Supporting Your Dog s Health Journey The Benefits of Top Breed Dog Food

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 18, 2024

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5 Best Large Breed Dog Foods (2024)

How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Large Breed Dogs

Large breed dogs add a lot of adventure and love to a home. To help keep a large dog healthy and well, a diet that is properly balanced and made from the highest quality ingredients is an absolute necessity.

Large breed dogs can be predisposed to several different health conditions that can be impacted by diet. Among the problems that can plague them include hip and elbow dysplasia, arthritis, and osteochondrosis. In addition to this, excess weight can greatly exacerbate the potential for disease. To prevent any nutritional impact on potential health problems in large breed dogs, it is recommended that all food be measured and all intake carefully monitored.

Bloat is another condition that can affect large breed dogs. This is of particular concern as bloat is often life-threatening. Although it is not known what causes bloat, experts agree that two of the most important things to avoid are eating too rapidly or too much. Feeding the best large breed dog food with pieces of kibble that encourage careful chewing and swallowing can help combat these tendencies.

Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Large Breed Dogs

It can be challenging trying to determine how much food to feed a large breed dog. Many different factors come into play when making this assessment. The dogs age, activity level, and breed will all need to be considered in this decision. As a starting point, it is an excellent idea to use the suggested serving size on the bag as a guideline, making adjustments as needed with weight and appetite serving as helpful guides.

Dietary Requirements for Large Breed Dog Foods

Any food selected for a large breed dog of adult size should contain a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat. Care should be taken not to choose a food that goes to extremes in either of these categories as excess weight can cause strain on the dogs body, possibly leading to injury.

Since large breed dogs can be prone to hip and elbow problems as well as arthritis, it is important to select a food that will provide support for the large dogs joints. Foods containing glucosamine and chondroitin are a great help in encouraging excellent joint health.

Large breed dogs require a diet that is formulated specifically to meet their needs. For this reason, the average generic adult food is not ideal. Foods designed specifically for large breed consumption are the optimal choice. The best foods for large breed dogs are dense in calories, meaning the dog needs to eat less food to achieve the same result.

To prevent overeating and assist with maintaining oral health, it is a good idea to select a large breed food that contains big pieces of kibble. In addition to these benefits, big kibble pieces encourage dogs to eat more slowly, thus helping to prevent bloat.

Protein should be the first ingredient in any food for a large breed dog. It should come from animal origins and is best in whole form whenever possible. Meat meals provide a powerhouse punch of concentrated nutrition; however, foods based on by-products and plant-based proteins should be avoided.

Dietary fiber is derived from the carbohydrates included in a food. Large breed dogs typically can eat grain-inclusive or grain-free foods with no adverse effects. The best choices for the large dog breeds diet include carbohydrates that are high in fiber and antioxidants to assist with digestion and fortify immunity.

Healthy fats are an important building block in keeping large breed dogs healthy. They provide vital energy and encourage coat and skin health. The best sources for healthy fats come from animal sources and include such items as chicken fat and oily fish such as mackerel, sardines, anchovies, and salmon.

Things to Look for in the Best Food for Large Breed Dogs

Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in a food for a large breed dog:

Whole proteins heading up the ingredients list
Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients
Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food

11 Best Large Breed Dog Foods in 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

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11 Best Large Breed Dog Foods in 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Kristin Hitchcock

Large breed dogs need different nutrition than other breeds out there. They require more joint-supporting supplements, for instance, because their joints carry much more weight.

Most large-breed dog foods are designed specifically to counteract these issues. However, this isnt always the case. Certain foods contain more of the nutrients that your dog needs, making them healthier choices.

Choosing dog food can be challenging. There are many rules to keep in mind. We did most of the legwork for you by picking out the best large breed dog foods on the market and creating reviews for them.

Keep reading to choose the best large breed dog food for your canine.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (2024 Update)

The 11 Best Large Breed Dog Foods

1. Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula Dog Food Best Overall

Type of Food:	Dry Food
Life stage:	Adult
Main Ingredients:	Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, white rice

Out of everything available on the market, Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula Dog Food is easily the best overall large breed dog food. It contains chicken as the first ingredient, which is a great option for any dog that isnt allergic to chicken. It does include grains, though these are whole grains, making them quite nutritious.

This food includes probiotics, which support your dogs overall gut health. Its also quite high in protein and suitable for puppies of all life stages. Therefore, you can start it when your dog is a puppy and continue the same food into their adult lives.

Plus, this company makes all its food in the U.S.A., so it does uphold certain standards.

This recipe includes omega fatty acids to support your dogs skin and coat. Various antioxidants are also included, mostly from fresh fruits like blueberries.

