If you’re shopping for a quality brand of dog food that’s well-suited to a large dog breed then it’s worth doing your research first.
There are certainly many options to choose from right now, but it’s always important to ensure your dog is getting a well-rounded nutritional profile that will help to keep them strong and healthy for many years to come – especially in regards to their joint and hip health, in particular.
In this guide, we’re going to examine some of the top large breed dog foods on the market and share some of our discoveries with you. So with this in mind, let’s take a closer look at what’s available.
Last update on 2023-05-22 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Wellness CORE product line is one of the best dog food options on the market these days, and it consistently scores highly rated reviews for virtually every version of the formula.
Of course, the large breed version is no exception, and it’s often a great option to choose if you’re not sure what to get.
The formula is entirely free of grain and other unwanted additives, so it should help to keep your dog’s weight in line and avoid triggering any stomach sensitivity issues. For example, there’s no corn, wheat, grain, soy, or meat byproducts used in the formula.
Last update on 2023-05-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness formula is a reliable choice for many dogs, and this large breed version caters well to the needs of virtually any bigger breed. It comes with the all-important addition of chondroitin and glucosamine that keeps a larger dog’s joints nice and healthy, and it’s generally well-formulated to give adequate amounts of nutrition that should greatly benefit your beloved pooch.
What’s more, it also comes with flax seed for the omega 3 and 6 fatty acid content, along with several highly nutritious fruits for the antioxidant benefits. In terms of primary ingredients, it comes with deboned beef along with chicken meal and turkey meal to give your dog some tasty protein varieties, and it also uses peas and potatoes for a healthy source of carbs.
Last update on 2023-05-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another excellent formula from the Wellness line is this one, known as the ‘Complete Health’ formula, which again provides excellent nutrition quality for a larger breed of dog. It features a larger kibble size that will be greatly appreciated by a bigger pooch, and it contains the crucial addition of glucosamine and chondroitin to maintain healthy joints and hips.
The ingredients are generally of very high quality, and it features tasty deboned chicken as the main protein source, with no use of corn, soy, wheat, or grain to detract from the product’s quality. Additionally, the formula is made exclusively in the USA to give you further peace of mind.
Last update on 2023-05-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re looking for very high quality, premium brand of dog food then look no further than this blend developed by Fromm. It comes with two large breed versions, one suitable for a large breed adult and another for a large breed puppy.
Of course, it comes with the much-needed addition of cartilage to support healthy joint development, and it also features genuine Wisconsin cheese that provides plenty of useful prebiotics and probiotics, which helps to maintain healthy digestion.
There’s also plenty of omega fatty acids that are great for skin and coat health. What’s more, there’s no use of artificial preservatives, corn, wheat, or cheap meat byproducts.
Last update on 2023-05-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s an interesting formula that’s relatively affordable yet still manages to provide you with a quality blend that contains all of the key ingredients you’re looking for from a large breed formula. It promises to deliver all of the proper nutrition that your dog requires, complete with added glucosamine and chondroitin that supports healthy joints.
There’s also omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that are useful for supporting healthy skin and a shiny coat, along with enhanced superfoods and probiotics which are another nice addition to the product.
Of course, there are no poor-quality ingredients like wheat, corn, or soy – so you can rest assured that it’s a fairly versatile formula that’s unlikely to upset a sensitive dog.
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you have a dog with a particularly sensitive digestive system, then this limited ingredient formula made by Natural Balance is a product that’s worthy of your consideration.
It’s specifically designed to cater to the needs of a larger breed, while still keeping the overall number of unique ingredients to a low number which drastically reduces the chances of digestive issues. Of course, this means there are no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavorings.
What’s more, the kibbles are designed to encourage slower eating and proper chewing, which goes a long way towards encouraging your dog to eat slower, so it’ll be less likely to cause a stomach upset.
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s an interesting formula from Canidae that’s designed to cater to dogs of any life stage, including puppies, adults, and seniors. Of course, it also comes in a specific large breed option which is obviously the one to choose if you have a bigger dog.
