Best Large Dog Puppy Food: Top Picks for Healthy Growth

Large breed puppies require specific nutrition to support their growth and development. Choosing the right food for your furry friend can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available on the market. In this article, we’ll guide you through the factors you should consider when selecting the best large dog puppy food.

When it comes to large breed puppies, it’s essential to choose a food that meets their unique nutritional needs. Large breed puppies have a slower growth rate than small breed puppies, which means they need fewer calories but more nutrients per calorie to support their bone and joint health. Therefore, it’s crucial to select a puppy food that is specifically formulated for large breeds to ensure they receive the appropriate balance of nutrients.

One of the critical things to consider when selecting the best large dog puppy food is the ingredients list. Look for a food that contains high-quality protein sources like chicken, turkey, or lamb as the first ingredient. Avoid foods that use meat by-products or fillers like corn or wheat, as these can be difficult for your puppy to digest.

Another important factor to consider is the size of the kibble. Large breed puppies need larger kibble sizes to encourage them to chew their food thoroughly, which can help prevent digestive issues. Additionally, choosing a food with added joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin can help support your puppy’s bone and joint health as they grow.

In this article, we’ll review and compare the top large dog puppy food options on the market to help you find the best one for your furry friend.

Best Large Dog Puppy Food

As pet owners, we all want to provide the best possible nutrition for our furry friends. When it comes to large breed puppies, choosing the right food is crucial for their growth and development. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to buy. That’s why we’ve researched and compiled a list of the best large dog puppy food options available. Our top picks are based on ingredients, nutritional value, and customer reviews. Read on to find the perfect food for your growing pup.

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality, affordable puppy food for your large breed dog, Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Formulated to support appropriate growth rate for large breed puppies
• Glucosamine supports developing joints and cartilage
• DHA from omega-rich fish oil nourishes brain and vision development

Cons

• Contains chicken by-product meal, which some people prefer to avoid
• Contains corn gluten meal, which some dogs may be sensitive to
• Some dogs may not find the taste appealing

We’ve been using Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food for our Great Dane puppy for the past few months, and we’ve been very happy with the results. The kibble is the perfect size for his mouth, and he seems to really enjoy the taste.

One of the things we appreciate about this food is that it’s specifically formulated to support the appropriate growth rate for large breed puppies. It contains a balanced ratio of protein, fat, and calories to ensure that our puppy is getting the nutrients he needs without growing too quickly.

We also appreciate that this food contains glucosamine, which supports developing joints and cartilage. Great Danes are prone to joint issues, so we’re happy to be able to give our puppy a food that will help support his joint health as he grows.

Finally, we love that this food contains DHA from omega-rich fish oil, which nourishes brain and vision development. Our puppy is already very smart and curious, and we’re happy to be able to support his cognitive development with his food.

While there are a few potential downsides to this food, such as the inclusion of chicken by-product meal and corn gluten meal, we haven’t experienced any issues with our puppy. Overall, we highly recommend Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food for anyone looking for a high-quality, affordable puppy food for their large breed dog.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 30-lb Chicken -amp; Brown Rice 30 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality, balanced recipe for your large breed puppy, BLUE Life Protection Formula Chicken and Brown Rice Large Breed Puppy dry dog food is a great choice. With real chicken as the first ingredient and a lineup of natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, this recipe is as delicious as it is healthy for your new best friend.

Pros

• Real meat first
• Supports healthy muscle growth
• Contains DHA, ARA, and Choline to support brain and eye development

Cons

• Packaging may vary
• Formula adjustments may occur
• May not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary needs

We’ve been feeding our large breed puppy Blue Buffalo since he was a baby, and we’ve been very happy with the results. The high-quality protein from real chicken helps him build and maintain healthy muscles, and we love that the recipe includes wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit.

One of the things we appreciate most about this food is that it’s specifically formulated for large breed puppies. It contains DHA, ARA, and Choline to support brain and eye development, plus L-Carnitine to maintain lean muscle growth. We’ve noticed that our puppy has been growing and developing well on this food.

Another thing we love about BLUE Life Protection Formula is the exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits. These are “cold-formed” to retain their potency and provide a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance.

While we’ve been very happy with this food, we do want to note that the packaging may vary and formula adjustments may occur from time to time. Additionally, this food may not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary needs.

