Best Dog Food For Large Breed Puppy: Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Bojana Radulovic

Feeding dogs food of poor quality can lead to high veterinarian costs in the long run.

Dog food is specially designed to meet dogs’ nutritional needs and choosing the best one is what will help your dog thrive.

With so many different dog food brands in the market, it can be challenging to choose the best one. Why should you be attentive when it comes to choosing food for your Fido?

Choosing the wrong puppy food (or the right one) will set the course for the rest of the dog’s life. Sounds too serious? Know that if dogs are continuously fed food that is rich in calcium it could cause some serious conditions like permanent bone damage or hip disease – large size dogs are in general prone to this sort of conditions.

Below you will find the top ten best large breed puppy food and info on how much large puppies should eat, when you should switch from puppy to adult food, and how often should you feed your large breed puppy.

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 Breed Puppies

Large breed puppies should eat specially designed food for them that is low in fat, offers balanced calcium content, and has a high-quality protein.

Large breed puppies should have 4.5 grams (0.0099 pounds) of calcium per every 1000 kcal.

Food that comes with glucosamine has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps reduce dog’s pain making it a great choice for large breed dogs that are prone to joint problems.

Know that dogs have different nutritional needs at different points in their lives, which is why you should always feed a dog food appropriate to his age.

Ready to choose a food for your large puppy breed? Check the best 10 options listed below.

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

Best Overall

1. Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Food

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

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: 3934 kcal/kg, 419 kcal/cup
  • AAFCO Profile: All life stages
  • Grain-free: No
Crude Protein 28% min
Crude Fat 13.0% min
Crude Fiber 4.75% min
Moisture 12.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acidsnot disclosed
Omega-6 Fatty Acids1.8% min
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Rationot disclosed

Chicken is the first ingredient in this formula for better taste and easier digestion, followed by rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, and poultry by-product meal.

This food is carefully formed to support a proper growth rate for large breed puppies.

The high-protein formula is crafted with real chicken as the first ingredient, and beef fat for a richer taste.

Pea fiber, fish meal, and fish oil are added next to soybean oil to provide better digestion and make a stronger gut.

Fish oil is a general great addition to a dog’s overall health. This oil supports a dog’s heart health, promotes a silky coat, and can even reduce itchy skin.

In some cases, fish oil can even help with arthritic joints. Soybean oil is also present in this formula and helps with blood clotting and inflammation.

Glucosamine found in this formula supports developing joints and cartilage. Glucosamine can also help reduce dog pain.

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Best Budget

2. Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, ground brown rice, salmon meal

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: This food contains 3,533 kcal/kg or 367 kcal/cup ME (metabolizable energy) on an as fed basis
  • AAFCO Profile: Growth
  • Grain-free: No
Crude Protein 29.0% min
Crude Fat 13.0% min
Crude Fiber 5.0% min
Moisture 10.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.75% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids3.5% min
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Ratio4.66, healthy

The first ingredient in this formula is deboned chicken as a great protein source, followed by a chicken meal, peas, ground brown rice, and salmon meal.

This formula was specially created without any GMOs, meat-by products, or any sort of artificial preservatives, which makes it safe for puppies.

Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy Food formula was carefully created to provide needed nutrients and support large breed puppy health.

For a richer taste, this formula offers tomatoes, carrots, and apples.

Salmon oil supports better digestion, while next to spinach this ingredient offers enough fiber. This naturally preserved product is supported with omega fatty acids that are great for a dog’s skin and coat.

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Best Grain-Free Food

3. Orijen Grain-Free Large Breed Puppy Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, yellowtail flounder, whole eggs, whole atlantic mackerel

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: 3760 kcal/kg, 451 kcal/cup
  • AAFCO Profile: All life stages
  • Grain-free: Yes
Crude Protein 38.0% min
Crude Fat 16.0% min
Crude Fiber 4.0% 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

Chicken is the first ingredient in this formula for better taste and easier digestion, followed by deboned turkey, yellowtail flounder, whole eggs, and whole atlantic mackerel.

For a richer taste, this formula is enriched with turkey giblets which include liver, heart, and gizzard, while eggs and dehydrated chicken provide more protein.

Natural chicken flavor offers a better taste, while lentil fiber and whole green lentils offer enough fiber and support gut health.

This formula comes with up to 85% of premium animal ingredients including fish, making it a great source of essential protein, vitamins, and minerals.

As a grain-free formula, this food offers immediate health effects. Due to the reduction of the total elimination of grains, the dog’s coat immediately becomes healthier.

