Embracing the ownership of a large-breed puppy encompasses embracing significant responsibilities, particularly concerning selecting the best large breed puppy food. It’s a decision not to be taken lightly as you aspire to cultivate a robust, enduring vitality in your beloved young companion.
The cornerstone of achieving this lies in providing impeccable nutrition from the outset. Esteemed experts affirm that furnishing your furry friend with a meticulously crafted, premium diet ranks among the foremost strategies for safeguarding their well-being and preventing potential ailments.
This assertion underscores the weighty responsibility thrust upon owners to meticulously sift through the plethora of options adorning store shelves, each vying for the coveted title of “best large breed puppy food.” However, before embarking on this culinary quest, you must acquaint yourself with the intricacies of large breed puppy food.
Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the labyrinth of choices, ensuring that your faithful companion receives nothing short of the optimal nourishment explicitly tailored for large breed puppies, guiding them from the vitality of puppyhood to the golden years of their life’s journey.
Best Large Breed Puppy Foods
Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy Food
Wellness Complete Health
Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy Food offers premium nutrition tailored for large breed puppies.
Packed with high-quality protein from chicken and salmon, it supports muscle development.
Balanced grains like brown rice and oats ensure sustained energy and digestive health.
With a 44% fat-to-protein ratio, it promotes healthy weight management.
Trusted by veterinarians and made in the USA, it provides exceptional value and holistic puppy wellness.
Pros
Abundant animal protein from chicken, chicken meal, and salmon meal
Balanced grains: brown rice, oatmeal, barley, oats
Tailored for large-breed puppy growth
44% fat-to-protein ratio
Cons
Not suitable for grain-sensitive puppies
The ingredient list lacks organic or non-GMO specification
Complete Health Large Breed Puppy Food stands out among the 13 dry formulas featured in our examination of the Wellness Complete Health range.
- Primary Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, ground brown rice, salmon meal
- Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice, oatmeal, barley, oats)
- Purpose: Growth
- Ideal for: All puppies, giant breeds
The cornerstone of Complete Health Large Breed Puppy’s nutritional profile lies in its utilization of deboned chicken, chicken meal, and salmon meal as primary animal protein sources. Upon conducting a meticulous dry matter label analysis, we discern that the formula boasts 32% protein, 14% fat, and an estimated carbohydrate content of 45%… yielding a commendable fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 44%.
With its well-balanced calcium composition and the reliability of a trusted brand, this formula earns our highest recommendation.
Orijen Puppy Large
Orijen Puppy Large
Orijen Puppy Large offers premium nutrition with rich animal protein, grain-free formulation, and balanced nutrition for all life stages.
Its highly palatable recipe and 41% fat-to-protein ratio ensure healthy growth and development.
Trusted by pet owners, it’s ideal for sensitive puppies and reflects superior quality from a reputable brand.
Pros
Rich in animal protein
Grain-free formula
Balanced nutrition for all stages
Highly palatable
Cons
Higher Price
Limited availability
This variant from Orijen constitutes one of 9 dry formulas featured in our comprehensive evaluation of the Orijen product spectrum.
- Primary Ingredients: Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, yellowtail flounder, whole eggs, whole Atlantic mackerel
- Type: Grain-free
- Purpose: Suitable for all life stages
- Ideal for: All puppies, including large breeds (also appropriate for adults)
Orijen Puppy Large derives its primary source of animal protein from deboned poultry and fresh fish. Upon conducting a thorough dry matter label analysis, we ascertain that the formula comprises 43% protein, 18% fat, and an estimated carbohydrate content of 30%… resulting in a commendable fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 41%.
A premium choice in large breed puppy food, this formula comes highly recommended.
Nom Nom Beef Mash
Nom Nom
Nom Nom Beef Mash offers home-cooked freshness for puppies, formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN).
Made with premium ingredients like ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, and peas, it’s grain-free and suitable for all life stages.
Highly recommended for its quality and convenience, it ensures healthy growth and development, especially for large breed puppies.
Pros
Fresh, top-quality ingredients
Balanced recipe formulated by an expert nutritionist
Suitable for all life stages, including large-breed puppies
Cons
Higher Price
Among the fresh-made options in our assessment of the Nom Nom Dog Food range, Beef Mash shines.
- Primary Ingredients: Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas
- Type: Grain-free
- Purpose: Suitable for All Life Stages
- Ideal for: All puppies, including large breeds
Beef Mash derives its primary protein from fresh ground beef. Upon dry matter label analysis, we found 35% protein, 17% fat, and 40% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
Nom Nom presents an excellent option for those yearning to provide their puppy with a fresh, home-cooked meal without the hassle. Crafted with premium ingredients and a balanced recipe formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN).
