Reviews of Large Breed Puppy Food
As a new pet owner, you may be asking what the best food is for your large breed puppy. Not all puppy feeds are made equal, and it’s critical to select one that meets your puppy’s specific nutritional requirements. We’ve gathered a selection of popular large-breed puppy chow reviews to assist you in making an informed decision.
Reviews of Large Breed Puppy Food
1. High Prairie Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food
- Protein (min.) 28%
- Fat (min.) 17%
- Fiber (max.) 5%
- Moisture (max.) 10%
Ingredients:
- Buffalo
- Lamb meal
- Bison
- Pea protein
- Egg product
The nutrient-dense and easily digestible mix combine natural ingredients with real buffalo and other protein-dense. Puppies receive lean nutrients from roasted meat, venison, and bison.
Each product sold under the Taste of the Wild label is a winner, but this is my favorite for puppies since it provides properly balanced nutrition and guaranteed DHA levels.
2. Focus Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- Protein (min.) 28%
- Fat (min.) 13%
- Fiber (max.) 6%
- Moisture (max.) 12%
Ingredients:
- Chicken
- Brewer’s Rice
- Corn Gluten Meal
- Wholegrain Corn
- Poultry By-Product Meal
Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Large Breed Formula Dry Dog Food provides your large breed puppy with balanced nutrition. The kibble is made with high-quality protein and other nutrients derived primarily from chicken to provide your dog with the building blocks needed for growth and development.
Additionally, this tasty and crispy kibble is full of antioxidants, which aid in the immune system’s strengthening. This is one of the greatest large breed puppy diets on the market.
3. Complete Health Puppy Dry Dog Food – Large Breed
- Protein (min.) 29%
- Fat (min.) 13%
- Fiber (max.) 5%
- Moisture (max.) 10%
Ingredients:
- Deboned Chicken
- Chicken Meal
- Peas
- Ground Brown Rice
- Salmon Meal
Due to the possibility of a quicker growth rate and a longer growth cycle, your large breed puppy requires full nourishment to maintain its physical composition.
Complete Wellness for Large Breeds Health dry dog food has added DHA, regulated calories, and balanced daily nutrition prepared with deboned chicken. To promote brain, bone, and eye development in large breed dogs. This formula is one of the best for giant breed puppies.
4. ORIJEN Grain-Free Puppy Food
Ingredients:
- Deboned Chicken
- Deboned Turkey
- Eggs
- Chicken Heart
- Whole Red Lentils
Orijen Large Puppy Food is a deserving premium alternative for parents wishing to provide the greatest possible diet for their puppies. It’s packed with premium-quality proteins from chicken, turkey, and mackerel to help larger puppies grow stronger muscles. Nearly 85% of those proteins are derived from animals and contain many nutrients and amino acids.
Due to the absence of grains in the recipe, it is an excellent alternative for puppies with allergies. As a substitute, the brand employs lentils, peas, and beans, which are easier to digest and deliver the same amount of carbs. The food will also surprise finicky dogs as it is coated with freeze-dried liver, which imparts a meaty flavor to the kibbles.
5. Focus Puppy Classic Chicken and Rice Entree, Purina Pro Plan
- Protein (min.) 10%
- Fat (min.) 7%
- Fiber (max.) 1.5%
- Moisture (max.) 76%
Ingredients:
- Chicken
- Liver
- Meat By-products
- water
- Rice
Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Classic Chicken & Rice Entree Canned Dog Food nourishes and supplements your growing puppy with specialized nutrients. With real chicken as the primary ingredient and additional nutrients to support their growing muscles and immune system.
DHA ensures optimal cognitive development, whereas omega-6 fatty acids promote healthy skin and a glossy coat.
6. American Journey – Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
- Protein (min.) 32%
- Fat (min.) 14%
- Fiber (max.) 5%
- Moisture (max.) 10%
Ingredients:
- Deboned Salmon
- Chicken Meal
- Turkey Meal
- Peas
- Sweet Potatoes
Suppose you prefer a grain-free diet for your growing puppy. In that case, we recommend the American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. The kibble is made with deboned salmon as its first ingredient. It is abundant in protein to stimulate growth and active muscles.
The variety of fruits and vegetables is high in minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins, which promote cognitive growth and a strong immune system.
