What is the difference between puppy food and large breed puppy food
Best Large Breed Dog Food
Owning a large breed dog comes with large responsibilities, especially when it comes to choosing the best large breed dog food. After all, you want your dog to live a long, healthy, active life, and that starts with good nutrition. Feeding a properly formulated, high-quality diet is one of the most important things you can do to keep your dog healthy and prevent disease, according to the experts, which puts a lot of pressure on owners to find the best dog food for large breeds.
There are countless choices on the shelves, all claiming to be the best. Before you start shopping, there are a few things you need to know about large dog nutrition to help you choose the best food for your dog from puppyhood to his golden years.
Large Dog Nutrition 101
Dogs require a wide range of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, which is why feeding a complete and balanced commercial diet is the most reliable and convenient choice for most owners. Commercial dog foods include meats, grains, vegetables, and fruits to meet the nutritional standards of dog food regulations. A high-quality dog food combines sources of protein, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in a manner that is easily digested by dogs to make sure your dog gets what she needs every day.
For the most part, large dog nutrition is similar to small and medium dog nutrition, with a few important exceptions. Large breed puppies require special diets to avoid certain health risks, and large breed adult dogs require careful monitoring for signs of orthopedic disease, obesity, and bloat. All of these diseases are heavily influenced by nutrition.
Talk to your vet if you are considering exploring a home-cooked diet or alternative feeding regimen for your dog. Your vet can help you balance your dogs nutritional needs, while answering any further questions you may have about dog nutrition.
Best Large Breed Puppy Food
Large breed puppies require special attention when it comes to mealtime. Large and giant breed puppies grow quickly and keep growing longer than smaller dogs. A dog born weighing one pound can grow to 150 pounds within the first 18 months of its life. This accelerated growth rate means that large breed puppies are very sensitive to nutrient and caloric intake imbalances, deficiencies, and excesses all negatively impact your large breed puppys health.
Growing too quickly is not healthy for large breed puppies. Excessive growth has been linked to developmental orthopedic disease (DOD), which covers a range of conditions including:
- Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
- Osteochondrosis
- Retained ulnar cartilage core
- Panosteitis
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
Overnutrition plays a large role in excessive growth, which is why it is important to feed them a large breed puppy food formulated specifically for their nutritional needs. These diets differ from regular puppy diets in four ways:
- Lower in fat
- Lower in calcium
- Lower in phosphorus
- Lower in vitamin D
While it is tempting to think that large breed puppies need more calcium to support healthy bone growth, studies have linked high levels of calcium and phosphorus to DOD. Limiting the intake of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D helps reduce the risk of DOD in puppies, and limiting the number of calories in their food helps to slow growth rates.
How much you feed your puppy also matters. Veterinarians discourage free feeding of large breed puppies, as this too has been linked to DOD. Instead, feed your puppy several smaller meals throughout the day and monitor his weight to make sure it stays within a healthy range. Ask your veterinarian for help determining the appropriate weight range for your dogs breed.
Best Large Breed Dog Food for Adults
Once your large breed puppy has reached adulthood, it is time to find yet another food. This transitional period is a good opportunity to talk to your vet about her recommendations for the best large breed dog food. Your veterinarian will be happy to share insights and observations about the best diet for your dog based on breed, size, and other health concerns, and vets have access to a wide range of resources that allow them to help you make an informed choice.
There are three conditions that are influenced by your dogs nutrition that affect large breed adult dogs:
- Orthopedic disease
- Obesity
- Bloat
Orthopedic Disease in Dogs
Large and giant breed dogs are more prone to developing musculoskeletal and orthopedic disorders like hip dysplasia, arthritis, and osteochondrosis. These diseases are linked to excessive growth, hereditary factors, exercise, and nutrition. As an owner, there is not much you can do about hereditary factors, aside from selecting a puppy from a responsible breeder and only breeding healthy dogs, but you do have control over growth rate, exercise, and nutrition.
Feeding your puppy an appropriate large breed puppy diet decreases the dogs risk of developing DOD. Once he is an adult, it is up to you to monitor diet and exercise to make sure he maintains a healthy weight. A good quality diet with the proper balance of nutrients for large breed dogs helps prevent joints, muscles, and bones from breaking down. Many large breed adult formulas include the joint supplement glucosamine to further improve orthopedic health.
