review of the best large breed puppy foods

19 Best Large Breed Puppy Foods in 2024

QUICK COMPARISON: Our Top 3 Picks For Large Breed Puppy Foods

  • Made specifically for your large breed puppy
  • USA-sourced ingredients
  • Delicious recipes
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  • Exceeds AAFCO standards
  • Doorstep delivery
  • Guaranteed freshness
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  • Tailored for your large breed puppy
  • A difference you can see
  • Delicious recipes
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Large breed dogs, known for their distinctive traits and unique qualities, have specific nutritional needs that differ from those of smaller and medium-sized breeds. Providing your large breed puppy with the best start towards becoming a healthy, full-sized adult involves laying the right groundwork from an early age, which includes feeding them the finest large breed puppy foods available.

Quick Summary: Our Top Picks For Large Breed Puppy Foods

IMAGE PRODUCT
  • Exceeds AAFCO standards
  • Doorstep delivery
  • Guaranteed freshness
CHECK BEST PRICE →
  • Made specifically for your large breed puppy
  • USA-sourced ingredients
  • Delicious recipes
CHECK BEST PRICE →
  • Tailored for your large breed puppy
  • A difference you can see
  • Delicious recipes
CHECK BEST PRICE →
  • High-quality, protein-rich ingredients
  • Specialized nutrition
  • Natural flavor sources
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  • Large breed puppy formula supports bones and joints
  • Grain-free recipe
  • Easy to digest
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  • Clinically proven to aid brain and eye development in large breed puppies
  • Promotes healthy skin and coat with Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Supports bones and joints
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  • Deboned chicken and chicken meal for protein content and joint protection
  • Highly digestible composition featuring high-fiber brown rice
  • Two textures
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  • All natural composition
  • No preservatives
  • Chicken meal promotes bone and joint care
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  • Naturally formulated
  • High-quality ingredients
  • Trainer and breeder recommended
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  • Non-GMO ingredients
  • Chicken meal builds strong bones while chicken fat helps brain development
  • Supports joints
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Vet Approved Content
  • Sara Redding Ochoa DVM
  • Certified content. This article has been fact checked and verified by our veterinary advisor.

    Approved By: Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM

Notes from our DVM, Sara Ochoa: “Large breed puppies require large breed dog food as it helps make sure that they have all the needed nutrition for their fast-growing bodies.”

Our team has spent hours researching products to find the best large breed puppy foods for your dog, read our in-depth reviews below. Learn more about our 10 point inspection checklist.

Best Large Breed Puppy Foods

1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food

farmers dog food

Large breed puppies require specific nutrient profiles to grow into strong and healthy adults. All Farmer’s Dog Food recipes exceed AAFCO standards. These foods score our best dog food rating by containing lots of animal protein content and a natural flavor, complemented by wholesome fruits and vegetables.

Nutrition Information (Calorie Weighted Basis):

Protein27%
Fat37%
Carbs36%

Pros:

+ Exceeds AAFCO standards.
+ Doorstep delivery.
+ Guaranteed freshness.
+ No preservatives.

Cons:

– Can be a little bit expensive compared to other options

2. Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food

nom nom dog food options

Nom Nom Dog Food is as delicious as it sounds. Each recipe is tailored to the nutrient specifications of your large breed puppy. All ingredients are carefully selected and put together by a team of scientists and vet nutritionists.

Why We Like It – As well as offering one of the best large breed puppy food personalization programs, they also stock joint and mobility support supplements designed for large breed dogs.

Beef Mash Nutrition Information:

Calories (Kcal/Kg)1239
Crude Protein10% min
Crude Fat5% min
Crude Fiber1% max
Moisture73% max

Chicken Cuisine Nutrition Information:

Calories (Kcal/Kg)1255
Crude Protein8.5% min
Crude Fat6% min
Crude Fiber1% max
Moisture77% max

Pork Potluck Nutrition Information:

Calories (Kcal/Kg)1246
Crude Protein8% min
Crude Fat5% min
Crude Fiber2% max
Moisture75% max

Turkey Fare Nutrition Information:

Calories (Kcal/Kg)1479
Crude Protein8% min
Crude Fat5% min
Crude Fiber1% max
Moisture70% max
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Fresh dog food is the better, healthier option for your fur baby.

