A healthy, balanced nutrition is one of the most important things you can provide for your dog, but finding the right formula has become increasingly difficult for dog owners.
With the knowledge that the public has of the pet food manufacturing process, many of us want to investigate the ingredients to ensure that we are providing our pets with a quality meal.
So when it comes to choosing the best dry dog food for large breeds, where should you begin?
In our guide, we’ll share a list of the top foods that large breed owners like you trust, so read on to see which ones made the cut with our dog food experts.
Top 10 Dry Dog Foods for Large Breeds Chart
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When in Doubt – Check the Feeding Guide
The best dry dog food for large breeds is usually labeled as such on the bag. You’ll see “Large Breed” or “Large & Giant Breed” printed clearly on the front.
However, what if you’re interested in another brand of food since you have heard good things about it?
To determine whether or not it would be appropriate for your extra-large furry friend, check the feeding guide to see what the maximum adult weight is.
We have often discussed [easyazon_link asin=”B002AYA6M6″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”senappblo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]ZiwiPeak[/easyazon_link] in dog food recommendation articles because it is one of the best on the market.
The problem, however, is that the feeding guide has portion recommendations for dogs that weigh up to 66 pounds. If you have an 80-100 pound dog, what are you supposed to give them?
ZiwiPeak actually has a feeding calculator on their website, but since we wanted to focus on ready-to-serve large breed foods that were specifically formulated with large breeds in mind, we’ll skip the ZiwiPeak this time.
What Makes Large Breed Formulas Different
Large breeds have completely different nutritional needs than a Dachshund or a Chihuahua, and the formulas reflect that.
- Optimal Levels of Phosphorous and Calcium. This is especially important in puppy formulas since large breed puppies grow faster than smaller breed puppies and they remain in the “puppy” phase for longer.
To help prevent hip and joint-related problems, dog food manufacturers limit the amount of calcium and phosphorous used in puppy food.
- Joint Health. Once you move to an adult formula, you will notice that they contain optimal levels of chondroitin and glucosamine to help promote healthy joints – one of the most problematic areas on a large breed dog.
The Rest Is up to You
Having a list of the best dry dog food for large breeds will certainly simplify the selection process, but you still need to consider a few things before you choose.
- Sensitive Stomach/Digestive Problems. Some formulas that contain brown rice, fibers or digestive enzymes can really aid a dog with a sensitive stomach. Our favorite is [easyazon_link asin=”B003M61EEK” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”senappblo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Holistic Select for Large & Giant Breed Dogs[/easyazon_link].
- Grain-Free. Does your dog have an allergy or sensitivity to grains? If not, then you don’t necessarily need to go with a grain-free food. While the ancestral canine diet did not consist of grain, the modern dog has been eating them for years, and most can handle them without a problem.
- Activity Level. Make sure that you choose food that is suitable for your dog based on his or her activity level.
- Kibble Size. Large dogs need kibble that they have to break down with their teeth. Otherwise, they’ll most likely end up swallowing it whole which can cause their digestive system to work harder.
Make sure they’re using those teeth by providing them with kibble that makes them work a bit at meal time!
Top 3 Best Dry Dog Food for Large Breeds Reviews
[easyazon_link asin=”B0077AJHGO” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”senappblo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]1. AvoDerm Natural Dog Food[/easyazon_link]
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AvoDerm is a top pick for large breed owners thanks to the balance between price and quality.
While it is not a grain-free formula, it does not contain any corn, soy or wheat. Brown rice is present in many formulas for large breeds since it helps them stay regular.
It is one of few dog foods containing avocado, and they offer just as many benefits to dogs as they do we humans. There is also chicken cartilage in there, which is a natural source of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine – both ingredients that are vital to your large dog’s hip and joint health.
Try this food if you haven’t yet found anything that works for your dog.
[easyazon_link asin=”B001J8LGEG” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”senappblo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]2. Wellness Complete Health Dry Puppy Food[/easyazon_link]
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Wellness is an average quality brand of dog food that has a wide range of formulas for dogs of all sizes.
Their large breed puppy formula offers everything that a young pup needs to grow at a steady, healthy rate without excessive amounts of calcium and phosphorous.
Most find that the mixture of ingredients is ideal for their growing puppy, although if yours has certain grain sensitivities, you might notice more scratching or flatulence.
Check out their adult formula, too, if you’re looking for something for a large dog of regular activity levels.
[easyazon_link asin=”B003M61EEK” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”senappblo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]3. Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food[/easyazon_link]
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As you can see from the image on the packaging, this food is definitely suitable for giants like the Great Dane.
In the formula, there is a unique blend of active yogurt cultures and digestive enzymes that help dogs to digest more easily, plus the fiber in the oatmeal will help promote regularity. There is also a healthy dose of glucosamine to help promote healthy hips and joints.
The kibble size is perfect for a giant’s mouth, and the nutritional value is optimized for dogs that weigh 50 pounds or more as adults.
This brand receives a lot of praise from large and giant breed dog forums, and we wholeheartedly agree! They also offer a puppy formula for large and giant breeds.
