For newborns and puppies, nutrition is an absolute must. Proper nutrition in early developing stages can ensure that your pup grows up healthy and strong. The formative years are crucial in the life of a dog and its nutrition in this time period is highly impactful.
Puppies of larger breeds such as Great Danes, German Shepherds, St Bernards, etc have different nutritional needs than average and medium breeds. These breeds have their own set of issues that are different from other breeds.
Larger breeds run the risk of elbow and hip dysplasia and certain orthopedic diseases. They are prone to obesity and bloating. They can ave poor joint and bone health.
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Large breed puppies grow faster than regular puppies. Thus they require more food during their formative years. Large breed puppy food is designed specially by brands for such large breed puppies.
Following is our list of the best puppy food for larger breeds.
The Seven of Best Puppy Foods for Labs and Larger breeds
Taste of The Wild Grain Free Premium High Protein Dry Dog Food High Prairie Puppy Food – Roasted Venison & Bison
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Taste of Wild puppy food for larger breeds boasts of meat as its number one ingredient. Usually, this is a good sign that the dog food is of premium quality. This dry dog food is rich in protein and low in fat, making it ideal for puppies.
This dry dog food features genuine venison and roasted bison meat. These are a great source of lean protein and nutrients essential for the healthy growth of your puppy. The food is in small kibble size and can easily be digested by smaller puppies. The food has antioxidants and DHA. These help in healthy skin and coats and in superior brain development and eyesight.
Amino acids help to strengthen muscles and bones for the optimal active lifestyle. The dry food boasts of No Grain, Corn, Wheat, Filler; No Artificial Flavors, Colors and Preservatives.
Features of Taste of The Wild Grain Free Premium High Protein Dry Dog Food High Prairie Puppy Food – Roasted Venison & Bison
- Real meat as the number one ingredient
- Small-sized kibbles for easier chewing in puppies
- Anti-oxidants help improve the condition of the skin and coat
- DHA helps with improved cognition and eyesight
- Amino acids help to strengthen the immune system and muscles
Pros
- Grain-free recipe
- No Corn, Wheat, Filler;
- No Artificial Flavors, Colors and Preservatives.
- Pure sources of protein
- All natural ingredients
Cons
- None -overall a great product
Overall ratings of Taste of The Wild Grain Free Premium High Protein Dry Dog Food High Prairie Puppy Food – Roasted Venison & Bison
5 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Dry Puppy Food & Wet Dog Food
Real chicken is the first ingredient in this dry puppy food for larger breeds by Purina. Chicken is a great source of lean protein that is needed by larger breeds in growing and formative years.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid And Glucosamine are present in this highly digestible formula. This helps strengthens the joints and bones and overall immunity of your dog. Wheat bran in this formula provides natural prebiotic fibers that promote digestibility and better stool pickup.
Omega 6 fatty acids in this formula help with ensuring healthy skin and long hair.
Features of Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Dry Puppy Food & Wet Dog Food
- Real chicken as the first ingredient
- Designed especially for larger breed puppies
- 26% protein and 12% fat in every serving
- Omega-3 Fatty Acid And Glucosamine makes the joints and immunity levels strong
- Omega 6 fatty acids help with shiny coat and skin
Pros
- Omega-3 Fatty Acid And Glucosamine strenghten joints
- No added preservatives nad colours
- Grain-free
- No fillers or soy
- 26% protein and 12% fat in every serving
Cons
- None- overall a great product
Overall ratings of Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Dry Puppy Food & Wet Dog Food
5 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Dog Food- Natural Dry Dog Food for Puppies – Chicken and Brown Rice
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Real meat from chicken is the first ingredient in this dry food for puppies of larger breeds. Protein from chicken combines with wholesome whole grains, garden vegetables and fruits makes up the perfect whole meal for your dog that is nutritious and filling.
The protection formula is specially designed for puppies of larger breeds. It contains DHA and ARA that help with bettering eyesight and cognition.
This formula contains “BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource Bits – a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists, to support immune system health, life stage requirements, and a healthy oxidative balance. “
Features of Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Dog Food- Natural Dry Dog Food for Puppies – Chicken and Brown Rice
- Real meat from the chicken as its first ingredient
- BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource Bits – a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- DHA and ARA helps with cognition and retinal health
- Tasty dog food made with chicken and brown rice
Pros
- NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals
- No corn, wheat, and soy,
- No artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Real and all natural ingredients
Cons
- None- overall a great product
Overall ratings of Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Dog Food- Natural Dry Dog Food for Puppies – Chicken and Brown Rice
5 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Puppy Food, Chicken, Salmon & Rice
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Wellness Dry food was designed to specially meet the needs of large and giant breed dogs 1 year and older. This product contains fish in it, and there is a general misconception that dogs can’t eat fish, which is false. Fishes have several nutrients that are useful to both humans and dogs.
This dry food has Whitefish, hank, salmon, and tuna and deboned chicken, making it a powerful source of lean protein. This is important during the initial stages of a pup’s life. The product contains Glucosamine and chondroitin that helps in retinal and cognitive health.
It is recommended that you make a meal portion out of this dry food as excessive feeding of such a potent mix of nutrients can lead to obesity and joint problems.
Feature of Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Puppy Food, Chicken, Salmon & Rice
- Designed for large and giant breed dogs 1 year and older
- Made with deboned chicken, whitefish, tuna and salmon
- Rich in lean protein, essential for your dog’s development
- Controlled caloric intake to help prevent obesity
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for retinal and cognitive health.
