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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 recommendations of the best large breed puppy foods to suit specific conditions and budgets. And we answer the seven most frequently asked questions we get about feeding large breed puppies.
Best Large Breed Puppy Foods November 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best large breed puppy foods for November 2024.
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1. Best Overall Food for Large Breed Puppies: American Journey Grain-Free Large Breed Chicken & Sweet Potato
Large breed puppies require carefully balanced calcium and phosphorus levels to ensure proper bone growth and development. Excessive amounts of these minerals can lead to bone disorders such as hip dysplasia. We highly recommend this American Journey formula because it is designed to support healthy bone development without overloading these nutrients.
Large breed puppies also need a diet that is not too calorie-dense to avoid rapid growth, which can lead to joint and bone issues. This recipe provides the right balance of calories to support steady, healthy growth.
The bulk of the protein in this food is from chicken, which is essential for muscle development especially for large breeds that need strong muscles to support their larger frames. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 33% protein, 13% fat and 45% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 40%.
For more choices: See our Best Dry Puppy Foods Page.
Read our review of the full American Journey Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- High-in-quality protein
- Nutrient-dense ingredients
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal (a source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), turkey meal, peas, chickpeas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Great! Love the ingredients list as well as the glucosamine and chondroitin and calcium levels. Great for a large breed puppy! "
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2. Best Premium Food for Large Breed Puppies: Nom Nom Beef Mash
We highly recommend this recipe as it is made from whole, fresh ingredients such as beef, potatoes, eggs, and vegetables, which are highly digestible and provide essential nutrients in their most natural form. This helps large breed puppies absorb nutrients more efficiently, supporting overall health and development.
Nom Nom meals are portioned based on your puppy’s specific needs, such as weight, age, and activity level. This is particularly important for large breed puppies to ensure they grow at a steady, healthy rate without putting undue stress on their developing bones and joints.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from beef and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 35% protein, 17% fat and 40% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
For more choices: See our Best Fresh Dog Foods page.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Formulated by experts
- Human grade
- Tailored to your dog's needs
Main Ingredients Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 35% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I have two Cane Corsos and one adopted Staffie and they were really happy when they tried this food - in fact they wanted more! "
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3. Best Affordable Food for Large Breed Puppies: Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula Lamb & Rice
Diamond Naturals is a good quality affordable food option to sustain a large breed puppy’s appetite. This particular recipe is tailored to meet the specific needs of large breed puppies, supporting their growth, joint health, immune system, and overall well-being through carefully selected ingredients.
Probiotics are included too, which promotes healthy digestion by supporting a balanced gut microbiome. Good digestion is key to nutrient absorption, which is vital for the healthy growth of large breed puppies.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from lamb and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%.
For more choices: See our Best Budget-Friendly Dog Foods page.
Read our review of the full Diamond Naturals Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Affordable
- Quality ingredients
- Contains DHA
Main Ingredients Lamb, lamb meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, grain sorghum Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My puppy loves the food and it is one of the first she has tried that has not given her stomach discomfort. Great value."
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4. Best Vet Recommended Food for Large Breed Puppies: Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Lamb Meal & Brown Rice
Veterinarians recommend Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Lamb Meal and Rice because it has been developed by a team of nutritionists and food scientists to meet the precise nutritional requirements of large breed puppies.
The brand has a long history of veterinary endorsement and is often recommended based on clinical evidence and case studies that support its efficacy in promoting healthy growth and development.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from lamb, a high-quality protein that supports muscle development. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 28% protein, 18% fat and 46% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 64%.
Read our review of the full Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Veterinarian recommended
- Contains DHA from fish oil
- No artificial flavors
Main Ingredients Lamb meal, brown rice, cracked pearled barley, whole grain oats, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 28% AAFCO Standards Unspecified Best For Large breed puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We got a new puppy and when we picked him up from the breeder, he was on a competitor’s feed. He was not eating well and frankly was skinny. My husband is an animal nutritionist and he said, we are putting him on Hill’s Science Diet. He began eating well and gained almost 10 pounds in six weeks! His coat is beautiful, eyes bright and healthy and he’s full of energy! We highly recommend this food! "
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5. Best Food for Large Breed Puppies without Chicken: Taste Of The Wild Pacific Stream Puppy
We recommend this Taste of the Wild recipe for large breed puppies because it provides a well-rounded, grain-free diet, rich in high-quality fish protein and essential nutrients.
The taste and aroma of the fish-based formula are often very appealing to dogs, making it easier to ensure your puppy eats consistently to maintain steady growth and energy levels. Although not always highlighted as prominently as in other large breed-specific formulas, the omega-3 fatty acids in this food indirectly support joint health.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from salmon and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- 1st ingredient is real salmon
- Contains probiotics
- Contains antioxidants
Main Ingredients Salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas, pea flour Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We recently figured out our dog is allergic to chicken, so this food works great for her. She loves it, and gobbles it down whether it’s mixed with some wet food or just dry on its own. "
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6. Best Dry Food for Large Breed Puppies: Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy Lamb & Brown Rice
This grain-inclusive formula by Nutro contains brown rice, an easily digestible carbohydrate source that provides sustained energy for growing large breed puppies. It also contains fiber that aids digestion.
