Unlocking the Potential of Holistic Puppy Food Supporting Your Puppy s Well Being

How to Choose the Right Food for Your Puppy

Bringing a new puppy into your home involves more than just a warm welcome. From puppy-proofing your space to initiating crate training and potty training, theres a lot to consider.

Choosing the right puppy food is a crucial aspect of ensuring your furry friends growth and overall health. While it may seem daunting, selecting the perfect diet for your puppy isnt as difficult as you might think, provided you keep a few essential factors in mind.

This article will discuss the different types of diets you might be considering and some advice to keep in mind when choosing puppy food.

What diet should I start my puppy on?

Welcoming a new puppy into your home can be overwhelming for them. Having recently transitioned from their mothers milk to solid food, and with their digestive systems and microbiome still in the developmental stage, their little tummies are often quite sensitive.

They have also entered an entirely new home, leaving their mother and siblings behind so they are likely to be anxious. Therefore, its advisable to try to stick to one food and not switch between lots of different kinds.

Do some research before getting your puppy and select a complete and balanced diet tailored to their age and breed, providing the stability needed during this transitional period.

However, if youve tried a specific food for a month or so and its not suiting the puppy, a change can be made just do it gradually to avoid any potential upset tummy issues.

What type of diet is suitable for a puppy?

Generally, every type of diet can be suitable for puppies so long as they are formulated to be complete and balanced to meet the standards of AAFCO and have all life stages or growth nutritional profiles.

Is a raw diet food for a puppy?

Raw diets can be suitable for puppies but its best to opt for a professionally formulated food as opposed to homemade. Puppies have very specific nutritional requirements and need to meet these requirements so following the 80:10:10 method is not recommended at this stage.

You will also need to be careful of Salmonella and other bacteria with a raw diet, but also any other type of dog food as puppies are more susceptible to illness from these types of bacteria than adult dogs.

Is a kibble diet good for a puppy?

Kibble can be a great choice as its usually commercially prepared to be completed and balanced. However, depending on their age and development, you might need to soak the kibble in warm water to protect their developing teeth.

Is a fresh diet good for a puppy?

Much like the raw diet, a fresh diet is a good option as long as it meets the standards of AAFCO. Its best to get one formulated by a professional rather than making the food yourself to ensure your puppy is getting the essential nutrients.

Is a wet food diet good for a puppy?

Puppies often gobble up wet food because its easy to chew and it includes lots of moisture, so its hydrating.

The foods can be fed slightly warm as a comfort and to increase the scents and palatability.

Overall, it can come down to what suits the owners lifestyle, the puppys preferences, or any health concerns your puppy might have. If you are unsure about choosing the correct diet, your vet will be happy to discuss which is best for your new puppy.

Why puppy food?

Its essential to choose a puppy-specific food. Since your puppy is growing, they need more nutrients and calories than an adult dog. This is why puppy foods have a higher level of protein and fat to support growth, as well as nutrients like DHA, an omega fatty acid found in mothers milk.

Once your puppy reaches adulthood, they dont need as many calories. So when they are around 10-12 months for small breeds, 12-18 months for medium/large breeds, and around 18-24 months for giant breeds, its time to change over to adult food.

What to look for in puppy food

Complete and balanced

If you are buying commercially made dog food, check if the label reads: complete and balanced for Growth or All Life Stages. This means the food meets the standards of the AAFCO and is recommended for healthy puppies without existing veterinary conditions or particular nutritional needs.

Expected Adult Size

If your puppy is a large or giant breed (those expected to weigh over 50 pounds as an adult), consider using a puppy food formulated especially for large or giant-breed dogs.

Large and giant breeds also reach their adult size later than small and medium breeds.

Large breeds usually reach their adult size at 18 months and for giant breeds, at two years.

Using a large breed of puppy food for the later stages of growth rather than adult food will save your dog from receiving too much calcium which compromises skeletal development in large breeds.

You can read more about this in our article on large-breed puppies here: https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/best-dog-foods/best-large-breed-puppy-food/

Breed

Numerous dog foods are labeled as breed-specific, while they may not be essential for your growing puppy, they can offer benefits. These diets often provide kibble sizes tailored to your puppys preferences and a nutrient profile designed for your dogs breed.

