Best Dog Food for Large Breed Puppies: Top Picks and Tips

Large breed puppies require a different diet than smaller breed puppies due to their size and growth rate. Feeding them the right food is crucial to ensure they grow up healthy and strong. In this article, we will be discussing the best dog food for large breed puppies.

When it comes to choosing the right dog food, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, large breed puppies need a diet that is high in protein to support their growth and development. Second, they require a balanced diet that includes vitamins and minerals to support their bone and joint health. Finally, you should avoid feeding them food that is high in calories as this can lead to obesity and other health issues.

The best dog food for large breed puppies is one that meets all of these requirements. It should be high in protein, balanced in nutrition, and low in calories. Additionally, it should be made from high-quality ingredients and be free from fillers and artificial preservatives.

In the next section, we will be discussing the critical things you should pay attention to when purchasing dog food for your large breed puppy. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are feeding your puppy the best food possible to support their growth and development.

Best Dog Food for Large Breed Puppies

As pet owners, we understand the importance of providing our furry friends with the best nutrition possible. When it comes to large breed puppies, it’s crucial to ensure they receive the right balance of nutrients to support their growth and development. With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right dog food for your pup. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best dog food for large breed puppies to help you make an informed decision. Our list includes a variety of options to cater to different dietary needs and preferences.

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your large breed puppy, Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The formula is specially designed to support an appropriate growth rate for large breed puppies.
• Glucosamine supports developing joints and cartilage.
• Vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids nourish skin and coat.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste.
• The kibble may be too large for some puppies to chew.
• The price is higher than some other puppy foods.

We’ve been using Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food for a few weeks now, and we’re really happy with the results. Our puppy seems to love the taste, and we’ve noticed that his coat is looking shinier and healthier than ever before. We also appreciate that the formula is designed to support our puppy’s developing joints and cartilage, which is especially important for large breed dogs.

One thing to keep in mind is that some puppies may find the kibble size to be a bit too large, so you may need to moisten it or break it up into smaller pieces. Additionally, while we think the price is reasonable for the quality of the food, it may be more expensive than some other puppy foods on the market.

Overall, we highly recommend Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food for anyone looking for a nutritious and high-quality food for their large breed puppy.

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 dog food for your large breed puppy, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food is a great choice. With real chicken as the first ingredient, this recipe is packed with protein to help your puppy build and maintain healthy muscles. Plus, it contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to support your puppy’s growth and development.

Pros

• Real chicken as the first ingredient
• Contains DHA and ARA to support cognitive function and retinal health
• Includes exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• A bit more expensive than some other dog foods
• Packaging may vary

We’ve been using Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food for our own large breed puppy, and we’ve been very happy with the results. Our puppy seems to love the taste, and we’ve noticed that he’s been growing and developing well since we started feeding him this food.

One of the things we really like about this dog food is that it contains DHA and ARA, which are important fatty acids found in mother’s milk that can help support cognitive function and retinal health. We also appreciate that it includes exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits, which are carefully selected to support immune system health and a healthy oxidative balance.

Of course, there are a few potential downsides to consider as well. Some dogs may not like the taste of this food, so it’s always a good idea to start with a small bag to see how your pup reacts. Additionally, this dog food is a bit more expensive than some other options on the market. Finally, it’s worth noting that the packaging may vary from what you see in the product images.

Overall, we think that Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality dog food for their large breed puppy. With real chicken as the first ingredient and a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, this food is sure to help support your puppy’s growth and development.

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 dog food that is specially made for large breed puppies, Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Lamb Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is worth considering.

Pros

• Optimal levels of calcium for controlled bone development
• Balanced set of minerals promote strong bones and teeth in large puppies
• DHA from fish oil supports healthy brain and eye development for growing dogs

Cons

• Some puppies may not like the lamb flavor
• May be too expensive for some budgets
• May not be suitable for puppies with certain dietary restrictions

We’ve been using Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Lamb Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food for our own large breed puppy and have been very satisfied with the results. The optimal levels of calcium have helped promote controlled bone development, and the balanced set of minerals has helped our puppy develop strong bones and teeth.