Overall, we highly recommend BLUE Life Protection Formula Chicken and Brown Rice Large Breed Puppy dry dog food for anyone looking for a high-quality, balanced recipe for their large breed puppy.

Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Lamb Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food, 30 lb. Bag

If you’re looking for a high-quality puppy food for your large breed dog, Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Lamb Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• Promotes controlled bone development with optimal levels of calcium
• Supports healthy brain and eye development with DHA from fish oil
• Made with natural ingredients and high-quality protein to build and maintain lean muscle

Cons

• Some customers reported diarrhea or vomiting in their puppies after feeding this food
• The kibble size may be too large for some puppies to chew comfortably
• The lamb flavor may not appeal to all dogs

We’ve been using Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy food for our Great Dane puppy and have been impressed with the results. The controlled levels of calcium have helped her develop strong bones without growing too quickly, which can lead to joint problems in large breeds. The DHA from fish oil has also helped her brain development, and she’s been very active and playful.

The kibble size is quite large, which can be a bit of a challenge for some puppies to chew, but we’ve found that soaking the kibble in water for a few minutes before feeding helps soften it up.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Lamb Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food for large breed puppies. It’s a high-quality, nutritious food that will help your puppy grow up strong and healthy.

ACANA Wholesome Grains Large Breed Adult Recipe Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for high-quality large breed puppy food, ACANA Wholesome Grains Large Breed Adult Recipe Dry Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• Contains 65% animal ingredients and 35% wholesome grains, fruit, vegetables, and nutrients.
• Fiber-rich blend of wholesome grains and probiotics for digestive support.
• Balances high protein animal ingredients with wholesome grains to support joint, immune, digestive, and healthy weight.

Cons

• Expensive compared to other brands.
• Might not be suitable for dogs with grain allergies.
• Some dogs might not like the taste.

We’ve been using ACANA Wholesome Grains Large Breed Adult Recipe Dry Dog Food for our large breed puppy and have noticed a significant improvement in her overall health and wellbeing. The high protein content has helped her build strong muscles, while the fiber-rich blend of wholesome grains has improved her digestion. We also appreciate that the formula is balanced to support her joint, immune, and digestive health, as well as maintain a healthy weight.

One thing to keep in mind is that this puppy food is on the pricier side compared to other brands. Additionally, if your dog has a grain allergy, this might not be the best option for them. Lastly, while our puppy loves the taste, some dogs might not be as fond of it.

Overall, we highly recommend ACANA Wholesome Grains Large Breed Adult Recipe Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality large breed puppy food that will provide their furry friend with the nutrients they need to thrive.

NutriSource Puppy Food for Small and Medium Breeds, Chicken Meal and Rice, 26LB 26 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality puppy food for your large breed dog, NutriSource Chicken Meal and Rice Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Contains prebiotics and probiotics to promote a healthy gut
• Balanced Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for heart health
• Grain inclusive formula meets AAFCO guidelines for all lifestages

Cons

• A bit pricey compared to some other puppy food options
• Some dogs may not love the taste
• Only suitable for small and medium breeds

We’ve been using NutriSource Chicken Meal and Rice Dry Dog Food for our large breed puppy for several weeks now and have been impressed with the results. The prebiotics and probiotics have definitely helped with his digestion, and we’ve noticed that he seems to have more energy since we switched to this food.

One thing to keep in mind is that this food is a bit on the pricey side compared to some other options, but we feel that the quality justifies the cost. Additionally, some dogs may not love the taste of this food, so you may need to experiment a bit to see if your pup likes it.

Overall, we highly recommend NutriSource Chicken Meal and Rice Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality puppy food for their large breed dog. The grain inclusive formula meets AAFCO guidelines for all lifestages, and the balanced Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids along with L-Carnitine, taurine, choline chloride and DL Methionine supplementation to promote heart health make NutriSource grain inclusive formulas stand out.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Big Life Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a nutritious and tasty large breed puppy food, Rachael Ray Nutrish Big Life Dry Dog Food is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The savory chicken, veggies, and barley recipe is made with real ingredients that you can see, plus protein and fiber to help keep your big puppy full and satisfied.
• The tasty mix of tender, savory pieces and Nourish-Bites nutrient-packed nuggets will keep your puppy interested in their food.
• Real chicken is the #1 ingredient, providing a good source of protein for your growing puppy.

Cons

• This food may not be suitable for puppies with grain sensitivities, as it contains barley.
• Some customers have reported that their dogs did not like the taste of this food.
• The 40-pound bag may be too large for some customers to handle.