Nom Nom a service that delivers balanced, freshly made pet food perfectly balanced with fresh, whole natural ingredients.

The formula is carefully developed by Dr. Justin Shmalberg DVM so you can trust your dog is in good hands.

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Pros:

+ Made specifically for your large breed puppy.
+ USA-sourced ingredients.
+ Delicious recipes.
+ Formulated by professionals.

Cons:

– Can be a little bit expensive compared to other options

3. Ollie Fresh Dog Food

Ollie Chicken Recipe

Don’t worry about your large breed dog running out of food, because Ollie Dog Food has a flexible delivery schedule to ensure your large breed puppies never go hungry. Alongside delicious food tailored to the needs of your large breed puppy, you can also enjoy free delivery.

Why We Like It – As well as providing nutrition tailored for large breed puppies, Ollie Dog Food cares about all dogs. This is why they donate 1% of their revenue to dogs in need.

Nutrition Information:

Calorie Content MEServing depends on weight
Fiber2%
Fat3%
Protein10%
Moisture %73% max
Get 50% Off Your First Month of Ollie Dog Food

Fresh dog food is the better, healthier option for your fur baby.

Ollie tailors your dog’s meal plan based on their age, breed, activity level, allergies, and ideal weight—creating the perfect portion for your pup.

It's loaded with quality human-grade meat, fruits, veggies and superfoods with zero fillers.

COUPON: GET 50% OFF OLLIE

Pros:

+ Tailored for your large breed puppy.
+ A difference you can see.
+ Delicious recipes.
+ Free shipping.

Cons:

– Can be expensive compared to kibble

4. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Dry Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan Puppy Dry Dog Food

Protein is so important in the diet of your large breed puppy. Purina Pro Plan focus on deboned chicken and chicken meal in their ingredient list to create a large breed dry dog food packed with protein. Chicken meal also contains glucosamine and DHA to help prevent joint issues and hip dysplasia in the future of your large breed puppy.

Why We Like It â€“ With the above-average protein and below-average fat content, this best large breed puppy food will help your canine will grow to be strong, without improper weight gain.

Related: Best Dog Food for Small Dogs

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content3934 kcal/kg, 419 kcal/cup
Crude Protein28.0% min
Crude Fat13.0% min
Crude Fiber4.75% max
Calcium1.1% min
Vitamin E100 IU/kg min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids1.8% min
Moisture12.0% max

Pros:

+ High-quality, protein-rich ingredients.
+ Specialized nutrition.
+ Natural flavor sources.
+ Delicious taste adored by large breed puppies.

Cons:

– May not be liked by picky eaters

5. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Maxi Puppy Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Maxi Puppy Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Large Puppy Dry Food is designed specifically for large breed puppies who will reach 50-100lbs at full size. Special mineral blends in this best large breed puppy food promote healthy bone and joint growth, while antioxidants and vitamins support the immune system.

Why We Like It â€“ Royal Canin have optimized their large breed dog food with all the nutrients your large breed puppy needs to develop strong muscles and bones which will support their large bodies. Check reviews about Royal Canin dog food here.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content3,667 kcal/kg, 352 kcal/cup
Crude Protein28.0% min
Crude Fat14.0% min
Crude Fiber3.5% max
Vitamin E350 IU/kg min
Moisture10.0% max

Pros:

+ Large breed puppy formula supports bones and joints.
+ Grain-free recipe.
+ Easy to digest.
+ Holistic and all-natural.

Cons:

– Has corn which may not be liked by picky eaters

6. Eukanuba Puppy Dry Dog Food Chicken – Large Breed

Eukanuba Puppy Dry Dog Food Chicken – Large Breed

Eukanuba is clinically proven to contain high DHA levels derived from natural fish oil. These help with brain and eye development, so your large breed puppy will grow smarter and more easily trained each day.

To maintain a healthy coat and skin in your large breed puppy, this food employs optimal levels of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids.