Additionally, the DHA from fish oil has helped support our puppy’s healthy brain and eye development. We appreciate that this dog food is made with natural ingredients and high-quality protein to help our puppy build and maintain lean muscle.

While some puppies may not like the lamb flavor, our puppy has had no issues with it. However, it is important to note that this dog food may be too expensive for some budgets and may not be suitable for puppies with certain dietary restrictions.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Lamb Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality dog food that is specially made for large breed puppies.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult 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 dog food for your large breed puppy, we highly recommend the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food. With real chicken as the first ingredient and no chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives, this natural dog food is a great choice for your furry friend.

Pros

• Real chicken as the first ingredient
• Contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility
• Antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits to support immune system health

Cons

• Formula adjustments may be made from time to time
• Packaging may vary
• May be more expensive than other dog food brands

We have been using this dog food for our large breed puppy for several months now and have noticed a significant improvement in her overall health and well-being. The glucosamine and chondroitin in the formula have helped support her joint health and mobility, which is especially important for larger dogs. Additionally, the antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits have helped support her immune system health.

While the formula adjustments and packaging variations may be a minor inconvenience, we feel that the benefits of this high-quality dog food far outweigh any potential downsides. We highly recommend the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food for any large breed puppy owner looking for a natural, nutritious, and delicious dog food option.

Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe, 30 lbs

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your large breed puppy, Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Made with real chicken as the #1 ingredient, this protein-rich recipe is great for your growing puppy.
• This large breed puppy dry dog food is crafted with no chicken by-product meal, no artificial flavors or colors, no artificial preservatives, no corn, wheat, or soy protein, although trace amounts may be present due to potential cross-contact during manufacturing.
• Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food promotes healthy vitality by supporting healthy brain and eye development, healthy digestion, and immunity for your dog.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of the kibble by itself.
• The cost of this dog food may be a bit steep compared to other brands.
• Some customers have reported issues with the packaging, such as the bag not being properly sealed.

We’ve been using Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food for our puppy for a few months now, and we’ve been very happy with the results. Our puppy loves the taste of the food, and we’ve noticed that he’s been growing and developing at a healthy rate. We appreciate that this dog food is made with high-quality ingredients and doesn’t contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

One thing to note is that some dogs may not like the taste of the kibble by itself. We’ve found that mixing in a bit of wet food or some chicken broth can help make the food more appealing to our puppy. Additionally, the cost of this dog food may be a bit steep compared to other brands, but we feel that the quality of the ingredients justifies the price.

Overall, we highly recommend Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality dog food for their large breed puppy.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food

If you want to give your large breed puppy a high-quality, balanced diet that supports healthy growth and development, then Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Real meat is always the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein for muscle development
• Contains DHA and ARA to support cognitive function and retinal health
• Antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits support immune system health and overall well-being

Cons

• Some puppies may not like the taste or texture of the food
• May be more expensive than other puppy foods on the market
• Some owners may prefer to feed their puppies a grain-free diet

We recently tried Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food with our large breed puppy and were impressed with the results. The food is made with real chicken, whole grains, and garden veggies and fruit, providing a balanced and nutritious meal for our pup.

One of the things we loved about this food is that it contains DHA and ARA, which are important fatty acids found in mother’s milk. These nutrients support brain and eye development, which is crucial during the puppy stage.

Another great feature of Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food is the inclusion of antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits. These bits are carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance.

While our puppy loved the taste and texture of the food, we did notice that some puppies may not be as enthusiastic about it. Additionally, the food may be more expensive than other puppy foods on the market, which could be a drawback for some owners.

Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food for large breed puppies. It’s a high-quality, nutritious food that supports healthy growth and development, and is made by a reputable brand in the natural pet food industry.

Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Blend High Protein Grain -amp; Legume Free Prairie Recipe, 3.5 lb. Bag Prairie Recipe 3.5 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your large breed puppy, Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Blend is a great option to consider. Our experience with this product has been overwhelmingly positive, and we would highly recommend it to other dog owners.