While many breeds share similar nutritional needs, breed-specific foods may offer features that cater to specific breed predispositions and characteristics.

Ingredient list

There are no specific ingredients to look for when choosing the best puppy food, but pet parents must ensure the food is made by a reputable company and contains high-quality ingredients.

Does your puppy have any dietary needs?

Although only a small percentage of allergies are diet-related, if you do think your puppy is having an allergic reaction, check with your vet and they will be able to advise.

What are the best treats for my puppy?

Rewarding your puppy with a treat is a great way of rewarding good behavior and is one of the best tools you have when it comes to puppy training. If your new puppy is a food lover (and most are) you can easily show them the benefits of behaving well, both inside and outside the home.

But as is the case with mealtimes, its important to make sure youre not overfeeding them and that youre giving them treats that are nutritious and part of a balanced diet. Treat intake should not surpass 10% of your dogs daily calories.

Choosing appropriate treats can play a big part in keeping your puppy both happy and healthy. Here are some things to look out for when buying your puppy treats:

• Treats specifically for puppies
• Tiny pieces
• Healthy ingredients.

Despite the overwhelming choice in the pet store, choosing a puppy food doesnt have to be a daunting task. Whether you opt for a raw, kibble, fresh, or wet food diet, the key is to choose a complete and balanced option tailored to your puppys age and breed.

The Best Food for Your Growing Puppy

Inspired by a natural diet of whole prey animals, ORIJEN features unmatched and unique inclusions of fresh or raw meat, naturally providing everything your puppy needs to thrive. With a reputation of trust spanning more than a quarter-century, ORIJEN is biologically the best food to give you peace of mind and keep your cherished companion happy, healthy, and strong.

Puppies require a diet rich in protein and fat from a variety of fresh and whole animal ingredients to help fully support their fast growth and development.

ORIJEN Puppy food delivers a diet varied in fresh, whole animal ingredients like free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs.With 85% quality animal ingredients, ORIJEN nourishes dogs according to their natural and biological needs. Using fresh and raw animal ingredients including meat, organs, cartilage, and bone, ORIJEN is biologically appropriate for all puppies.

The first ingredients listed are deboned chicken, deboned turkey, Atlantic ounder, cage-free eggs, and whole Atlantic mackerel.

The 13 Best Large Breed Puppy Foods

This (updated) guide covers all of the best large-breed puppy foods available this year.

The foundation of a large breed puppys growth and vitality is laid during their formative years, making the choice of the best puppy food crucial. This guide helps you understand their nutrition, presenting a carefully curated selection of the finest large breed puppy foods. From optimal protein levels to joint-supporting ingredients, discover the options that prioritize your pups health and set them on a path to a robust and vibrant future.

All of these products are top-of-the-line best foods selected on the basis of my 40-point inspection.

If you are changing your pups diet, I highly recommend checking out my latest guide here on the proper way to switch dog food.

Lets dive in

The Best Large Breed Puppy Foods

#1. Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy Food

Rating:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Ground Brown Rice, 5. Salmon Meal

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:Large, Giant Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg):3,533kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 29% | Fat (min.) 13% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form:Dry

Due to a faster potential growth rate and a longer growth cycle, your large breed puppy requires complete nutrition to support its physical composition.

The Wellness Large Breed Complete Health dry dog food offers balanced everyday nutrition prepared with delicious deboned chicken and includes added DHA and regulated calories for healthy brain, bone, and eye development. This formula is one of the best puppy foods for large breeds.

#2. Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Chicken and Rice Canned Food

Rating:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Chicken, 2. Liver, 3. Meat By-products, 4. water, 5. Rice

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:Small,Medium, LargeBreeds
• Caloric content(per kg):1,292kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 10% | Fat (min.) 7% | Fiber (max.) 1.5% | Moisture (max.) 76%
• Form:Wet

Nourish your growing puppy and serve specialized nutrition with Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Classic Chicken & Rice Entree Canned Dog Food. This is a complete meal as it includes real chicken as the main ingredient, along with other purposeful nutrients for their developing muscles and immune system.

The added DHA guarantees excellent cognitive development, while omega-6 fatty acids ensure healthy skin and a shiny coat.

