Feeding Type 2 — Large and Giant Breed Puppies
Based on your quiz results… your dog’s feeding type is Type 2.
Which means…
You need a dog food that provides complete and balanced nutrition for a large or giant breed puppy.
What’s the best food for a large or giant breed puppy?
Keep in mind…
Only certain dog foods are considered safe for a large or giant breed puppy.
That’s because…
Many contain too much calcium, phosphorus and calories…
A dangerous mix that can cause larger breed puppies to develop a crippling and permanent form of hip dysplasia as they grow.
To be sure a food is safe for a larger breed puppy…
You should confirm it meets AAFCO guidelines for Growth or All Life Stages… and that the label contains the words, “including growth of large size dogs (70 pounds or more as an adult)”.
Like this example…
Since your never know the adult weight of any puppy before it’s fully grown, we recommend using a more conservative 50 pound definition for large breeds.
What if you don’t know your dog’s feeding type?
If you don’t know your dog’s feeding type, be sure to take our Feeding Type Quiz.
Best Food for Large
and Giant Breed Puppies
The pages below include some of The Advisor’s most recommended brands for large and giant breed puppies. Look for recipes rated 4 to 5 stars that meet AAFCO profiles for Growth or All Life Stages and safe for large size dogs.
- Best Puppy Foods
- Best Dry Puppy Foods
- Best Wet Puppy Foods
- Best Large Breed Puppy Foods
- Best Fresh-Made Dog Foods
- Best Dog Food for Specific Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about Feeding Type 2 (large and giant breed puppies):
What’s a large breed puppy?
A large breed puppy is one whose adult weight is expected to be between 50 and 100 pounds. Large breeds reach adulthood at about 15 to 18 months of age.
What’s a giant breed puppy?
A giant breed puppy is one whose adult weight is expected to be over 100 pounds. Giant breeds reach adulthood at about 18 to 24 months of age.
How do puppy breeds differ?
| Breed | Adult Wt | Adulthood | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | < 20 lbs | 9 – 12 mos | 10 yrs |
| Med | 20 – 50 lbs | 12 – 15 mos | 9 yrs |
| Large | 50 – 100 lbs | 15 – 18 mos | 8 yrs |
| Giant | 100+ lbs | 18 – 24 mos | 7 yrs |
Can a small or medium breed puppy eat large breed puppy food?
Yes. A small or medium breed puppy can eat any dog food that meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for either Growth or All Life Stages.
But to lower the risk of hip dysplasia, a large or giant breed puppy must only be fed a food that’s safe for large breed puppies.
View The Advisor’s Best Large Breed Puppy Food page here.
What if I don’t know my dog’s breed size?
Many times, a dog’s breed size may not be known. And breeds can sometimes be mixed. In cases where the breed size or age is not known, it’s safer to feed a large breed puppy food.