7. Nutro Naturals Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Ingredients:
- Chicken
- Chicken Meal
- Whole Grain Brown Rice
- Whole Grain Barley
- Chicken Fat
Puppies of large breeds develop faster and require more nutrients than other breeds. As a result, Nutro developed Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy Food to meet their nutritional requirements. The dish contains actual chicken meat to meet the protein requirements of large puppies and whole grains such as barley, brown rice, and sorghum for carbohydrate supplies.
Additionally, the formula is manufactured using non-GMO components. Everything is sourced naturally to ensure that your puppy receives the maximum nutritional value possible. Additionally, the formula contains micronutrients critical for overall development. Omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, calcium, and antioxidants are all included.
8. Smart Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food by Iams
- Protein (min.) 26%
- Fat (min.) 14%
- Fiber (max.) 4%
- Moisture (max.) 10%
Ingredients:
- Chicken
- Ground Wholegrain Corn
- Ground Wholegrain Sorghum
- Chicken By-Product Meal
- Corn Grits
Recipe for Proactive Health Smart Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food by Iams ensures healthy growth for puppies. The recipe is designed to meet the nutritional requirements of giant breed puppies while also supporting their overall health and development.
DHA, natural fish oils, and protein-rich diets are essential for appropriate brain development.
9. Hill’s Science Diet — Puppy Large Breed Lamb Meal & Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Ingredients:
- Lamb Meal
- Brown Rice
- Wholegrain Wheat
- Wholegrain Sorghum,
- Corn Gluten Meal
Hill’s Science Food Puppy recipe is a complete and balanced diet for growing puppies carefully prepared with natural DHA and controlled calcium levels.
The kibble is made entirely of natural and high-quality ingredients to provide optimal support and conditioning for large breed dogs while they are growing. Provide ideal nourishment for your dog’s health and development.
10. Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food – Purina ONE
Ingredients:
- Chicken
- Rice Flour
- Soybean Meal
- Corn Gluten Meal
- Chicken By-Product Meal (Source of Glucosamine)
- Whole Grain Wheat
- Whole Grain Corn
Purina ONE SmartBlend for Large Breed Puppy dry dog food is the healthiest and most balanced diet for keeping your puppy in top shape and strengthening his joints and bones. I can attest that this blend helps your tiny pup’s general health with a unique mix of nutritious and high-quality ingredients.
11. CANIDAE PURE Puppy Limited Ingredient Chicken Formula
Ingredients:
- Chicken
- Chicken Broth
- Dried Egg Product
- Peas
- Salmon Oil
Canidae’s Puppy Formula with Limited Ingredients is ideal for puppies who commonly have stomach difficulties. The recipe only has a few basic components, including chicken, peas, fish oil, and no grains. These nutrients are sufficient to promote muscle growth, maintain energy, and keep your puppy’s coat healthy and shiny.
Apart from meeting basic nutritional requirements, the meal also meets your puppy’s micronutrient requirements with various vitamins and minerals. The meal tastes better and is helpful for your pup’s urinary health because it contains broth. Additionally, corn, wheat, and soy are not included in the mix to avoid stomach issues in sensitive dogs.
12. Wildlife Large Breed Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Feed only superior protein and nutrients to your large-breed tail-waggers to aid in their optimal development and lean muscle building. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe for Large Breed Puppies is a grain-free dry dog food perfect for large breed puppies. It is, nevertheless, nutrient-dense, ensuring that your four-legged buddy receives the nutrition it needs during its formative years. This is one of the best puppy diets because it is designed exclusively for huge breeds.
Buyers’ Guide
Your companion may be extremely tiny now, but it will quickly outgrow its peers if it is a large breed. Because their growth is unique, their dietary requirements are also unique, as demonstrated via many research and studies.
In brief, size is critical. You must understand what your infant requires to develop into a happy, healthy adult without missing a developmental milestone.
How Large Is a Large Breed Puppy?
You need to know what a “large breed” is to get started.
A large breed is defined as any breed that can reach a weight of more than 50 pounds and a height of more than 24 inches. Now, I understand that it is for an adult dog. Puppies come in a variety of sizes, which vary by breed. Many large breed puppies appear to be the same size as puppies of other breeds – yet they will grow faster.
Controlling Size Through Diet
Whether you agree or disagree, a proper and balanced giant breed puppy diet will help manage their growth. If the pups grow too quickly, they frequently have various health problems.
