Best  Large Breed Puppy Food* of 2023

While large breeds require more protein, calcium and other nutrients than smaller breeds, there is such a thing as too much. So how do you know if your dog is a large or giant breed? According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials, large breed dogs weigh over 70 lbs. when fully grown. This also includes any giant breeds, which are those over 100 lbs. when fully grown.

Large breed puppy food actually has fewer calories than regular puppy food. That’s because large breed puppies need to be sure they don’t grow too quickly so that their joints, bones and muscles can keep up. Remember that in large breed puppies, “puppy fat” isn’t always a good thing. You don’t want to put stress on their joints.

How much and how often to feed a large breed puppy depends on the puppy’s age and weight. Very young puppies are often fed four times a day; at three to six months, you can feed three times a day. After six months, the usual two times a day is sufficient. Because there is a wide range of weights in large breed dogs, how much to feed varies. The best large breed puppy food will have a feeding chart on the package.

Both dry and wet food has benefits for puppies. Dry food is more nutrient-dense, easier to store and helps clean their teeth. Some puppies won’t like dry food at first, but if they’re old enough for dog chew toys, they are old enough for dry food. Wet food has fewer calories, can help your puppy get fluids and is easier to eat than wet food. In the end, the healthiest puppy food may be a mix of the two.

Grain-free diets for puppies have pros and cons. Grains do provide nutritional value to puppies in the form of carbohydrates, which give them energy. But if your puppy is already showing a food intolerance to grains, then grain-free could be the way to go. Consult your veterinarian if you have questions.