Pros

Chicken as the first ingredient
Omega fatty acids included
Probiotics added
Made without corn, wheat, artificial flavors, or colors
Made in the U.S.A.

Chicken is a leading cause of allergies

2. Purina ONE SmartBlend Chicken & Rice Adult Formula Budget Buy

Type of Food:	Dry
Life stage:	Adult
Main Ingredients:	Chicken, rice flour corn, gluten meal, whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal

Purina ONE SmartBlend Chicken & Rice Adult Formula is inexpensive compared to most other dog foods out there. However, it is still decently high quality, making it a better option for those on a strict budget.

It has chicken as the first ingredient, which is common in the dog food industry. However, this formula also includes things like gluten meal, which amps up the protein content. This ingredient is not animal-based, though, so it may be of lower quality than some other choices.

Omega fatty acids are included to improve your dogs coat and skin health. Natural sources of glucosamine are also added for healthy joints.

Overall, this is the best large breed dog food for the money. It may have a few low-quality ingredients, but it still includes most of what your dog needs to thrive.

Pros

Chicken as first ingredient
Inexpensive
Omega fatty acids
Glucosamine
High protein

Includes low-quality ingredients

3. Ollie Fresh Dog Food Premium Choice

Type of Food:	Fresh
Life stage:	All
Main Ingredients:	Chicken, turkey, lamb, or beef

If youre looking for a healthy food option for your large breed dog and have a larger budget, Ollie Dog Food is definitely an option worth considering. Larger dog breeds will usually have different nutrition requirements. Overall, owners will find that these dogs will need more protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates daily in addition to their hydration requirements. This means that ultimately you need to purchase more dog food to help them maintain a balanced diet and have enough energy each day.

Just like smaller dogs, large breeds can run into health issues including digestive problems, food sensitivities, and allergies, which can make it hard to find a diet that works for them.

Ollie only uses high-quality ingredients and abides by standards set forth by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control). Ollie contains all the daily vitamins and minerals that dogs need to stay energized and healthy, and all of their recipes are cooked at low temperatures to maximize their nutritional content. The best thing about their meals is that they can be delivered right to your front door. The downside is that the meal plans can get pricey, especially for large breeds that eat more food.

Pros

High-quality ingredients
Human-grade food
Convenient delivery service
Customized plan recommendations
Easy cancellation

More expensive than regular kibble

4. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Type of Food:	Dry
Life stage:	Adult
Main Ingredients:	Salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas

If you have plenty of extra money to spend, you may want to look at Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. It includes mostly protein sources, including a variety of fish. Therefore, this food is quite high in protein, supporting active dogs and lean muscles.

It also has a variety of different fruits and veggies. These provide natural nutrients that are essential for your dogs overall health.

Omega fatty acids are also included, which benefit your dogs coat and joints. For large breeds, omega fatty acids are particularly important because their joints must support more weight.

Taste of the Wild is a U.S.A.-owned business. However, it uses ingredients from around the world to create its products, including this formula.

This food is completely grain-free, though it does include quite a few lentils.

Pros

Grain-free
Omega fatty acids included
High in protein
S.A.-owned business
High-quality ingredients

5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

Type of Food:	Dry
Life stage:	Adult
Main Ingredients:	Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal

The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe is quite popular. Overall, this food is a good option for large breeds. It has both chicken and chicken meals two high-quality ingredients that provide amino acids and protein.

This formula also includes whole grains, which provide extra nutrition that your dog needs to thrive. Grains are also an easy source of fast energy.

Glucosamine is added to support healthy joint function. We also appreciate that the minerals included are chelated, which makes them easier for canines to absorb. Your dog is far more likely to get what they need from this dog food.

However, there are also a few downsides. Firstly, this company participates in ingredient splitting, which makes the ingredient list a bit misleading. Peas are listed in several different forms, for instance. If you shoved all the peas together, they would likely be high on the ingredient list.

Pros

Chicken as the first ingredient
Glucosamine added
Chelated minerals
Whole grains

6. American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Dog Food

Type of Food:	Dry
Life stage:	Adult
Main Ingredients:	Deboned salmon, chicken meal, turkey meal, peas, sweet potatoes

American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Dog Food is a bit more expensive than most other brands out there. However, there are a few reasons for this. First, this formula includes quite a few different sources of meat, including salmon, chicken, and turkey. All these ingredients add to the recipes protein and fat content, making it a better choice for canines.

However, peas are also included high on the ingredient list. Peas may be connected to some health problems in dogs, so we typically recommend avoiding them in high amounts. They also artificially raise the protein content of the food.