As a result, this article will focus entirely on how to maintain control over their size without restricting their hunger.
You need to understand how the food you feed your puppy influences its growth. Puppies eat around half of their energy for muscular and bone growth. That is true only when the calories come from more nutritious sources such as protein. Fat calories have little effect on skeletal development. Your puppy’s size will increase, but the bones will not hold the weight.
Suppose you believe your puppy is gaining excessive weight too quickly. In that case, you should take it to the veterinarian for a BCS check. The score for Physical Condition BCS is comparable to BMI in dogs. Your veterinarian will be able to provide an accurate figure and advise you on whether your puppy should lose or gain weight.
What to Look for in Puppy Food for Large Breed Dogs?
Proteins
Because protein is the primary building element of muscles, your large breed puppy requires an abundance of it. High-quality dog food for a large breed puppy should contain at least 30% protein. A fascinating fact regarding protein is that a puppy needs more than an adult dog. This is because they are in the process of expansion and require a large supply of building blocks. Consider proteins derived from animal meat rather than by-products.
Fatty Acids
Puppies of large breeds require less fat because they are prone to obesity. You should feed your puppy food with more than 10% fat if it is a highly active and athletic breed. However, a low-fat diet does not imply a deficiency of fatty acids. Fatty acids are beneficial for the skin and coat, but they are also beneficial for the joints. Puppies of large breeds with a dense coat require puppy food with a greater concentration of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.
Calcium
Prioritize bone and joint health while choosing the best dog food for large breed puppies. Calcium is critical for bone health. However, the majority of large breeds are unable to manage calcium absorption. They absorb more calcium than other breeds, which may result in calcium retention. Calcium retention is just as detrimental to your infant’s bones as calcium insufficiency is. Choose foods that contain no more than 1.5 percent calcium.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is the second most critical nutrient for the bones and joints of your puppy. Look for dog food that contains a balanced amount of calcium and phosphorus. The FAQ section states that the optimal calcium-phosphorus ratio is 1:1 and 1.3:1.
Glucosamine
Because giant breed puppies’ bones and joints are their primary concern, choosing a puppy food containing glucosamine is a good idea.
Feeding Instructions
Whichever puppy food you choose, keep in mind that even a low-fat diet might gain weight if your pup is excessively hungry. The importance of portion management cannot be overstated. Feed your puppy four to five times a day but in little portions.
Keep the golden guidelines of dog food transition in mind while transitioning your pup between meals. It will assist your puppy in avoiding issues that may occur as a result of an abrupt diet shift.
Other Factors to Consider When Buying Puppy Food
The following considerations must be considered in addition to the bare minimum ingredients for a delicious puppy meal. Consider the following while purchasing dog food:
1. Budget and Estimation
Before you begin your search for puppy food, evaluate your budget and the available possibilities. Avoid purchasing a higher-priced food unless you are certain you will be able to afford it in the future. Once you’ve whittled down your alternatives to a manageable amount, it’s important to consider your chosen brands’ nutritional content, calorie count, and overall reputation. Comparing these criteria for a few minutes can help you get the best value for your money in the long term.
2. Appetite and Taste
When purchasing dog food, ensure that your puppy’s preferences are also considered. Are they more receptive to wet food than to dry food? Is poultry more appealing to them than red meat? Is your puppy prone to eating the same meal over and over again? Finding food for your puppy is easier if you answer these questions.
3. Analysis that is Guaranteed
Believe it or not, the guaranteed analysis part contains a wealth of information. Indeed, you should verify the guaranteed analysis of each food item and ensure that it complies with AAFCO requirements. According to AAFCO, puppies should have a crude protein content of at least 22.5 percent and fat content of at least 8.5 percent.
Additional Top Dog Food for Large Breeds: Quick Picks
1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large-Breed Puppy Food
[Best Overall Large-Breed Puppy Food] — Our favorite food for large-breed dogs is nutrient-rich chicken, brown rice, fruits, veggies, and probiotics.
2. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Large-Breed Puppy Food
[Runner Up for Best Overall Large-Breed Puppy Food] — This non-GMO dish features chicken and brown rice supplemented with chondroitin and glucosamine.
3. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy Food
[Best Grain-Inclusive Option] — This is an excellent option for owners of large-breed puppies who desire a protein-rich, whole-grain formula.
