Are you curious to find out the best large breed puppy food?
Let’s review 13 popular dog food brands and see which one is most appropriate for large dogs. We’ll also provide a guide on how to choose and large puppy care tips so that you can ensure a healthy life for your furry best friend.
Methodology
When it comes to puppy food reviews, we leave no stone unturned. Here’s how we chose the food brands that deserve your attention.
Top Ingredients
The first five ingredients in dog food always contain the highest nutritional value. The top ingredient in almost every recipe we stumbled upon was real meat, followed by meat by-products, veggies, fruits, grains, and oils.
AAFCO Guidelines
If you look closely at labels of the finest puppy food brands, you can spot the letters “AAFCO” on their packaging. That stands for Association of American Feed Control Officials. It’s in charge of selecting safe ingredients, laying out pet food label standards, and creating nutritional profiles. And luckily, we found a few AAFCO-approved brands.
Guaranteed Analysis
Puppy food should have a balance between minerals, protein, carbs, and fat. For instance, giant breed puppy diets typically contain 13% fat, 1.2% calcium, 1% phosphorus, and 25% protein. We also found around 4% fiber and 10%–12% moisture in most recipes.
Extra Nutrients
You can find extra nutrients at the back of the giant breed puppy food label. For instance, the most common include omega fatty acids, minerals, antioxidants, vitamins A and E, and zinc. They support dogs’ immunity, build strong bones and healthy joints, and nourish their skin, coat, vision, and brain development.
Place of Manufacturing
We noticed that almost every large breed puppy food is manufactured in the US. When a product is labeled “Made in the USA,” that implies it’s been approved by the Federal Trade Commission. So you can rest assured that the meat, ground rice, or other ingredients were farmed and manufactured in the US.
Value for Money
It seems reasonable for high-quality, large breed puppy food to be more on the expensive side. Subscription-based dog meal plans cost the most, but they’re worth it as you’ll get a meal that’s cooked for your big puppy’s needs. The most expensive dry dog food is around $50 to $65, while the cheapest is roughly $19. Many high-quality brands are currently on sale, so if you’re lucky, you may catch a good deal.
Customer Reviews
When in doubt of the quality, check the reviews — that’s our motto. For our large breed puppy food comparison, we noticed that most of the listed products had very high ratings on Amazon, reaching close to five stars. But we also made sure to include the one-star comments so that you can understand the possible cons.
Ollie Lamb Recipe
Ollie’s lamb recipe is the top puppy food for large breed dogs that suffer from allergies. The offer consists of 14 meals with ingredients from the US and Australia. It’s AAFCO-approved and minimally processed.
Ollie’s subscription-based recipes follow the AAFCO guidelines and are safe enough for people to consume. The lamb recipe is minimally processed, with human-grade ingredients like lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, kale, and rice.
The company’s pasture-raised lamb comes from free-range farms in the US and Australia. The vegetables, seeds, and oils are sourced with care, so the meals don’t contain fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives. It’s the ideal large breed puppy food for allergies as it’s rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, beta carotene, and antioxidants. The Ollie starter box lasts for two weeks in a package of 14 meals.
Product Specifics:
- Pack of 14 meals
- Human grade ingredients
- The first ingredient is lamb meat
- Made in the US and Australia
- For allergic dogs
Pros:
- No fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives
- Minimally processed
- Human-grade
- Vitamins, minerals, fiber, beta carotene & antioxidants
Cons:
- Pricey
- Must be stored in the fridge
Why we choose this product: Ollie’s lamb recipe is an AAFCO-approved meal. It’s minimally processed and with human-grade ingredients from the US and Australia. Plus, it comes in a package of 14 meals.
Pet Plate Chompin’ Chicken Recipe
Introducing Pet Plate’s optimal grain-free large breed puppy food for weight management. It’s made from natural, human-grade, and whole-food ingredients. You can get it as a food topper, too. AAFCO-approved and cooked in a USDA kitchen.
PetPlate is a subscription-based meal plan that sends 21 containers of balanced meals every third week or six containers of food toppers every fourth week. The recipes are made from 100% natural and human-grade ingredients.
