Best Large Breed Puppy Dog Food

How Many Times Should You Feed A Golden Retriever Puppy

From the day you bring them home until they are six months old, you should feed your golden retriever puppy three times a day. Ideally, your pup should have breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. Create your puppys feeding plan based on your lifestyle and commitments but try to maintain a regular schedule of equally spaced meals.

How Large Is A Large Breed Puppy

First thing first, you actually need to understand the term large breed to begin with.

Large breed is basically any breed that can grow more than 50 pounds and taller than 24 inches. Now, I know that is for a grown-up dog. For puppies, the numbers actually vary from breed to breed. Many large breed puppies dont even look bigger than any other breed but they will grow faster.

Best Dog Foods For Large Breed Dogs In 2022

Owning a big dog comes with big responsibilities, the most important of which is providing for your dogs nutritional needs. Though all dogs have the same basic nutritional requirements, large breeds have a higher risk for musculoskeletal issues and higher needs for protein to support lean mass.

The best way to meet your dogs needs is to feed him a high-quality dog food formulated for large breeds. Keep in mind, however, that not all dog foods are created equal. It is your job as a dog owner to do your research and to make a smart choice for your dog.

In this article, well review the nutritional requirements of large breed dogs and how they differ from those of smaller dogs. Well also teach you what to look for when shopping for large breed dog food and provide you with our top 10 picks for the best food for large breed dogs.

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The Were All About Cats Standardrating Blue Buffalo On What Matters

Weve rated the brand on six key criteria for quality. Heres how it rates in each of these six crucial areas.

• Recall History 3/10

Overall Score: 6.17/10

Overall, we give Blue Buffalo a C grade. It receives high marks for affordability and offers decent product variety, but many of the recipes arent species-appropriate and customer experience varies greatly. The brand has also had a significant number of recalls.

Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Health Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Recipe

Some dog breeds are large, and others are giant. If you have a giant breed like a Great Dane, you might want to look for a recipe formulated specifically for giant breeds like this Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Health Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Recipe. This formula features chicken meal as a concentrated source of lean protein as well as a natural source of joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin. It is made with digestible whole-grain carbohydrates and supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources for key nutrients. This recipe is loaded with natural flavor and contains plenty of fiber as well as probiotics for healthy digestion. It also contains taurine and L-carnitine to support your dogs healthy heart function.

• Pros: Formulated for large and giant breeds, highly digestible, whole-grain carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, glucosamine and chondroitin, supports heart health, complete and balanced
• Cons: May be too high in calories for some dogs

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Best Large Breed Dog Food

Once your big pooch has finished growing, its time to start transitioning him to an adult formula. Adult large breed dogs still need a little more protein and less fat than small and medium-sized doggos, but they dont need as many calories as a puppy.

An adult formula will offer many of the same benefits as the large breed puppy foods will, but with subtle differences to the formula. While adults and puppies all need the same nutrients, they require them in different quantities.

How Do I Know If My Puppy Is A Large Breed

The pet food industry3 defines a large breed puppy as one whose ADULT weight is expected to be more than 70 pounds.

However

Since its not possible to know your puppys adult weight before shes fully grown

Its far safer to use a more conservative 50 pound definition for large breed dogs proposed by others.45678

If you expect your dog to weigh over 50 pounds when fully grown then shes considered a large breed puppy.

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Best Overall Dry: Purina Pro Plan Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula

• Available in large and small breed formulas

• No artificial colors or flavors

With their rapid growth, puppies benefit from a higher protein diet, comprising between 22-32 percent of their food intake. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula accounts for this, with a higher proportion of protein, plus a puppy-optimal ratio of fats and carbohydrates, in their puppy food. Thats just one way a puppy-specific formula addresses a young dogs unique needs, providing a diet designed to prevent the onset of orthopedic diseases or obesity.

The Purina Pro Plan Puppy formula uses high-quality proteinderived primarily from chickenfor muscle development, plus bone health ingredients like calcium, phosphorous, and other minerals. The formula also includes probiotics for digestive health, omega-6 fatty acids derived from fish oil, and a wide spectrum of vitamins.

The bag even includes a helpful chart providing month-to-month serving size guidance based on the anticipated adult weight of your puppy. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula is available in 6-, 18-, and 34-pound bags. Purina also offers several variations on the standard puppy food formula, with Purina Pro Plan foods designed for large breeds, toy breeds, and young dogs between the age of one and two.

