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The Best Large Breed Puppy Foods

Best Large Breed Puppy Puppy Food

Choosing the best food for your large breed puppy is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.

That’s because choosing the wrong puppy food… one that contains too much calcium… could cause permanent bone damage and hip disease… for large breeds.1 2

On this page… you’ll find The Dog Food Advisor’s 12 best large breed puppy foods. And we’ll answer the 7 most frequently asked questions we get about feeding large breed puppies.


Editors Choice Logo for Best Large Breed Puppy Food Page

Best Large Breed Puppy Foods
March 2024

Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best large breed puppy foods for March 2024.



Wellness Grain Inclusive

Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy Food

Rating:

Complete Health Large Breed Puppy is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, ground brown rice, salmon meal
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice, oatmeal, barley, oats)
  • Profile: Growth
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds
  • Price: $$

Complete Health Large Breed Puppy derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh chicken as well as chicken meal and salmon meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 14% fat and 45% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.

A safe, balanced calcium design from a trusted brand. Highly recommended.

Read Our Full Brand Review



Orijen Puppy Large Grain Free Dry Dog Food

Orijen Puppy Large

Rating:

This Orijen formula is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Orijen product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, yellowtail flounder, whole eggs, whole atlantic mackerel
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: All life stages
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds (also safe for adults)
  • Price: $$$

Orijen Puppy Large gets the dominant portion of its animal protein from deboned poultry and fresh fish. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 18% fat and 30% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 41%.

A premium large breed puppy food. Highly recommended.

Read Our Full Brand Review



Nom Nom

Rating:

Beef Mash is one of 4 fresh-made recipes included in our review of the Nom Nom Dog Food product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: All Life Stages
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds
  • Price: $$$

Beef Mash derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh ground beef. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 35% protein, 17% fat and 40% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.

If you’ve ever wished you could serve your new puppy a fresh, home-cooked meal… but you don’t have the time for all the fuss… then Nom Nom makes a smart choice.

Made with top-quality ingredients and a balanced recipe designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN).

Not cheap. Enthusiastically recommended for all breed sizes… including puppies of larger breeds.

Read Our Full Brand Review



Jinx Salmon and Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food

Jinx Dry Dog Food

Rating:

Salmon and Sweet Potato recipe is one of 4 dry recipes included in our review of the Jinx product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Salmon, pearled barley, ground peas, turkey meal, brown rice
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (pearled barley, brown rice)
  • Profile: All Life Stages
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds
  • Price: $$$

This Jinx recipe derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 16% fat and 46% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.

A fully-balanced, grain-inclusive dog food. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “I’ve had my pup on jinx for a year now and his tummy issues are no longer an issue. I’ve gone through so many brands before I found jinx and I’m so thankful I found them when I did.”

Read more buyer reviews at ThinkJinx.com

Read Our Full Brand Review



Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula

Rating:

This Large Breed Puppy product is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Lamb, lamb meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (white rice, barley)
  • Profile: All life stages
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds (also safe for adults)
  • Price: $

This Diamond Naturals formula gains the greatest share of its meat protein from fresh lamb and lamb meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.

A safe, budget-friendly option for your large breed puppy. Highly recommended.

Read Our Full Brand Review



Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Puppy Food

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Puppy Food

Rating:

Life Protection Large Breed Puppy Chicken and Brown Rice is one of 21 dry recipes included in our review of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice, oatmeal, barley
  • Profile: Growth
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds
  • Price: $

This Blue Buffalo Life Protection recipe acquires the lion’s share of its meat protein from chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 17% fat and 46% estimated carbs… which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.

A top-rated, large breed growth option at an affordable price. Highly recommended.

Read Our Full Brand Review



Purina Pro Plan High Protein Chicken and Rice Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Food

Rating:

Puppy Large Breed is one of 10 dry recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan Puppy product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, poultry by-product meal
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (rice, corn, wheat)
  • Profile: All life stages
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds (also safe for adults)
  • Price: $

Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy obtains the major portion of its meat protein from chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 15% fat and 45% estimated carbs… which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.

A time-proven field-tested formula with balanced calcium levels ideal for large and giant breed puppies. Recommended with confidence.

Read Our Full Brand Review



Hills Large Breed Puppy

Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy

Rating:

Hill’s Large Breed Puppy is one of 6 dry recipes included in our review of the Hill’s Science Diet product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, whole grain oats, whole grain sorghum, corn gluten meal
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (wheat, oats, sorghum, whole grain corn)
  • Profile: Growth
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds
  • Price: $

Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy derives the dominant portion of its meat protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 14% fat and 48% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.