PetPlate meals consist of ground chicken, sweet potatoes, chicken liver, green beans, and lentils. They’re low in fat and high in protein. That’s ideal for maintaining a healthy weight, so we rank it the top-notch large breed puppy food with grain-free and whole-food ingredients. Last but not least, the recipe is prepared in a USDA kitchen that satisfies the AAFCO nutritional guidelines.
Product Specifics:
- Subscription-based
- The first ingredient is ground chicken
- Weight control
- Made in USDA kitchen
- AAFCO-approved
Pros:
- Grain-free
- Whole-food ingredients
- 100% natural & human-grade
Cons:
- Pricing depends on the dog’s profile
- Refrigerator storage
Why we choose this product: Pet Plate’s chicken recipe is formulated in a USDA kitchen and AAFCO-approved. That’s ideal for maintaining the weight of large pups. Plus, the formula is with whole food ingredients, grain-free, and 100% natural.
Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food
30 lbs dry dog food based on Holistic Select’s Digestive Health Support System. The recipe contains lamb meal and oatmeal. It’s made in the US and backed up by the company’s Quality Assurance program.
For over ten years, Holistic Select’s nutritionists and veterinarians have been producing a formula based on their Digestive Health Support System — a mix of probiotics, natural fiber, digestive enzymes, and botanicals.
Holistic Select large breed puppy food comes in a 30 lbs package with lamb meal, chicken meal, oatmeal, brown rice, and barley. The recipe is rich in prebiotics and probiotics, digestive enzymes, natural fiber, and yogurt cultures that all contribute to digestion. Also, the food is stacked with omega fatty acids, taurine, and antioxidants. Holistic Select’s facilities are based in the US, and its Quality Assurance program guarantees a good food grade.
Product Specifics:
- 30 lbs package
- Lamb meal & oatmeal recipe
- Made in the US
Pros:
- Based on Digestive Health Support System
- Backed up by Quality Assurance program
- Improves digestion
Cons:
- Not palatable for some dogs
- May cause diarrhea or itching
Why we choose this product: It’s the finest large breed puppy food if you aim to improve your furball’s digestion. Holistic Select works with a team of nutritionists and veterinarians under the Quality Assurance program.
Orijen Puppy Dry Dog Food
Introducing the finest large breed puppy food for pups that lack a rich source of protein and nutrients. Comes in 13 lbs and 25 lbs packages. The formula contains 85% quality raw ingredients. Made in the US and biologically appropriate.
The award-winning Orijen brand guarantees that it will keep your big furball healthy, happy, and strong. Its large puppy formula is grain-free. The main ingredients are from fresh animal sources, including deboned chicken, deboned turkey, flounder, whole eggs, and whole Atlantic mackerel.
Orijen large breed puppy dog food comes in two package sizes — 13 lbs and 25 lbs. The recipe contains 85% quality ingredients, and the raw parts are biologically appropriate. Plus, Orijen’s food is made by trusted experts in award-winning US kitchens.
Product Specifics:
- Made in the US
- The first ingredient is deboned chicken
- 13 lbs & 25 lbs packages
- 85% premium animal ingredients
Pros:
- Biologically appropriate
- Award-winning brand
- Main ingredients include fresh animal sources
Cons:
- May cause soft stool
- May have an unpleasant smell
Why we choose this product: Famous for its award-winning recipes and kitchens, Orijen’s dry puppy food is made of 85% quality and biologically appropriate ingredients. Plus, they’re always from fresh animal sources.
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Dry Dog Food
If your puppy likes chicken, this is the world-class dog food for your large breed puppy. It’s rich in DHA, glucosamine, antioxidants, and protein, with real chicken as the number one ingredient. Comes in three package sizes of bite-sized kibbles.
Purina Pro Plan claims to provide the most advanced nutrition for your pet’s life. Its chicken and rice recipe is rich in DHA, glucosamine, and antioxidants for strong immunity, bones, joints, and healthy brand and eye function.