Obesity in Dogs
An estimated 53 percent of American dogs are obese or overweight. Obesity is particularly dangerous for large breed dogs, as it increases their risk of developing orthopedic diseases later in life. All of that extra weight stresses their joints, muscles, and bones, which can lead to serious conditions that affect their quality of life and mobility. Obesity has also been linked to other serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and high-blood pressure.
Bloat in Dogs
Bloat, known in the veterinary community as gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV), is a very serious and sometimes fatal condition that affects large and giant breed dogs. Bloat occurs when gasses accumulate in the stomach rapidly and have no way to escape. Bloat can be fatal in just a few hours. While there are several different treatment options, prevention is still the best approach for dealing with bloat. Here are a few steps you can take to reduce your dogs risk of bloat.
- Feed multiple meals a day, instead of one large, heavy meal, to prevent rapid eating
- Feed from floor level (not a raised feeder)
- Avoid foods with high-fat contents (foods with oil and fat in the first four ingredients on the label)
- Feed foods with large kibble
- Avoid strenuous exercise 1-2 hours after eating
The best option to help your large breed dog avoid this condition is usually a large breed dog formula. Look for a reputable dog food manufacturer that carries a large breed formula and dont hesitate to ask your veterinarian for her recommendations.
Best Large Breed Dog Food for Seniors
Dog food designed for senior dogs is relatively new. There is no senior stage approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as of yet, which means that the senior dog foods marketed in pet stores have not undergone the same rigorous tests as food for the other life stages. That does not mean, however, that they are not a good option for your senior dog. Adult formulas, all life-stage formulas, and senior formulas can all be appropriate foods for senior dogs.
Senior dogs often develop other health problems that require veterinary attention and maintenance. Sometimes a prescription diet is the best dog food option for large breed seniors, as these veterinary-approved foods are specifically formulated to address your dogs needs. Talk to your vet about the best food for large breed senior dogs.
The Truth About Dog Food Labels
Dog food labels are a valuable source of information about your dogs food. They can also be misleading. As you search for the best food for large breeds, you will encounter a huge selection of products. As you do your research, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Look for a dog food labeled complete and balanced
- Select a dog food that has been clinically tried and tested
- Ignore unregulated phrases such as all natural and human-grade ingredients
- Avoid foods with oils and fats listed in the first four ingredients
Dog food labels wont tell you very much about the quality of the ingredients. In fact, no reference to quality is technically allowed. What the ingredient list does tell you is where the proteins and carbohydrates in the food come from. This is very useful for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities and for owners looking for a specific source of protein for their dogs.
How Much to Feed a Large Breed Dog
There is no easy answer to the question: how much to feed a large breed dog? Every dogs caloric needs are unique. The nutrition label on your dogs food provides guidelines for owners, but you may need to tailor them to your dog.
A good way to figure out how much food to feed your dog is to talk to your veterinarian about your dogs weight. Veterinarians judge the weight of a dog based on something called the body condition score. This helps them determine if your dog is at an ideal weight or if he is overweight or underweight, and how you should adjust his food.
The Price of Large Breed Dog Food
Large breed dogs consume large amounts of food, which means that it costs more to feed a large breed dog than it does to feed a small breed dog. This is an important consideration for anyone thinking about purchasing a large breed puppy.
It is tempting to purchase a cheaper food for large breed dogs to save money. While there are plenty of good quality dog foods in various price ranges, always be sure to investigate the quality of your dogs food. When you invest in dog food, you invest in your pets health. In the case of cheap, poor quality food, that can mean getting exactly what you pay for.
So What Is the Best Food for Large Breeds?
There is no one brand of food that is the best food for large breeds. As an owner, it is up to you to do your research about large breed nutrition and determine which food is the best for your dog. The best way to do this is to consult with your veterinarian. Your vet can help you come up with a lifelong nutrition plan for all your dogs stages of life, giving him the best chance at a long and healthy life.
Best Large Breed 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)