A classic, balanced design ideal for large breed puppies. Highly recommended.

Read Our Full Brand Review



Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy GF Dry Dog Food

Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy

Rating:

Pacific Stream Puppy is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: All Life Stages
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds
  • Price: $$

This Taste of the Wild puppy recipe derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh salmon and ocean fish meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.

We like the inclusion of omega-3 DHA-rich fatty acid from salmon oil… which helps support brain and vision development in growing puppies.

This super-popular, scientifically-designed, all life stages formula is not only ideal for large breed puppies… it’s also reasonably priced. Highly recommended.

Read Our Full Brand Review



Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy

Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy

Rating:

This Eukanuba puppy formula is one of 14 dry recipes included in our review of the Eukanuba product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, chicken fat
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (wheat, sorghum, brewers rice)
  • Profile: Growth
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds
  • Price: $

Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed gains the principal part of its meat protein from fresh chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 16% fat and 48% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 55%.

A classic puppy design that’s especially popular among large breed enthusiasts. Highly recommended.

Read Our Full Brand Review



Royal Canin Large

Royal Canin Large Puppy

Rating:

Royal Canin Large Puppy is one of 4 dry recipes included in our review of the Royal Canin product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Corn, chicken by-product meal, wheat, wheat gluten, chicken fat
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (wheat, wheat gluten, brewers rice, brewers rice flour)
  • Profile: Growth
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds
  • Price: $

This Royal Canin large breed puppy formula derives the dominant portion of its meat protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 16% fat and 45% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.

A vet-designed, grain-inclusive formula ideal for large breed puppies. Highly recommended.

Read Our Full Brand Review



Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy Food

Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy

Rating:

Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy is one of 19 dry recipes included in our review of the Nutro Natural Choice product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain sorghum, whole grain brown rice, whole grain barley
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (sorghum, brown rice, barley)
  • Profile: Growth
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds
  • Price: $$

This Nutro Large Breed Puppy formula acquires much of its meat protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 16% fat and 48% estimated carbs… delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 54%.

A time-proven, fully-balanced large breed puppy food with added omega-rich fish oil. Highly recommended.

Read Our Full Brand Review



Chicken Soup Large Breed Puppy

Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed Puppy Recipe

Rating:

This Chicken Soup formula is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Chicken Soup for the Soul product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, cracked pearled barley
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (barley, brown rice, oatmeal, millet, white rice)
  • Profile: All life stages
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds (also safe for adults)
  • Price: $

Chicken Soup Large Breed Puppy derives the bulk of its animal protein from poultry and poultry meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 14% fat and 48% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.

A top-rated, large breed puppy food at an affordable price. Highly recommended.

Read Our Full Brand Review




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 it’s not possible to know (in advance) your puppy’s adult weight before she’s fully grown

It’s far safer to use a more conservative 50 pound definition for large breed dogs proposed by others.4 5 6 7 8

So…

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


Why are large breeds more prone to hip dysplasia?

Hip disease in large breeds is caused by at least one of 3 proven factors:

  1. Genetics9
  2. Overfeeding10
  3. Too much calcium in the diet11

So, since there’s nothing you can do to change your puppy’s genetics

Be sure to avoid feeding too many calories or too much calcium… factors that can significantly increase your puppy’s risk of hip dysplasia.


How can I tell if a dog food is safe for large breed puppies?

According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)…

The maximum amount of calcium recommended for large breed puppies is 4.5 grams of calcium per every 1000 kcal (calories) in the food… or 1.8% calcium.12

Keep in mind… the calcium content printed on the label does not reveal this amount.

That’s because those figures are based on MINIMUMS… which is NOT acceptable.

You want to know the EXACT amount of calcium obtained by actual lab testing (by asking the company)…

Or the MAXIMUM amount the manufacturer is willing to guarantee to you on the label.

Thankfully…

AAFCO now requires13 those calcium standards to be guaranteed in each product’s Nutritional Adequacy Statement on the packaging.

You should see “meets AAFCO nutrient profiles” for either “growth” or “all life stages”… AND the words… “including growth of large size dogs (animals weighing over 70 pounds)”.

Like this…

Statement showing dog food suitable for large breed puppies

Since we never know the adult weight of a puppy before it’s fully grown, we recommend using a more conservative 50 pound definition for large breeds.