Pros

• Love Is Raw: Our Raw Blend dog food offers the protein-rich taste dogs crave with the nutrition they deserve; the flavor and nutrition of raw is in every bite with freeze-dried raw coating, plus freeze-dried raw chunks
• Feed Your Dog’s Wild Side! Our Prairie Recipe includes six animal protein sources: chicken, turkey, quail, guineafowl, goose and duck
• Whole Prey Ingredients: Feeding your pet a diet similar to what their ancestors enjoyed in the wild helps your pet thrive; 93% of the recipe’s protein comes from animal muscle meat, organ meat and cartilage

Cons

• The price point is on the higher end, which may not be feasible for all budgets
• Some reviewers have noted that there are not enough raw chunks included in the food
• While the product is grain-free, it does contain potatoes, which may not be suitable for all dogs with dietary restrictions

In our experience, Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Blend has been a great choice for our large breed puppy. The high protein content and inclusion of multiple animal protein sources has helped to keep our pup satisfied and energized throughout the day. We also appreciate the use of whole prey ingredients, which we believe is important for our dog’s overall health and well-being.

One thing to note is that the price point is on the higher end, which may not be feasible for all budgets. However, we believe that the quality of the product justifies the cost. Additionally, some reviewers have noted that there are not enough raw chunks included in the food. While this has not been a significant issue for us, it is something to keep in mind.

Overall, we would highly recommend Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Blend to other dog owners looking for a high-quality food for their large breed puppy. It is a great choice for those who prioritize whole prey ingredients, high protein content, and a grain-free diet.

IAMS Proactive Health Puppy Food Large Breed Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken, 30.6 lb. Bag Large Breed 30.6 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a well-rounded puppy food that’s packed with nutrients, IAMS Proactive Health Puppy Food with Real Chicken is a great option.

Pros

• Complete and balanced nutrition with zero fillers
• Omega-3 DHA supports brain development for smarter, more trainable puppies
• High-quality protein supports muscle growth for large breed puppies

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Contains grains, which may not be ideal for dogs with grain sensitivities
• Some customers have reported issues with the packaging

We’ve been using this food for our large breed puppy and have been very satisfied with the results. The high-quality protein has helped our puppy grow strong muscles, and the omega-3 DHA has definitely helped with her training. We’ve also noticed that her coat is shinier and healthier looking since we switched to this food.

One thing to note is that some dogs may not like the taste of this food, so it may take some trial and error to find a food that your puppy enjoys. Additionally, if your dog has grain sensitivities, this food may not be the best option as it does contain grains. Finally, some customers have reported issues with the packaging, so be sure to check the bag carefully when you receive it.

Overall, we highly recommend IAMS Proactive Health Puppy Food with Real Chicken for large breed puppies. It’s a great choice for owners who want a well-rounded, nutritious food that supports their puppy’s growth and 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 are looking for a high-quality dry dog food for your large breed puppy, then Purina ONE Plus Natural Large Breed Puppy Formula is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Real chicken is the number 1 ingredient in this dry puppy food to help provide the protein he needs for strong, growing muscles, including a healthy heart.
• Purina ONE puppy food made with DHA, a nutrient found in mothers’ milk, to support vision and brain development and four antioxidant sources for immune support for dogs.
• Purina large breed dry puppy food with high protein and glucosamine for dogs helps maintain an appropriate growth rate and supports dog joint health.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of this food.
• The kibble size may be too large for some puppies.
• The bag is quite large and heavy, which may be difficult to handle for some people.

We have been using Purina ONE Plus Natural Large Breed Puppy Formula for our large breed puppy for several months now, and we have been very happy with the results. Our puppy loves the taste of this food, and we have noticed that he has been growing at a healthy rate and has plenty of energy.

One of the things we like about this food is that it contains real chicken as the number 1 ingredient. This means that our puppy is getting the protein he needs to build strong, healthy muscles, including a healthy heart. We also like that this food contains DHA, a nutrient found in mothers’ milk, which supports vision and brain development, and four antioxidant sources for immune support.

Another thing we appreciate about this food is that it contains glucosamine for dogs, which helps maintain an appropriate growth rate and supports dog joint health. This is especially important for large breed puppies, as they are more prone to joint problems as they grow.