#3. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Food

Rating:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Buffalo, 2.Lamb meal, 3. Bison, 4. Pea protein, 5. Egg product

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:Small, Medium, LargeBreeds
• Caloric content(per kg):3,656kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 28% | Fat (min.) 17% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form:Dry

The nutrient-rich and digestible recipe is a combination of natural ingredients with real buffalo and other protein-rich options. Ingredients such as roasted beef, venison, and bison in this meal are excellent for lean nutrition and supporting growth in large-breed puppies.

Every product under the Taste of the Wild banner is a winner, but this ones my personal favorite for large-breed puppies as it offers perfectly balanced nutrition and guaranteed levels of DHA.

#4. Instinct Raw Boost Large Breed Puppy Grain-Free Chicken Dog Food

Rating:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken,2.Peas,3.Chicken Fat,4.Freeze Dried Chicken,5.Pumpkinseeds

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:LargeBreeds
• Caloric content(per kg):4,230kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 33.5% | Fat (min.) 18.5% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 9%
• Form: Dry

Instincts Raw Boost is full of calories and the perfect raw-diet that supports the growth spurts of big puppers. It has a guaranteed 33.5% protein content that helps build muscle and regulate hormone production for steady growth. Non-grain carbs like peas and tapioca are used to fuel your large pup through their most active stage of life.

Moreover, the food contains freeze-dried chicken meat to give your dog an extra protein boost and increase their overall strength. Puppies are also vulnerable to allergies and rashes, which is why the formula contains omega fatty acids to fight inflammation and promote a soft, healthy coat

#5. ORIJEN Puppy Large Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Deboned Turkey, 3. Eggs, 4. Chicken Heart, 5. Whole Red Lentils

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:Large, Giant Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg):3,760kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 38% | Fat (min.) 16% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 12%
• Form:Dry

Orijen Large Puppy Food is a worthy premium option for those looking to feed their puppies the best possible diet. Its packed with premium-grade proteins from chicken, turkey, and mackerel to promote more muscle growth in larger puppies. Nearly 85% of those proteins are animal-based and offer a lot more nutrients than just amino acids.

Since the recipe is free from grains, it makes an ideal choice for puppies with allergies. As an alternative, the brand uses lentils, peas, and beans because theyre easier to digest and provide just as many carbs. The food will also be a pleasant surprise for finicky puppies since its coated with freeze-dried liver that gives the kibbles a meaty flavor.

#6. Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Large Breed Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Chicken, 2. Ground Wholegrain Corn, 3. Ground Wholegrain Sorghum, 4. Chicken By-Product Meal, 5. Corn Grits

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:Large, Giant Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg):3,586kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 26% | Fat (min.) 14% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form:Dry

This special Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food recipe offers complete and balanced nutrition for growing pups. The formula is crafted to meet the nutritional requirements of large and giant breed puppies to aid in their overall health and development.

The presence of DHA and natural fish oils alongside other protein-rich ingredients, play a vital role in optimal cognitive development.

#7. Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken,2.Corn,3.Wheat,4.Chicken Fat,5.Ground Grain Sorghum

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:Large, Giant Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg):3,723kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 26% | Fat (min.) 14% | Fiber (max.) 3.7% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form:Dry

Giant pups are highly active and are susceptible to becoming underweight if they do not consume enough calories. Thankfully, we have Eukanuba Puppy Food to save the day. This high-energy formula is specifically made for athletic puppies and features nearly 357 kcal per cup. Most of its calories come from wheat, sorghum, and chicken fat to promote digestion and a healthy coat at the same time.

The abundance of protein at 26 is mainly derived from deboned chicken to accelerate muscle growth. The food is also enriched with DHA and calcium to support bone and brain development. Special prebiotics are included in the recipe to build your pups gastrointestinal system, while vitamin E content helps strengthen their immunity.

#8. Holistic Select Large Breed Puppy Lamb Meal & Oatmeal Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Lamb Meal,2.Oatmeal,3.Brown Rice, 4. Pumpkin, 5. Cranberries

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:Large, Giant Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg):3,766kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 25% | Fat (min.) 15% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form:Dry

Holistic Select has the perfect blend of gentle ingredients to feed sensitive puppies. Its two main ingredients are lamb meal and oatmeal both crucial for building muscle blocks and fueling your dogs daily activities. Digestive enzymes make the food even easier to process, and probiotics help strengthen your puppys gut health.