4. Blue Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Food
[Best Grain-Free Option] — This protein-rich diet is an excellent option for large-breed puppies with grain allergies or intolerances. It is loaded with omega-3s and antioxidants.
5. Diamond Naturals Large-Breed Puppy Food
[Most Affordable Large-Breed Puppy Food] — Diamond Naturals is a fantastic option for puppy owners on a budget because it delivers the proper nourishment for all canines.
6. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Puppy Food
[Best Canned Option for Large-Breed Puppies] — If your large-breed puppy prefers canned food to dry food, you should definitely try this recipe.
Which Breeds Are Considered Large?
According to an old proverb, a strong dog can grow from a small food dish.
Or something similar.
To guarantee normal growth, development, and joint health, the diet of a large-breed puppy necessitates careful attention. These large, goofy paws and lengthy legs require special dietary consideration to prevent excessive growth.
We will describe the most significant characteristics that large-breed pups require in their food and select the best products.
Various sources define the term “big” differently.
The AAFCO, the institution that defines nutritional criteria for dog meals, considers canines weighing at least 70 pounds “big.” However, we typically consider dogs weighing more than 50 pounds “large.”
If you know his breed, you can determine this by investigating your puppy’s estimated adult size. Consider both of his parents if you have a mixed-breed dog, or consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure.
What Makes Large Breed Puppy Nutrition So Special?
While a small or medium-sized breed may thrive on any high-quality diet. Your big-breed puppy is prone to several health issues if incorrectly fed. The growth of a large-breed puppy should be closely observed, particularly if he is a giant breed that may reach 100 pounds or more.
Large breeds are naturally fast-growing; however, dogs who grow too quickly might develop major orthopedic conditions, such as:
- Hypertrophic osteodystrophy — A disorder that causes skeletal abnormalities and limb discomfort.
- Osteochondrosis — A condition is affecting the mobility and cartilage of your dog’s joints.
- Panosteitis — A painful condition affecting the leg bones
- Hip and elbow dysplasia — A malformation of the joints that causes lameness and pain.
Growing rapidly and growing properly are distinct concepts. You want your dog’s physique to develop normally instead of rushing the process. A weaker frame will result in lifelong difficulties and suffering.
The objective of puppy food for large breeds is to allow your dog to grow at a safe rate that avoids the problems above.
Large breed puppy recipes deviate from conventional kibble by containing less:
- Fat/Calories — In addition to averting a growth spurt, reducing fat and excess calories. Helps reduce your pup’s chance of obesity, which affects already-vulnerable joints as it matures.
- Calcium — Overdosing on a large breed puppy’s calcium intake can be detrimental. When it comes to large-breed puppies, this is especially true. Overfeeding a young plant might have negative consequences.
- Phosphorus — As with calcium, excessive phosphorus in your dog’s diet can cause bone deformities.
- Vitamin D — Vitamin D enables your dog’s body to utilize the calcium in its diet. Still, excessive amounts can cause imbalances and growth problems.
Most dog food brands provide large breed puppy formulations, allowing you to focus on more essential matters. Such as what to expect from your new furry companion and to train him cool new tricks to impress his buddies at the dog park.
What to Consider When Looking at Food for Large Breed Dogs
Numerous large breed puppy diets are available today, but not all are created equal. Putting a dog-friendly label on a bag does not always make it a good choice for your pet.
Before purchasing food, there are various factors to consider, including:
- Meeting or exceeding AAFCO specifications— The Association of American Feed Control Officials administers pet dietary recommendations. It describes the nutritional needs of dogs at different stages of life. AAFCO has established a guideline for large-breed puppy food to maintain normal growth and prevent excessive growth.
- Country of origin— Dog food manufactured in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Western Europe is suggested due to the prevalence of shady ingredients and contamination scares in recent years.
- Whole protein as the primary component— Try to stay with meals that feature a complete protein as the first component. This means, for instance, complete chicken rather than a chicken meal.
- Clearly labeled proteins- Your pet deserves better than mystery meat in his dish. Adhere to high-quality meat proteins and brands that clearly mark all meats, meat meals, and meat by-products. (if present).” chicken meal” is acceptable, but “meat meal” is not.