Overall, we highly recommend Purina ONE Plus Natural Large Breed Puppy Formula for anyone looking for a high-quality dry dog food for their large breed puppy. It is made with high-quality ingredients, and our puppy loves the taste. Plus, it provides all the nutrients he needs to grow up healthy and strong.

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

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

Pros

• Made with natural ingredients
• Contains optimal level of calcium for controlled bone growth
• Uses DHA from fish oil to support healthy brain and eye development

Cons

• Some customers received the wrong flavor
• A few customers reported their dogs experiencing digestive issues
• A bit pricey compared to other brands

We’ve been giving this food to our large breed puppy for a few months now and have been very happy with the results. The kibble is the perfect size for his mouth, and he seems to really enjoy the taste. We also appreciate that the food is made with natural ingredients and contains the optimal level of calcium for controlled bone growth, which is important for large breed puppies.

One thing we really like about this food is that it uses DHA from fish oil to support healthy brain and eye development. We’ve noticed that our puppy is very alert and seems to be learning quickly, which we attribute at least in part to the quality of this food.

While we haven’t experienced any issues with this food ourselves, we did notice that some customers received the wrong flavor. Additionally, a few customers reported their dogs experiencing digestive issues after eating this food. Finally, it’s worth noting that this food is a bit pricey compared to some other brands, so it may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget.

Overall, we would definitely recommend Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Chicken Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food to other large breed puppy owners. It’s a high-quality food that will help your puppy grow and develop properly, and it’s made with natural ingredients that you can feel good about feeding your furry friend.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best dog food for large breed puppies, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features you should look for to ensure that you are providing your furry friend with the best possible nutrition:

Protein Content

Large breed puppies require a diet that is high in protein to support their rapid growth and development. Look for dog foods that contain at least 25% protein, with the majority of that protein coming from animal sources like chicken, beef, or fish.

Calcium and Phosphorus Ratios

Calcium and phosphorus are essential minerals for the development of strong bones and teeth. However, too much or too little of either can cause health problems in large breed puppies. Look for dog foods that have a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of around 1.2:1.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Large breed puppies are prone to joint problems, so it’s important to choose a dog food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin. These nutrients help to support joint health and prevent issues like arthritis.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain development and overall health in large breed puppies. Look for dog foods that contain fish oil or other sources of omega-3s.

Avoid Fillers

Some dog foods contain fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. These ingredients provide little nutritional value and can cause digestive problems in some dogs. Look for dog foods that use high-quality ingredients and avoid fillers.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best dog food for your large breed puppy and ensure that they grow up healthy and strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top recommended foods for large breed puppies by veterinarians?

Veterinarians typically recommend large breed puppy foods that have a moderate calorie content, high-quality protein sources, and a balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio. Some of the top recommended brands include Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, and Purina Pro Plan.

Which dry dog food brands are considered the best for large breed puppies?

Dry dog food brands that are considered the best for large breed puppies include Blue Buffalo Life Protection, Nutro Wholesome Essentials, and Wellness Complete Health. These brands offer high-quality ingredients that support the growth and development of large breed puppies.

Are there any high-quality large breed puppy foods that do not contain chicken?

Yes, there are several high-quality large breed puppy foods that do not contain chicken. Some of these brands include Merrick Grain-Free, Taste of the Wild, and Canidae Pure. These brands offer alternative protein sources such as lamb, fish, and turkey.

What are the nutritional differences between large breed puppy food and regular puppy food?

Large breed puppy food typically has a lower calorie content, a balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio, and a lower fat content compared to regular puppy food. This is because large breed puppies have specific nutritional needs to support their growth and development without putting excess strain on their bones and joints.

How can I ensure that my large breed puppy’s dietary needs are being met?

It is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the specific dietary needs of your large breed puppy. Additionally, it is important to choose a high-quality large breed puppy food that meets the nutritional guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

What should I look for in a dog food to support the growth of a large breed puppy?

When choosing a dog food for a large breed puppy, it is important to look for a brand that has a moderate calorie content, high-quality protein sources, a balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio, and added supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health. Additionally, it is important to choose a brand that meets the nutritional guidelines set by the AAFCO.