Second, this food is made without any corn, wheat, or soy. Its also grain-free, though it doesnt necessarily include more meat than grain-inclusive foods.

Fruits and veggies like blueberries and carrots are added for natural vitamins and minerals. It also includes salmon oil and flaxseed, which increase the omega fatty acids content. Fiber-rich chickpeas are added too, improving your dogs digestive health.

Pros

No corn, wheat, or soy
Quality fruits and veggies added
High in meat ingredients, like salmon
Added omega fatty acids

7. Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Chicken Dry Dog Food

Type of Food:	Dry
Life stage:	Adult
Main Ingredients:	Chicken meal, pearled barley, brown rice, oatmeal, peas

At first glance, the Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Chicken Dry Dog Food might seem a bit strange. It is not a mainstream dog food, after all. However, it is of higher quality than many other options out there.

It is crafted with completely non-GMO ingredients, including farm-raised chicken. It also includes a few high-quality whole grains, like brown rice. It has many different fruits and veggies, like peas, spinach, and sweet potatoes.

New Zealand mussels are added for increased glucosamine and chondroitin, which can support your large dogs joints. Chelated minerals are also included, as are higher amounts of omega fatty acids. Probiotics are added to improve your dogs digestive health.

This food is a bit low in protein, though, likely because it includes large amounts of grains.

Pros

New Zealand mussels added
Non-GMO ingredients
Chelated minerals

Low in protein
High in peas

8. Wellness Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe

Type of Food:	Dry
Life stage:	Adult
Main Ingredients:	Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, ground barley, peas

The Wellness Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe is considered to be a premium recipe. It is more expensive than most other options out there, though you arent getting much for the extra money.

It has deboned chicken and chicken meal as the first ingredients. The food is made without any GMO ingredients, fillers, or artificial preservatives. It also has the added nutrients that you would expect, like omega fatty acids and glucosamine.

Plus, it is made in the U.S.A., though it uses ingredients from around the world.

Still, this food has high amounts of peas, which may be a danger for some dogs. Oatmeal and ground barley are also included, though these whole grains are good options for many dogs.

Pros

Omega fatty acids
Glucosamine
No GMOs

9. True Acre Foods Grain-Free Chicken & Vegetable Dry Dog Food

Type of Food:	Dry
Life stage:	Adult
Main Ingredients:	Chicken, peas, pea starch, canola meal, poultry by-product meal

The True Acre Foods Grain-Free Chicken & Vegetable Dry Dog Food is a new food. For this reason, we dont know much about it yet.

However, this food does look promising. Chicken is the first ingredient, and its formula is completely grain-free, making it a suitable option for canines sensitive to grains. This food is also made with quality veggies and fruits, such as cranberries. However, there are high levels of peas.

Natural fibers are included, which help support your dogs digestion. There are omega fatty acids too. There are absolutely no grains, wheat, corn, or artificial flavors in this food.

Pros

Veggies and fruits included
Natural fibers
Omega fatty acids

New, untested brand
High in peas

10. Merrick Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe Dog Food

Type of Food:	Dry
Life stage:	Adult
Main Ingredients:	Deboned beef, lamb meal, salmon meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes

Merrick Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe Dog Food is not a bad dog food; in fact, it is one of the better options on the market. However, it is also expensive. You would spend twice as much on this food as you would other formulas.

However, the ingredients are top-notch. It has deboned beef as the first ingredient, followed by lamb meal and salmon meal. This formula is completely grain-free and poultry-free. However, it does not have high amounts of peas like most grain-free foods.

It is also extremely high in protein. Most of this protein comes from animal sources, not veggies or gluten. Omega fatty acids and glucosamine are added to improve joints.

This formula does not include any probiotics, though, and there are reports that it causes stomach upset, perhaps because of the rich ingredients.

Pros

Good ingredients
Added glucosamine and omega fatty acids
Grain- and poultry-free

Expensive
May cause stomach upset due to richness

11. Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

Type of Food:	Dry
Life stage:	Adult
Main Ingredients:	Chicken, whole grain brown rice, whole grain sorghum, brewers rice, chicken meal

While Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe isnt terrible dog food, but it is low-value. It is expensive while not providing many extra benefits.

The first ingredient is chicken, but this meat is followed by high amounts of grains. While these grains arent necessarily an issue, it does include controversial ingredients, like brewers rice.

This formula is also low in protein at only 20%.

That said, this formula is made with non-GMO ingredients. It doesnt include any corn, wheat, or soy. Antioxidants are added to improve your dogs overall health, as are glucosamine and chondroitin.