Pros
- Varity of animal protein
- No wheat, soy or grains
- No meat by products,
- Artificial colors, flavors or preservatives not present
Cons
- None- overall a great product
Overall ratings of Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Puppy Food, Chicken, Salmon & Rice
5 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)
Chicken Soup for The Soul Large Breed Adult Puppy Food
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This pet food from Chicken Soup for Pet Lovers Soul boost chicken as its first ingredient and turkey as its second ingredient. The formula is made from real chicken, Turkey, Duck, salmon, cracked pearled barley, whole grain brown rice, veggies, fruit, and herbs.
Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are abundant in this dog food. They help with a variety of issues; Omega 3 fatty acids help with the joints and immunity system of your dog. Omega 6 fatty acids help with healthy coats and long and strong hair and skin.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin help with poor joints health. These can greatly benefit your growing pup as these can help strengthen muscles and joints. Prebiotic fiber from dried chicory root helps achieve healthy digestion and better stool pickup.
Features of the Chicken Soup for The Soul Large Breed Adult Puppy Food
- Chicken and turkey as its first and second ingredient respectively
- Made from real chicken, Turkey, Duck, salmon, cracked pearled barley, whole grain brown rice, veggies, fruit, and herbs.
- Omega 3 fatty acid and omega 6 fatty acids help with overall health
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin help with muscle and joint health
- Prebiotic fiber aids digestion and better stool pickup.
Pros
- No by-product meals,
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- Wheat free, corn free and soy free
- All natural ingredients
- Rich source of lean protein
Cons
- None- overall a great product
Overall ratings of Chicken Soup for The Soul Large Breed Adult Puppy Food
5 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Puppy Food, Large Breeds, Chicken Meal & Oats Recipe
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This formula of the Hill’s Science Diet Dry Puppy food was designed especially for larger breeds of dogs and their puppies. It is made from chicken broth and oats with fish oil. Chicken is a splendid source of protein and oats act as filling carbohydrates.
The fish oil provides DHAs, that help with improving eyesight and cognition development. The dry food is rich in essential vitamins and minerals that can help increase immunity and overall health of your puppy.
The formula has an optimal level of calcium that helps with the proper functioning of bones and joints for your fast-growing larger breed puppy.
Features of Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Puppy Food, Large Breeds, Chicken Meal & Oats Recipe
- #1 Veterinarian Recommended
- Large breed puppy food
- An optimal level of calcium for controlled bone and joint growth
- Uses DHA from fish oil to support brain and eye development for growing dogs
- High-quality protein helps your large pup build and maintain lean muscle
- Made in the USA with all-natural ingredients
Pros
- Doesn’t contain artificial colors and flavors,
- No added preservatives or chicken by-product meal.
- Does not contain soy or wheat
- Rich source of lean protein
Cons
- None- overall a great product
Overall ratings of Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Puppy, Large Breeds, Chicken Meal & Oats Recipe
5 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)
Eukanuba Puppy Dog Food Chicken – Large Breed
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The Eukanuba dog food is designed for large breed puppies up to 15 months old with an expected adult weight of over 55 lb. Chicken is the first ingredient in this dry food, as it is a rich source of lean protein and a source of energy.
Optimized levels of calcium and phosphorous help in joint and muscle growth and strengthening. It contains DHA that can greatly improve your dog’s intelligence levels, brain function, and retinal health.
It has sufficient levels of fat and carbohydrates that provide energy throughout the day for your dog to lead an active lifestyle.
Features of Eukanuba Puppy Dog Food Chicken – Large Breed
- Designed for large breed puppies up to 15 months old with an expected adult weight over 55 lbs.
- Optimized levels of calcium and phosphorous help joint ad muscle health
- Supports healthy brain development and improved eyesight with DHA
- Provides concentrated energy from fat and carbohydrate levels beneficial for growing puppies
- High-quality chicken is the first ingredient
Pros
- Clinically proven levels of DHA
- No additonal preservatives or colours
- No grains, soy or wheat
- No fillers or animal byproducts
Cons
- None- overall a great product
Overall ratings of Eukanuba Puppy Dog Food Chicken – Large Breed
4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)
How to choose puppy food for larger breeds
- Larger breeds of dogs are susceptible to many health concerns such as bone and joint issues in the form of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia and digestive issues, bloating, etc. Although larger breeds are genetically prone to such diseases, their feeding patterns can also aggravate these issues. The puppy food for larger breeds must be low in fat content, vitamin D, calcium and phosphorous to help with such issues.
- Portion control is essential for puppies. Overfeeding them can lead to a host of issues such as bloating, obesity, bone, and joint issues. Puppies need to especially eat carefully and sufficiently during their growing years.
- Dry food or wet food? Dry food is more cost-effective and healthier for puppies. Although wet food can be given initially, dry food is the best option. It is easier to portion out, makes teeth stronger and is very filling.
- Ingredients such as meats of various kinds, probiotics, and prebiotics, omega fatty acids and antioxidants can greatly benefit larger breeds of puppies. Avoid grain and other artificial colors.
How many meals should a large breed puppy eat in a day?
Consult your vet about this issue. They usually weigh your pup and give the appropriate amount. Usually, a small large breed puppy needs to be fed 4 to 5 times a day. Gradually decrease this to 3 times a day.
How much protein can a large breed puppy handle?
Vets often recommend that your pet’s food must be 30% protein. This is usually derived from meats such as chicken and turkey, lamb etc. For puppies, their protein intae must be half of their food, as protein is important during developing years.
Should grains be avoided completely dor large breed puppies?
Grains are ofen substituted by brands instaed of proteins as it is also a rich form of protein. However, real protein that comes from animal sources is ideal for dogs, and growing puppies. Grains do not have any other nutritional value, apart from being a filler.
Summary
Puppies of larger breeds have special needs that differ from those of small or medium breeds. This means that they need adult breed food from an early age. These puppies grow fast and need the required amount for healthy growth and development. Adult dog puppy food is perfect for such creatures. Be careful to not overfeed them this potent food as it can lead to bloating and obesity.