While not inexpensive, it comes highly recommended for all breed sizes, including more giant breed puppies.
Jinx Dry Dog Food
Jinx Dry Dog Food
Jinx Dry Dog Food, rich in fresh salmon protein and balanced nutrition, is highly recommended by satisfied customers for its effectiveness in resolving tummy issues and improving overall canine health.
Crafted with premium ingredients and offering convenience, Jinx ensures top-quality nutrition for pets, leading to healthier and happier companions.
Pros
Rich in animal protein
Balanced, grain-inclusive formula
Suitable for all life stages
Recommended for resolving tummy issues
Positive impact on canine health confirmed by buyer review
Cons
Higher Price
Limited variety for dogs with specific dietary needs
The Salmon and Sweet Potato recipe stands among the 4 dry options featured in our exploration of the Jinx product range.
- Primary Ingredients: Salmon, pearled barley, ground peas, turkey meal, brown rice
- Type: Grain-inclusive (pearled barley, brown rice)
- Purpose: Suitable for All Life Stages
- Ideal for: All puppies, including large breeds
This Jinx formula primarily sources its animal protein from fresh salmon. A dry matter label analysis reveals 30% protein, 16% fat, and 46% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
A fully balanced, grain-inclusive dog food, highly recommended by satisfied customers.
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula
Diamond Naturals
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula provides rich meat protein for muscle development, with a grain-inclusive formula suitable for all life stages.
Despite its quality, it’s budget-friendly and highly recommended for its effectiveness and affordability.
Trusted for pet nutrition excellence, Diamond Naturals offers a convenient way to ensure pets receive the nutrition they need for a healthy life.
Pros
Rich meat protein from fresh lamb and lamb meal
Balanced, grain-inclusive formula
Suitable for all life stages
Budget-friendly option
Highly recommended for quality and affordability
Cons
Limited variety may not suit dogs with specific dietary needs.
This Large Breed Puppy formula stands out among the 13 dry recipes featured in our Diamond Naturals product line examination.
- Primary Ingredients: Lamb, lamb meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice
- Type: Grain-inclusive (white rice, barley)
- Purpose: Suitable for All Life Stages
- Ideal for: All puppies, including large breeds (also suitable for adults)
This Diamond Naturals formula offers a balanced blend of meat, protein, and grains, ensuring comprehensive nutrition for large-breed puppies and adult dogs. Its budget-friendly price point and positive recommendations make it a reliable choice for pet owners seeking quality and affordability.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Puppy Food
Blue Buffalo Life Protection
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Puppy Food offers rich protein from deboned chicken and chicken meals, supporting muscle development in growing puppies.
Its grain-inclusive formula provides essential nutrients for growth, catering to all puppies, including large breeds, and is highly recommended for its quality and affordability.
Trusted for its commitment to pet nutrition excellence, Blue Buffalo provides a convenient and reliable option for pet owners seeking a nutritious, cost-effective dog food solution.
Pros
Rich meat protein from deboned chicken and chicken meal
Grain-inclusive formula
Budget-friendly option
Highly recommended for quality and affordability
Cons
Limited variety may not suit dogs with specific dietary needs.
Life Protection Large Breed Puppy Chicken and Brown Rice is among the 21 dry recipes assessed in our Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line review.
- Primary Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley
- Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice, oatmeal, barley)
- Profile: Growth
- Ideal for: All puppies, including large breeds
This Blue Buffalo Life Protection formula is highly recommended for large breed growth at an affordable price.
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Food
Purina Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Food offers protein-rich nutrition for growing puppies with its chicken-based formula.
Its grain-inclusive design ensures balanced nutrition for all life stages while remaining budget-friendly.
Trusted for its commitment to pet nutrition excellence, Purina Pro Plan provides a reliable solution for pet owners seeking quality and affordability.
Pros
Rich in chicken protein
Balanced, grain-inclusive formula
Budget-friendly
Balanced calcium levels are ideal for large and giant breed puppies
Cons
Contains corn gluten meal and poultry by-product meal
It may not be suitable for puppies with grain sensitivities
Some owners prefer higher-quality protein sources
Puppy Large Breed is among the 10 dry recipes assessed in our Purina Pro Plan Puppy product line review.