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4. Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, whole grain oats, whole grain sorghum, corn gluten meal

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: 394 kcal/cup
  • AAFCO Profile: Growth
  • Grain-free: No
Crude Protein 24% min
Crude Fat 11.0% min
Crude Fiber 3.0% min
Moisture 10.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acidsnot disclosed
Omega-6 Fatty Acidsnot disclosed
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Rationot disclosed

Chicken meal is the first ingredient in this formula for protein and better taste, followed by whole grain wheat, whole grain oats, whole grain sorghum, and corn gluten meal.

For a richer taste, this formula contains pork liver flavor and fish oil, with fish oil serving as a great gut supporter.

Dried beet pulp is also added to provide enough fiber and increase stomach health.

Real fruit and vegetables are added to provide enough vitamins and minerals which is why apples, broccoli, and carrots are included in this formula.

Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy formula offers controlled levels of calcium which are crucial for optimal bone growth for large breed puppies.

To support the immune system, this formula offers antioxidants and vitamins E and C – these are blended to provide maximum support.

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5. Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Corn, chicken by-product meal, wheat, wheat gluten, chicken fat

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: 3,667 kcal/kg, 352 kcal/cup
  • AAFCO Profile: Growth
  • Grain-free: No
Crude Protein 28% min
Crude Fat 14.0% min
Crude Fiber 3.5% min
Moisture 10.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acidsnot disclosed
Omega-6 Fatty Acidsnot disclosed
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Rationot disclosed

Corn is the first ingredient in this formula to support the immune system, followed by chicken by-product meal, wheat, wheat gluten, and chicken fat.

For a richer taste and better digestion, this formula comes with vegetable oil and fish oil. For proper fiber percentage, this formula contains dried plain beet pulp and marigold extract.

Royal Canin Large Puppy formula is carefully formulated to support the health and well-being of large breed puppies by providing a specialized blend of minerals.

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6. Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Food

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

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: 3,650 kcal/kg, 414 kcal/cup
  • AAFCO Profile: All life stages
  • Grain-free: No
Crude Protein 27% min
Crude Fat 15.0% min
Crude Fiber 3.5% min
Moisture 10.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.3% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids2.0% min
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Ratio6.6, healthy

Lamb is the first ingredient of this formula to serve as high-quality protein and an ingredient with essential amino acids, followed by lamb meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, and ground white rice.

Egg product is added to provide more protein, fatty acids, and vitamins to support the dog’s voerall health.

Egg product is often high in calories but easy to digest, and as such, it is perfect for underweight dogs.

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula is carefully crafted to deliver enough portions while providing more than the suitable amount of fiber.

The fiber in dogs helps to increase bulk and absorb excess water. For these reasons this carefully made formula contains salmon oil, fish meal, chia seed, and pumpkin.

Real fruit and vegetable are added for a richer taste, including kale, coconut, spinach, carrots, oranges, and blueberries.

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7. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Puppy Food

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

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: 3,642 kcal/kg, 386 kcal/cup
  • AAFCO Profile: Growth
  • Grain-free: No
Crude Protein 26% min
Crude Fat 15.0% min
Crude Fiber 5.0% min
Moisture 10.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.75% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids2.5% min
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Ratio3.3, healthy

Deboned chicken is the first ingredient in this formula for a great energy source and protein, only to be followed by a chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, and barley.

Each ingredient was carefully mixed to provide the best vitamins for strong bones, teeth, and overall great health.

This formula comes with special ‘puppy-sized’ kibble for smaller jaws that support tartar removal.

As a high-quality protein, this formula contains L-Carnitine for lean muscle growth and contains no corn, wheat, soy or chicken (or poultry) by-product meals.

Since puppyhood is such an important stage, this formula features ingredients that support overall health, growth, and overall development.

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8. Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Chicken, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, chicken fat

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: 3,723 kcal/kg, 357 kcal/cup
  • AAFCO Profile: Growth
  • Grain-free: No
Crude Protein 26% min
Crude Fat 14.0% min
Crude Fiber 3.7% min
Moisture 10.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acidsnot disclosed
Omega-6 Fatty Acidsnot disclosed
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Rationot disclosed

Chicken is the first ingredient in this formula to build muscle mass and provide a better taste, followed by chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, and chicken fat.

Food for large breed puppies should be complete and balanced nutrition that supports overall growth, which is what this formula offers.

The top five ingredients are the primary base that supports a dog’s healthy bone development and strong bones and keeps weight in balance.

Puppies usually come with endless energy levels that should be supported at an appropriate level and with adequate nutrition that comes with this formula.

Since chicken is the first ingredient this formula brings enough protein to help energized puppies go through the day.

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9. Taste Of The Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Large Breed Puppy Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: 3,600 kcal/kg, 408 kcal/cup
  • AAFCO Profile: All Life Stages
  • Grain-free: Yes
Crude Protein 27% min
Crude Fat 15.0% min
Crude Fiber 5.0% min
Moisture 10.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.3% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids2.4% min
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Ratio8.0, healthy

The first ingredient in this formula is salmon a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, followed by ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas, and potatoes.