We recently tried Rachael Ray Nutrish Big Life Dry Dog Food for our large breed puppy and were happy with the results. The food is made with real ingredients, including chicken, veggies, and barley, which we appreciated. Our puppy seemed to enjoy the mix of tender, savory pieces and Nourish-Bites nutrient-packed nuggets, and we were happy to see that real chicken was the #1 ingredient.

One thing to note is that this food may not be suitable for puppies with grain sensitivities, as it contains barley. Additionally, some customers have reported that their dogs did not like the taste of this food, so it may not be the best option for picky eaters. Finally, the 40-pound bag may be too large for some customers to handle, but we found that it was a good value for the price.

Overall, we would recommend Rachael Ray Nutrish Big Life Dry Dog Food for large breed puppies who need a nutritious and tasty food option.

I and Love and You Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food, Lamb and Bison Recipe, Grain Free, Real Meat, No Fillers, 11lb Bag

If you’re looking for a high-quality, grain-free dog food for your large breed puppy, the I and Love and You Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The meat is the #1 ingredient, with pasture-raised lamb and bison providing a delicious and protein-rich base for the kibble.
• The recipe is 100% free of grains and fillers like rice, corn, and white potatoes, making it a great choice for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.
• The addition of pre and probiotics helps to promote healthy digestion, while the non-GMO produce and protein ensure that your pup is getting only the best ingredients.

Cons

• Some reviewers noted that the kibble was too small for larger breeds, which could make it difficult for them to chew and digest.
• While the price is reasonable for a high-quality dog food, it may be more expensive than some other brands on the market.
• The lamb and bison recipe may not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary needs or preferences.

Overall, we highly recommend the I and Love and You Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food for large breed puppies. With its high-quality ingredients, grain-free recipe, and focus on holistic nutrition, this kibble is sure to keep your pup happy and healthy.

Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food Chicken and Chicken -amp; Duck Recipes in Bone Broth Variety Pack

If you want your furry friend to have a simple, high-quality diet without any artificial flavors or preservatives, Nutro So Simple Wet Dog Meal Complement is a great option.

Pros

• Made with only 7 natural ingredients, including real chicken as the #1 ingredient and real duck.
• Mix this dog food in with your dog’s favorite Nutro Dry Dog Food for added flavor and ultimate tail wags.
• Crafted with real, recognizable ingredients and without grains, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat or soy, and no artificial flavors*, colors* or preservatives*

Cons

• Expensive compared to other wet dog food options.
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture.
• May not provide enough nutrition as a standalone meal.

We’ve found that Nutro So Simple Wet Dog Meal Complement is a great way to add some variety and flavor to your dog’s meals. The simple recipe with only 7 natural ingredients, including real chicken and duck, is a great way to keep your dog’s diet simple and healthy. We also love that this dog food can be mixed in with dry food for added flavor and nutrition.

However, we do have to note that this dog food can be quite expensive compared to other wet dog food options. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste or texture, so it may not be the best option for picky eaters. Finally, while this dog food is a great way to add some variety to your dog’s diet, it may not provide enough nutrition as a standalone meal.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, simple dog food with real ingredients and no artificial preservatives, Nutro So Simple Wet Dog Meal Complement is definitely worth considering. Just make sure to mix it in with other food to provide a complete and balanced diet for your furry friend.

Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Chicken Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Chicken Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food for large breed puppies.

Pros

• Provides an optimal level of calcium for controlled bone growth in large breed puppies.
• Uses a balanced set of minerals to promote strong bones and teeth.
• Made with natural ingredients and DHA from fish oil to support healthy brain and eye development.

Cons

• Some customers have received the wrong formula when ordering.
• More expensive than some other large breed puppy foods.
• Bag may arrive with tears or holes.

We’ve used Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Chicken Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food for our own large breed puppy and have seen great results. The kibble is the perfect size for our puppy and he loves the taste. We’ve noticed that he has strong bones and teeth, which we attribute to the balanced set of minerals in the food. We appreciate that the food is made with natural ingredients and includes DHA from fish oil, which supports healthy brain and eye development.

While we’ve had a positive experience with this food, we have noticed some negative reviews from customers who received the wrong formula when ordering. Additionally, this food is more expensive than some other large breed puppy foods on the market. Finally, some customers have reported that the bag arrived with tears or holes, which can be frustrating.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Chicken Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food for large breed puppies. It provides the necessary nutrients for controlled bone growth, strong bones and teeth, and healthy brain and eye development.