Why We Like It â€“ This best large breed puppy food provides complete and balanced nutrition. All the ingredients will support your fast-growing large breed puppy so they can grow to enjoy a happy and healthy life.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content3,723 kcal/kg, 357 kcal/cup
Crude Protein26.0% min
Crude Fat14.0% min
Crude Fiber3.7% max
Calcium1.08% min
Vitamin E280 IU/kg min
Moisture10.0% max

Pros:

+ Clinically proven to aid brain and eye development in large breed puppies.
+ Promotes healthy skin and coat with Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids.
+ Supports bones and joints.
+ Easily digestible.

Cons:

– Has corn ingredients which may not be liked by picky eaters

7. Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Large Breed Formula Dry Puppy Food

Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Large Breed Formula Dry Puppy Food

Give your large breed puppy the nutrition they need with Purina ONE dog food for large breed puppies. Featuring real chicken protein, chicken meal and easily digestible brown rice with two textures, these tender morsels and crunchy kibbles are irresistible to large breed dogs.

Why We Liked It â€“ Many large breed puppies grow rapidly. This can put a great deal of strain on their bodies.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content3,759 kcal/kg, 361 kcal/cup
Crude Protein28.0% min
Crude Fat13.0% min
Crude Fiber6.0% max
Calcium1.1% min
Vitamin E250 IU/kg min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids1.8% min
Moisture12.0% max

Pros:

+ Deboned chicken and chicken meal for protein content and joint protection.
+ Highly digestible composition featuring high-fiber brown rice.
+ Two textures.
+ Comprehensive support for large breed puppies.

Cons:

– Has corn ingredients which may not be liked by picky eaters

8. Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food

Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food

The diet-friendly large breed puppy foods offered by Hill’s Science Diet get a high rating for the way they tailor nutritional content for large breed puppies. Chicken meal helps to support bone growth. Vitamins A, C, and E support a healthy immune system along with antioxidants and amino acids.

Why We Like It â€“ Made in the USA with ingredients sourced from trusted international sources, Hill’s Science Diet makes sure their suppliers meet stringent quality standards.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content394 kcal/cup
Crude Protein24.0% min
Crude Fat11.0% min
Crude Fiber3.0% max
Calcium0.8% min
Vitamin E425 IU/kg min
Moisture10.0% max

Pros:

+ All natural composition.
+ No preservatives.
+ Chicken meal promotes bone and joint care.
+ Clinically proven.

Cons:

– Has corn ingredients which may not be liked by picky eaters

9. Fromm Gold Puppy Food Large Breed

Fromm Gold Puppy Food Large Breed

Fromm guarantees only the highest quality ingredients are used in their large puppy foods. As a family-run company, they pay extra attention to what’s best for your large breed puppy. Fresh protein in the form of duck and deboned chicken means this food achieves a high protein rating.

Why We Like It â€“ Fromm Gold Puppy Food Large Breed provides balanced protein, fat and carbs in this formula. Designed for large breed puppies, this food will fuel your dog every day.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content3,625kcal/kg, 384kcal/cup
Crude Protein26% min
Crude Fat14% min
Crude Fiber5.5% max
Moisture10% max

Pros:

+ Naturally formulated.
+ High-quality ingredients.
+ Trainer and breeder recommended.
+ Digestive support for growing large breed puppies.

Cons:

– Not a grain-free large breed puppy food

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10. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy Dry Dog Food

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy Dry Dog Food

You will find no artificial additives in Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy Dry Dog Food. However, you will find Omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, chicken meal, pea protein and fiber-rich brown rice perfect for growing large breed puppies.

Why We Like It â€“ Nutro Wholesome Essentials scores a high rating for health content for growing large breed puppies.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content3622 kcal/kg, 379 kcal/cup
Crude Protein26.0% min
Crude Fat14.0% min
Crude Fiber3.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.2% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids2.0% min
Moisture10.0% max

Pros:

+ Non-GMO ingredients.
+ Chicken meal builds strong bones while chicken fat helps brain development.
+ Supports joints.
+ Healthy growth development.