By the way…

All The Dog Food Advisor’s recommended large breed puppy foods meet these requirements. So, there’s no need for you to do any calculations yourself.


How much food should I feed my large breed puppy?

Measuring Cup with Kibble

Determining how much to feed your large breed puppy is a processNOT a one-time decision.

Since a large breed puppy consumes more food each day than a smaller breed…

And because each dry food contains a different number of calories per cup…

It’s best to start with the recommended feeding amount printed on the package. Then, adjust that amount… to keep your puppy at her ideal weight.


How often should I feed my large breed puppy?

Once you’ve determined how much to feed your puppy per day

Simply divide that daily feeding amount into 3 or 4 smaller servings.

Then… feed those smaller portions to your puppy at regular intervals throughout the day.

To make it easy…

Try feeding your puppy whenever YOU eat… breakfast, lunch and dinner.


When should I switch my puppy to adult food?

Keep in mind…

Adult dog food can contain excessive amounts of calcium… which can make it unsafe for a puppy that’s still growing.

So… it’s important NOT to switch your puppy to adult food too soon.

With that in mind…

The best time to switch your puppy to adult food depends on her breed type.

The table below can help you determine when it’s safe to switch your large breed puppy to adult dog food.14 15

Breed Type Adult Weight Switch to Adult
Large breed 50 – 100 lbs 12 – 18 months
Giant breed Over 100 lbs 18 – 24 months

Keep in mind…

It’s much safer to keep your dog on puppy food too long… than to switch to an adult food too soon.


Is it safe to let my puppy eat whenever she wants?

‘Free choice’ is a popular feeding method whereby the food remains in the bowl all day long… so a puppy can eatwhenever she wants.

Sadly, many owners of large breed puppies mistakenly believe that this form of uncontrolled eating is the correct way to feed their pets.

But free choice feeding has been shown to cause a puppy to grow too fast… and lead to lasting bone damage.

A 1995 study of Great Danes revealed a significant increase in the risk of developing hip dysplasia when the puppies were fed free choice.16

In another study, one group of Labrador Retriever puppies was fed throughout life a restricted calorie diet… while a second was fed free choice.17

The restricted calorie group experienced a much lower risk of developing hip dysplasia later in life.

So, be sure to control the amount of food and the way you feed your puppy every day.

A Final Word

The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.

However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.

For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.

References

  1. Lauten SD, Nutritional Risks to Large Breed Dogs: From Weaning to the Geriatric Years, Vet Clin Small Anim 36 (2006) 1345–1359.
  2. Hazewinkel HAW. Nutrition in relation to skeletal growth deformities. J Sm Anim Practice. 1989; 30:525-630
  3. Association of American Feed Control Officials
  4. Lauten SD, Nutritional Risks to Large Breed Dogs: From Weaning to the Geriatric Years, Vet Clin Small Anim 36 (2006) 1345.
  5. IAMS, “How to Transition Your Puppy to Adult Food
  6. Purina, “When to Switch from Puppy Food to Adult Dog Food
  7. Royal Canin, 56-pound definition for large breed adult dogs
  8. Yuill C, DVM, MSc, CVH, “Nutrition: General Feeding Guidelines for Dogs”, VCA Hospitals (November 2011)
  9. Hedhammar A, Canine hip dysplasia as influenced by genetic and environmental factors, EJCAP, Oct 2007, 17:2 (pp 141-143)
  10. Kealy RD et al, Effects of limited food consumption on the incidence of hip dysplasia in growing dogs, JAVMA, Sep 1992, 201:6 (pp 857-863)
  11. Richardson, Skeletal diseases of the growing dog: Nutritional influences and the role of diet, Canine Hip Dysplasia: A Symposium Held at Western Veterinary Conference, 1995
  12. Calculated by dry matter basis
  13. Since January 1, 2018
  14. IAMS: Is Your Puppy Ready for Adult Dog Food?
  15. Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition (1999), Canine Life Stages and Lifestyles, The Waltham Course on Dog and Cat Nutrition, p. 4
  16. Zentek J, Meyer H, Dammrich K. The effect of a different energy supply for growing Great Danes on the body mass and skeletal development. Clinical picture and chemical studies of the skeleton. Zentralbl Veterinarmed A 1995;42(1):69–80.
  17. Smith GK, Paster ER, Powers MY, et al. Lifelong diet restriction and radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis of the hip joint in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2002;229(5):690–3.
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