- Nutritious whole grains– It is advisable to consume high-quality grains compared to their heavily processed, low-quality competitors. Choose formulations containing whole oats rather than, for instance, brewer’s rice.
- Hidden goodies– Try to choose meals that include antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, and joint-supporting medicines such as chondroitin and glucosamine.
- Avoiding artificial additives– As with inexpensive grains, artificial colors, flavors, and other additives. are a breeding ground for canine allergies and food sensitivities. So it’s better to avoid them completely. In addition, they are unnecessary for foods with high-quality ingredients.
Another Option for Large Breed Puppies With Customization
If you’re not a fan of store-bought kibble, you may always attempt a customized diet plan for your growing dog. These services customize your dog’s food by taking his size, age, weight, and overall health.
The top customizable dog food brands include:
- Ollie
- Nom Nom
- Farmer’s Dog
Typically, these businesses bring dog food to your home in a temperature-controlled package. They may be frozen or fresh-never-frozen but require refrigeration in general.
Compared to store-bought kibble, these programs can be pricy, but you’ll have to pay more if you want to offer your dog truly superior food.
How Long Should Large-Breed Puppies Be Fed Puppy Food?
Keeping your soon-to-be-adequate dog fed may be on your mind. This time range can vary from dog to dog, as huge breeds (particularly giants) mature slowly despite the appearance of rapid growth.
Check your veterinarian, although the typical rule of thumb is between 1 and 2 years of age, depending on the breed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Large Breed Puppy Food
Yes, huge breed puppies can grow excessively large and quickly. They require puppy food balanced in key nutrients, contains high-quality proteins, and contains just enough fat to keep them active. They are at risk of obesity and various orthopedic disorders if they consume excessive fat.
Not necessarily; while giant breed puppies have larger stomachs and may be able to consume more food, this does not necessarily mean they should. The amount of food your puppy requires is determined by its degree of activity. Your dog’s calorie intake and calorie expenditure must be in balance.
Compared to smaller breeds, giant breed puppies mature more slowly. Many of them continue to grow until they reach the age of twenty months. After 15 months of feeding an average large breed puppy a high-quality large breed dog food, you should transition to an adult large breed dog diet.
Puppies should be fed puppy food throughout their development since it is specially made to suit their nutritional requirements during adolescence. By feeding adult food to your puppy, you will deprive them of vital nutrients. You may even cause them to grow too large without adequate skeletal development.
It is critical to obtain a veterinarian’s assistance in estimating your baby’s adult weight and adjusting their meals accordingly. The majority of large breed puppies require four to five meals per day. If they have a larger appetite and consume a large amount of food in a single meal, it is advisable to limit them to three.
Veterinarians say that giant breed puppies should consume at least 30% protein and less than 10% fat. These proteins must be derived from animal sources such as whole meat, not by-products or meals. Foods less than 30% protein can affect your puppy’s growth.
Just the right amount of fat is required for a large-breed puppy to keep it active. Fiber-rich foods can make it easier for them to digest and absorb nutrients. Puppy diets must have enough calcium and phosphorus to prevent joint issues.
It is critical to choose a meal that has a calcium to phosphorus ratio of 1:1 to 1.3:1. Calcium content should not be greater than 1.2 percent. Numerous studies demonstrate that feeding your dog an excessive amount of calcium might raise the likelihood of hip dysplasia. Certain large breed puppies may experience stunted growth due to too much calcium.
Puppies, especially those with the potential to mature into large, robust adults, do well on raw food. There are plenty of probiotics in raw food to keep their stomachs happy, and it is high in protein and low in fat. If we want our dogs to thrive, we must provide them a high-quality raw food products.
A grain-free diet is typically lighter and easier for dogs to digest. Puppies of large breeds are no exception. Grains provide no nutritional benefit to your dog’s food. In premium puppy food, there are considerably superior sources of fiber.
Human food is never a healthy alternative for your pup (particularly table scraps). It is primarily due to the extensive processing that our food undergoes. Additionally, it is impossible to examine the composition of the human diet. However, if prepared properly, human-grade food is beneficial for puppies.
Certainly not always! Simply because they are enormous does not mean they eat like wolves. While a large breed puppy’s stomach capacity allows for more food than a smaller puppy’s, they are not necessarily greedy. It is completely conceivable for your large breed puppy to exhibit selective behavior.