Since the formula is made for large breeds, it has glucosamine to reinforce their joints and prevent mobility issues later in life. Omega-3 fatty acids are also included in the mix for softer, shinier coat health. Youll also get fresh fruits like cranberries, apples, and pumpkin in the recipe all of which make the food tastier, healthier, and more appealing to your puppy.

#9. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Chicken Grain-Free Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Deboned Chicken,2.Peas,3.Fish Meal,4.Natural Flavor, 5.Chicken Fat

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:Large, Giant Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg):3,555kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 35% | Fat (min.) 14% | Fiber (max.) 6% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form:Dry

Offer only premium protein and nutrients to your large-breed tail-waggers and help them with optimal development and lean muscle building.

The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Chicken recipe is not only a great grain-free dry dog food, but it is also loaded with high-quality ingredients for maximum nutrition for your four-legged friend during their formative stage. Specifically designed for large breeds, this is among the best puppy food you can get your hands on.

#10. Nom Nom Fresh Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Ground turkey,2.brown rice,3.eggs,4.carrots,5.spinach

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:Small,Medium, LargeBreeds
• Caloric content(per kg):1,479kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 10% | Fat (min.) 5% | Fiber (max.) 1% | Moisture (max.) 72%
• Form:Fresh

When it comes to homemade food suitable large-breed puppy, Nom Nom is your best bet. Thats because their diets are tailor-made for every unique pup. You can start by selecting from four different recipes; our favorite for larger puppies is the Turkey Fare. Its made completely from real foods like ground turkey, brown rice, peas, carrots, and spinach.

Nom Nom cooks fresh food in specialized kitchens and delivers it to your doorstep in sealed containers. The meals are bursting with flavors and offer more energy, better absorption, and improved growth potential for puppies compared to dry kibbles. Although the subscription is a little expensive, the health benefits of Nom Nom for your puppy in the long term are definitely worth it.

#11. Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken,2.Turkey,3.Cracked Pearled Barley,4.Whole Grain Brown Rice, 5.Salmon

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:Large, Giant Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg):3,518kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 27% | Fat (min.) 13% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form:Dry

Loaded with nutrition and delicious fruits like blueberries, Chicken Soup for the Soul is an ideal choice for fussy large puppies. It uses deboned chicken and turkey for protein to build muscle fiber. Carbohydrates are sourced from brown rice, barley, and oatmeal to keep your dog energized.

Moreover, the formula is also enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, as well as DHA to develop a healthy nervous system. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are added to promote a shinier coat and reduce skin inflammation. All of these nutrients are sourced from mouth-watering foods like carrots, salmon, apples, and duck, making the food equally appetizing and nutritious.

#12. Purina ONE SmartBlend Large Breed Puppy Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Chicken,2.Rice Flour,3.Soybean Meal,4.Whole Grain Wheat,5.Whole Grain Corn

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:Large, Giant Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg):3,759kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 28% | Fat (min.) 13% | Fiber (max.) 6% | Moisture (max.) 12%
• Form:Dry

Give your growing pup the best and most balanced diet for maintaining ideal body condition and help strengthen their joints and bones with Purina ONE SmartBlend for Large Breed Puppy dry dog food. I can personally vouch for this blend as it supports your little pups overall health and well-being with a unique formula made from high-quality ingredients.

#13. Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Large Breed Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Chicken, 2. Brewers Rice, 3. Corn Gluten Meal, 4. Wholegrain Corn, 5. Poultry By-Product Meal

• Life Stage:Puppy
• Suitable for:Large, Giant Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg):3,934kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 28% | Fat (min.) 13% | Fiber (max.) 4.75% | Moisture (max.) 12%
• Form:Dry

Provide your large breed puppy the wholesome nutrition they deserve with Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Large Breed Formula Dry Dog Food. The kibble is prepared from a combination of high-quality protein and other nutrition, sourced mainly from chicken, to provide the building blocks your puppy requires for growth and development.

This delicious and crunchy kibble is also rich in antioxidants to strengthen the immune system. This is one of the best large-breed puppy foods on the market right now.

