Best Dog Food For Large Adult Breeds: Reviews & Top Picks

Choosing the best large breed dog food for your adult dog can make a tremendous difference in future health.

Not only that the right food provides enough nutrients, but it keeps dogs healthier.

By choosing the right dog food, you are keeping serious conditions like permanent bone damage or hip dysplasia away from your Fido.

Scroll down for the best food for large adult breeds. The food listed below will not only help your dog be more mobile and active but also healthier in the long run.

How we chose

Because choosing the right food for your dog can be confusing and overwhelming, we reviewed all dog foods.

Every product on our list has been vetted to ensure that it aligns with Barking Royalty’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. Each product in this article:

• adheres to allowable health claims and labeling requirements
• is manufactured in facilities that adhere to current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs)
• is produced by a medically credible company that follows ethical, legal, and industry best standards
• is made by a company that provides objective measures of trust

Additional factors we considered included:

• Ingredients. We looked for supplements that are free of unnecessary ingredients such as fillers and artificial
• sweeteners and colors.
• AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile. We checked if the food meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO.
• Price. We included products to suit a range of budgets.

Best Food For Large Adult Breeds

To avoid certain health risks large size dogs need a special diet. Large adult breeds will thrive on food that is less calorically dense than food for small dogs.

They need food that is less concentrated in calories and higher in protein.

The balance between fat and calories should be specially formed for large adult breeds.

Every dog has different nutritional needs, so make sure that you always feed your dog based on the dog’s size, age, and activity level.

Are you ready to check the best available food for large adult breeds? If so, keep on reading. To help you select the right food, we have selected the best 10 dog foods listed below.

To make your search even easier we have highlighted the best overall, best budget, and grain-free dog food.

Best Overall

1. Purina Pro Plan Large Adult Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Chicken, rice, whole grain wheat, poultry by-product meal, soybean meal

• Price: $$
• Energy: 3,688 kcal/kg, 353 kcal/cup
• AAFCO Profile: All Life Stages
• Grain-free: No

The first ingredient in this formula is chicken for a richer taste and better nutrition, followed by rice, whole grain wheat, poultry by-product meal, and soybean meal.

Each ingredient in this formula is carefully selected to support dogs through all life stages.

Due to its protein, fat, and fiber percentage, this formula is best suited for adult dogs including large breeds.

For enhanced texture and richer flavor, this formula offers hard kibble with real pieces of shredder chicken.

Beef fat and barley are added for a richer flavor, while fish oil, fish meal, and soybean oil support fiber health.

This crunchy kibble is high n protein and an omega-3 fatty acid, for joint health and mobility.

Purina Pro Plan Brand Dog Food Large Breed Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Formula is balanced and offers everything that a dog might enjoy in daily meals.

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Best Budget

2. Diamond Naturals Large Adult Dog Food

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Top five ingredients in this formula: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice

• Price: $$
• Energy: 3,499 kcal/kg, 397 kcal/cup
• AAFCO Profile: Maintenance
• Grain-free: No

Chicken is the first ingredient to serve as a protein source and to provide a better texture, followed by a chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, and ground white rice.

For a richer taste, this formula includes chicken fat and dried beet pulp for fiber support.

The chicken used in this formula is cage-free and specially designed to maintain the health of large adult dogs.

Glucosamine and chondroitin support healthy joints, while omega fatty acids support skin and coat health.

Certain superfoods, such as blueberries and oranges are included in this formula to support overall health, next to vitamins and minerals.

Made without corn, wheat, artificial flavors, or colors, Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken and Rice formula serves as a great source of different protein souces.

For superior absorption, chelated minerals are added to this formula.

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Best Grain-Free Food

3. Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Adult Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: De-boned turkey, whole dried egg, potatoes, peas, potato flour

• Price: $$
• Energy: 3,573 kcal/kg, 393 kcal/cup
• AAFCO Profile: Maintenance
• Grain-free: Yes

De-boned turkey is the protein base in this formula followed by well-blended whole dried egg, potatoes, peas, and potato flour.

As a grain-free formula, this food mostly contains protein from real meat and eggs, while a great energy source comes with ingredients such as potatoes and sweet potatoes.

