Best Dog Food For Large Breeds: Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Bojana Radulovic

Choosing the best dog food for large breed dogs is one of the most important steps that you, as responsible dog owners, have to make.

The importance of great nutrition in dogs is something that is often overlooked, although it should be one of the most important factors.

At least, that is the case if you want your large dog to reach his senior years without major health complications and joint issues.

Choosing the wrong food for your dog could make more harm than good, as the wrong food may lead to serious issues such as hip dysplasia.

Large-size dogs need 12 to 18 months to reach adulthood, while giant breeds might need up to 24 months to consider adults. That being said, it is fair to put an accent on the importance of food and its quality.

Owning a large breed dog comes with large responsibilities and a large need for great nutrition.

When it comes to choosing the best large-breed dog food for your dog, providing high-quality food isn’t enough, because a properly formulated, high-quality diet is what matters the most.

To keep a dog healthy and prevent disease in dogs, dog owners must find the best dog food for large breeds.

With so many choices on the shelves, how to choose the best one? To save you time and help you find what your large dog really needs, we have gathered the best dog food available for large breeds.

Before you start shopping check these brands and learn what your dog might benefit the most.

From the best foods for juniors to the best food for adult large dogs to the best senior food – we have got you covered.

Check the best dry dog food selection below, from puppyhood to senior days.

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 Dog Food For Large Puppy Breeds

Large breed puppies need specially designed to help them thrive. Their food should be high in protein and healthy fat.

Owners of large-size breeds should always focus on getting food that is made for juniors, not puppies.

What is the difference between a puppy and junior dog food?

Junior dog food is a food that can meet the demand of puppies who remain puppies for a long time, and breeds that remain puppies through their 18th through 24th months.

Check below for the best dog food that will serve puppy dogs the best.

Wellness Complete Health Puppy Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, ground barley, peas

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: This food contains 3,911 kcal/kg or 450 kcal/cup ME (metabolizable energy) on an as fed basis.
  • AAFCO Profile: All puppies including large breeds
  • Grain-free: No
Crude Protein 29.0% min
Crude Fat 18.0% min
Crude Fiber 4.5% min
Moisture 10.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids1.0% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids3.8% min
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Ratio3.8, healthy

Deboned chicken is the first ingredient in this formula for junior dogs, followed by a chicken meal, oatmeal, ground barley, and peas.

Each ingredient comes with certain traits that a dog might benefit from.

Deboned chicken supports the protein level which serves as a great energy source, while oatmeal helps dogs maintain a healthy coat.

At the same time, peas are an excellent source of essential vitamins, minerals, and fibers that boost energy levels in dogs and support the digestive system.

This formula contains no corn, no wheat, and no soy which makes it a great formula for supporting growing dogs.

Thanks to omega fatty acids, Wellness Complete Health Puppy Food is a great source of vitamins, antioxidants, and probiotics.

Made in the States with the global finest ingredients, this formula is carefully designed to encourage healthy brain development, keep energy levels optimized, and to easily ensure healthy skin and cost while promoting whole body health.

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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy

Top five ingredients in this formula: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: 3,707 kcal/kg, 400 kcal/cup
  • AAFCO Profile: All puppies including large breeds
  • Grain-free: No
Crude Protein 27.0% min
Crude Fat 16.0% min
Crude Fiber 5.0% min
Moisture 10.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.75% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids3.0% min
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Ratio4.0, healthy

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula was carefully made to support the well-being of all dogs.

This formula is packed with real meat, whole grains, and real veggies and fruit that are carefully mixed to support a dog’s immune system.

Puppyhood is an important stage and juniors need specific nutrition needs to ensure healthy joint development and healthy bone.

This formula contains antioxidant-rich ingredients, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that are great for healthy skin and coat.

DHA and ARA found in this formula are great ingredients for healthy brain and eye development.

Since this formula is high in protein it makes it a great source for healthy muscle growth.