The large breed version comes with adequate calcium and phosphorus to support healthy skeletal development, and it also contains plenty of tasty protein in the form of duck meal.
In general, the ingredients are of good quality and there’s no use of soy, corn, or wheat to detract from the formula.
Last update on 2023-05-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Holistic Select is a very popular large & giant breed formula, which comes with plenty of digestive support in the form of prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and botanicals.
The larger kibble is also well-suited to larger dogs, and they should find it satisfying and easy to eat. Additionally, the ingredients used in this blend are all focused on the natural – without the use of any wheat, gluten, or artificial additives.
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re looking for a limited ingredient formula from a trusted brand, then this formula from the Blue Buffalo Basics line is an option that’s worth taking a closer look at. It’s entirely grain-free and does a great job of keeping the ingredients to a limited number while providing lamb as the primary protein and potato for a healthy source of carbohydrates.
What’s more, the formula is made entirely in the USA for further peace of mind. Ultimately, this is a top-quality product that’s a worthy choice for anyone who’s looking to keep their dog’s diet as simple as possible in order to alleviate allergies or stomach sensitivity.
Last update on 2023-05-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s a highly affordable large breed formula that not only gives you great value for money but also delivers much of the key nutrients that your large breed dog needs, along with a few interesting extras. As you’d expect, the blend is specially designed to provide adequate amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin, and all the ingredients are of a decent quality, too.
There’s protein used as the first ingredient in the form of chicken meal, and there’s brown rice to give your dog the carbohydrates they’ll need to stay strong and full of energy.
Interestingly, this blend contains avocados as part of the formula, which is rich in omega fatty acids that will go a long way towards supporting healthy skin and a shiny coat. What’s more, there’s no use of animal by-product meals, wheat, or corn – so there’s little to upset your dog’s digestion.
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This formula from Organix often receives top reviews, and it’s certainly a reliable large breed product that should serve you and your dog well. It uses organic free-range chicken as the primary ingredient, along with a range of organic fruit and vegetables to round out the formula.
Now, the formula does contain grain which adds some useful fiber to your dog’s diet, but if your dog doesn’t have an issue with grain, this shouldn’t be a problem. Of course, there’s no use of artificial additives in the product, and all of the ingredients are fully organic for your peace of mind.
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Next, we have a large breed formula that’s created by the popular Hill’s Science Diet brand.
The formula contains plenty of glucosamine and chondroitin, which is important for maintaining your dog’s joints and overall mobility – and it also has many vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to further support your dog’s health.
Overall, this is a reliable formula that’s often recommended by veterinarians and pet nutritionists, and it should give your dog everything they need to stay strong and healthy.
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s a product made by Purina Pro Plan which uses quality chicken as the first ingredient, providing a reliable source of protein – and it also has EPA, along with omega fatty acids for supporting your dog’s joint health.
The nutritional composition of this formula aims to be 26% protein with 12% fat, which supports your dog’s lean body mass without causing excess weight gain – just as long as the portions are in line with your dog’s requirements.
Overall, this is another excellent choice for large breeds in particular, and it’s also surprisingly affordable as well, so it’s a good choice for those people who are on a tighter budget.
Last update on 2023-05-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This brand of dog food comes in two different versions – either the lamb and rice formula or the chicken formula – both of which are designed specifically for large breed dogs. Protein is the first ingredient used in the product, and it includes further nutrition to aid a balanced diet, with no filler ingredients used at all.
You’ll also find omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids used in the blend, which can help to support a healthy coat. What’s more, it uses a ‘specialized fiber system’ in the form of natural beet pulp which can aid natural digestion.
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This large breed formula is made from chicken and rice, giving your dog a healthy blend of protein and carbohydrates. However, there are a few variations of the formula, one of which features chicken without the added rice.
The formula is further supplemented with chondroitin and glucosamine to support your dog’s joints, and the crunchy kibble aids your dog’s dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. What’s more, the product is proudly made in the USA to give you further peace of mind when it comes to the quality of the ingredients.
