Is large breed puppy food worth it

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:

1. Lower in fat
2. Lower in calcium
3. Lower in phosphorus
4. 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:

1. Orthopedic disease
2. Obesity
3. 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.

The 13 Best Large Breed Puppy Foods

This (updated) guide covers all of the best large-breed puppy foods available this year.

The foundation of a large breed puppys growth and vitality is laid during their formative years, making the choice of the best puppy food crucial. This guide helps you understand their nutrition, presenting a carefully curated selection of the finest large breed puppy foods. From optimal protein levels to joint-supporting ingredients, discover the options that prioritize your pups health and set them on a path to a robust and vibrant future.

All of these products are top-of-the-line best foods selected on the basis of my 40-point inspection.

If you are changing your pups diet, I highly recommend checking out my latest guide here on the proper way to switch dog food.

Lets dive in

The Best Large Breed Puppy Foods

#1. Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy Food

Rating:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Ground Brown Rice, 5. Salmon Meal

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:Large, Giant Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg):3,533kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 29% | Fat (min.) 13% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form:Dry

Due to a faster potential growth rate and a longer growth cycle, your large breed puppy requires complete nutrition to support its physical composition.

The Wellness Large Breed Complete Health dry dog food offers balanced everyday nutrition prepared with delicious deboned chicken and includes added DHA and regulated calories for healthy brain, bone, and eye development. This formula is one of the best puppy foods for large breeds.

#2. Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Chicken and Rice Canned Food

Rating:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Chicken, 2. Liver, 3. Meat By-products, 4. water, 5. Rice

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:Small,Medium, LargeBreeds
• Caloric content(per kg):1,292kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 10% | Fat (min.) 7% | Fiber (max.) 1.5% | Moisture (max.) 76%
• Form:Wet

Nourish your growing puppy and serve specialized nutrition with Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Classic Chicken & Rice Entree Canned Dog Food. This is a complete meal as it includes real chicken as the main ingredient, along with other purposeful nutrients for their developing muscles and immune system.

The added DHA guarantees excellent cognitive development, while omega-6 fatty acids ensure healthy skin and a shiny coat.

#3. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Food

Rating:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Buffalo, 2.Lamb meal, 3. Bison, 4. Pea protein, 5. Egg product

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:Small, Medium, LargeBreeds
• Caloric content(per kg):3,656kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 28% | Fat (min.) 17% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form:Dry

The nutrient-rich and digestible recipe is a combination of natural ingredients with real buffalo and other protein-rich options. Ingredients such as roasted beef, venison, and bison in this meal are excellent for lean nutrition and supporting growth in large-breed puppies.

Every product under the Taste of the Wild banner is a winner, but this ones my personal favorite for large-breed puppies as it offers perfectly balanced nutrition and guaranteed levels of DHA.

#4. Instinct Raw Boost Large Breed Puppy Grain-Free Chicken Dog Food

Rating:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken,2.Peas,3.Chicken Fat,4.Freeze Dried Chicken,5.Pumpkinseeds

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:LargeBreeds
• Caloric content(per kg):4,230kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 33.5% | Fat (min.) 18.5% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 9%
• Form: Dry

Instincts Raw Boost is full of calories and the perfect raw-diet that supports the growth spurts of big puppers. It has a guaranteed 33.5% protein content that helps build muscle and regulate hormone production for steady growth. Non-grain carbs like peas and tapioca are used to fuel your large pup through their most active stage of life.

Moreover, the food contains freeze-dried chicken meat to give your dog an extra protein boost and increase their overall strength. Puppies are also vulnerable to allergies and rashes, which is why the formula contains omega fatty acids to fight inflammation and promote a soft, healthy coat

#5. ORIJEN Puppy Large Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Deboned Turkey, 3. Eggs, 4. Chicken Heart, 5. Whole Red Lentils

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:Large, Giant Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg):3,760kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 38% | Fat (min.) 16% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 12%
• Form:Dry

Orijen Large Puppy Food is a worthy premium option for those looking to feed their puppies the best possible diet. Its packed with premium-grade proteins from chicken, turkey, and mackerel to promote more muscle growth in larger puppies. Nearly 85% of those proteins are animal-based and offer a lot more nutrients than just amino acids.

Since the recipe is free from grains, it makes an ideal choice for puppies with allergies. As an alternative, the brand uses lentils, peas, and beans because theyre easier to digest and provide just as many carbs. The food will also be a pleasant surprise for finicky puppies since its coated with freeze-dried liver that gives the kibbles a meaty flavor.

