Large breed puppies need our full attention not just because they can be tiny terrors on the move, but also because they have specific nutrition needs.
We’re always searching for the best chew toys and other handy products to protect our baseboards and chair legs (been there!). Every waking moment, a puppy needs help developing, right down to its diet, for strong bones and brain development.
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We contacted Dr. Hannah Hart, a veterinarian at Chewy who has been practicing veterinary medicine for over six years and who had a lot to contribute to our quest for the right food for our pup.
“Large-breed puppies have different requirements for fat, calcium, and the ratio of calcium to phosphorus in their food compared to small-breed puppies,” said Dr. Hart.
Dr. Hart believes in tried-and-true brands such as “Purina, Iams, Hill’s, Royal Canin, and Eukanuba” because these brands have science-backed formulas for large-breed puppies that guarantee they meet the highest industry standards.
- Best Overall: Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Large Puppy Dry Dog Food
- Best Value: Iams Proactive Health Large Breed Puppy with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food
- Best Dry: Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
- Best Canned: Purina Puppy Canned Dog Food
- Best for Puppies Over 15 Months: Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food
“Having the right food prevents bone and joint issues in large-breed puppies as they grow and supports a healthy body,” added Dr. Hart. Which is essential in your puppy’s development. Especially when monitoring its growth progress, whether it be different types of wet food or best food for large breed dogs.
“If your puppy is either too thin or has too much body fat for its frame size, this could present a potential issue. The same goes for puppies that are growing too quickly, you may see signs like limping, pain when the limbs are touched, reluctance to run and play as eagerly, or changes in appetite.”
With Dr. Hart’s help, we’ve been able to choose specific products that will meet the needs of every growing pup, from allergy-prone to age, and budget.
Can’t wait to see the products? Skip to the FAQ to answer your burning questions.
Best Overall: Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Large Puppy Dry Dog Food
Pros:
- Supports microbiome and brain development
- Helps build strong immune systems
Cons:
- Not many portion sizes to choose from
Dr. Hart recommends a healthy dose of calcium for large-breed dogs because of their rapid growth rate. “A good amount of calcium in the diet and a proper calcium: phosphorus ratio are essential for ensuring that your pup does not absorb too much calcium from their diet and cause overly rapid bone growth.”
Royal Canin has a perfectly balanced ratio to ensure your pup has all the nutrients it needs for microbiome support, brain development, and a strong immune system.
Best Value: Iams Proactive Health Large Breed Puppy with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food
Pros:
- Good value
- No artificial flavoring or coloring
- Zero filler
Cons:
- No other flavors to choose from
Dr. Hart can’t stress enough how important it is to consult your veterinarian for your pup’s needs. “The veterinarian can assess the puppy’s body condition, determine a predicted adult weight and when the puppy may reach adult size.”
Iams packed this product with the same 22 key nutrients in its mother’s milk. This kibble also has high-quality chicken as its source of protein and is rich in Omega-3 DHA to support a sharper brain function.
Best Dry: Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Pros:
- A great choice for large-breed puppies
- Gentle fibers help promote healthy digestion
Cons:
- Not for adults
This 15-pound bag of kibble contains high-quality protein, ideal for growing pups. It includes a blend of prebiotic fibers to promote gut health and plenty of DHA fish oil to support brain development.
Best Canned: Purina Puppy Canned Dog Food
Pros:
- No artificial flavors or coloring
- Zero fillers
Cons:
- No other flavors to choose from
Larger puppies, with their big appetites, need nourishing meals, which is why Purina offers 13 ounces of real lamb goodness in a case of 12. It is free from artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Best for Large Puppies: Purina Pro Plan High Protein Chicken & Rice Formula Large Breed Dry Puppy Food
Pros:
- Great for bone development
Cons:
- Lack of flavor variety
“Having the right food prevents bone and joint issues in large-breed puppies as they grow and supports a healthy body,” said Dr. Hart. Glucosamine helps nourish joint cartilage and growth, a key ingredient in this top-rated kibble. Made with real chicken and zero artificial flavoring and coloring. It’s available in three sizes: 18, 34, or 47 pounds.
Best Wet Dog Food: Royal Canin Large Puppy Thin Slices in Gravy Wet Dog Food
Pros:
- Super soft for sensitive gums
- Designed for 2-15 months of age
Cons:
- Not for every dog
Crafted for tiny teeth and sensitive gums, this puppy food is ideal for little chewers. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins E and C, and DHA (omega-3 fatty acid), your pup will develop strong bones and healthy brain development.
Dr. Hart recommends an “appropriate level of protein” to build “lean muscle mass” and “strong bones,” this 13-ounce is packed full of the required protein to help your dog flourish.
Best Holistic Choice: Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food
Pros:
- Great for large and giant breed puppies
- Includes antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics, and taurine
Cons:
- One flavor to choose from
“The best protein sources include fish, chicken, beef, and lamb proteins,” said Dr. Hart. She recommends using whole ingredients, which this 30-pound bag has, with zero poultry by-products and lamb meal.
It includes omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, and probiotics for effective gut health and shiny coat development.
Best for Puppies Over 15 Months: Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Pros:
- Best for puppies 15 months or over
Cons:
- None we can list
Eukanuba comes highly recommended by Dr. Hart as a trusted and science-backed product to promote your pup’s health. This rich-in-protein kibble is for puppies 15 months old with an expected weight gain of 55 pounds or more.
“The most important thing for avoiding rapid growth syndrome and ensuring a healthy growth rate is to feed a balanced large-breed puppy food at the recommended amount for the puppy’s size and body condition,” recommended Dr. Hart.
Available in three sizes: 16, 30, 40-pound bags.
FAQ
What are the signs of healthy growth?
Healthy growth is characterized by a well-maintained body condition, active behavior, and a shiny coat. Owners should also watch for any signs of discomfort, such as limping or changes in appetite, which could indicate potential health issues requiring attention.
What do large-breed puppies need in their diet?
Large-breed puppies require specific levels of fat, calcium, and protein to support their rapid growth and development, ensuring healthy bones and muscles.
How important is protein, and what sources are best?
Protein is essential for building strong muscles and bones in large-breed puppies. Optimal sources include fish, chicken, beef, and lamb, which provide high-quality protein for their growth needs.
How does diet affect joint health?
A balanced diet with the right amount of calcium and phosphorus supports proper bone development, which is crucial for maintaining healthy joints in large-breed puppies as they grow. Some puppies may also benefit from joint supplements to further support joint health.
How can owners ensure healthy growth?
Owners can ensure healthy growth by feeding a balanced large-breed puppy food, monitoring portion sizes according to their puppy’s needs, and avoiding premature switches to adult food, which can negatively impact their development.
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
This article was written by Emma Sutton-Williams, New York Post Commerce Reporter. Proud dog mom to a Mini Sheepadoodle named Lucy, Emma routinely tests top-rated pet products with her pup to find the best recommendations for fellow pet owners. In search of the best dog food brands, leashes, harnesses and more, Emma taps veterinarians and experts like Cesar Millan, better known as the “Dog Whisperer,” for pet health advice, FAQs and training secrets. In addition to her work at the Post, Emma’s byline has appeared in Rolling Stone, Oprah Daily, Parents, InStyle, StyleCaster and more.
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