For richer flavor, this formula offers pea flour and canola oil. The better texture is achieved with de-boned salmon and de-boned duck, while real fruit and vegetable offer a fair amount of fiber.

Real fruit and vegetables such as pumpkin, blueberries, and blackberries are added to serve to support gut health.

This tasty grain-free dog food is made without by-products or meat meals, making it extremely healthy for dogs.

It also features omega-3 and -6 fatty acids that are beneficial for the dog’s skin and coat.

With over 20 superfoods, the Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Adult formula offers great protein and fat balance while helping dogs to maintain their perfect weight.

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4. Wellness Core Grain-Free Large Adult Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, lentils, peas

• Price: $$
• Energy: This food contains 3,492 kcal/kg or 342 kcal/cup ME (metabolizable energy) on an as fed basis
• AAFCO Profile: Maintenance
• Grain-free: Yes

The first ingredient in this formula is deboned chicken for a stronger taste and better bite, followed by a chicken meal, turkey meal, lentils, and peas.

The top five ingredients are high in protein, making this formula focused on high-quality protein.

As grain-free food, Wellness Core Grain-Free Large Breed Dog Food formula increased amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin and supports bone and joint health which is crucial in large-size dogs.

The fat and protein ratio is in balance, while larger kibble size is made for easy eating.

Designed to promote lean body mass, this formula comes with real fruit and vegetables.

Broccoli, carrots, and apples are added for better digestion and fiber support, while blueberries offer natural antioxidants.

Thanks to omega fatty acids, this formula supports coat and skin healthy in large-size dogs.

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5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Adult Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, tapioca starch, menhaden fish meal

• Price: $$
• Energy: 3,487 kcal/kg, 377 kcal/cup
• AAFCO Profile: Maintenance
• Grain-free: Yes

Chicken is the first ingredient in this formula for better taste and protein-based nutrition, followed by a chicken meal, peas, tapioca starch, and menhaden fish meal.

The top five ingredients in this formula are protein-based and carefully crafted to maintain lean muscle mass.

Maintenance is what this formula cares about the most – keeping large breed dogs’ joints strong and lean.

As a high-protein formula, this Blue Buffalo formula supports the maintenance and aims to help dogs reach their senior years with no issues or minimal issues.

Thanks to omega-3 and -6 fatty acids Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed formula supports a dog’s healthy skin and a rich coat.

Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals are carefully selected to support immune system health.

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6. Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Adult Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes

• Price: $$
• Energy: 3,718 kcal/kg, 386 kcal/cup
• AAFCO Profile: Maintenance
• Grain-free: Yes

Deboned chicken is the first ingredient in this formula for better digestion and good taste, followed by a chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, and potatoes.

The top five ingredients are carefully mixed to provide a strong base for large-size dogs.

As a protein-first formula, Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed Adult food offers additional protein percentages from lamb, duck, and salmon meals.

For a richer taste chicken, fat, and chicken liver are added. Real fruit such as apples and blueberries are blended to provide enough fiber and antioxidants.

This food contains freeze-dried raw-coated kibble and freeze-dried raw bites, making it fun for dogs to enjoy.

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7. Orijen Six Fish Large Adult Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Whole Atlantic mackerel, whole Atlantic herring, monkfish, Acadian redfish, flounder

• Price: $$
• Energy: 3900 kcal/kg, 468 kcal/cup
• AAFCO Profile: All Life Stages
• Grain-free: Yes

The whole mackerel is the first ingredient in this formula to improve brain and immune function, followed by whole Atlantic herring, monkfish, Acadian redfish, and flounder.

Orijen Six Fish Large Adult Dog Food serves as a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

As a formula based on raw or fresh protein, it offers great content for maintenance. Food that is rich in protein is responsible for building and repairing body tissues and keeping skin and coat healthy.

Made in the USA with the world’s finest ingredients, this formula provides the right kind of nutrients, thanks to real fruit, vegetables, and oil.

Sunflower oil, lentil fiber, whole pumpkin, and herring oil are added to make digestion better and the gut stronger.

Whole pears bring vitamins A and C, and potassium, while turmeric supports healthy joint mobility and comfort.