Purina large breed puppy food is full of protein, including real chicken as the number one ingredient, followed by rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, and poultry-by-product meal (source of glucosamine). The recipe comes in three package sizes — 13 lbs, 34 lbs, and 47 lbs bags.
Product Specifics:
- 13 lbs, 34 lbs, & 47 lbs packages
- Chicken & rice recipe
- The first ingredient is real chicken
- DHA, glucosamine, antioxidants & protein
Pros:
- Supports strong immunity
- Strengthens bones & joints
- Improves the brain & vision
Cons:
- Diarrhea
- Some dogs might vomit from it
Why we choose this product: Purina Pro Plan recipe for large breeds features real chicken as its number one ingredient. The formula has natural sources of glucosamine and DHA for brain development.
Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Recipe
Wellness large breed puppy food is a recipe of deboned chicken, brown rice, and salmon meal. Made in the US in packages of 20 lbs. It’s free from GMO, meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives. Aims for the overall well-being of large puppies.
Wellness supports all aspects of your large fluff’s health — energy, skin, coat, immunity, digestive health, eyes, teeth, and gums. Its large breed formula is GMO-free and without meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives. The main ingredients are deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, ground brown rice, and salmon meal.
The Wellness package for large puppies contains 20 lbs of dry food made in the US. Its globally sourced ingredients include protein and wholesome grains. Also, this top large breed puppy food is full of omega fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants, glucosamine, and probiotics.
Product Specifics:
- US-made
- 20 lbs package
- The first ingredient is deboned chicken
- GMO-free
- No meat by-products, fillers, or preservatives
Pros:
- Whole-body health
- Omega fatty acids and glucosamine
- Vitamins, antioxidants, and probiotics
Cons:
- Upset stomach
- Not palatable for some
Why we choose this product: Wellness is a natural food for large puppies with added vitamins, minerals, and taurine. From head to toe, the recipe aims to support the overall puppy wellbeing. Plus, the first ingredient is real chicken.
Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Plate
The optimal wet large breed puppy food for muscle build-up and energy boost. It comes in a can of 12.7 oz, and the chicken recipe is made in the US. It’s grain-free, with no meat by-products, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Aims for strong muscles and healthy energy levels.
Merrick’s grain-free recipe features a variety of tasty textures in chunky stews. Also, its wet food is cooked in the US and contains whole foods and real hand-stuffed meat. The main ingredients are deboned chicken, chicken broth, deboned turkey, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
It’s the leading large breed wet puppy food with high-quality protein. The formula aims for healthy energy levels and strong muscle mass. It contains DHA, vitamins, and minerals. Also, it’s free from meat by-products, artificial flavors, and preservatives. The food is made in the US and comes in a 12.7 oz can, which you can buy in a pack of twelve.
Product Specifics:
- Made in the US
- 12.7 oz package
- The first ingredient is deboned chicken
- No meat by-products, artificial flavors & preservatives
Pros:
- Strong muscles & more energy
- Whole foods & real hand-stuffed meat
- DHA, vitamins & minerals
Cons:
- Half-filled cans
- May cause bad breath
Why we choose this product: Merrick uses real pieces of meat in a delicious gravy that adds flavor and moisture to your dog’s meals. Its wed food is filled with DHA, vitamins, and minerals from vegetables.
Fromm Family Foods Gold Puppy Dry Food
Fromm Family Foods provides outstanding dry puppy food for large breeds needing a protein boost. Real duck is the first ingredient. Comes in a 33 lbs package, and it’s AAFCO-approved.
Fromm Family Foods is a family-run business in Wisconsin. Its formula for large breed puppies contains ingredients sourced in the US. Real duck is the first and most notable ingredient, followed by chicken meal, chicken, oatmeal, and pearled barley.
Fromm Family Foods is among the top 10 large breed puppy food brands out there. While the formula isn’t grain-free, it contains high levels of animal-sourced protein. It comes in a 33 lbs bag, and the kibbles meet the AAFCO nutritional levels.
Product Specifics:
- US-made
- 33 lbs package
- AAFCO-approved
- The first ingredient is real duck
Pros:
- Animal-sourced protein
- Improves muscle and body strength
- Perfect kibble size for large pups
Cons:
- Isn’t grain-free
- May cause loose stool
Why we choose this product: The formula is AAFCO-approved, with quality ingredients sourced in the US. The kibbles are full of real duck, the perfect protein source for lean muscles and healthy growth.
Chicken Soup for the Soul Dry Dog Food
As one of the five-star large breed puppy food options, Chicken Soup for the Soul offers dry kibble for large puppies in 13.5 lbs and 28 lbs bags. The first two ingredients are real meat, including chicken and turkey. Made in the US and free of wheat, corn, or soy.
Chicken Soup for the Soul has crafted dog meals for over 15 years right here in the US. Its first two ingredients are real meat like chicken, turkey, followed by chicken meal, turkey meal, and cracked pearled barley. The dry kibble comes in 13.5 lbs and 28 lbs bags and is free of wheat, corn, or soy.
The formula contains omega fatty acids, prebiotic fiber, antioxidants, glucosamine, and chondroitin. It’s the most suitable puppy food for large breed fluffs that lack healthy digestion or suffer from skin and coat issues or weak muscles.
Product Specifics:
- US-made
- 13.5 lbs and 28 lbs packages
- No wheat, corn, or soy
- The first ingredient is chicken
- Omega fatty acids, prebiotic fiber, antioxidants, glucosamine & chondroitin
Pros:
- The first two ingredients are real meat
- Healthy digestion
- Luxurious skin & coat
- Lean muscles
- Strong immunity
Cons:
- May cause tummy trouble
- Not delicious for some
Why we choose this product: Chicken Soup for the Soul has a professional background history of over 15 years. It adds real meat as the first two ingredients — the right protein boost that large breed puppies need.
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food
Dry dog food for large breed puppies with sensitive skin and stomachs. Made in the US with no corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or flavors. Real salmon is the first ingredient. Comes in 16 lbs and 24 lbs packages.
Here’s a puppy food that provides 100% complete and balanced nourishment. It’s ideal for big breed pups’ delicate skin and stomach as there’s no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors or flavors. The first component is salmon, followed by easily digestible rice, barley, fish meal, and canola meal.
It’s very good food for your large breed puppy if it has unhealthy skin or coat, as it contains sunflower oil — a rich source of omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A. DHA from the omega-3 fish oil helps your puppy’s brain and vision grow. At the same time, antioxidants keep the immune system robust. Also, the food has guaranteed live probiotics to support digestive and immunological health and natural prebiotic fiber to nourish particular gut bacteria.
Product Specifics:
- US-made
- 16 lbs & 24 lbs packages
- The first ingredient is salmon
- For delicate skin and stomach
- No corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or flavors
Pros:
- Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids
- Guaranteed live probiotics
- Vitamin A and fiber
- Antioxidants for healthy immunity
Cons:
- May cause diarrhea or vomiting
- May have crumbles
Why we choose this product: Purina Pro Plan’s kibble for large puppies is fortified with guaranteed live probiotics and real salmon. It soothes the skin and stomach, and it’s the top large breed puppy dry food for brain, vision, and immunity support.
Eukanuba Puppy Dry Dog Food
33 lbs package of dry kibble for large breed puppies. The first ingredient is chicken. It is the ideal puppy food brand for large breed fluffs to improve muscles, bones, brain function, and energy levels.
For more than fifty years, Eukanuba has produced complete and balanced meals specifically made to boost the body, mind, and energy of growing fluffs. The kibbles for large puppies have chicken as the first ingredient, followed by cornmeal, chicken by-product meal, ground whole grain sorghum, and brewers rice.
Eukanuba’s puppy food for large breeds is full of calcium, phosphorus, DHA, fat, protein, and carbohydrates — essential elements for muscle growth, bone health, brain development, and higher energy levels. You can find this food in a 33 lbs package.
Product Specifics:
- 33 lbs package
- The first ingredient is chicken
- Calcium, phosphorous, DHA, fat, proteins & carbohydrates
Pros:
- Complete & balanced meal
- Muscle and bone health
- Brain development
- Higher energy
Cons:
- Diarrhea problems
- Not tasty for some
Why we choose this product: Eukanuba aims to help your dog develop lean muscles, strong bones, healthy brain function, and better energy. Chicken is the first ingredient. Apart from protein, the recipe offers high calcium, phosphorus, DHA, fat, and carbohydrates.
Solid Gold Natural Puppy Food
4 lb or 24 lbs package of dry dog kibble with US Bison as the first ingredient. It uses non-GMO whole grains and adds fiber, B vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, live probiotics, and omega fatty acids. Comes with a 100% quality guarantee.
Solid Gold is America’s first holistic pet food, and it started its mission over forty years ago. With US bison as the first ingredient, Wolf Cub supports dogs’ overall health and wellness through its rich protein food.
It’s the optimal dog food for a large breed puppy with a sensitive stomach, as Solid Gold incorporates whole superfoods and antioxidants to nourish your large puppy’s healthy bacteria. The whole grains are non-GMO and high in fiber, B vitamins, and minerals. Its kibbles contain live probiotics for the immune and digestive systems. Also, they’re rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, boosting cognitive and heart health, skin, and coat. The food is available in 4 lb or 24 lbs package sizes and comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Product Specifics:
- 4 lb or 24 lbs packages
- The first ingredient is US Bison
- Non-GMO
- For sensitive stomachs
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Pros:
- Fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Whole superfoods and live probiotics
- Rich in omega 3 & 6 fatty acids
Cons:
- May cause flare of anal glands
- Diarrhea problems
Why we choose this product: Solid Gold is the finest puppy large breed dog food for a healthy gut, with whole superfoods and living probiotics. Plus, large furballs will be fueled up by the omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that support the immune system, heart, skin, and coat.
Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Puppy Dog Food
13 oz can of wet food for large puppies with lamb and long grain rice. It comes in a pack of 12 cans, and it’s free from poultry by-products. Rich in proteins, fat, calcium, and DHA.
Purina ONE is among the outstanding large breed puppy food brands that aim to build a strong foundation for big dogs. The recipe comes with lamb and chicken broth, lamb, chicken, liver, and pork lungs in a 13 oz can.
Apart from real lamb as the number one ingredient, the meal has optimal protein, fat, calcium, and DHA level. Plus, it’s free from poultry by-products. You can get this wet food in a package of 12 cans. Giving this canned food to big pups will improve their immunity, skin, coat, and muscles.
Product Specifics:
- Package of 12 (13 oz) cans
- Lamb and long grain rice recipe
- No poultry-by products
Pros:
- Optimal levels of protein, fat, calcium, and DHA
- Real lamb as the first ingredient
- Immunity, skin, coat, and muscle support
Cons:
- Can’t buy only one can
- Possible unappealing smell
Why we choose this product: It’s the finest lamb and rice large breed puppy food in a can. It consists of real lamb, with added minerals, nutrients, and vitamins. The food is ideal for immunity, skin, muscles, and coat.
How to Find a Good Large Breed Puppy Food? Buyer’s Guide
Now that you’ve seen what the top-shelf brands for large breeds have to offer, it’s time to figure out how to choose what’s ideal for your pet. All the answers lay below.
What to Look For?
Rule number one — never go by the looks of the packaging. Instead, read our guide and take notes. Let’s check out the five most essential factors while shopping for a large breed puppy food.
Size & Weight
Before heading to the pet store, visit the veterinarian to find out what’s the optimal meal for your dog’s size and weight. You don’t want your big pup to become obese or underweight. Look for a natural large breed puppy food that’s well-balanced and full of nutrients rather than fillers.
Breed’s Dietary Requirements
Even though all big breeds belong to the same group, each has its health requirements. For example, some large fluffs are more prone to joint inflammation than others, so you should start feeding them glucosamine and chondroitin-rich diets from an early age. Or they may have sensitive stomachs, in which case you should go for minimal-ingredient formulas rich in antioxidants.
Weight Management
Rather than letting it overeat at once, serve your pup smaller portions more regularly. If you can’t feel its ribs or see a rounded tummy, that’s an indication that your dog eats too much and is overweight. If that’s the case, you can find some excellent vet-recommended puppy food that’s low in fat and calories, or go for customizable, subscription-based meals.
Flavor
While some puppies like moisture, others prefer kibble or the taste of raw flesh. There are many flavors you can pick — from chicken and beef to turkey and salmon. Every pet parent should know their big puppy’s favorite type of food and flavor. If not, observe your dog before making a final decision on what to buy.
Budget
Taking care of a puppy is a big responsibility and a considerable expense. Luckily, you can find quality puppy foods for every budget. Plus, you can take advantage of the daily sales. Find a brand that will benefit your large pup’s health and won’t be too pricey for you.
Types of Large Breed Puppy Foods
There are four main types of foods for feeding large breed puppies. Let’s find out more about each of them:
- Dry food comes in the form of kibbles. They’re round and small enough to fit into the mouth of large puppies. The food can be used as-is, or you can mix it with a topper for better nutrition.
- Fresh wet food contains meat, veggies, and fruits. It usually comes in portions that you need to store in the refrigerator. Some of the most popular subscription-based brands offer such fresh wet meals.
- Canned food is a broth-made meal that usually consists of meat, rice, or other vegetables. It’s the top large puppy food for furballs with growing teeth.
- Raw food includes organs, muscles, whole or ground bones, raw eggs, fresh fruits, and vegetables. When your puppy is around 8 to 12 weeks old, you can start offering it raw food.
What Dogs Are Considered Large Breed?
A large-breed dog must weigh at least 50 to 70 lbs and stand at the height of approximately 24 inches. Large dogs thrive in suburban or rural environments where they have more room for adventures.
Before you start feeding large breed puppies, see if you can find them on our list that’s based on AAFCO guidelines:
- Afghan Hound
- Airedale Terrier
- Akita
- Alaskan Malamute
- American English Coonhound
- American Foxhound
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Black Mouth Cur
- Black Russian Terrier
Despite their size, many huge dogs are content to sleep all day if they receive enough daily exercise to burn off their energy.
What Are the Nutritional Needs of Large Breed Puppies?
Puppies need around half of their energy for tissue growth and skeletal development. These calories must come from a natural balance of large breed puppy food.
A calorically rich diet might cause a puppy’s bones to expand faster than usual, resulting in skeletal deformities. Growing puppies require more protein than adult dogs, but too much can lead to calcium and phosphorus imbalances. Vitamin D, vitamin A, copper, zinc, and manganese also influence large pups’ skeletal growth.
Excessive Growth in Large Breed Puppies
A fat puppy isn’t necessarily a healthy puppy. Just as childhood obesity can lead to adult health issues, monitoring a puppy’s weight is crucial to ensure proper development.
It’s far easier to avoid growth problems than to treat them. And the best preventative action you can take is to feed your puppy a top-rated puppy food for a large breed with minimal and natural ingredients. Unbalanced diets can result in nutritional imbalances or excesses like developmental orthopedic diseases or dilated cardiomyopathy.
Excessive growth symptoms include:
- Abnormal posture
- Bent legs
- Extreme obesity
- Aching joints
- Muscle atrophy
- Hip dysplasia
- Trouble walking
In case you notice some of these signs, consult your veterinarian. They’ll help you find a dog food regimen that’s rich in nutrition rather than fat. Also, you can increase your dog’s daily walks or exercise, too.
Feeding Schedule
Naturally, the feeding schedule will follow your schedule, but no matter what, it’s critical for large breed puppies younger than four months to eat multiple times per day. Depending on your puppy’s breed size, you can start to limit the meals to twice a day at around six months.
Even though you’ll find suggested portion sizes based on weight on the back of the giant breed puppy food label, they aren’t always suitable for your puppy. It’s best to pay attention to your dog’s body and talk to your veterinarian.
Also, keep in mind that the urge to go to the bathroom comes right after eating. And if you work away from your house, you can’t feed and walk your puppy as often as needed. In that case, think about hiring a dog walker or ask a neighbor to help you keep your large fluff on its schedule.
Can You Feed Your Large Breed Puppy Human Food?
Yes, but with caution, as many human foods can be harmful puppy food for large breeds. Also, keep in mind that even the best puppy foods can lead to canine obesity in excess, which is a severe health issue in the US.
Here’s a list of human foods that are safe to give to your canine companion:
- Bread is safe to eat, but it doesn’t have any nutritional value.
- Cashews are rich in calcium, magnesium, antioxidants, and proteins.
- Cheese is also acceptable in small quantities.
- Coconut combats bacteria and viruses.
- Corn, as long as it’s off the cob.
- Eggs soothe an upset stomach.
- Ham is okay but high in fat.
- Honey strengthens the immune system.
- Peanut butter is rich in protein.
- Popcorn supports vision and digestion.
- Plain yogurt is also an acceptable snack.
While feeding these human foods is fine, try to give it in smaller amounts. Remember to deduct around 10% of your dog’s usual food beforehand so you don’t overfeed it or disrupt the balanced nutrition.
Top Large Breed Puppy Food Reviews — At a Glance
- Ollie Lamb Recipe: Best overall
- Pet Plate Chompin’ Chicken: Subscription-based chicken recipe
- Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food: Digestion formula
- ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food: Fresh animal-sourced formula
- Purina Pro Plan Puppy Dry Dog Food: Chicken & rice recipe
- Wellness Complete Health Puppy Recipe: Formula for overall well being
- Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Plate: Grain-free chicken recipe
- Fromm Family Foods Gold Puppy Dry Food: Duck formula
- Chicken Soup Puppy Dry Dog Food: Chicken formula for healthy digestion
- Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food: Skin and stomach support
- Eukanuba Puppy Dry Dog Food: Complete & balanced meal
- Solid Gold Natural Puppy Food: Bison recipe
- Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Puppy Dog Food: High protein large breed puppy food
Switching From Puppy to Adult Food
Large breeds weigh between 50 and 100 lbs and need 18 months to two years to mature. So it’s best to select when to switch to adult food after you know when your puppy will reach maturity.
If your puppy is fully developed a couple of months after its first birthday, you can begin to research what’s the best large breed dog food and change its food. That transition can take 7–10 days. Here’s how to do it:
- First and second day: ¾ puppy food and ½ adult food
- Third and fourth day: half puppy food and half adult food
- Fifth to the seventh day: ¼ puppy food and ¾ adult food
- Eight to the tenth day: 100% adult food
Final Thoughts: Finding a Good Large Breed Puppy Food Can Be Hard but Not Impossible
By now, we can tell without a shred of doubt that the ideal food for large breeds is the one that fulfills all of your fluff’s nutritional demands. No food does a better job at this than Ollie’s Lamb Recipe. You’ll get a cardboard box with fresh and customizable meals every two months to ensure your dog has a long, happy, and healthy life. And even though it’s pricey, when your pet eats high-quality meals, they’re less likely to get ill.
But large breed pups also need something to help manage their adventurous and energetic spirit, and we have the perfect idea for that — indestructible dog toys — durable, cute, and entertaining.
FAQ
Is human food good for large breed puppies?
While human foods like almonds, chocolate, cinnamon, garlic, and macadamia nuts can be harmful to dogs, others are entirely safe and can even benefit your pooch. Such foods include carrots, apples, white rice, peanut butter, dairy products, and plain popcorn.
How much protein can a large breed puppy take?
Regardless of their size, puppies need suitable meals for their high energy levels. They should get around 30% protein and 9% fat. But too much protein can cause a calcium and phosphorus imbalance, so be careful.
What is the best food for large breeds?
Our top choice is Ollie. It’s subscription-based fresh dog food. We like the lamb recipe as it focuses on quality, with minimally processed meals. It’s the best large breed puppy food with real animal protein, organ meats, fruits, and vegetables.