Cons:

– Has corn ingredients that may not be liked by picky eaters

11. Orijen Puppy Large Breed 25LB Dry Dog Food

Origen Puppy large Breed 25LB Dry Dog Food

The goal of Orijen dog food is to provide large breed puppies with protein the way Mother Nature intended. Origen Puppy Large Breed Dog Food contains free-range chicken, turkey, whole eggs and wild fish. These help your dog to build muscle without unnecessary calories.

Why We Like It – Orijen understands the fine line between nurturing and overfeeding. Ingredients such as deboned chicken fat help to promote brain development without calorific overload.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content3940 kcal/kg, 449 kcal/cup
Crude Protein38.0% min
Crude Fat16.0% min
Crude Fiber6.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.8% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids3.0% min
Moisture12.0% max

Pros:

+ High-quality ingredients.
+ 85% premium animal ingredients.
+ Rich in protein.
+ Focus on developing lean muscle.

Cons:

– Some picky dogs may not like the flavor of a large breed puppy food

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12. Diamond Naturals Real Meat Recipe Premium Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food

. Diamond Naturals Real Meat Recipe Premium Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food

Diamond Naturals large breed puppy food works hard to provide the perfect ratio of protein, calories and fat to fuel your pup. In addition to lamb and rice for protein, this large pup food also offers phosphorus and calcium. These two minerals are used for bone and joint development.

Why We Like It â€“ This formula is enhanced with superfoods to provide complete and holistic nutrition for your large breed puppy.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content3,650 kcal/kg, 342 kcal/cup
Crude Protein27.0% min
Crude Fat15.0% min
Crude Fiber3.5% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.3% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids2.0% min
Moisture10.0% max

Pros:

+ Premium ingredients.
+ Smaller kibble size.
+ USA made.
+ No additives.

Cons:

– The kibble within each bag of large breed puppy food may look a little different

13. Nutro Max Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food

Nutro Max Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food

Nutro Max Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food is made to support the development of large breed puppies from 1 to 12 months with farm-raised chicken protein. While this recipe contains grains, they are wholesome grains designed to aid digestion. Made in the USA in their own facility, safety is a number one concern for Nutro.

Why We Like It â€“ High amounts of EPA in this food aid your pup’s immune system. These are coupled with high levels of DHA which aid cognitive development.

Nutrition Information:

Crude Protein26.0% min
Crude Fat14.0% min
Crude Fiber3% max
Calcium1% min
Moisture10% max

Pros:

+ USA made.
+ All natural.
+ Tailored nutrition.
+ High-quality ingredients.

14. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Puppy Food

Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Puppy Food

Wellness only uses all-natural ingredients to take complete care of your dog’s health. This food is made in the USA with DHA for healthy bone, brain and eye development. It also contains no wheat, corn, soy or meat by-products. Their kibble size is also tailored for those larger mouths, for easy chewing.

Why We Like It â€“ Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Puppy Food provides overall support for the most important foundation year of your pup’s life. Learn more about Wellness Dog Food with this comprehensive review.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content3,400 kcal/kg or 340 kcal/cup
Crude Protein26.0% min
Crude Fat12.0% min
Crude Fiber5.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.75% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids2.0% min
Moisture10.0% max

Pros:

+ USA made.
+ All natural.
+ Regulated calories.
+ High-quality ingredients.

Cons:

– Your large breed pup may not like the taste of the large breed dog food

15. Nutro Ultra Puppy Dry Dog Food

Nutro Ultra Puppy Dry Dog Food

Nutro make a large range of foods for large breeds. Nutro Ultra Puppy Dry Dog Food contains a trio of proteins from chicken, lamb and salmon. Each bowl is nutritionally balanced, serving your dog with the necessary vitamin-rich ingredients they need every day.

Why We Like It â€“ Nutro have designed their product range to accommodate your dog at every stage of their life.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content3636 kcal/kg, 353 kcal/cup
Crude Protein26.0% min
Crude Fat13.0% min
Crude Fiber4.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.7% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids3.5% min
Moisture10.0% max

Pros:

+ Trio of protein.
+ Superfood supplemented.
+ Non-GMO ingredients.
+ Balanced nutrition.