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8. Merrick Grain-Free Large Adult Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, sweet potatoes, potatoes

• Price: $$
• Energy: 3,733 kcal/kg, 417 kcal/cup
• AAFCO Profile: Small Breed Puppies Food
• Grain-free: No

Deboned chicken is the first ingredient in this formula as a great protein source, followed by a chicken meal, peas, sweet potatoes, and potatoes.

As a grain-free formula, Merrick Grain-Free Large Adult Dog Food supports overall health in the dog’s coat.

Not only that grain-free formula should help dogs have less flaky skin, but it also makes a coat shinier.

One of the biggest health benefits of grain-free dog food is making a dog’s teeth whiter and overall improving dog’s breath.

This is why this formula contains sweet potatoes that are not only rich in iron but also packed with vitamins A, C, B6, potassium, and calcium.

Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed Real Chicken and Sweet Potato formula contains 60% protein and healthy fat ingredients that help dogs maintain their optimal weight and increase energy.

Up to 80% of the protein comes from animal sources, including salmon meal and dried egg products.

Real fruit such as apples and blueberries are added to provide enough fiber and support strong digestion.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are present to support strong joints and healthy hips, while omega fatty acids promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.

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9. Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Large Adult Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, potatoes, chickpeas

• Price: $$
• Energy: This food contains 3,464 kcal/kg or 402 kcal/cup ME (metabolizable energy) on an as fed basis
• AAFCO Profile: Maintenance
• Grain-free: Yes

The first ingredient in this formula is deboned chicken as a great protein source, followed by a chicken meal, peas, potatoes, and chickpeas.

The top five ingredients are carefully mixed to provide enough vitamins and minerals.

Chicken offers not only a protein source, but also helps build lean muscle mass, and provides enough omega-6 fatty acids.

Peas are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, while chickpeas are a rich source of antioxidants for your dog.

Potatoes are included in this formula to promote healthy skin, coats, eyes, nerves, and muscles in dogs.

Crafted to support whole body health this formula is great for dogs with food sensitivities or intolerances.

This dry dog food is carefully made to deliver enough omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics, and taurine to support a strong immune system.

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10. Eagle Pack Large Adult Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Chicken meal, pork meal, ground brown rice, oatmeal, rice

• Price: $$
• Energy: 3,546 kcal/kg, 340 kcal/cup
• AAFCO Profile: Maintenance
• Grain-free: No

Chicken meal is the first ingredient in this formula is a chicken meal for better taste and richer nutrition, followed by pork meal, ground brown rice, oatmeal, and rice.

The top five ingredients are carefully mixed to provide enough protein and energy source for dogs.

Oatmeal is a great alternative carbohydrate for dogs that may be sensitive to wheat or grains.

Not only oatmeal can make a dog’s coat healthier and shinier, but it also makes the skin stronger.

On the other hand, pork meal present in this formula serves as a great source of amino acids, while ground brown rice is full of natural fiber.

Dogs need fiber to keep their gut stronger and support dog’s digestion in order. Plus, vitamins D and B which are essential to heart health are found in brown rice.

Tomato pomace also supports fiber presence and improves stool quality in dogs.

Eagle Pack Adult Large and Giant Breed Dog Food formula is a special mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that helps large dogs stay healthy, strong, and lean.

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How Much Food Should You Feed Your Large Adult Dog?

Large adult dogs usually need about 2 4/5 cups to 3 cups.

Experienced dog owners and dog experts will usually say that you should never exceed 3 cups per feeding.

This is why knowing how to read pet food labels is important as it may save you a lot of time and energy.

If you have any doubts about a dog’s nutrition in general make sure that you talk with your veterinarian first.

Your veterinarian is the only one who can tell you precisely what kind of approach might work best for your dog.

This applies also to moments when you are thinking about switching to a specific feeding style or new diet.

That being said, make sure that you discuss with your veterinarian first if you are thinking about switching from a dry to a raw food diet.

All in all, as long as you follow feeding guidelines, provide enough exercise, and stick to regular veterinarian check-ups, your Fido should reach his senior years without major health issues.