincluded inour reviewof the Raised Right product line.
Raised Right Beef derives the lions share of its animal protein fromfresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 61% protein, 24% fat and 8% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
One of the best fresh, human-grade dog foods on the market. Unusually wide recipe selection can be a major plus especially for picky eaters. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries Type Grain-free (carrots, cranberries) Protein Percentage 61% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Appalachian Valley Small Breed is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.
Appalachian Valley Small Breed derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh venison and lamb meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
A fully balanced, grain-free recipe containing no artificial colors, flavors or toxic chemical preservatives. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Venison, lamb meal, garbanzo beans, peas, lentils Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Small breed adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I realize that pugs eat just about anything you put in front of them, however, this small kibble really fits their mouths to a 'T'! Sometimes when I want to spoil them, I'll mix in some cooked chicken breast, and a little hot water to make a gravy. They love this! The small kibble is easier for them to eat, and they are healthy as small horses! Never had a problem, and vet visits are always top notch! I highly recommend this food for small breeds with small mouths!"
Classic Small Breed is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Merrick Classic product line.
This Merrick Classic recipe takes the major portion of its animal protein from fresh chicken as well as chicken 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%.
Merrick Classic Small Breed is a solid grain-inclusive recipe with fiber-rich quinoa to help maintain digestion. Easily recommended.
Read our review of the full Merrick Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, turkey meal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Small breed adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My little 3 yr old yorkie mix Zoey loves this food. I get both the wet and dry food of Merrick for her. I started slowly switching her over to eating more kibble portion in order to save money, since the wet food cans get so expensive. Zoey eats all of her food like a champ even now that her bowl is 3/4 dry kibble. I mix water in there to moisten it. She loves it! Her bowels are regular with no issues (sorry if TMI!). We are definitely fans."
Turkey Fare is one of 4 fresh wet recipes covered in our review of the Nom Nom dog food product line.
Nom Nom Turkey Fare derives most of its animal protein from fresh turkey as well as whole eggs. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 18% fat and 38% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
If youve ever wished you could serve your small dog a fresh home-cooked meal but without all the fuss then Nom Nom makes a smart choice.
Top level, human-grade ingredients and a balanced recipe designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Not cheap. But highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach Texture Wet Type Grain-inclusive, fresh Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Small breed adults and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at NomNomNow.com"Jones is a rescue and he came to us with a *very* sensitive stomach. Since starting Nom Nom, his stomach has been doing well, and I didn't think his fur could get any softer."
Freestyle Small Breed is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Nulo Freestyle product line.
This Nulo formula gets the lions share of its meat protein from fresh salmon as well as turkey and menhaden fish meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 34% protein, 19% fat and 39% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 55%.
Nulo Freestyle Small Breed is designed to support the higher metabolism and energy levels of smaller dogs. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nulo FreeStyle Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned salmon, turkey meal, menhaden fish meal, salmon meal, red lentils Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 34% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Small breed adults and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My Corgi/Ruby Spaniel mix just turned 9 and has lost a couple of teeth. This small kibble works GREAT for her- she only has to bite once-- she loves the flavor and I love the formula. It's good for her joints and skin with the Omegas in this formula. Easy to digest and this brand has NEVER had a recall. Highly recommend this for small breed fur babies!"
Original Small Breed is one of 5 dry recipes included in our review of the Instinct Original product line.
This Instinct Original formula derives the greatest part of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 39% protein, 22% fat and 31% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Instinct Original Small Breed provides an optimal balance of protein, fat and calories to ensure a balanced nutrition for your small dog. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Instinct Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, chickpeas, tapioca, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 39% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Small breed adults and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I love this dog food, and so does my dog. I like all of the ingredients and trust the company. My dog begs for it and devours it. He's doing very well on it. His coat is shiny, his muscles are defined, and his stools are firm. I rotate this brand with a few other brands so he has some variety, but I'm very picky with which foods I include in the rotation, and only choose brands and formulas of the highest quality."