Cons:

– Not grain-free for those who need it

16. Solid Gold – Wolf Cub with Real Bison and Oatmeal – Natural Large Breed Puppy Food

Solid Gold – Wolf Cub with Real Bison and Oatmeal – Natural Large Breed Puppy Food

Solid Gold use bison meat for their protein source, instead of the usual chicken! This natural bison meat will be a new and enticing flavor for your dog and is supplemented with superfoods. Everything is balanced for your pup to have controlled growth.

Why We Like It â€“ You do not want your big pup to grow too fast, as growing too fast could be harmful to their bones and joints. The balanced formula of Solid Gold promotes controlled growth to prevent this. Check the Solid Gold Dog Food Review to know more.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content3,470 kcal/kg, 345 kcal/cup
Crude Protein26.0% min
Crude Fat12.0% min
Crude Fiber4.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.30% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids2.0% min
Moisture10.0% max

Pros:

+ 100% satisfaction guarantee.
+ Superfood blend.
+ Real bison meat.
+ No fillers.

Cons:

– Some picky dogs may not like the flavor

17. Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food Large & Giant Breed Puppy Lamb

Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food Large & Giant Breed Puppy Lamb

Made in the USA, rest assured that Holistic Select aims to give your dog the best. You won’t find any by-products, wheat, or artificial content in this mix. The ingredients in this food include pre and probiotics, natural fibers, digestive enzymes and helpful botanicals.

Why We Like It â€“ The key to your dog’s health is through their stomach. This is especially true with large breed dogs who are genetically predisposed to digestive and gastric issues.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content3,766 kcal/kg, 433 kcal/cup
Crude Protein25.0% min
Crude Fat16.0% min
Crude Fiber4.5% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.6% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids3.6% min
Moisture10.0% max

Pros:

+ Made in the USA.
+ All Natural.
+ Premium ingredients.
+ No fillers.

Cons:

– May be a little more expensive than other options

18. Iams Proactive Health Puppy Dry Dog Food – Chicken

Iams Proactive Health Puppy Dry Dog Food - Chicken

Another chicken blend, Iams Proactive Health Puppy Dry Dog Food is a vet recommended large breed puppy food. Real, farm-raised chicken is the #1 ingredient. As well as this, the Iams formula includes 22 ingredients that are typically found in a dog mom’s milk.

Why We Like It â€“ Tailored for large dogs, it’s most suitable for pups that weigh from 5o to 120lbs as adults.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content3,586 kcal/kg, 373 kcal/cup
Crude Protein27.0% min
Crude Fat14.0% min
Crude Fiber4.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.45% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids2.25% min
Moisture10.0% max

Pros:

+ Vet recommended.
+ Supports cognitive functions.
+ Builds strong muscles.
+ Tailored fiber blend.

Cons:

– May be a little more expensive than other options

19. Wild Earth Dog Food

Wild Earth Large Bag

Wild Earth only use the very best, sustainable ingredients to ensure that your dog gets all of the tailored nutrition they need. They understand that dogs are omnivores and so include plenty of high-quality fruits and vegetables alongside specially selected meats to ensure a high protein content which is achieved in a sustainable way.

Why We Like It – Our choice of best dog food is an all-round ideal meal for your pet. The special blend of fruits and vegetables work alongside ethically-sourced meat to ensure a high protein content.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content3557 kcal/kg 333 kcal/cup
Crude Protein31% min
Crude Fat10.5% min
Crude Fiber5% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids1.0% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids3.0% min
Moisture10% max

Pros:

+ Developed by veterinarians for the best dog nutrition content.
+ Ecologically sustainable without compromising on protein content.
+ Delivered straight to your door.
+ 100% money-back guarantee.

Cons:

– May be a little more expensive than other options

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How We Picked the Best Large Breed Puppy Food

Large breed puppies have a host of additional needs, which you can help to support by only choosing the best large breed puppy foods with the correct ingredient content and grain-free, protein-rich composition.

