Getting a puppy for the first time is often a joyous and exciting experience, but it can also be challenging and confusing, especially when it comes to understanding their dietary needs. Dealing with picky eaters, allergies or sensitive stomachs can make finding the best large breed puppy food a daunting task for new pet parents. While providing a nutritious diet is crucial for puppies to grow into healthy and happy adults, the abundance of options on the market can make it difficult to determine what is truly best. Our top pick for 2023 is Purina Pro Plan’s Puppy Large Breed Formula, which is an affordable option that’s specially formulated to help large breed puppies thrive.
The best large breed puppy food is filled with the right blend of nutrients to help your pet grow ... [+] into a strong, happy adult. Wet /Liquid Cat Treats
To better understand the options on the market, we spoke with veterinarian Dr. Samantha Morici, DVM and head of veterinary services at Koala Health. According to Dr. Morici, large breed puppies have specific nutrient requirements to minimize the risk of developmental orthopedic disease. As a result, the chosen food should be tailored to meet these specific needs. “Diets for large and giant breed puppies should be slightly less calorically dense, contain lower levels of calcium and phosphorus, and have a carefully balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio,” she notes. While individual dogs may have specific dietary requirements or restrictions, Dr. Morici suggests looking for the Nutrition Adequacy Statement on the dog food package and selecting a product that is labeled "complete and balanced" in accordance with the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) requirements.
With these factors in mind, here’s a curated list of the best large breed puppy foods to ensure your furry friend receives the necessary nutrients for their growth and overall well-being.
First four ingredients: Chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn | Type: Grain-inclusive | Best for: Supporting joint and bone health
“Large breed dogs are prone to developing arthritis as they age, and feeding diets containing chondroitin, glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids, like EPA and DHA may support joint health,” notes Dr. Morici. Purina Pro Plan’s Puppy Large Breed Formula is specifically formulated for puppies who will become large dogs as it contains essential ingredients that are crucial for their development.
The formulation is free from artificial flavorings or colors, and the first ingredient is protein-rich chicken. It also contains calcium and phosphorus to help build strong bones and teeth, as well as omega-6 fatty acids to support a healthy coat. It’s ideal for young puppies without any known allergies or sensitivity issues.
First four ingredients: Chicken, rice, corn flour, soybean meal | Type: Grain-inclusive | Best for: Overall development and joint health
The crunchy dry food pieces in this option come in a variety of shapes, colors and textures to keep your puppy engaged and wanting more. It is enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, including DHA for overall development, glucosamine for joint health and omega-6 fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin. Plus, it’s specifically formulated for large breeds and aims to support an appropriate growth rate. While the formula is free from artificial fillers, it's important to note that it’s not suited for puppies with specific dietary restrictions or allergies.
First four ingredients: Water, pork by-products, chicken by-products, chicken | Type: Grain-inclusive | Best for: Large breed puppies who need digestive and immune support
Dr. Morici highly recommends Royal Canin as it is specifically tailored to meet the developmental needs of growing puppies. According to her, the most crucial aspect when selecting food for your pet is ensuring that it is appropriate for their life stage.
This wet food from Royal Canin is designed with the correct calorie count to meet the needs of growing puppies, particularly large breeds, who have longer growth periods. It’s also enriched with antioxidants and vitamins that help strengthen your puppy's natural defenses and promote a strong immune system. In addition to its nutritional benefits, wet food contributes to hydration since it supports the necessary intestinal flora, which promotes healthy and optimal puppy stool.
First four ingredients: Cod, sweet potatoes, potatoes, green beans | Type: Glute-free and grain-free | Best for: Puppies with sensitive stomachs looking for a protein-rich, fresh food option
Finding chicken-free puppy food can be challenging, but JustFoodForDogs has a great option that’s made using wild-caught Alaska Pacific cod, sweet potatoes, green beans and broccoli. Plus, it’s a gluten-free and grain-free meal, without any artificial colors, flavorings and additives that are carefully balanced and packed with natural proteins, providing optimal support for a puppy's developing bones and muscles
It's important to note that this is fresh, wet puppy food that requires refrigeration and can be stored in your freezer for only up to 18 months.
First four ingredients: Lamb, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, grain sorghum | Type: Grain-inclusive | Best for: Large or giant breeds who need digestive support
This superfood-packed puppy food is carefully formulated with essential vitamins and minerals to support healthy growth and development. It incorporates a proprietary blend of soluble and insoluble fiber from nutrient-rich ingredients such as chia seed, pumpkin, dried kelp and coconut, making it an excellent choice for puppies that require additional digestive support. It also includes omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and probiotics to help maintain a healthy immune system. The first ingredient is pasture-raised lamb and it is free from corn, wheat, artificial colors and flavorings. However, it's important to note that although this is a lamb-based formula, it may contain traces of chicken fat, which could be problematic for dogs with chicken allergies.