- Primary Ingredients: Chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, poultry by-product meal
- Type: Grain-inclusive (rice, corn, wheat)
- Profile: All life stages
- Ideal for: All puppies, including large breeds (also safe for adults)
Compared to other brands, limited variety may not cater to dogs with specific dietary needs.
Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Food offers a time-proven formula with balanced calcium levels, making it an ideal choice for large and giant breed puppies at a budget-friendly price.
Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Food
Hill’s Science Diet
Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Food provides protein-rich nutrition for growing puppies.
Its grain-inclusive formula simplifies feeding, offering essential nutrients at a budget-friendly price.
Trusted by experts and backed by positive reviews, it ensures pets receive the nutrition they need for a healthy life.
Pros
Rich in protein from chicken meal
Balanced, grain-inclusive formula suitable for all puppies
Budget-friendly option
Recommended for large-breed puppies
Cons
Contains corn gluten meal may not suit sensitive dogs
Not suit puppies with grain sensitivities
Hill’s Large Breed Puppy Food is among the 6 dry recipes reviewed in our Hill’s Science Diet product line assessment.
- Primary Ingredients: Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, whole grain oats, whole grain sorghum, corn gluten meal
- Type: Grain-inclusive (wheat, oats, sorghum, whole grain corn)
- Profile: Growth
- Best for: All puppies, including large breeds
Compared to other brands, limited variety may not cater to dogs with specific dietary needs.
Overall, Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Food provides a classic, balanced option for large-breed puppies at an affordable price. It is highly recommended.
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Food offers protein-rich nutrition from salmon and ocean fish meal, promoting healthy muscle development.
Its grain-free formula simplifies feeding for pet owners, while omega-3 DHA supports brain and vision development.
Affordable and positively reviewed, it’s a trusted choice for pet owners seeking quality nutrition.
Pros
Protein-rich formula with salmon and ocean fish meal
Grain-free, suitable for all life stages
Contains omega-3 DHA-rich fatty acids from salmon oil
Reasonably priced
Cons
Limited availability
Potential digestive sensitivities
Not suitable for all puppies
Pacific Stream Puppy is among the 9 dry recipes featured in our evaluation of the Taste of the Wild product line.
- Primary Ingredients: Salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: All Life Stages
- Best for: All puppies, including large breeds
Overall, Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy offers a protein-rich, grain-free option suitable for all life stages, providing essential nutrients for growing puppies at a reasonable price. It is highly recommended.
Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy Food
Eukanuba
Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy Food provides protein-rich nutrition from fresh chicken for healthy muscle development in puppies.
Despite its quality, it’s budget-friendly and suitable for all puppies, including large breeds.
Trusted by pet owners, it’s a popular choice with a classic formula highly recommended by experts and pet professionals.
Pros
Main protein sourced from fresh chicken
Budget-friendly option
Suitable for all puppies, including large breeds
Cons
It contains chicken by-product meal, corn, and wheat
Grain-inclusive formula may not be suitable for all puppies
Some may prefer formulas with higher-quality protein sources
Eukanuba’s puppy formula is among the 14 dry recipes featured in our evaluation of the Eukanuba product line.
- Primary Ingredients: Chicken, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, chicken fat
- Type: Grain-inclusive (wheat, sorghum, brewers rice)
- Profile: Growth
- Best for: All puppies, including large breeds
Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed derives its main meat protein from fresh chicken. Analysis reveals 29% protein, 16% fat, and 48% estimated carbs, with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 55%.
A classic puppy formula that large breed enthusiasts particularly favor. Highly recommended.
Royal Canin Large Puppy
Royal Canin Large Puppy
Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy Food is vet-designed for large breed puppies, offering balanced nutrition with a grain-inclusive formula.
Suitable for all puppies, it’s affordable and highly recommended by veterinarians, ensuring optimal health and well-being.
Pros
Vet-designed formula for large-breed puppies
Grain-inclusive for balanced nutrition
Suitable for all puppies, including large breeds
Cons
Contains corn, wheat, and chicken by-product meal
Grain-inclusive formula may not suit all puppies
Royal Canin’s Large Puppy is among the 4 dry recipes featured in our evaluation of their product line.
- Primary Ingredients: Corn, chicken by-product meal, wheat, wheat gluten, chicken fat
- Type: Grain-inclusive (wheat, wheat gluten, brewers rice, brewers rice flour)
- Profile: Growth
- Best for: All puppies, including large breeds
Royal Canin’s large breed puppy formula primarily derives its meat protein from chicken meal. Analysis shows 31% protein, 16% fat, and 45% estimated carbs, with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
A vet-designed, grain-inclusive formula is ideal for large-breed puppies. It is highly recommended.
Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy Food
Nutro Natural Choice
Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy food provides chicken-based protein, balanced nutrition, and omega-rich fish oil for puppies, including large breeds.
It is highly recommended and priced affordably, so veterinarians trust it, and it offers premium quality without breaking the bank.
Pros
Chicken-based protein
Balanced nutrition with grains
Includes omega-rich fish oil
Highly recommended
Cons
Grains may not suit all puppies
Mid-range price
Limited availability
Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy Food is among the 19 dry recipes featured in our Nutro Natural Choice product line review.
- Primary Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain sorghum, whole grain brown rice, whole grain barley
- Type: Grain-inclusive (sorghum, brown rice, barley)
- Profile: Growth
- Best for: All puppies, including large breeds
This Nutro Large Breed Puppy formula derives its meat protein primarily from fresh chicken. Analysis shows 29% protein, 16% fat, and 48% estimated carbs, with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 54%.
A time-proven, fully balanced large breed puppy food with added omega-rich fish oil is highly recommended.
Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed Puppy Recipe
Chicken Soup for the Soul
Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed Puppy Recipe offers protein-rich ingredients like chicken and turkey, ensuring optimal muscle development.
Its grain-inclusive formula suits all life stages, appealing to puppies and adult dogs, including large breeds.
With competitive pricing and high recommendations, this recipe by a trusted brand provides quality nutrition at an affordable cost, enticing budget-conscious pet owners.
Pros
Rich in chicken and turkey protein
Grain-inclusive for balanced nutrition
Budget-friendly
Highly recommended
Cons
Grain content may not suit all dogs
This Chicken Soup formula is among the 11 dry recipes featured in our review of the Chicken Soup for the Soul product line.
- Primary Ingredients: Chicken, turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, cracked pearled barley
- Type: Grain-inclusive (barley, brown rice, oatmeal, millet, white rice)
- Profile: All life stages
- Best for: All puppies, including large breeds (also safe for adults)
Chicken Soup Large Breed Puppy Food derives its main protein from poultry and poultry meals. Analysis shows 30% protein, 14% fat, and 48% estimated carbs, with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.
A highly recommended, top-rated large breed puppy food available at an affordable price.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my puppy is a large breed?
The pet food industry typically categorizes a large breed puppy as one whose ADULT weight is projected to exceed 70 pounds.
However, determining a puppy’s adult weight beforehand is tricky. To err on caution, some experts suggest using a more conservative 50-pound threshold for large breeds.
If you anticipate your furry friend reaching over 50 pounds when fully grown, she falls into the large breed puppy category.
Do high-protein diets lead to hip disease in dogs?
No, high-protein diets are not directly responsible for hip disease in dogs. Hip disease in larger breeds is mainly linked to genetics, excessive dietary calcium, and overfeeding during the puppy phase. These factors, driving rapid growth, are the primary contributors.
How much food should I feed my large-breed puppy?
Figuring out the right amount of food for your large breed puppy is a journey, not a single decision. Since large breed puppies eat more than smaller ones and each food varies in calorie content, begin with the suggested feeding quantity on the package. Then, fine-tune as needed to maintain your puppy’s optimal weight.
Is it safe to let my puppy eat whenever she wants?
“Free choice” feeding, where food is available all day, is common but may not be ideal for large breed puppies. This uncontrolled eating can lead to rapid growth and lasting bone damage.
Research, including a 1995 study on Great Danes, has shown increased risks of hip dysplasia with free choice feeding. Another study comparing Labrador Retriever puppies on restricted calorie diets versus free choice feeding found lower hip dysplasia risks in the restricted group. Therefore, regulating your puppy’s food intake is essential for long-term health.
Can Large Breed Puppies Eat Freeze-Dried Dog Food?
Yes, but proceed with care. While freeze-dried food can be suitable for puppies, it’s wise to wait until they are more mature. Young pups might not be fond of the taste, and their developing digestive systems could find the change challenging. Pay close attention to your puppy’s individual needs and consult with a vet to make the best dietary decision.
For more in-depth information, check out The Doggo Bio’s detailed guide on the best foods for freeze-dried food.
Conclusion
No single brand reigns supreme as the ultimate choice for large-breed dogs. As a responsible owner, you must delve into large breed puppy food and pinpoint the most suitable food for your canine companion.
Consulting with your veterinarian is paramount in this quest. Your vet possesses the expertise to craft a comprehensive nutrition regimen tailored to your dog’s unique needs across all life stages, ensuring optimal health and longevity.