High-Quality Food Ingredients

If you feed your large breed puppy a high-quality food that is specifically engineered for their unique needs, you can significantly decrease the risk of these diseases and more.

Joint Protection

One of the most crucial things for the best large breed puppy food to have is joint support. Large breed dogs are prone to suffer from bone and joint issues in old age, which is why certain supplements are so important. Glucosamine and chondroitin are among the most vital.

Calcium and Protein

We all know that large breed puppies take longer to reach their full size. During this prolonged growth period, it’s necessary to keep up with their developmental needs. A good way to do this is to ensure the best large breed puppy food has sufficient calcium and protein for bone and muscle growth.

If the label on the food doesn’t display protein as the main ingredient, it’s time to rethink your purchase. Good examples of protein include chicken, salmon, beef, pork and lamb.

Large Breed Puppy Food Buyer’s Guide

 buyer’s guide for large breed puppy food
Photo by Mathew Coulton on Unsplash

Large breeds often suffer from bone and joint issues, especially later in life. It’s necessary for pet parents to look for the best large breed puppy foods to reinforce healthy development.

What to Look for When Buying Large Breed Puppy Food?

what to look for when buying large breed puppy food
Image from Pexels

Avoid Anything Artificial (Colors/Flavors)

Artificial ingredients are rarely added to benefit your dog. They make food look and taste better with no added health benefits.

Conversely, they often cause of allergies and other long-term health problems. This is why we recommend an additive and grain-free diet. If made with good quality ingredients, your dog should love the taste of their food regardless.

Avoid Unidentifiable Ingredients and Meats and By-Products

Everything tastes good to your dog. However, untrustworthy ingredients may even contain things such as wood chips. You don’t want to know what they put in meat by-products.

How Much to Feed a Large Puppy?

Cute Cocker Spaniel Puppy Dog Eating Biscuits in Bowl

From 6-11 weeks of age:

70lbs: 186-318 grams of food per day.

90lbs: 212-345 grams of food per day.

110lbs: 247 to 371 grams of food per day.

14lbs: 292 to 389 grams of food per day.

When they get to 3 to 4 months:

Add around 100-130 grams to the amount.

From 5 to 7 months of age:

70lbs-110lbs add about 60 grams.

140-170lbs add about 130 grams.

From 8 to 11 months of age:

70lbs subtract 8-16 grams.

90lbs add 16-27 grams.

110lbs-170lbs add 27 grams.

How Often to Feed a Large Puppy?

Your pup should ideally be fed 3-4 times per day. Slowly but surely, reduce the milk replacer day by day, until your pup eventually accepts solid food. This will greatly minimize the risk of upsetting his or her stomach. At about eight weeks, your pup should be eating solid meals.

Large breed puppies should have smaller and more frequent meals compared to an adult. Experts recommend around 3-4 mealtimes per day.

When to Switch Your Dog from Puppy Food to Adult Food?

How often should I feed my dog?

Here is a general first-year feeding timeline for large breed puppies!

6-12 weeks: Four feedings of nutrient-rich food per day spread out to once every 3 hours. Large breeds should be accustomed to dry food at about 8-10 weeks.

3-6 months: Around this time, you can decrease feeding from 4 to 3 times per day. At 12 weeks, your large pup should be losing their pot-belly roly-poly look.

6-12 months: Other breeds are fed twice daily, though your large breed may need to remain at 3 feeding times per day. 12-14 months is when larger breeds can switch to adult food. Giant breeds may take up to 2 years.

Over 1 year old: Since large breeds mature slower, keep a close eye on your pup from 1 year to 1.5 years old. Ask your vet when would be the best time to make your dog’s transition.

Conclusion

As a large or giant breed pet parent, you need to determine for yourself what the best food for your puppy is. Breeds and individual needs vary widely. Maybe you have an inactive and sedentary puppy. If so, the amount of food you feed him or her should be less.

Expert Tip

When a dog is spayed or neutered, their need for energy consumption decreases. If you recently had your large breed spayed or neutered, please follow your vet’s directions carefully, instead of relying on generic feeding charts.

Did You Know?

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets guidelines for pet food brands to follow.

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