Life Protection Small Breed Chicken and Brown Rice is one of 21 dry recipes as well as 5 small breed formulas included in our review of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh 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 small breed formula boasting a fully balanced blend of minerals, antioxidants and vitamins to promote a healthy immune system.
Whats more, Blue is one of the few major brands offering multiple flavor options specifically designed for small dogs
Which makes Life Protection an ideal choice for those who like to routinely rotate their pets diet.
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 Maintenance Best For Small breed adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Our cockapoo was on a mainly prescription wet food diet for the first year of her life due to persistent digestive issues (read: diarrhea). We tried a number of other premium dry food brands mixed in slowly with her food and this one has been the best by far. She's now fully on this dry food and has had normal digestion for the last three months."
Small Breed Turkey is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Now Fresh product line.
Now Fresh Small Breed derives the largest share of its meat protein from fresh de-boned turkey and dried egg. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 19% fat and 43% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
Small-size, clover-shaped kibble ideal for small to medium breed dogs. Contains probiotics and pre-biotic fiber to support healthy gut bacteria and better digestion. The recipe also includes taurine and L-carnitine for healthy heart function.
Also contains whole dried eggs, natures most complete protein. Which means this ingredient alone naturally includes every essential amino acid a dog needs for optimal health.
A bit pricey. But an excellent, nutritionally balanced design optimized for small and medium breed dogs. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Now Fresh Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients De-boned turkey, whole dried egg, peas, potatoes, potato flour Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Small breed adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My small dogs love this food! They will eat it dry, without anything in it! It is really small kibble (maybe too small for my Dorkie!) but unlike other dry food, they love the taste!"
Halo Small Breed Turkey and Duck is one of 3 wet recipes included in our review of the Halo Grain Free product line.
This Halo canned formula derives the major portion of its meat protein from fresh turkey and turkey liver. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 50% protein, 23% fat and 19% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 45%.
A top canned pick for small breed dogs. Highly recommended
Read our review of the full Halo Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, ground peas, duck Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 50% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Small breed adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"After 6 years on another brand, my 5 lb. Yorkie decided she needed a change and stopped eating as well. A checkup revealed no health issues. Lots of research for high quality food led me to Halo for small breeds. She snarfed down the first taste and has never looked back. Its obviously quite tasty with what I feel is a perfect protein to fat and carb combination for little dogs. Im very happy with my choice to change to Halo and so is my Yorkie!"
Diamond Small Breed Chicken and Rice is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.
This Diamond Naturals formula obtains the bulk of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.
A solid, budget-friendly option ideal for small breed adult dogs. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Diamond Naturals Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice, grain sorghum Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Small breed adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"So I switched to this dog food on chewy as the review was right, the price was right and I did not have to haul large bags of dog food home. Auto shipment is a plus. Most important is my dogs love it. I didn't realize before researching these brands of dog food that the size of the kibble could be a health issue for the dog. Hard to find small kibble that is healthy. My dog usually has ear issues as well. None seen since starting the new kibble. Hopefully the skin issues will clear up as well!"
Nutro Small Breed Adult Chicken is one of 19 dry recipes included in our review of the Nutro Wholesome Essentials product line.
This Nutro Wholesome Essentials formula derives the lions share of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 17% fat and 49% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
A complete and balanced dog food designed to provide optimal nutrition for smaller dogs. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nutro Wholesome Essentials Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, split peas, brewers rice, whole brown rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 27% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Small breed adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I like BBQ chicken and sweet potatoes and so do my dogs. Okay so maybe this isn't barbecue chicken flavor but it's still chicken. My min pin and my chiweenie both love home cooked sweet potatoes so I'm glad that there are sweet potatoes in this dog food. And with all Nutro products this food shines up their coat and decreases shedding and is made with top-quality ingredients. I feel good about feeding Nutro to my dogs."
