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The Best Large Breed Dog Food

Large Breed Dog Collie

Choosing the best large breed dog food can make an enormous difference in the future health of your pet.

That’s because…

There are 2 different types of large breed dog food.

One designed for adults.

And another for large breed puppies.

Unfortunately…

Choosing the wrong one for your dog could lead to permanent bone damage.

Including a crippling form of hip dysplasia.

Especially if you’re feeding a puppy.1 2 3

Are You Feeding
a Puppy… or an Adult?

Large breeds puppies (like labs, goldens and German shepherds) don’t reach adulthood until 12 to 18 months.

Yet giant breeds (like Great Danes and St. Bernards) can weigh over 100 pounds and take up to 24 months before they’re considered adults.

So…

If you’re feeding a large breed puppy

Be sure to visit our Best Large Breed Puppy Food page for our most recent recommendations.

The list below is recommended for large breed adults.

Best Large Breed Dog Foods
March 2024

Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s 15 top-rated large breed dry dog foods for March 2024.

Wellness CORE grain free Large Breed Chicken and Turkey Dry Dog Food

Wellness Core Grain-Free Large Breed Dog Food

Rating:

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, lentils, peas
  • AAFCO: Maintenance
  • Best for: All adult dogs including large breeds
  • Options: See all available recipes

Wellness Core Large Breed formula is a grain-free, high protein recipe with substantial kibble size to promote proper chewing time in larger mouths. Increased amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin also supports bone and joint health in these larger sized dogs.

This recipe contains the perfect amount of fat and calories to help maintain a healthy weight for a dog of this size. A higher quality food with an abundance of animal protein and nutrient-rich vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli.

Key Facts
No meat by-products or fillers
Grain-free. Absolutely no corn, wheat or soy
High protein recipe for strong muscles
No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives

Wellness Core Grain-Free Large Breed is recommended by 94% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is highly recommended for large breed adult dogs.

Read Our Full Brand Review



Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Large Breed Chicken Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed

Rating:

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, chicken meal, dried chicken, oatmeal, barley
  • AAFCO: Maintenance
  • Best for: All adults including large breeds
  • Options: See all available recipes

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Chicken is a great option for those looking for higher protein and an optimal blend of calcium, phosphorus and essential vitamins to help keep bones strong.

Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids found in fish meal and flaxseed ensure a healthy coat. An ideal blend of protein, fat and carbohydrates are also included to assist your large breed dog in keeping a healthy weight. Never any grains or gluten and no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

Key Facts
No poultry by-product meals
Glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints
Antioxidants to boost dog’s immune system
100% Grain-free

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Chicken is recommended by 98% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a great choice for your large breed adult.

Read Our Full Brand Review



Ollie Fresh Dog Food Chicken Recipe

Ollie Fresh

Rating:

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, carrots, peas, rice, chicken liver
  • AAFCO: All Life Stages
  • Best for: All adult dogs including large breeds
  • Options: See all available recipes

All Ollie meals are human-grade and expertly designed by a board certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN). Each recipe is suitable for larger breed adults.

An exceptional, grain-free option. Ideal for those who prefer a fully balanced diet, that’s as close to homemade as you can get. Without all the fuss. Not cheap. Enthusiastically recommended.

Key Facts
Made with fresh poultry. Contains no by-product meals.
Free of BHA or other chemical preservatives
Optimized for the age, weight, activity level and breed size of your pet

Read Our Full Brand Review



Now Fresh Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Adult

Rating:

  • First 5 ingredients: De-boned turkey, whole dried egg, potatoes, peas, potato flour
  • AAFCO: Maintenance
  • Best for: All adult dogs including large breeds
  • Options: See all available recipes

Now Fresh Large Breed Adult contains balanced proteins and fats from turkey, salmon and duck. Contains antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables such as spinach, cranberries, pumpkin, blackberries, and carrots. Great for building a strong immune system to help fight disease.

Recommended for dogs over 50 pounds and between 15 months and 5 years of age. Contains extra nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint care for larger breed dogs.

Key Facts
No by-products or artificial preservatives
Omega-3 and 6 from coconut and canola oil for healthy coat
Probiotics to support digestion
Grain-free. No gluten, wheat, corn or soy

Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Adult is recommended by 100% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a superb selection for your large breed adult.