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Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy

Top five ingredients in this formula: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: 3730 kcal/kg, 406 kcal/cup
  • AAFCO Profile: All puppies including large breeds
  • Grain-free: No
Crude Protein 28.0% min
Crude Fat 16.0% min
Crude Fiber 3.5% min
Moisture 11.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.75% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids3.0% min
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Ratio4.0, suboptimal

The first ingredient in this formula is deboned chicken for better digestion and proper nutrition, followed by a chicken meal, brown rice, barley, and oatmeal.

This formula is carefully made to be meat-based, which is why it offers a salmon meal, turkey meal, and sunflower oil followed by fish oil for a healthier gut.

Chia seeds, carrots, and apples are included in this formula to provide enough fiber and vitamins.

Minerals and vitamins offer a complete and balanced diet, while high levels of omega fatty acids help to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Not only that omega fatty acids great for healthy and strong hair and coat, but they may also promote a dog’s heart health, reduce itchy and flaky skin, and relieve allergies and joint pain.

On top of that formulas that are rich in omega fatty acids can strengthen a dog’s immune system.

Next to these fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin support hip and joint function, which makes Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy a promoter of healthy muscles.

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Best Dog Food for Adult Large Breeds

Know that overall nutrition for all dogs is quite similar, with a few exceptions when it comes to large dog breeds.

Large adult dog breeds need special diets to avoid certain health risks, such as hip dysplasia, obesity, and bloat.

It is easy to overfeed a large size dog, which is knowing how much to feed them is so important.

Large dog breeds have larger stomachs and they need certain full that will keep them full and healthy, but not the food that will fall hard on their stomach.

Food that is carefully designed for large dog breeds is lower in calories and fat to keep their weight in balance and their body in ideal condition.

Check the best dry dog food for large adult breeds below.

American Journey Active Life Large-Breed Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Deboned Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Rice Bran, Natural Flavor

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: 3,326 kcal/kg or 327 kcal/cup
  • AAFCO Profile: Large Breed Formula
  • Grain-free: No
Crude Protein 24.0% min
Crude Fat 12.0% min
Crude Fiber 6.0% min
Moisture 10.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.8% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids1.7% min
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Ratio2.12, suboptimal

The top five ingredients of this formula are carefully gathered to support large breed dogs’ weight and strength.

With up to 24% of high-quality protein from real and deboned salmon, this formula offers not only enough protein but also enough nutrients and antioxidants to support a healthy immune system and overall strong well-being.

American Journey Active Life Large-Breed Dog Food formula offers deboned salmon, menhaden fish meal, brown rice, peas, rice bran, and natural flavor as the first five ingredients with nutrients rich vegetables such as carrots, and sweet potatoes.

As the balanced formula of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, this formula supports healthy skin and a lustrous coat.

Ingredients such as brown rice and barns make digestion easy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids continuously help dogs with skin and coat improvement coat and skin health.

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Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Chicken & Turkey Recipe Dry 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
Crude Protein 34.0% min
Crude Fat 12.0% min
Crude Fiber 6.0% min
Moisture 10.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids1.0% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids3.25% min
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Ratio3.25, healthy

The first ingredient in this formula is deboned chicken for great taste, easier digestion, and better nutrition, followed by a chicken meal, turkey meal, lentils, and peas.

Each ingredient comes with certain benefits to the dog’s overall health: chicken meal serves as a good source of energy.

In addition, turkey meal offers white meat that helps dogs build muscle, lentils help regulate a dog’s digestive system, and peas can boost energy levels in dogs and support the digestive system.

Each ingredient is carefully mixed with dried ground potatoes, and chicken fat for a richer taste.

Pea fiber, broccoli, carrots, parsley, and apples are added to provide enough fiber that is great for strong gut health and easy digestion.

As a naturally preserved product, Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Chicken & Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food formula contains rosemary extract, green tea extract, and spearmint extract.

For easier eating, this formula is crafted into a larger kibble size making it a great tool for dogs to clean their teeth.

This formula enables great muscle tone, while its vitamins and minerals, next to omega fatty acids, promote a healthy coat and skin.

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Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Adult

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

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: 3,573 kcal/kg, 393 kcal/cup
  • AAFCO Profile: Maintenance
  • Grain-free: Yes
Crude Protein 27.0% min
Crude Fat 13.0% min
Crude Fiber 4.0% min
Moisture 10.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.7% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids2.0% min
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Ratio2.85, healthy

The first ingredient in this formula is deboned turkey as a great protein source, followed by an ingredient that enables extra protein, while the potato flour offers a good starch source for all adult dogs.