#6. Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Large Breed Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Chicken, 2. Ground Wholegrain Corn, 3. Ground Wholegrain Sorghum, 4. Chicken By-Product Meal, 5. Corn Grits

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:Large, Giant Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg):3,586kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 26% | Fat (min.) 14% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form:Dry

This special Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food recipe offers complete and balanced nutrition for growing pups. The formula is crafted to meet the nutritional requirements of large and giant breed puppies to aid in their overall health and development.

The presence of DHA and natural fish oils alongside other protein-rich ingredients, play a vital role in optimal cognitive development.

#7. Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken,2.Corn,3.Wheat,4.Chicken Fat,5.Ground Grain Sorghum

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:Large, Giant Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg):3,723kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 26% | Fat (min.) 14% | Fiber (max.) 3.7% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form:Dry

Giant pups are highly active and are susceptible to becoming underweight if they do not consume enough calories. Thankfully, we have Eukanuba Puppy Food to save the day. This high-energy formula is specifically made for athletic puppies and features nearly 357 kcal per cup. Most of its calories come from wheat, sorghum, and chicken fat to promote digestion and a healthy coat at the same time.

The abundance of protein at 26 is mainly derived from deboned chicken to accelerate muscle growth. The food is also enriched with DHA and calcium to support bone and brain development. Special prebiotics are included in the recipe to build your pups gastrointestinal system, while vitamin E content helps strengthen their immunity.

#8. Holistic Select Large Breed Puppy Lamb Meal & Oatmeal Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Lamb Meal,2.Oatmeal,3.Brown Rice, 4. Pumpkin, 5. Cranberries

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:Large, Giant Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg):3,766kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 25% | Fat (min.) 15% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form:Dry

Holistic Select has the perfect blend of gentle ingredients to feed sensitive puppies. Its two main ingredients are lamb meal and oatmeal both crucial for building muscle blocks and fueling your dogs daily activities. Digestive enzymes make the food even easier to process, and probiotics help strengthen your puppys gut health.

Since the formula is made for large breeds, it has glucosamine to reinforce their joints and prevent mobility issues later in life. Omega-3 fatty acids are also included in the mix for softer, shinier coat health. Youll also get fresh fruits like cranberries, apples, and pumpkin in the recipe all of which make the food tastier, healthier, and more appealing to your puppy.

#9. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Chicken Grain-Free Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Deboned Chicken,2.Peas,3.Fish Meal,4.Natural Flavor, 5.Chicken Fat

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:Large, Giant Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg):3,555kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 35% | Fat (min.) 14% | Fiber (max.) 6% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form:Dry

Offer only premium protein and nutrients to your large-breed tail-waggers and help them with optimal development and lean muscle building.

The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Chicken recipe is not only a great grain-free dry dog food, but it is also loaded with high-quality ingredients for maximum nutrition for your four-legged friend during their formative stage. Specifically designed for large breeds, this is among the best puppy food you can get your hands on.

#10. Nom Nom Fresh Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Ground turkey,2.brown rice,3.eggs,4.carrots,5.spinach

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:Small,Medium, LargeBreeds
• Caloric content(per kg):1,479kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 10% | Fat (min.) 5% | Fiber (max.) 1% | Moisture (max.) 72%
• Form:Fresh

When it comes to homemade food suitable large-breed puppy, Nom Nom is your best bet. Thats because their diets are tailor-made for every unique pup. You can start by selecting from four different recipes; our favorite for larger puppies is the Turkey Fare. Its made completely from real foods like ground turkey, brown rice, peas, carrots, and spinach.

Nom Nom cooks fresh food in specialized kitchens and delivers it to your doorstep in sealed containers. The meals are bursting with flavors and offer more energy, better absorption, and improved growth potential for puppies compared to dry kibbles. Although the subscription is a little expensive, the health benefits of Nom Nom for your puppy in the long term are definitely worth it.

#11. Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken,2.Turkey,3.Cracked Pearled Barley,4.Whole Grain Brown Rice, 5.Salmon

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:Large, Giant Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg):3,518kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 27% | Fat (min.) 13% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form:Dry

Loaded with nutrition and delicious fruits like blueberries, Chicken Soup for the Soul is an ideal choice for fussy large puppies. It uses deboned chicken and turkey for protein to build muscle fiber. Carbohydrates are sourced from brown rice, barley, and oatmeal to keep your dog energized.

Moreover, the formula is also enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, as well as DHA to develop a healthy nervous system. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are added to promote a shinier coat and reduce skin inflammation. All of these nutrients are sourced from mouth-watering foods like carrots, salmon, apples, and duck, making the food equally appetizing and nutritious.