Purina ONE Plus Large Breed Puppy Food Dry Formula – 31.1 lb. Bag Large Breed Chicken 31.1 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality large breed puppy food, Purina ONE Plus Large Breed Puppy Food Dry Formula is a great option. We highly recommend this food for your furry friend.

Pros

• Real chicken is the number 1 ingredient, providing your puppy with the protein he needs for strong, growing muscles, including a healthy heart.
• Contains DHA, a nutrient found in mothers’ milk, to support vision and brain development, and four antioxidant sources for immune support for dogs.
• High protein and glucosamine for dogs helps maintain an appropriate growth rate and supports joint health.

Cons

• Some puppies may not like the taste of the food.
• The kibble size may be too large for some puppies.
• The price may be higher than some other puppy food options.

We’ve been using Purina ONE Plus Large Breed Puppy Food Dry Formula for a while now, and we’ve noticed a significant difference in our puppy’s growth and overall health. The real chicken and high protein content have helped our puppy develop strong, healthy muscles and a healthy heart. Additionally, the added DHA and antioxidants have helped support our puppy’s vision, brain development, and immune system.

One of the things we love about this food is that it contains no artificial flavors or preservatives and 0 percent fillers, so every ingredient has a purpose. We also appreciate that this food is crafted in Purina-owned, U.S. facilities with a SmartBlend of high-quality ingredients, including omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to support a shiny, healthy skin and coat for dogs.

While some puppies may not like the taste of the food or find the kibble size too large, we’ve found that our puppy loves the taste and has no problem eating the kibble. The only downside to this food is that the price may be higher than some other puppy food options. However, we believe that the added benefits of this food make it worth the extra cost.

Overall, we highly recommend Purina ONE Plus Large Breed Puppy Food Dry Formula for any large breed puppy. It’s a high-quality food that provides all the necessary nutrients your puppy needs to grow and develop into a healthy adult dog.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best large dog puppy food, there are several factors that you should consider. Here are some features to look at:

Nutritional Requirements

Large breed puppies have different nutritional needs compared to small breed puppies. For example, they require a lower calorie intake and a balanced ratio of calcium and phosphorus for proper bone development. Look for puppy food that is specifically formulated for large breed puppies to ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need.

Ingredients

The quality of ingredients in puppy food is important. Look for products that contain high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, beef, or fish, as well as whole grains and vegetables. Avoid products that contain fillers, by-products, or artificial preservatives.

Brand Reputation

Choose a reputable brand that has a good track record of producing high-quality puppy food. Look for brands that have been in the market for a long time and have a good reputation among veterinarians and pet owners.

Price

Price is an important consideration when choosing puppy food, but it should not be the only factor. Some of the best puppy food products may be a little more expensive, but they are worth the investment if they provide your puppy with the nutrition they need.

In summary, when choosing the best large dog puppy food, make sure to consider the nutritional requirements, ingredients, brand reputation, and price. By doing so, you can ensure that your puppy gets the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated foods for large breed puppies?

There are many high-quality puppy foods on the market that are specifically formulated for large breed puppies. Some of the top-rated foods include Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy, Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy, and Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Puppy.

Which puppy foods do veterinarians commonly recommend for large breeds?

Veterinarians often recommend puppy foods that are specifically formulated for large breed puppies. Some of the most commonly recommended brands include Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, and Purina Pro Plan.

How does large breed puppy food differ from regular puppy food?

Large breed puppy food is formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of large breed puppies. These foods typically contain less fat and more protein than regular puppy food, and they may also contain added vitamins and minerals to support bone and joint health.

What ingredients should I look for in a quality large breed puppy food?

When choosing a quality large breed puppy food, look for a formula that contains high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, beef, or fish. The food should also contain a balance of healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Are there specific large breed puppy foods that are recommended for sensitive stomachs?

Yes, there are several large breed puppy foods that are formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Some of the most popular options include Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin, Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet, and Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach.

Can you suggest a healthy large breed puppy food that doesn’t contain chicken?

Yes, there are several healthy large breed puppy foods that do not contain chicken. Some of the top options include Blue Buffalo Life Protection Fish and Brown Rice Recipe, Hill’s Science Diet Lamb Meal and Brown Rice Recipe, and Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice Formula.