For a richer taste, this formula comes with deboned duck for improved digestion and stool quality, deboned salmon as a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, and sweet potatoes for healthy skin, coats, eyes, nerves, and muscles in dogs.

Sweet potatoes are also a source of many vitamins, including vitamins A, C, B6, potassium, calcium, and iron.

Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Adult formula is grain-free food made without any by-products or meat meals, with fresh ingredients such as apples, carrots, pumpkin, bananas, blueberries, and cranberries.

This formula is made with 20+ natural superfoods including pomegranate to support the immune system.

For extra protein, this formula contains whole eggs.

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Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed Real Chicken and Sweet Potato

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

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: 3674 kcal/kg, 382 kcal/cup
  • AAFCO Profile: All life stages
  • Grain-free: Yes
Crude Protein 30.0% min
Crude Fat 15.0% min
Crude Fiber 3.5% min
Moisture 11.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.80% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids3.0% min
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Ratio3.75, healthy

Deboned chicken is the first ingredient in this formula for a richer taste and easier digestion, followed by a chicken meal, peas, sweet potatoes, and potatoes.

Potatoes contain vitamin C, vitamin B3, and iron which can be a nice addition to the overall dog’s diet.

Chicken and turkey meals are great as a protein source, while peas serve as a great source of essential vitamins, as well as dietary fiber.

Peas are protein-rich and can make digestive systems healthier. Also, choosing a food that is high in fiber is a great move for dog owners whose dogs need weight management, or need to lower dog’s cholesterol.

Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed Real Chicken and Sweet Potato formula is carefully crafted for large breed adult dogs to help them maintain healthy hips and joints and help them reach their senior years stress-free and in great shape.

Omega fatty acids in this formula will promote healthy skin and a shiny coat, while sunflower oil keeps dog’s skin healthy and prevents dry skin by promoting new skin cell growth.

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Best Senior Large Breeds Food

Senior dogs need special food that is based on a high protein percentage to keep their muscles strong and lean.

If senior dogs do not get the nutrition that they need, they may lose their muscles so intensely that they can no longer walk without proper assistance.

Large breed dogs are considered to be seniors at 8 years of age, while giant breeds are considered to be seniors at 7 years old.

High-quality protein sources in greater amounts, next to regular exercise, will keep senior dogs in great balance and health.

To help provide your senior dog with the best nutrition possible, we have gathered a shortlist of the best dry dog food for seniors.

Wellness Core Senior Dog Food

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

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: This food contains 3,452 kcal/kg or 359 kcal/cup ME (metabolizable energy) on an as fed basis
  • AAFCO Profile: Senior Dog Food
  • Grain-free: No
Crude Protein 32.0% min
Crude Fat 12.0% min
Crude Fiber 6.25% min
Moisture 10.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids1.25% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids3.25% min
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Ratio2.6, healthy

Deboned turkey is the first ingredient in this formula to help dogs build muscle and serve as a digestible protein source for dogs, followed by a chicken meal, lentils, dried ground potatoes, and peas.

The top five ingredients are carefully mixed to produce great digestion, better chewing, and promote whole-body health.

For a richer taste, this formula contains nutrient-rich superfoods that are enriched with salmon oil and chicken fat.

Wellness Core Senior Dog Food formula contains fiber from real fruit and vegetables including broccoli, carrots, parsley, apples, and blueberries.

This formula for senior dogs is supported with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint and hip health while omega fatty acids encourage a shiny coat.

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Orijen Senior Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, Atlantic flounder, cage-free eggs, whole Atlantic mackerel

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: 3,630 kcal/kg, 417 kcal/cup
  • AAFCO Profile: Senior Dog Food
  • Grain-free: Yes
Crude Protein 38.0% min
Crude Fat 15.0% min
Crude Fiber 8.0% min
Moisture 12.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.8% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids3.0% min
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Ratio3.75, healthy

Deboned chicken is a great source of protein which provides dogs with lots of energy which is why deboned chicken is the first ingredient in this formula followed by deboned turkey, Atlantic flounder, cage-free eggs, and whole Atlantic mackerel.