#12. Purina ONE SmartBlend Large Breed Puppy Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Chicken,2.Rice Flour,3.Soybean Meal,4.Whole Grain Wheat,5.Whole Grain Corn

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:Large, Giant Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg):3,759kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 28% | Fat (min.) 13% | Fiber (max.) 6% | Moisture (max.) 12%
• Form:Dry

Give your growing pup the best and most balanced diet for maintaining ideal body condition and help strengthen their joints and bones with Purina ONE SmartBlend for Large Breed Puppy dry dog food. I can personally vouch for this blend as it supports your little pups overall health and well-being with a unique formula made from high-quality ingredients.

#13. Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Large Breed Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Chicken, 2. Brewers Rice, 3. Corn Gluten Meal, 4. Wholegrain Corn, 5. Poultry By-Product Meal

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:Large, Giant Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg):3,934kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 28% | Fat (min.) 13% | Fiber (max.) 4.75% | Moisture (max.) 12%
• Form:Dry

Provide your large breed puppy the wholesome nutrition they deserve with Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Large Breed Formula Dry Dog Food. The kibble is prepared from a combination of high-quality protein and other nutrition, sourced mainly from chicken, to provide the building blocks your puppy requires for growth and development.

This delicious and crunchy kibble is also rich in antioxidants to strengthen the immune system. This is one of the best large-breed puppy foods on the market right now.

Once you are done with the best puppy food for large food list below, check out these excellent resources as well:

How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick

The Best Large-Breed Puppy Food A Buyers Guide

Your four-legged companion may be tiny at the moment, but if it is a large-sized breed, it will soon grow bigger than its peers. Research and studies have unveiled the distinct growth patterns and needs of these future giants.

From tiny paws to massive strides, grasping the significance of tailored nutrition is the key to ensuring your large breed companion thrives every step of the way.

How Large is a Large-Breed Puppy?

Before you begin, you must understand the term large breed dogs.

A large-breed puppy typically refers to dog breeds that are expected to reach an adult weight of 50 pounds or more. However, the exact weight threshold can vary slightly depending on different sources and organizations. In general, large-breed puppies include breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Great Danes, and others that are known for their substantial size when fully grown.

Its important to note that these breeds have different growth rates and developmental needs compared to smaller breeds, which is why they often require specific nutritional considerations during their puppyhood.

Controlling Size through Diet

Embracing the growth journey of a large breed puppy demands a balanced approach to their dietone that acts as a compass to steer clear of excessive growth. The delicate balance between nurturing their potential and safeguarding their well-being is at the heart of this guide. Rapid growth, though tempting, can pave the way for a myriad of health concerns.

Here, we unravel the art of controlled development, nurturing their vitality while sidestepping the pitfalls. Lets get right into strategies that harmonize appetite and growth, ensuring your furry companion flourishes without compromise.

Food and Growth The Relationship

Understanding how your puppy grows is tied to grasping how their diet shapes their development.

Roughly half of their caloric intake is dedicated to sculpting muscles and fortifying their skeletal structure. Yet, this transformation is an intricate symphony that solely thrives on protein-rich calories. Fat-derived calories impact size but disregard bone strength. Nourishment should prioritize strength alongside size for balanced growth.

If you feel your pup is gaining too much weight too fast, you need to take it to the vet to get a BCS check. Body Condition Score or BCS is like BMI for dogs. Your vet will be able to give you an accurate number and tell you whether your pup needs to lose or gain some pounds.

Factors to Consider When Buying Large Breed Puppy Dog Food

Proteins

For your large breed pup, protein is crucial for muscle development. Optimal dog food should contain over 27% protein. Puppies require more protein than adults due to growth demands. Prioritize animal meat sources for quality building blocks, avoiding by-products.

Fatty Acids

Large breed pups need less fat because they are susceptible to obesity. The only case where you can feed your pal a puppy food with more than 10 percent fat is if it is a highly active and athletic breed. However, low in fat diet doesnt mean low in fatty acids.

Fatty acids arent just good for skin and coat, they are also great for joints. Large breed pups with a rich coat will need puppy food with a higher amount of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.

Calcium

Healthy bones and joints should be your core concern when choosing the best dog food for large breed puppies. Calcium is essential for bones. However, most large breeds are unable to regulate the absorption of calcium. They tend to absorb more than other breeds, and that may cause calcium retention.

Calcium retention is just as bad for your fur babys bones as calcium deficiency. Look for food with not more than 1.5 percent calcium.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is the second most important nutrient for your pups bones and joints. Look for dog food with a healthy ratio of calcium and phosphorus. The ideal ratio of calcium and phosphorus is between 1:1 to 1.3:1.

Glucosamine

Since bones and joints are foremost concerns in large breed pups, it is a good idea to pick a puppy food with glucosamine.

Feeding Instructions

When selecting puppy food, remember that even low-fat options can lead to weight gain if your pup overeats. Portion control matters. Offer four to five small meals throughout the day to manage their intake effectively.