Available Flavors: Chicken, lamb, beef | Nutritional Specs: 28% protein, 18% fat, 12% moisture

The 10 Best Dry Dog Food For Large Breeds

Edited by:

Bestfor Active Dogs: Orijen Dry Dog FoodOrijen Dry Dog Food is the ideal dog food for all life stages. It is made with nutritional value beneficial both for puppies and adult dogs.

A large breed dog is any pup that weighs 50 pounds or more when theyre fully grown. Some common large breeds include Dobermans, Golden Retrievers, and Huskies.

If youre the pet parent of one of these big fur babies, you should know that the best dry dog food for large breeds is a little different from other kibbles. They need some specific stuff in their diet for them to live the healthiest, happiest life.

Weve reviewed some dog foods that would be great for your large breed. After all, we all want our big babies to be healthy and goofy!

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Should Large Dog Breeds Eat A Grain

In case you arent familiar with the term, a BEG diet is one that consists of boutique, exotic, and grain-free foods. While the FDA hasnt released an official statement about the safety of grain-free diets for dogs, they have released statements over the years in response to reports that link pet foods containing lentils, peas, legumes, and potatoes as main ingredients with canine dilated cardiomyopathy , a serious heart condition those ingredients are usually what takes place of the grains in certain foods. Because of this, most pet experts are against grain-free diets. Large breed dogs typically should not be fed a grain-free diet unless prescribed by their veterinarian, Dr. Navratik explains. Other veterinarians note that many BEG diets arent formulated to meet the specific nutrient needs of large breed dogs.

Nutrition For The Outside

One of the most visible components of your dog is its fur. Youve probably noticed that a nice, shiny coat gets a lot of attention from dog lovers! Nutrition plays a vital role in this area.

A large percentage of the protein your puppy takes in goes towards maintaining its coat. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin and fur.

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Whats The Difference Between Large Breed Dog Food And Regular

Large breed dog food is different than regular kibble in both size and composition. Here are some of the differences:

• Big Kibble Size. Dry dog food made specifically for large dogs features larger kibble, which supports chewing. Chewing the food is important because it helps with nutrient breakdown and absorption.
• Joint Health. Large breed dog food often contains higher amounts of joint-friendly nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin. Regular food is rarely supplemented as small, and medium-breed dogs are less prone to joint issues.
• Calorie Content. Large breed dog food, especially large breed puppy food, is made to be slightly less energy dense. This is to enable the puppy to grow at a healthy pace its bones can keep up with. If the food is too calorically dense, it may encourage the dog to grow too fast and cause or contribute to health issues.
• Digestive Supplements. Large breed dogs can have digestion issues. Large breed dog food is often supplemented with e helpful to have prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. They support a healthy gut biome and digestion.

Different Breeds Different Needs

If you have a dog, you know that choosing the right food for them is essential. Thats why you might be looking for the best natural dog food or the best grain-free food for your pets specific needs. But did you know that size also plays a big role when it comes to the best diet for your dog? Well, it does, which is why you want to be smart about choosing the best large breed dog food if you have an oversized fur baby at home. Before we get into the specific vet-approved recommendations, there are a few things you need to know.

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Aafco Nutritional Adequacy Statement

The Association of American Feed Control Officials, or AAFCO, recommends nutrient profiles for pet foods based on the most recent research in pet nutrition. However, they do not inspect, approve, certify or regulate pet foods. Instead, the organization provides a standard for each states feed laws. But in order to be marketed as complete and balanced, foods must meet nutritional standards outlined in AAFCOs minimum requirements.

Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula

About: Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula is a bison-based formula thats great for protein-sensitive pooches. The round kibble shape and size is well-suited for your growing large breed puppy too.

Best Exotic Protein Recipe for Large-Breed Puppies

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Different Dogs Different Diets

Nutritional needs vary from breed to breed. One only needs to look at golden retrievers to know they require a different diet than a Chihuahua!

Large breeds have special requirements, and its important that they be met. For example, joint and bone problems are much more common in big dogs than in little ones, but choosing the right puppy food can reduce the risk.

Large-breed puppy food has reduced amounts of calcium and phosphorus, which helps control the rate of skeletal growth. Also, you may find puppy foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility.

With proper nutrition, you can lessen your dogs chances of developing conditions such as arthritis and hip dysplasia.