First four ingredients: Chicken, turkey, flounder, whole mackerel | Type: Grain-free | Best for: Puppies with sensitivity to grains who need a high-protein diet
This grain-free formula is packed with natural proteins to support the healthy growth of your puppy. With a focus on a "whole prey" diet, it aims to mimic the diet that puppies would have in the wild. The food contains a combination of poultry, organs and fish, with chicken, turkey, flounder and whole mackerel listed as the first four protein-rich ingredients.
In addition to natural proteins, the formula is enriched with essential nutrients such as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, DHA and EPA that support various aspects of your puppy's health. While it’s ideal for puppies with intolerances, allergies or sensitivities to certain grains, it’s worth noting that due to its high natural protein content, some young puppies may take time to adjust to the new recipe. If you decide to switch from your old dog food to this grain-free option, it is recommended to gradually incorporate it into your puppy's diet to avoid any digestive issues.
First four ingredients: Corn, chicken by-product meal, wheat, wheat gluten | Type: Grain-inclusive | Best for: Bone and joint support, immune support
Royal Canin is a favorite with Dr. Morici thanks to its specific blend of antioxidants and minerals that help support healthy growth and development. This particular blend is high in protein content and contains appropriate calorie levels suitable for large puppies that are expected to reach a weight between 56 and 100 pounds. It’s also packed with antioxidants to support the immune system and prebiotics to promote digestive health. The kibble pieces are designed in a consistent size and shape, facilitating thorough chewing for younger puppies. It also contains important components such as chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, which Dr. Morici notes can contribute to joint health and help prevent arthritis in the future.
First four ingredients: Wild-caught Alaska Pacific cod, sweet potatoes, russet potatoes, cod | Type: Gluten- and grain-free | Best for: Puppies with specific allergies or restrictions who would benefit from a homemade diet
For dogs with highly restrictive diets, finding commercially-made food that meets all of their needs can be challenging. If you prefer to prepare your pup's food at home to ensure all dietary requirements are met, the DIY nutrient pack from Just Food For Dogs is a suitable option. Each pack contains a vet-formulated blend that is grain-free, gluten-free and manufactured in accordance with AAFCO regulations. Depending on the recipe you choose, you can add your own ingredients at home to create a balanced meal.
First four ingredients: Salmon, rice, barley, fish meal | Type: Grain-inclusive | Best for: Puppies with sensitive stomachs or a chicken allergy
Puppies with sensitive stomachs need extra care and attention to make sure they get the necessary nutrients without any unnecessary discomfort. This formulation from Purina is specifically designed to support their needs. The chicken-free formula is packed with easily digestible ingredients—like chicken and oatmeal—that help puppies get the nutrients they need in a way that’s gentle on the digestive system.
Vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids promote healthy skin and coat, while DHA and omega-rich fish oil contribute to your pup’s overall development. The formula is also packed with antioxidants that aid in maintaining a puppy’s developing immune system.
Dr. Morici emphasizes the importance of finding dog food specifically designed for the size and age of large breed puppies. It is crucial to ensure that the chosen food is appropriate for your pet's life stage and meets the AAFCO standards for being complete and balanced. Different quantities and ratios of nutrients are necessary for different life stages, so it is important to select a diet that is appropriate for the life stage of your pet,” she adds. Dr. Morici highlights that puppies have a higher metabolic rate and should be fed puppy food that is more calorically dense than adult dog food. While Royal Canin is the brand that Dr. Morici highly recommends, she also suggests Purina and Hill's as healthy and nutritious options for large breed puppies.
When choosing dog food for large breed puppies, it is important to consider their specific dietary restrictions or preferences. “Large breed dogs generally require more calories in total per day than smaller breeds to maintain a healthy body weight,” says Dr. Morici. Choose options with nutrients like DHA, EPA, glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy bone, joint, and muscle growth. If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, it is advisable to look for food that is formulated with probiotics or prebiotics. These ingredients can help support the developing digestive system of your puppy. Taking these factors into consideration will help you decide a suitable meal plan that meets the unique needs of your large breed puppy, promoting their overall health and well-being.
“While adult dogs of all breeds and sizes have similar nutritional needs, there are some subtle but important differences for large breed puppies,” says Dr. Morici. She notes that large breed puppies are prone to developing arthritis later in life, so it’s essential to pick a diet that’s rich in minerals such as chondroitin, glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids, which may support joint health.
“Large and giant breed puppies have specific nutrient requirements to reduce their risk of developmental orthopedic disease,” notes Dr. Morici. “Diets for large and giant breed puppies should be slightly less calorically dense, contain lower levels of calcium and phosphorus, and have a carefully balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio. Commercial diets that are specifically formulated for large breed puppies should take these three things into consideration,” she adds.
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I aim to help you save on taxes and money management costs. I graduated from Harvard in 1973, have been a journalist for 48 years, and was editor of Forbes magazine from 1999 to 2010. Tax law is a frequent subject in my articles. I have been an Enrolled Agent since 1979. Email me at williambaldwinfinance -- at -- gmail -- dot -- com.
Rebecca R. Norris is a full-time freelance writer living in the DC metro area. She writes for a variety of publications, covering everything from beauty and wellness to style and celebrity news. When she's not writing, she can be found doing all the dog mom things with her Jack-Chi, Cash.
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