These ingredients are carefully selected and combined to provide real fish primarily as the first ingredient.

This smoke-flavored salmon formula contains up to 27% of protein and as such supports bones, joints, and strong muscles.

As such, this formula is also suitable for puppies and nursing or pregnant mothers.

Since this is a grain-free formula this recipe is specially crafted for puppies.

Sweet potatoes that are included in this formula are a great addition to promote healthy coats, skin, and eyes, but also great to serve as a source of energy for puppies.

Real fruits and vegetables represent natural antioxidant support, while dried chicory root serves as prebiotic support and healthy digestion.

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10. Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Large Breed Puppy Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Deboned salmon, turkey meal, red lentils, chickpeas, salmon meal

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: 3,423 kcal/kg, 404 kcal/cup
  • AAFCO Profile: Growth
  • Grain-free: Yes
Crude Protein 32% min
Crude Fat 14.0% min
Crude Fiber 5.0% min
Moisture 10.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.7% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids2.3% min
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Ratio3.28, healthy

Deboned salmon is the first ingredient in this formula to serve as a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein.

Deboned salmon is followed by turkey meal, red lentils, chickpeas, and salmon meal. Each ingredient in this formula is carefully gathered and mixed to provide the best outcome for large puppy breeds.

Sweet potatoes are added to support the enormous energy that puppies come with, while chicken fat offers extra flavor.

Dried tomatoes and dried chicory root, next to apples are present to provide enough fiber and support the dog’s digestion.

As a grain-free formula, Nulo Freestyle Salmon & Turkey Recipe Large Breed Puppy Grain-Free formula enables a healthier coat and plenty of omega fatty acids.

Plus, the grain-free formula comes with less risk of food allergies and intolerances.

To enable strong chewing this formula offers large kibble size, while DHA from real salmon helps the brain and eye development.

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When To Switch Puppy To Adult Food?

Know that only dogs who are fed on a proper diet can thrive.

Feeding puppies with senior food won’t provide any nutritional benefits – it will just keep the dog’s stomach full.

To help dogs grow, and help them thrive serving the right food is crucial.

Another big factor in puppy nutrition is knowing when to switch to adult dog food.

Adult dog food tends to be high in calcium, which is something that growing puppies cannot benefit from.

At least, it will make it unsafe for puppies that are still growing. That being said… Do NOT switch to adult food too soon. Know that… The best time to switch your puppy to adult dog food depends on the dog’s breed type.

Learn below hen can you switch your puppy to adult food:

Breed TypeAdult WeightSwitch to Adult
Large breed50 – 100 lbs12 – 18 months
Giant breedOver 100 lbs18 – 24 months

How Much Food Should You Feed Your Large Breed Puppy?

Knowing how much your large breed puppy should eat is easy if you know how to read pet food labels properly.

This is not something that can be discovered in a matter of seconds, but it is more of a process.

Truth is that large breed puppies eat much more than smaller breed puppies do.

Every dry food contains a different number of calories per cup, which is why it is always best to start with recommended feeding amount printed on the package.

Adjust the amount as needed, and make sure that you check with your veterinarian if you have any food-related doubts.

The recommended feeding amount will not only help your large breed puppy grow but should keep the dog’s weight in balance.

How Often Should You Feed Your Large Breed Puppy?

To answer this question, it’s a must to understand the previous step and learn how much your large puppy needs to eat.

Once you learn how much your large breed puppy should eat daily you need to do the following…

Divide the daily feeding amount into 3 or 4 smaller servings and feed those portions to your puppy at regular intervals throughout the day.

Feeding routine may be combined with your meals or you can serve it by any other regime that makes the sense for you.

How To Know If A Dog Food Is Safe For Large Breed Puppies?

The best way to know this is to search for an AAFCO note on the food package.

You should see “meets AAFCO nutrient profiles” OR “growth” or “all life stages” or the note “including the growth of large size dogs (animals weighing over 70 pounds)”.

Next to this, you should check the calcium level – know that the calcium content printed on the label does not reveal this amount.

Check the maximum amount the manufacturer is willing to guarantee to you because the only way to know precise calcium levels is to undergo food under actual lab testing.

To Sum Up

Are you thinking about free choice feeding?

If so, you should know that this feeding style has been shown to cause a puppy to grow too fast which may lead to certain complications or lasting bone damage.

With puppies, the safest way to keep them safe and healthy is to control the amount of food and the way you feed your puppy every day.

Do not forget that puppies need food that is rich in high-quality protein and low-fat percentage.

If you want to reward your puppy with treats make sure that you make it an occasional thing and only served when well-deserved.