Best Large Breed Dog Foods 2022

Every dog is different, and their nutrition is a big part of what keeps them healthy and happy. Big dogs have some extra special requirements to support their stature and weight and to help you find the right diet, check out our list of the best large breed dog foods. What is large breed dog food?

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What Should You Look For In Large Breed Dog Food

You should take several factors into consideration, including your dogs age, breed, size, and activity level. For instance, large breed puppy foods should have a good amount of protein. They should have 30 percent protein and 9 percent fat on a dry matter basis in addition to calcium amounts up to 1.5 percent and phosphorus around 0.8 to 1 percent DM, explains Michelle Burch, DVM, a veterinarian with Safe Hounds Pet Insurance. Large breed puppy foods should also not be fed to a dog in all its life stages.

For adult dogs, youll need a diet that provides a balanced ratio of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Pay close attention to the labels on dog food and look for foods labeled complete and balanced, which is the best indicator that a food has all the necessary nutrients, says George Melillo, DVM, Chief Veterinary Officer and cofounder of Heart + Paw. Beyond that, of course, youll want to take your dogs special needs and preferences into consideration, as well as consult your vet. The expert-approved picks on this list will get you off to a good start and help your dog live a long, healthy life.

via chewy.com

So What Is The Best Dog Food For Large Breed Puppies

Weve identified five of the top-rated dog foods, perfect for your large breed puppy. They are:

1. Diamond Natural Large Breed Puppy, Lamb and Rice

2. Purina ONE SmartBlend Large Breed Puppy Formula

3. Wilderness by Blue Buffalo Large Breed Puppy Food

4. Hills Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Food

5. Iams Proactive Health, Large Breed Puppy Food

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Best For Seniors: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula

Aging may be a fact of life, but the right food can help your pet stay healthier in his golden years. This food is rich in antioxidants, which helps senior dogs be more active, Fuller explains. The contents found in this dog food primarily promote muscle maintenance and immune health. And thats not all: Its also packed with vitamin E, which helps prevent tissue damage associated with aging in dogs, as well as glucosamine, which wards off joint disease. That way, your furry BFF will be by your side for years to come. FYI, these dog breeds live the longest.

Highlights:

via chewy.com

What Should I Feed My Eight

At this point, golden retriever puppies have likely already been switched to dry puppy food and you should continue feeding your pup the same type of food the breeder used. You shouldnt change your pups food at this time unless you have major concerns. An eight-week-old puppy should eat around 1 ½ cups of kibble a day.

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What Should I Look For In Large Breed Dog Food

When shopping for the best large breed dog food, there are several factors you need to consider. Here is a short overview of those factors:

• Protein. Protein is the building block of muscle. Adult dogs require less protein than puppies, and an excessive intake of protein can lead to calcium and phosphorus imbalances that can cause a host of issues, from kidney problems to joint and bone issues.
• Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio. Large breed dog foods will contain lower calcium levels, especially in large breed puppy food formulas. This is to prevent malformation of bones and joints in large breeds that grow at a very rapid pace. Phosphorus works with calcium to grow strong bones and keep them healthy. A typical ratio in large breed puppy food will be 1:1 calcium to phosphorus, while a large breed adult formula will be around 1.3:1.

• Joint Health. Look for things like manganese, vitamin A, glucosamine, and chondroitin. All of these are required for healthy bones and joints, which large breeds are known to have issues with.
• Life Stages. Pay attention to what stage of life the food is formulated. Large breed puppies will require different nutrition than large breed adult dogs or senior dogs.

How To Choose Dry Puppy Food For Large Breeds: The Buying Guide

How do you choose the dry puppy food for large breeds? You must consider many things, such as the brand name, price, and product quality. In addition, you should also consider whether it is suitable for your needs or not.

So how do you choose the right dry puppy food for large breeds? Here are some tips that you can use to help you find a good product:

What you Should Keep in Mind When Buying dry puppy food for large breeds

When shopping for a dry puppy food for large breeds, there are several things to consider. You need to think about the quality of the product, the price, and even how much it will benefit your life. However, you also need to keep these factors in mind:

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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large

About: Blue Buffalos Large-Breed Puppy Formula is a solid all-around large-breed puppy food. Offered in puppy-sized kibble chunks with added antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits, Blue Buffalos Large-Breed Puppy food ensures proper growth and lifelong health.

Best Overall Large-Breed Puppy Food

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