Here’s another large breed formula from Blue Buffalo which is similar to our previous recommendations from the company, but this version is focused more on helping your dog to remain at a healthy weight. It uses high-quality protein as the first ingredient, along with other natural ingredients, vitamins, and minerals to keep your dog in great shape.
Importantly, you won’t find any troublesome additives like artificial preservatives or poultry by-products. However, it does comes with Blue’s unique ‘LifeSource’ Bits, which are a handy way of adding all the essential vitamins and minerals to your dog’s diet. Overall, this is a quality choice for a large breed dog, especially if they need to focus on maintaining a healthy weight.
Last update on 2023-05-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Eagle Pack has a specific blend designed for large and giant breeds, and it uses only natural ingredients, and it’s free of any artificial additives that may not be best for your dog. It also doesn’t contain any wheat or corn, either.
However, it does come with added omega fatty acids and glucosamine which help to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy. Overall, this is a reliable brand that shouldn’t disappoint you or your large breed pet. It uses quality ingredients and comes at a very reasonable price, so it’s certainly a product that’s worth considering.
The Best Wet Food For Large Breed Dogs
If you’re looking to give your dog a delicious meal, then adding some wet food to their daily diet is always a great choice. Of course, wet food is a great way to get some added moisture into your dog’s diet as well, and any dog will appreciate the added flavors and textures that wet food offers, especially compared to living on dry food alone.
With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the best wet/canned dog food options available that are suitable for large breeds dogs.
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The recipe behind this Blue Buffalo Homestyle formula is certainly a tasty one that any large breed dog will appreciate, and it comes with top ingredients, too.
It uses chicken as the primary source of protein, along with vegetables to round out the formula, and it also comes with plenty of added vitamins and minerals to bolster the overall nutritional value of the food.
As always, the product is exclusively created in the USA for peace of mind, and it’s surprisingly affordable given the quality of the product.
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re looking for a limited ingredient wet food formula that won’t upset your dog’s delicate digestion system, then this limited ingredient Blue Buffalo Basics line may be just the thing you’re looking for.
It comes with the same top ingredients that you’d expect from the Blue Buffalo brand, but it does away with any ingredients that feature grain or gluten, thus removing the biggest triggers of stomach sensitivity.
What’s more, it doesn’t feature any questionable ingredients like poultry by-product meals or artificial additives, so it’s generally a pretty well regarded limited ingredient option.
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s another interesting option for large breed wet food that’s definitely tasty enough to keep most dogs happy.
The moist texture makes the product go down a treat with any dog, and it uses a wide range of all-natural ingredients to avoid stomach upsets and ultimately deliver the key vitamins and minerals your dog needs to stay strong and healthy.
The product is only made in US facilities to ensure the utmost quality, and it generally manages to do a good job of providing you with a premium quality product without a hefty price tag.
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s another interesting option from the Nutro lineup, which also offers a version that’s specifically designed for large breeds.
The price is very reasonable indeed, and the product manages to avoid many of the low-quality additives that can find their way into inferior dog foods. Fortunately, this means that there’s no by-product meals, corn, soy, or artificial additives and preservatives that could upset your dog’s digestive system.
However, it does come with several useful vitamins and minerals that will keep your dog healthy, as well as maintain their coat and skin.
The Best Food For Large Breed Puppies
There’s no denying that the puppy stage is a crucial period for any growing large breed pooch, so it certainly makes sense to get their nutrition correct, in order for them to grow into a healthy adult dog without being exposed to potential health issues that can be triggered via poor nutrition.
Keeping this in mind, let’s take a look at a few of the best dog food brands available when it comes to formulas designed specifically for large breed puppies.
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
One of the top large breed puppy formulas on the market has to be this option from Wellness Natural, which aims to deliver all of the core vitamins, minerals, and overall nutrition your growing dog needs to stay strong and healthy.
Importantly, the formula includes added DHA for healthy bone growth, along with supporting healthy eye and brain development.