We rate Natural Choice recipes because they do not include artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, focusing instead on natural, wholesome ingredients which reduces the risk of allergic reactions or sensitivities that can sometimes be triggered by artificial additives.
This particular formula derives the bulk of its protein from lamb, which is also a good option for puppies with sensitivities to other protein sources like chicken or beef. Our dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 29% protein, 16% fat and 48% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 54%.
Read our review of the full Nutro Dog Food range here
Things we like
- High-quality animal protein
- Non-GMO produce
- Trusted sourcing
Main Ingredients Deboned lamb, chicken meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), brewers rice, split peas, rice bran Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I have three German Shepherd puppies, two are 19 weeks old and one is 13 weeks old. I needed good quality food for them as they grow due to us living on a farm and they will one day be running it just like their mom. After searching and trying different brands I finally found this one and my pups absolutely loves it. They can not wait to eat. This will be the only food they will stay on, once they hit adult ages they will be switched to Nutro adult."
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7. Best Wet Food for Large Breed Puppies: The Farmer's Dog Chicken Recipe
This fresh chicken recipe by The Farmer’s Dog is formulated to provide a balanced mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, along with essential vitamins and minerals. This balance is crucial for large breed puppies, who require a carefully managed diet to support their rapid growth while avoiding common issues like obesity and joint stress.
The bulk of the protein in this formula comes from chicken and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 44% protein, 30% fat and 18% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 68%.
For more choices: See our Best Wet Puppy Food page.
Read our review of the full The Farmer’s Dog range here
Things we like
- Customized subscriptions
- Human-grade
- Fresh and free of artificial flavors
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken liver, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 44% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at TheFarmersDog.com"Bruno has never looked or felt so good. He no longer sheds and his breath is fresh and clean. His coat absolutely gleams with health. His eyes are bright and his energy level is through the roof! Thank you for making quality food at a good price point. If anyone is on the fence about trying this or making the switch, don’t be! "
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8. Best Grain-free Food for Large Breed Puppies: Orijen Puppy Large
The Dog Food Advisor’s pet nutritionist, Laura Ward, highly recommends this Orijen formula for large breed puppies.
This recipe has a freeze-dried coating and is rich in animal proteins from fresh and raw chicken, turkey and fish. Orijen incorporates WholePrey ingredients, which include meat, organs, and cartilage, mimicking the natural diet of wild canines. This approach provides a natural source of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, reducing the need for synthetic supplements.
Dry matter label analysis reveals this large breed puppy food contains 43% protein, 18% fat and 31% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 42%.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Grain-free
- EPA and DHA from quality salmon
- Nutritional fresh produce
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, salmon, whole herring, chicken liver Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 43% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Every ingredient is real my puppy has no issues no shedding great coat I mean I also add other products, including raw food into her kibble. I don’t just serve her this alone, but I have no issue with it at all whatsoever. "
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9. Best Food for Large Breed Puppies with a Sensitive Stomach: Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Puppy Health Lamb Meal & Oatmeal
If your large breed puppy suffers from a sensitive stomach, we recommend this Holistic Select formula due to its focus on easily digestible ingredients, digestive support through probiotics, prebiotics, and enzymes, and the absence of common irritants like artificial additives.
The recipe is carefully balanced to support the specific growth and health needs of large breed puppies while being gentle on their digestive systems.
This particular food derives the bulk of its protein from lamb meal and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 28% protein, 17% fat and 48% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 60%.
For more choices: See our Best Dog Foods for a Sensitive Stomach page.
Read our review of the full Holistic Select Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Includes prebiotics & probiotics
- Contains healthy fiber and digestive enzymes
- Wholesome quality ingredients
Main Ingredients Lamb meal, chicken meal, oatmeal, brown rice, barley Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 28% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"This food has been great for our Bullmastiff’s tummy. He is four-months-old and the food we were giving him before made his stools very soft and a bit runny and he didn’t want to finish it all. He devours this food and looks around his bowl for more !!! "
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10. Best Grain-inclusive Food for Large Breed Puppies: Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy Food
This 5-star rated dry food by Wellness is developed without GMOs, meat by-products or artificial preservatives. It is formulated to provide whole-body nutritional support for your large breed puppy.
It is carefully crafted with ingredients that include premium proteins and wholesome grains supported by omega fatty acids — like DHA — essential vitamins, antioxidants, and probiotics.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 32% protein, 14% fat and 45% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 44%.
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Contains nutritional whole grains
- Recommended by veterinarians
- High quality ingredients
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, ground brown rice, salmon meal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Bucky loves his food. Definitely recommend it for all growing pups"
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
- How do I know if my puppy is a large breed?
- Why are large breeds more prone to hip dysplasia?
- How can I tell if a dog food is safe for large breed puppies?
- How much food should I feed my large breed puppy?
- How often should I feed my large breed puppy?
- When should I switch my puppy to adult food?
- Is it safe to let my puppy eat whenever she wants?
Frequently Asked Questions
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:
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…
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?
Determining how much to feed your large breed puppy is a process… NOT 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 eat… whenever 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.
Final word
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