For a richer taste, this formula is enriched with chicken liver, eggs, and whole herring.

To enable enough fibers this formula is supported with whole pinto beans, whole green lentils, and whole navy beans.

Dehydrated pumpkin is added to serve as a natural stomach soother due to its high amount of fiber.

Next to dehydrated pumpkin, the whole pumpkin is added as a micronutrient and easily removes excess water in a dog’s digestive tract.

Orijen Senior Dog Food formula is crafted with 85% high-quality animal ingredients including poultry and fish, making it a great source of essential protein, minerals, and vitamins.

Made in the States with the world’s finest ingredients, this formula supports lean muscle mass and weight maintenance in senior dogs.

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Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult 7+ Senior Chicken and Rice

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

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: 3791 kcal/kg, 423 kcal/cup
  • AAFCO Profile: Senior Dog Food
  • Grain-free: No
Crude Protein 29.0% min
Crude Fat 14.0% min
Crude Fiber 3.0% min
Moisture 12.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.45% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids1.8% min
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Ratio4.0, healthy

Chicken is the first ingredient in this formula to provide less mass and enough protein as an energy source, followed by poultry by-product meal, brewers rice, whole grain corn, and whole grain wheat.

Each of the top five ingredients in this formula has certain benefits for a dog’s overall health.

Poultry by-product meal provides protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Rice is low in fat, whole grain corn is a carbohydrate that serves as a key energy source, and corn gluten meal is a great source of protein and amino acids.

In a similar manner, whole grain wheat offers a natural source of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

For a richer taste, this formula is enriched with pearled barley, fish meal, and dried egg product.

For easier digestion, this formula contains fish oil that supports the dog’s heart health, promotes a silky coat, and reduces itchy and flaky skin.

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Large Breed Dogs Dietary Needs

Dogs require a specific kind of nutrition, one that is packed with proper vitamins and minerals, which is why feeding them a complete and balanced diet is the best way to keep dogs healthy.

Commercial dry dog foods are usually enough to help dogs thrive, although you should pay extra attention when it comes to feeding large-size dogs.

Large-size breeds may gain more weight than other-size dogs in a short period if dog owners miss providing the right nutrition.

Large breed puppies require special diets that can help them avoid certain health issues, while large adult dogs require nutrition that will keep orthopedic disease away.

Overall, senior dogs need a diet that is packed with proteins and provides enough nutrients to support lean muscles.

If you are thinking about any alternative feeding styles or raw food diets, make sure that you talk with your veterinarian first.

Your veterinarian can help you to provide the right kind of nutrients, and a balanced diet, and answer any further questions and concerns that you might have about dog nutrition.

What To Look For In Food For Large Breed Dogs?

Did you know that large dog breeds have proportionally smaller stomachs than smaller breeds? In practice, this means that they need a higher nutrient density from their food.

Large-size dogs are more prone to obesity, so the amount of food that they are fed needs to be well-planned, properly guided, and managed in the best way possible.

Large-size dogs have larger mouths and will usually try to pick up as much food as possible and swallow it in a single move.

This is why bloat is often seen in large-size dogs and should now be taken as a light condition as it may lead to a fatal outcome.

How Much Should I Feed My Large Breed Dog?

Large breed dogs are not all the same and some are more robust dogs, while some are athletic with specific energy levels that will affect their dietary needs.

One of the most effective ways to feed your large-size dog properly is to learn how to read pet food labels and choose commercial dog food based on its ingredients while keeping the dog’s size, age, and activity levels on your mind all the time.

As a general rule, if your dog has 12+ months of age, you should feed him one to two meals per day.

Summing Up

Before you choose any new food for your dog make sure that you talk with your veterinarian.

Yes, we have selected some great dry dog food brands that you should check, but we still suggest consulting with your veterinarian first.

Your veterinarian is the only one who can help you truly understand health issues that are easily seen in large-size dogs and how you can use nutrition to make your dog’s day-to-day reality healthier.