Read Our Full Brand Review



Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Chicken Dry Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan Adult Dog Food

Rating:

Adult Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice is one of 19 dry recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, rice, whole grain wheat, poultry by-product meal, soybean meal
  • AAFCO: All Life Stages
  • Best for: All adult dogs including large breeds
  • Options: See all available recipes

Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend combines a hard kibble with tender, pieces of real, shredded chicken for enhanced flavor and texture.

A classic, grain-inclusive kibble that derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh chicken and poultry by-product meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs… delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.

Key Facts
Live probiotics to support healthy digestion
Omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
Highly digestible recipe for optimal nutrient delivery
No artificial colors or flavors

This Purina Pro recipe is recommended by 96% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a top pick for large breed adult dogs.

Read Our Full Brand Review



Orijen Six Fish Grain Free Dry Dog Food

Orijen Six Fish

Rating:

  • First 5 ingredients: Whole Atlantic mackerel, whole Atlantic herring, monkfish, Acadian redfish, flounder
  • AAFCO: All Life Stages
  • Best for: All dogs including large breeds
  • Options: See all available recipes

From its founding, Champion Petfoods, the fabled maker of Orijen, has always favored and touted a meat-based, “biologically appropriate” canine diet… a proven, balanced formula which makes this food a top choice for large breed dogs. Highly recommended.

Key Facts
Coated with freeze-dried liver for enhanced flavor
Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
Grain free. No corn, wheat or rice
Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for optimal joint health

Orijen Six Fish Grain Free is recommended by 96% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is an outstanding buy for your large breed adult.

Read Our Full Brand Review



Merrick Grain Free Large

Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed Real Chicken and Sweet Potato

Rating:

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, sweet potatoes, potatoes
  • AAFCO: All life stages
  • Best for: All dogs including large breeds
  • Options: See all available recipes

Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed recipe is a high-protein formula with sweet potatoes, peas, apples and blueberries. These fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants to help fight disease resistance while the significant protein is included to help larger breed dogs retain lean muscles.

Like most large breed dog food formulas, extra glucosamine and chondroitin are essential and included for hip and joint health. Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids are incorporated to enhance a healthy skin and coat.

Key Facts
No artificial preservatives
Grain-free. No corn, wheat or soy
60% protein and healthy fats
No by-product meals

Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed is recommended by 90% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a fantastic choice for large breed adult dogs.

Read Our Full Brand Review



Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Dog Food

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken and Rice

Rating:

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice
  • AAFCO: Maintenance
  • Best for: All adult dogs including large breeds
  • Options: See all available recipes

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult contains a variety of protein sources. These include fresh chicken, chicken meal and egg product… with minimal protein derived from plant-based ingredients. Ideal for mirroring an ancestral diet.

Chelated minerals are also added for superior absorption.

Key Facts
Contains no plant-based protein boosters
No artificial colors or preservatives
Abundance of meat-based protein
Ancestral diet

Diamond Naturals Large Breed recipe is recommended by 91% of actual buyers and earns 4.5 stars on Chewy.com. A great option for your large breed adult.

Read Our Full Brand Review



Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Dog Food

Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Large Breed Adult

Rating:

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, potatoes, chickpeas
  • AAFCO: Maintenance
  • Best for: All adult dogs including large breeds
  • Options: See all available recipes

Wellness Complete Health Large Breed is formulated with glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate for excellent hip and joint health. Balanced blend of high-quality protein, healthy fat and grain-free carbohydrates for extra energy and optimum performance.

Added fiber and probiotics to aid in digestion making it ideal for a dog’s naturally sensitive stomach. Antioxidants to defend against disease and infection.

Key Facts
High-quality ingredients
Salmon oil for healthy skin and coat
Grain free. No corn, wheat or rice
No meat by-products or filler

Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Large Breed recipe is recommended by 100% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and an excellent selection for your large breed dog.

Read Our Full Brand Review



Eagle Pack Adult Large and Giant Breed Dog Food

Eagle Pack Adult Large and Giant Breed Dog Food

Rating:

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, pork meal, ground brown rice, oatmeal, rice
  • AAFCO: Maintenance
  • Best for: All adult dogs including large breeds
  • Options: See all available recipes

Eagle Pack Adult Large and Giant Breed is specially formulated with the right amount of fat, protein and carbohydrates to help larger dogs maintain a healthy weight. Dual animal proteins also help provide lean muscle mass.