When switching your pup between foods, keep the golden rules of dog food transition in mind. It will help your pup avoid complications that might arise from a sudden diet change.

Additional Factors to Consider

Apart from the basic requirements for a good puppy food, you must also consider the following factors. These considerations will help you choose the best puppy food for your budget and receive the best bang for your buck:

1. Budget and value

Before you begin the hunt for a puppy food, consider your budget and the options available. Dont go for a higher-priced food unless youre sure you can keep up in the future.

Once you have a couple of foods shortlisted, compare their ingredients, calories, brand reputation, and guaranteed analysis section. Spending a few minutes comparing these factors will help you get the best value for your money in the longrun.

2. Taste and preferences

When buying dog food, make sure your puppys preferences are also taken into account. Do they prefer wet food over dry food? Are they more attracted to poultry than red meat? Is your puppy fond of eating the same food repeatedly?

Answering these questions will help you pick a dog food that your puppy will love eating.

3. Guaranteed Analysis

Believe it or not, you can get a lot of information from the guaranteed analysis section alone. In fact, you should check the guaranteed analysis of each food separately and check whether it fulfills AAFCOs guidelines.

For puppies, crude protein content should be at least 22.5%, and fat content should be at least 8.5%, as per AAFCO.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do large breed puppies need special food?

Yes, large breed puppies can grow too big, too fast. They need puppy food that gives them the right balance of essential nutrients, quality proteins but just enough fat to keep them active. With too much fat, they are at a risk of obesity and several orthopedic diseases.

Do large breed puppies need more food than a smaller puppy?

Not necessarily. Large breed puppies have larger stomachs and they may be able to eat more, but that doesnt mean they should. The amount of food your pup needs depends on its activity level. It is important to balance the number of calories consumed with the number of calories your dog is able to burn.

When should I transition my large breed puppy to dog food?

As compared to smaller breeds, large or giant breed puppies take a little longer to reach maturity. Many of them are still growing until 20 months. Typically, for an average large breed puppy, the transition to adult large breed dog food is best initiated around 15 months of age.

Can large breed puppies eat adult dog food?

Growing pups should exclusively consume puppy food because it is specially formulated to meet their nutritional needs during their adolescence. Feeding adult food will deprive your puppy of important nutrients and might even make them grow too large without proper skeletal development.

How many meals should a large puppy eat in a day?

It is important to seek a vets help to predict your babys adult weight and adjust their meals accordingly. Most large breed puppies need 4 to 5 meals a day. If they have a bigger appetite and eat a lot in one meal, then it is best to limit it to 3.

How much protein should a large breed puppy food have?

Vets believe that large breed puppies should get a minimum of 27 percent protein and less than 10 percent fat. These proteins must come from animal sources such as real meat instead of by-products and meals. Food with less than 30 percent protein can affect your pups growth.

What else do large breed puppies need besides proteins?

A large breed puppy needs just enough fat to stay active. Fiber-rich food can aid their digestions and help them get the most out of the nutrients. Since these pups are susceptible to joint-related issues, their diet must have the right ratio of calcium and phosphorus.

Is raw food good for large breed puppies?

Raw food is always a great option for puppies, especially the ones that can develop into huge muscular adults. High-quality raw food is high in protein and low in fat, plus there are plenty of probiotics to keep their tummy out of trouble. With raw food, it is important that we feed a high-quality product to our pups.

Is grain-free puppy food good for large breed puppies?

A grain-free diet is generally lighter and easy to digest for puppies. Large breed pups are no exception. Grains do not actually add any nutritional value to your dogs meal. There are far superior sources of fiber you can find in premium puppy food.

Is human food good for large breed puppies?

No, human food (especially table scraps) is never a good option for your pup. It is mainly because of the high amount of processing we put or food through. Besides, it is not possible to analyze the content of human food. Human-grade food, however, is good for pups if prepared in the right manner.

Do all large breed puppies have a huge appetite?

Not always! Just because they are large in size, doesnt mean they will eat like a wolf. While a large breed pup is likely to eat more than a smaller puppy because of their larger stomach capacity, they are not necessarily greedy. It is entirely possible for your large breed pup to be picky.

Are large breed puppies susceptible to obesity?

Yes, large breed pups might eat more than a regular-sized puppy. If the nutrients arent balanced according to their needs, proteins, and fats in particular, then your little furry one can gain a lot of unhealthy weight. Overweight puppies are at a higher risk of bone and joint disorders as well as organ-related issues.

Are large breed puppies susceptible to joint issues?

Without a proper diet or when on free feeding, a large size puppy might grow too fast in size. In this scenario, they will gain more mass then their bones can support at that stage. Many studies have confirmed the relation between diet and joint-related health issues.

Further reading: