This (updated) guide covers all of the best large-breed puppy foods available this year.
All of these products are top-of-the-line best foods selected on the basis of my 40-point inspection.
If you are changing your pup’s diet, I highly recommend checking out my latest guide here on the proper way to switch dog food.
Let’s dive in…
The Best Large Breed Puppy Foods
| Top Picks | Top 5 Ingredients |
|---|---|
| 1. Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy Food (Best Dry Meal) | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Ground Brown Rice, Salmon Meal |
| 2. Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Chicken Entree Canned Food (Best Wet Meal) | Chicken, Liver, Meat By-products, water, Rice |
| 3. Nom Nom Fresh Food (Best Fresh Meal) | Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach |
| 4. Iams ProActive Health Puppy Large Breed Dog Food (Best Budget Pick) | Chicken, Ground Corn, Ground Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Grits |
| 5. Purina ONE SmartBlend Large Breed Puppy Dog Food (Best For Joint Health) | Chicken, Rice Flour, Soybean Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn |
How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick
Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy Food
Best Overall
Rating: 
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Ground Brown Rice, 5. Salmon Meal
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable for: Large, Giant Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,533 kcal
- Form: Dry
Due to a faster potential growth rate and a longer growth cycle, your large breed puppy requires complete nutrition to support its physical composition.
The Wellness Large Breed Complete Health dry dog food offers balanced everyday nutrition prepared with delicious deboned chicken and includes added DHA and regulated calories for a healthy brain, bone, and eye development. This formula is one of the best puppy foods for large breeds.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 29%, Fat (min.) 13%, Fiber (max.) 5%, Moisture(max.) 10%
Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Chicken and Rice Canned Food
Best Wet Meal
Rating:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Liver, 3. Meat By-products, 4. water, 5. Rice
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 1,292 kcal
- Form: Wet
Nourish your growing puppy and serve specialized nutrition with Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Classic Chicken & Rice Entree Canned Dog Food. Featuring real chicken as the main ingredient along with other purposeful nutrients for their developing muscles and immune system.
The added DHA guarantees excellent cognitive development while omega-6 fatty acids ensure healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 10%, Fat (min.) 7%, Fiber (max.) 1.5%, Moisture(max.) 76%
Nom Nom Fresh Food
Best Fresh Option
Rating:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Ground turkey, 2. brown rice, 3. eggs, 4. carrots, 5. spinach
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 1,479 kcal
- Form: Fresh
When it comes to large breed puppy food, Nom Nom dominates every single competitor. That’s because their diets are tailor-made for every unique pup. You can start by selecting from four different recipes; our favorite for larger puppies is the Turkey Fare. It’s made completely from real foods like ground turkey, brown rice, peas, carrots, and spinach.
Nom Nom cooks fresh food in specialized kitchens and delivers it to your doorstep in sealed containers. The fresh meals are bursting with flavors and offer more energy, better absorption, and improved growth potential for puppies compared to dry kibbles. Although the subscription is a little expensive, the health benefits of Nom Nom for your puppy in the long-term are definitely worth it.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 10%, Fat (min.) 5%, Fiber (max.) 1%, Moisture (max.) 72%
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Food
Best Grain-Free Option
Rating:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Buffalo, 2.Lamb meal, 3. Bison, 4. Pea protein, 5. Egg product
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,656 kcal
- Form: Dry
The nutrient-rich and digestible recipe is a combination of natural ingredients with real buffalo and other protein-rich options such as roasted beef, venison, and bison for lean nutrition to support growth in puppies.
Every product under the Taste of the Wild banner is a winner, but this one’s my personal favorite for puppies as it offers perfectly balanced nutrition and guaranteed levels of DHA.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 28%, Fat (min.) 17%, Fiber (max.) 5%, Moisture(max.) 10%
Instinct Raw Boost Large Breed Puppy Grain-Free Chicken Dog Food
Rating:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Peas, 3. Chicken Fat, 4. Freeze Dried Chicken, 5. Pumpkinseeds
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable for: Large Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 4,230 kcal
- Form: Dry
Instinct’s Raw Boost is full of calories and raw-diet benefits to support the growth spurts of big puppers. It has a guaranteed 33.5% protein content to build muscle and regulate hormone production for steady growth. Non-grain carbs like peas and tapioca are used to fuel your large pup through their most active stage of life.
Moreover, the food contains freeze-dried chicken meat to give your dog an extra protein boost and increase their overall strength. Puppies are also vulnerable to allergies and rashes, which is why the formula contains omega fatty acids to fight inflammation and promote a soft, healthy coat.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 33.5%, Fat (min.) 18.5%, Fiber (max.) 5%, Moisture (max.) 9%
ORIJEN Puppy Large Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food
Best Premium Option
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Deboned Turkey, 3. Eggs, 4. Chicken Heart, 5. Whole Red Lentils
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable for: Large, Giant Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,760 kcal
- Form: Dry
Orijen Large Puppy Food is a worthy premium option for those looking to feed their puppies the best possible diet. It’s packed with premium-grade proteins from chicken, turkey, and mackerel to promote more muscle growth in larger puppies. Nearly 85% of those proteins are animal-based and offer a lot more nutrients than just amino acids.
Since the recipe is free from grains, it makes an ideal choice for puppies with allergies. As an alternative, the brand uses lentils, peas, and beans because they’re easier to digest and provide just as many carbs. The food will also be a pleasant surprise for finicky puppies since it’s coated with freeze-dried liver that gives the kibbles a meaty flavor.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 38%, Fat (min.) 16%, Fiber (max.) 4%, Moisture (max.) 12%
Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Large Breed Dog Food
Best Low-Budget Option
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Ground Wholegrain Corn, 3. Ground Wholegrain Sorghum, 4. Chicken By-Product Meal, 5. Corn Grits
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable for: Large, Giant Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,586 kcal
- Form: Dry
This special Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food recipe offers complete and balanced nutrition for growing pups. The formula is crafted to meet the nutritional requirements of large and giant breed puppies to aid in their overall health and development.
The presence of DHA and natural fish oils along with protein-rich ingredients play a vital role in optimal cognitive development.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 26%, Fat (min.) 14%, Fiber (max.) 4%, Moisture(max.) 10%
Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Best For Weight Gain
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Corn, 3. Wheat, 4. Chicken Fat, 5. Ground Grain Sorghum
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable for: Large, Giant Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,723 kcal
- Form: Dry
Giant pups are highly active and can become underweight if they don’t eat enough calories. But not with Eukanuba Puppy Food. This high-energy formula is specifically made for athletic puppies and features nearly 357 kcal per cup. Most of its calories come from wheat, sorghum, and chicken fat to promote digestion and a healthy coat at the same time.
Moreover, protein is abundant in the recipe at 26% minimum content from deboned chicken to accelerate muscle growth. Puppies are also developing their brains and bones, which is why the food is enriched with DHA and calcium. Special prebiotics are also added to build their gastrointestinal system and vitamin E is used to strengthen their immunity.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 26%, Fat (min.) 14%, Fiber (max.) 3.7%, Moisture (max.) 10%
Holistic Select Large Breed Puppy Lamb Meal & Oatmeal Dog Food
Best For Sensitive Stomach
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Lamb Meal, 2. Oatmeal, 3. Brown Rice, 4. Pumpkin, 5. Cranberries
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable for: Large, Giant Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,766 kcal
- Form: Dry
Holistic Select has the perfect blend of gentle ingredients to feed sensitive puppies. Its two main ingredients are lamb meal and oatmeal – both crucial for building muscle blocks and fueling your dog’s daily activities. Digestive enzymes make the food even easier to process and probiotics help strengthen your puppy’s gut health.
Since the formula is made for large breeds, it has glucosamine to reinforce their joints and prevent mobility issues later in life. Omega-3 fatty acids are also included in the mix for softer, shinier coat health. You’ll also get fresh fruits like cranberries, apples, and pumpkin in the recipe – all of which make the food tastier, healthier, and more appealing to your puppy.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 25%, Fat (min.) 15%, Fiber (max.) 5%, Moisture (max.) 10%
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Chicken Grain-Free Dog Food
Best For Allergies
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Peas, 3. Fish Meal, 4. Natural Flavor, 5. Chicken Fat
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable for: Large, Giant Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,555 kcal
- Form: Dry
Offer only premium protein and nutrients to your large-breed tail-waggers and help them with optimal development and lean muscle building.
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Chicken recipe is not only a great grain-free dry dog food, but it is also loaded with high-quality ingredients for maximum nutrition for your four-legged friend during their formative stage.. Specifically designed for large breeds, this is among the best puppy food for giant breeds.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 35%, Fat (min.) 14%, Fiber (max.) 6%, Moisture (max.) 10%
Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Dog Food
Best For Picky Eaters
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Turkey, 3. Cracked Pearled Barley, 4. Whole Grain Brown Rice, 5. Salmon
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable for: Large, Giant Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,518 kcal
- Form: Dry
Loaded with nutrition and delicious fruits like blueberries — Chicken Soup for the Soul is an ideal choice for fussy large puppies. It uses deboned chicken and turkey for protein to build muscle fiber. Carbohydrates are sourced from brown rice, barley, and oatmeal to keep your dog energized.
Moreover, the formula is also enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, as well as DHA to develop a healthy nervous system. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are also added to promote a shinier coat and reduce skin inflammation. All of these nutrients are sourced from mouth-watering foods like carrots, salmon, apples, and duck — making the food equally appetizing and nutritious.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 27%, Fat (min.) 13%, Fiber (max.) 5%, Moisture (max.) 10%
Purina ONE SmartBlend Large Breed Puppy Dog Food
Best For Joint Health
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Rice Flour, 3. Soybean Meal, 4. Whole Grain Wheat, 5. Whole Grain Corn
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable for: Large, Giant Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,759 kcal
- Form: Dry
Give your growing pup the best and most balanced diet for maintaining ideal body condition and help strengthen their joints and bones with Purina ONE SmartBlend for Large Breed Puppy dry dog food. I can personally vouch for this blend as it supports your little pup’s whole-body health with a unique formula made from healthy and high-quality ingredients.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 28%, Fat (min.) 13%, Fiber (max.) 6%, Moisture (max.) 12%
Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Large Breed Food
Best For Active Puppies
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Brewer’s Rice, 3. Corn Gluten Meal, 4. Wholegrain Corn, 5. Poultry By-Product Meal
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable for: Large, Giant Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,934 kcal
- Form: Dry
Provide your large breed puppy the wholesome nutrition they need with Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Large Breed Formula Dry Dog Food. The kibble is prepared from a combination of high-quality protein and other nutrition, sourced mainly from chicken to provide the building blocks your puppy requires for growth and development.
This delicious and crunchy kibble is also rich in antioxidants to strengthen the immune system. This is one of the best large breed puppy foods on the market right now.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 28%, Fat (min.) 13%, Fiber (max.) 4.75%, Moisture (max.) 12%
Once you are done with the best puppy food for large food list below, check out these excellent resources as well:
FAQs: Large Breed Puppy Food
Do large breed puppies need special food?
Yes, large breed puppies can grow too big, too fast. They need puppy food that gives them the right balance of essential nutrients, quality proteins but just enough fat to keep them active. With too much fat, they have a risk of obesity and several orthopedic diseases.
Do large breed puppies need more food than a smaller puppy?
Not necessarily, large breed puppies have larger stomachs and they may be able to eat more, but that doesn’t mean they should. The amount of food your pup needs depends on its activity level. It is important to balance the number of calories consumed with the number of calories your dog is able to burn.
When should I transition my large breed puppy to dog food?
As compared to smaller breeds, large or giant breed puppies take a little longer to reach maturity. Many of them are still growing until 20 months. For an average large breed puppy on a quality large breed dog, 15 months is when you should start the transition to an adult large breed dog food.
Can large breed puppies eat adult dog food?
Growing pups should be kept on puppy food because it is specially formulated to meet their nutritional needs during their adolescence. Feeding adult food will deprive your puppy of important nutrients and might even make them grow too large without proper skeletal development.
How many meals should a large puppy eat in a day?
It is important to seek a vet’s help to predict your baby’s adult weight and adjust their meals accordingly. Most large breed puppies need 4 to 5 meals a day. If they have a bigger appetite and eat a lot in one meal, then it is best to limit it to 3.
How much protein should a large breed puppy food have?
Vets believe that large breed puppies should get a minimum of 30 percent protein and less than 10 percent fat. These proteins must come from animal sources such as real meat instead of by-products and meals. Food with less than 30 percent protein can affect your pup’s growth.
What else do large breed puppies need besides proteins?
A large breed puppy needs just enough fat to stay active. Fiber-rich food can aid their digestions and help them get the most out of the nutrients. Since these pups are susceptible to joint-related issues, their diet must have the right ratio of calcium and phosphorus.
What is the right calcium to phosphorus ratio in large breed puppy food?
It is important to make sure the chosen food has 1:1 to 1.3:1 calcium to phosphorus ratio. The calcium content shouldn’t exceed 1.2%. Studies confirm that too much calcium in your puppy’s diet can actually increase the risk of hip dysplasia. Some large breed puppies can experience stunted growth due to excess calcium.
Is raw food good for large breed puppies?
Raw food is always a great option for puppies, especially the ones that can develop into huge muscular adults. High-quality raw food is high in protein and low in fat, plus there are plenty of probiotics to keep their tummy out of trouble. With raw food, it is important that we feed a high-quality product to our pups.
Is grain-free puppy food good for large breed puppies?
A grain-free diet is generally lighter and easy to digest for puppies. Large breed pups are no exception. Grains do not actually add any nutritional value to your dog’s meal. There are far superior sources of fiber you can find in premium puppy food.
Is human food good for large breed puppies?
No, human food (especially table scraps) is never a good option for your pup. It is mainly because of the high amount of processing we put or food through. Besides, it is not possible to analyze the content of human food. Human-grade food, however, is good for pups if prepared in the right manner.
Do all large breed puppies have a huge appetite?
Not always! Just because they are large in size, doesn’t mean they will eat like a wolf. While a large breed pup is likely to eat more than a smaller puppy because of their larger stomach capacity, they are not necessarily greedy. It is entirely possible for your large breed pup to be picky.
Are large breed puppies susceptible to obesity?
Yes, large breed pups might eat more than a regular-sized puppy. If the nutrients aren’t balanced according to their needs, proteins, and fats in particular, then your little furry one can gain a lot of unhealthy weight. Overweight puppies are at a higher risk of bone and joint disorders as well as organ-related issues.
Are large breed puppies susceptible to joint issues?
Without a proper diet or when on free feeding, a large size puppy might grow too fast in size. In this scenario, they will gain more mass then their bones can support at that stage. Many studies have confirmed the relation between diet and joint-related health issues.
Buyers’ Guide
Your friend may be teeny tiny at the moment but if it is a large-sized breed, it will soon grow bigger than its peers. Since their growth is different, their nutritional requirements, as proven through various research and studies, is naturally different as well.
In short, size matters and you need to understand what your baby needs to grow into a happy healthy adult without missing a milestone.
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 don’t even look bigger than any other breed – but they will grow faster.
Controlling Size through Diet
Like it or not, a proper and balanced large breed puppy diet is one that will keep their growth in control. If those pups grow too fast, they often fall victim to several health issues.
So, this guide is all about how to keep control over their size without suppressing their appetite.
What you need to understand is how your puppy’s food actually affects growth. Roughly, half the calories consumed by pups are used up in muscle and skeletal development. However, that is only when the calories are coming from healthier sources such as protein. Calories that come from fat do not impact skeletal development. This means your puppy will grow in size but the bones won’t be strong enough to support the weight.
If you feel your pup is gaining too much weight, too fast, you need to take it to the vet to get a BCS check. Body Condition Score BCS is like BMI for dogs. Your vet will be able to give you an accurate number and tell you whether your pup needs to lose or gain some pounds.
What to Look for In Your Large Breed Puppy Dog Food?
Proteins
Since protein is the building block for muscles, your large breed pup needs a lot of it. Top-quality dog food for large breed puppy should be more than 30 percent protein. An interesting thing about protein is that a puppy needs more protein than a grown-up dog. That is because they are in their growth phase and they need a hefty supply of building blocks. Look for proteins from animal meat instead of by-products.
Fatty Acids
Large breed pups need less fat because they are susceptible to obesity. The only case where you can feed your pal a puppy food with more than 10 percent fat is if it is a highly active and athletic breed. However, low in fat diet doesn’t mean low in fatty acids. Fatty acids aren’t just good for skin and coat, they are also great for joints. Large breed pups with a rich coat will need puppy food with a higher amount of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.
Calcium
Healthy bones and joints should be your core concern when choosing the best dog food for large breed puppies. Calcium is essential for bones. However, most large breeds are unable to regulate the absorption of calcium. They tend to absorb more than other breeds, and that may cause calcium retention. Calcium retention is just as bad for your baby’s bones as calcium deficiency. Look for food with not more than 1.5 percent calcium.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is the second most important nutrient for your pup’s bones and joints. Look for dog food with a healthy ratio of calcium and phosphorus. As I mentioned in the FAQ section, the ideal ratio of calcium and phosphorus is between 1:1 to 1.3:1.
Glucosamine
Since bones and joints are foremost concerns in large breed pups, it is a good idea to pick a puppy food with glucosamine.
Feeding Instructions
Whichever puppy food you pick, keep in mind that even a lower fat food can cause weight gain if your pup is overeating. Portion control is important. Feed your pup four to five times a day but keep their portions small.
When switching your pup between foods, keep the golden rules of dog food transition in mind. It will help your pup avoid complications that might arise from a sudden diet change.
Other factors to consider when buying puppy food
Apart from the basic requirements for a good puppy food, you must also consider the following factors. These considerations will help you choose the best puppy food for your budget and receive the best bang for your buck:
1. Budget and value
Before you begin the hunt for a puppy food, consider your budget and the options available. Don’t go for a higher-priced food unless you’re sure you can afford it in the future. Once you have a couple of foods shortlisted, compare their ingredients, calories, brand reputation, and guaranteed analysis section. Spending a few minutes comparing these factors will help you get the best value for your money in the long run.
2. Taste and preferences
When buying dog food, make sure your puppy’s preferences are also taken into account. Do they prefer wet food over dry food? Are they more attracted to poultry than red meat? Is your puppy fond of eating the same food repeatedly? Answering these questions will help you pick a dog food that your puppy will love eating.
3. Guaranteed Analysis
Believe it or not, you can get a lot of information from the guaranteed analysis section alone. In fact, you should check the guaranteed analysis of each food separately and check whether it fulfills AAFCO’s guidelines. For puppies, crude protein content should be at least 22.5%, and fat content should be at least 8.5%, as per AAFCO.
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