This formula contains no corn, wheat, or meat by-products of any kind and has no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Perfectly balanced nutrition for dogs over 50 pounds.

Key Facts
Affordable, budget friendly recipe
Glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints
Traditional grain-inclusive formula
Calcium and phosphorous to support strong bones

Eagle Pack Adult Large and Giant Breed recipe is recommended by 96% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is highly recommended for large breed adult dogs.

Read Our Full Brand Review



Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Dog Food

Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Adult Health Chicken and Oatmeal

Rating:

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, rice, oatmeal, oats, chicken fat
  • AAFCO: Maintenance
  • Best for: All adult dogs including large breeds
  • Options: See all available recipes

Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Adult Health has produced a dog food unique to large and giant breed dogs. It incorporates extra glucosamine and chondroitin for strong joints with calcium and phosphorous for healthy bones.

This special formula also contains specific ingredients for proper canine digestion. This is accomplished by adding probiotics and plenty of fiber to support a healthy gut and chelated minerals for better absorption.

Key Facts
Antioxidant-rich to support cellular health
Free from artificial colors or preservatives
Traditional grain-inclusive formula
Specially formulated for large and giant breed dogs

Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Adult Health is recommended by 97% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a great option for your large breed adult.

Read Our Full Brand Review



Taste of the Wild Wetlands gf Dry Dog Food

Taste of the Wild Wetlands Recipe Adult Dog Food

Rating:

  • First 5 ingredients: Duck, duck meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas
  • AAFCO: Maintenance
  • Best for: All adult dogs including large breeds
  • Options: See all available recipes

Taste of the Wild Wetlands recipe is loaded with animal protein. Not only is duck and duck meal the first two ingredients, but there is also turkey, quail and chicken meal included in this formula.

Real fruits and vegetables are included with antioxidants to fight disease. Probiotics and chelated minerals are also incorporated to aid in digestion and provide superior absorption. A budget-friendly option with extremely high quality, high protein ingredients.

Key Facts
Grain-free. No corn, wheat or rice
Budget-friendly, affordable option
High protein for lean muscle mass
Made in the USA using high quality ingredients

Taste of the Wild Wetlands recipe is recommended by 98% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a fantastic choice for a large breed adult dog.

Read Our Full Brand Review



I and Love and You Nude Super Food

I and Love and You Nude Super Food Poultry Palooza

Rating:

  • First 5 ingredients: Turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, chickpeas, red lentils
  • AAFCO: All life stages
  • Best for: All dogs including large breeds
  • Options: See all available recipes

I and Love and You Nude Super Food Poultry Palooza is made with whole deboned meat and rich antioxidants from real fruits and vegetables. Whole flaxseed, coconut and fish oils are included as well to provide Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to support a healthy skin and coat.

Never any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives and 100% grain-free. Chelated minerals are incorporated to ensure superior absorption and probiotics aid in digestion.

Key Facts
Grain-free. No corn, wheat, soy or rice
No fillers or by-product meals
GMO-free ingredients
Contains probiotics for healthy digestion

I and Love and You Nude Super Food Poultry Palooza is recommended by 95% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and a superb option for large breed dogs.

Read Our Full Brand Review



Go Solutions Carnivore Grain Free Dry Dog Food

Go! Solutions Carnivore Grain Free Dog Food

Rating:

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon meal, de-boned chicken, de-boned turkey
  • AAFCO: Maintenance
  • Best for: All adult dogs including large breeds
  • Options: See all available recipes

Formerly called Go! Fit and Free Chicken, Turkey and Trout, this new recipe is enhanced with plenty of premium-quality animal protein your large breed dog needs to build strong muscles.

Now called Go! Solutions Carnivore Chicken, Turkey and Duck, this formula still holds true to its original great taste and exceptional ingredients. Still no by-product meals, artificial preservatives, or wheat, corn and soy. This protein-rich recipe has plenty of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables which provides ample nutrition for your active large breed adult dog.

Key Facts
Grain free. No corn, wheat or rice
Omega-3 fish oil for healthy skin and coat
High-protein recipe for lean muscles
GMO-free ingredients

Go! Solutions Carnivore is recommended by 97% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and an exceptional selection for large breed adults.

Read Our Full Brand Review



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. 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
  3. Hazewinkel HAW. Nutrition in relation to skeletal growth deformities. J Sm Anim Practice. 1989; 30:525-630
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