Pros

Antioxidants included
Non-GMO ingredients
Glucosamine added

Expensive
High amounts of grain
Low in protein

Buyers Guide: Choosing The Best Large Breed Dog Food

Searching for the best dog food for your big canine can seem a bit like learning a second language. What are by-products, anyway? How much protein do dogs actually need?

In this section, we help you decipher this nutritional language so you can choose the best food for your pooch.

Types of Meat In Dog Food

All dog foods should start with some sort of meat. However, the type of meat also matters. The exact animal that it comes from doesnt make too much of a difference unless your dog is allergic to something. In that case, you want to avoid that allergen.

Beyond that, it is mostly the form that the meat is in. Here is what you need to know:

Whole meat. If a food simply lists chicken or something like deboned beef, then it is referring to whole meat. This sort of meat is similar to what you would eat, making it one of the better options out there. However, it also contains a large amount of water, which can artificially raise it to the top of the ingredient list.
Meat meal. There are many misconceptions about meat meal, but this is actually the best option. Meat meal is whole meat that has had all of its water content removed, making a sort of concentrated powder. It is more nutritious than whole meat per ounce.
Meat by-products. By-products can be high quality. This term simply refers to anything that humans usually dont eat from an animal. This may refer to quality organ meats or filler products like feathers. But since you cant know exactly what this means in each food, by-products should be avoided when possible.

Additives to Look For In Dog Food

Large breed dogs are known for being prone to certain health problems. For instance, hip dysplasia mainly affects large breeds. These dogs are heavy, so their joints tend to wear down quickly.

Therefore, we recommend looking for a food that contains additives to help combat this problem, like:

Glucosamine and Chondroitin. These ingredients are often used together to treat arthritis in dogs. Even if your dog doesnt have arthritis, these additives can help prevent it and can support your dogs overall joint health. Most large breed foods include them for this reason.
Omega fatty acids. These fatty acids are extremely vital for a dogs health, though they arent counted as essential. Most foods on the market have added omega fatty acids, which can help your dogs joints, skin, and coat. They may even prevent aggression
Antioxidants are essential for preventing oxidative stress, which can lead to a variety of different health problems. Dogs will accumulate this damage throughout their life, so fixing it is a life-long struggle.

What Is a Good Diet for a Large Dog?

Generally speaking, a large dog needs a similar diet to most other dogs out there. However, they may benefit from extra ingredients, like omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Basically, youre looking for high-quality, basic dog food that has these added ingredients.

At least 30% of a large dogs diet should be made of protein, especially when they are puppies. They need this extra protein to grow and thrive. However, it can continue to benefit them into adulthood, when it can be used to help support lean muscles.

Protein quality varies. Animal protein is often better because it is complete, meaning that it includes all the necessary amino acids that your canine needs to thrive.

Do Large Dogs Need Special Food?

Not necessarily. You dont want to feed a large dog any food designed for small dogs, of course. But the average dog food may be a suitable option.

Simply put, you want to feed your dog quality food that contains extra ingredients, like glucosamine and omega fatty acids. These additives can benefit large dogs, but they are also good for all dogs. Therefore, some foods that arent necessarily labeled as being made for large breeds may still contain them.

If a food has these ingredients, it may be a good option for a large breed, even if it isnt labeled as such.

Conversely, some foods may be labeled for large dogs, but they may not contain these important additives.

Conclusion

We highly recommend Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula Dog Food for most large breed dogs. This formula includes the additives that large breeds need, like omega fatty acids and probiotics. It is not made with any corn, wheat, or soy.

We also recommend the Purina ONE SmartBlend Chicken & Rice Adult Formula, especially for those on a tight budget. This formula includes glucosamine, omega fatty acids, and chicken. It also has a few low-quality ingredients, but you do get what you pay for.

Another great option if you have the budget for it is Ollie Fresh Dog Food, which is as nutritious as it is convenient!

In the end, most dog foods that are great for large dogs arent always labeled as such. As long as the food is high quality and comes with the ingredients that large breeds often need, it is often suitable for large dogs.

Of course, you also have to consider your dogs particular needs. If they have skin or coat problems, you should ensure that they are eating a food high in omega fatty acids, for instance. We hope that our reviews helped you select the best dog food for your canine.

Featured Image Credit: PixieMe, Shutterstock

About the Author

Kristin loves to help pet parents create a fulfilling life for their pets by informing them on the latest scientific discoveries and helping them choose the best products for their pets. She currently resides in Tennessee with three cats, four dogs, two fish, and a lizard, though she has dreams of owning chickens one day!