It focuses entirely on using natural, premium-quality ingredients, so you won’t find any artificial additives and preservatives, nor will you find any filler ingredients like corn, soy, or wheat. Additionally, the product is made exclusively in the USA to ensure top quality.
The Orijen brand isn’t always the cheapest option on the market, but it certainly delivers an exceptional level of quality that’s hard to compete with.
It uses what it calls ‘biologically appropriate’ ingredients, with a focus on providing the kind of ingredients that your dog would be exposed to naturally in the wild, and it manages to cover all of the key bases of nutritional requirements without much trouble.
The ingredients are all freshly sourced from various region areas, and you’ll find free-range chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and more. There are also healthy levels of phosphorus and calcium, which are very important for a growing large breed puppy.
The buyer reviews are generally very positive for this brand overall and this particular large breed puppy formula is no exception.
Last update on 2023-05-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Blue Buffalo brand makes a range of puppy formulas that do the job nicely, and this large breed option lives up to the hype as well.
It comes with all of the essential ingredients that a growing puppy needs, which includes DHA and ARA fatty acids to support healthy brain and eye development, as well as the appropriate levels of calcium and phosphorus to support steady bone growth.
What’s more, it comes with added omega fatty acids that go a long way towards maintaining healthy skin and a well-maintained coat. It comes with a minimum of 28% protein and 14% fat, giving you adequate numbers for most breeds, and it’s also pretty tasty, so most puppies will quickly take to it.
Last update on 2023-05-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Diamond Naturals make some great formulas specifically with large breed dogs in mind, and this puppy formula is also a great option that’s worth a closer look.
It comes with lamb as the primary source of protein which most dogs will enjoy, and this is paired with rice to provide a steady source of carbohydrates to fuel their overall growth.
Of course, the formula also features many of the essential vitamins and minerals that are required for a large breed dog, so you’ll find the necessary DHA for brain and eye development, along with omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and a healthy coat.
Last update on 2023-05-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This puppy food from Nature’s Variety is certainly a nice choice that gives you a range of quality ingredients and it’s well-loved by many dogs. It uses chicken meal as the main source of protein, and it provides the all-important source of chondroitin and glucosamine that’s very important for a growing puppy.
In general, the ingredients have a strong focus on the natural, with no artificial additives or grain, wheat, corn, or soy added to the product.
However, it does come with the key ingredients your dog needs, such as a natural source of DHA to support healthy eye and brain development, as well as omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Blue Buffalo is often a great choice to consider when you’re searching for a puppy formula, and this large breed version gives you everything you’re looking for. It contains real chicken for a healthy source of protein, and it’s safe to say it’ll be greatly enjoyed by your dog, too.
The formula is fairly high in protein, and doesn’t come with any grain, nor does it contain any corn, wheat, soy, or poultry by-product meals – so the ingredients are generally of very high quality.
Of course, it comes with Blue’s exclusive LifeSource Bits as well, which ensures your dog will receive a healthy dose of crucial vitamins and minerals that will help them develop into a strong and healthy adult dog.
Nutrition Tips For Large Breed Dogs & Puppies
- One of the most common health issues that can befall a large breed dog is hip dysplasia, and this often occurs if they grow too quickly. Ultimately, this means it’s very important to ensure you don’t overfeed a large breed puppy.
- A key aspect of a large breed’s nutrition will be getting the calcium and phosphorus levels correct, in order to maintain healthy skeleton development without triggering any troublesome health issues.
- In general, it’s best to select a brand of dog food that provides a suitable blend of quality animal-based protein, along with essential minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids.
- The fiber content of your dog’s food is also an important consideration, especially for a dog who’s prone to stomach sensitivity.
- Keeping your dog’s portions to an appropriate size is something you’ll need to pay close attention to, especially when you’re dealing with a large or giant breed puppy. It’s very easy to ‘overfeed’ a bigger breed, and most of them will be all too happy to scoff down the extra calories. However, allowing your large breed puppy to grow too fast can be a recipe for trouble later on as they grow older.