Once you are done with the best puppy food for large food list below, check out these excellent resources as well:

How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick

The Best Large-Breed Puppy Food A Buyers Guide

Your four-legged companion may be tiny at the moment, but if it is a large-sized breed, it will soon grow bigger than its peers. Research and studies have unveiled the distinct growth patterns and needs of these future giants.

From tiny paws to massive strides, grasping the significance of tailored nutrition is the key to ensuring your large breed companion thrives every step of the way.

How Large is a Large-Breed Puppy?

Before you begin, you must understand the term large breed dogs.

A large-breed puppy typically refers to dog breeds that are expected to reach an adult weight of 50 pounds or more. However, the exact weight threshold can vary slightly depending on different sources and organizations. In general, large-breed puppies include breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Great Danes, and others that are known for their substantial size when fully grown.

Its important to note that these breeds have different growth rates and developmental needs compared to smaller breeds, which is why they often require specific nutritional considerations during their puppyhood.

Controlling Size through Diet

Embracing the growth journey of a large breed puppy demands a balanced approach to their dietone that acts as a compass to steer clear of excessive growth. The delicate balance between nurturing their potential and safeguarding their well-being is at the heart of this guide. Rapid growth, though tempting, can pave the way for a myriad of health concerns.

Here, we unravel the art of controlled development, nurturing their vitality while sidestepping the pitfalls. Lets get right into strategies that harmonize appetite and growth, ensuring your furry companion flourishes without compromise.

Food and Growth The Relationship

Understanding how your puppy grows is tied to grasping how their diet shapes their development.

Roughly half of their caloric intake is dedicated to sculpting muscles and fortifying their skeletal structure. Yet, this transformation is an intricate symphony that solely thrives on protein-rich calories. Fat-derived calories impact size but disregard bone strength. Nourishment should prioritize strength alongside size for balanced growth.

If you feel your pup is gaining too much weight too fast, you need to take it to the vet to get a BCS check. Body Condition Score or BCS is like BMI for dogs. Your vet will be able to give you an accurate number and tell you whether your pup needs to lose or gain some pounds.

Factors to Consider When Buying Large Breed Puppy Dog Food

Proteins

For your large breed pup, protein is crucial for muscle development. Optimal dog food should contain over 27% protein. Puppies require more protein than adults due to growth demands. Prioritize animal meat sources for quality building blocks, avoiding by-products.

Fatty Acids

Large breed pups need less fat because they are susceptible to obesity. The only case where you can feed your pal a puppy food with more than 10 percent fat is if it is a highly active and athletic breed. However, low in fat diet doesnt mean low in fatty acids.

Fatty acids arent just good for skin and coat, they are also great for joints. Large breed pups with a rich coat will need puppy food with a higher amount of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.

Calcium

Healthy bones and joints should be your core concern when choosing the best dog food for large breed puppies. Calcium is essential for bones. However, most large breeds are unable to regulate the absorption of calcium. They tend to absorb more than other breeds, and that may cause calcium retention.

Calcium retention is just as bad for your fur babys bones as calcium deficiency. Look for food with not more than 1.5 percent calcium.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is the second most important nutrient for your pups bones and joints. Look for dog food with a healthy ratio of calcium and phosphorus. The ideal ratio of calcium and phosphorus is between 1:1 to 1.3:1.

Glucosamine

Since bones and joints are foremost concerns in large breed pups, it is a good idea to pick a puppy food with glucosamine.

Feeding Instructions

When selecting puppy food, remember that even low-fat options can lead to weight gain if your pup overeats. Portion control matters. Offer four to five small meals throughout the day to manage their intake effectively.

When switching your pup between foods, keep the golden rules of dog food transition in mind. It will help your pup avoid complications that might arise from a sudden diet change.

Additional Factors to Consider

Apart from the basic requirements for a good puppy food, you must also consider the following factors. These considerations will help you choose the best puppy food for your budget and receive the best bang for your buck:

1. Budget and value

Before you begin the hunt for a puppy food, consider your budget and the options available. Dont go for a higher-priced food unless youre sure you can keep up in the future.

Once you have a couple of foods shortlisted, compare their ingredients, calories, brand reputation, and guaranteed analysis section. Spending a few minutes comparing these factors will help you get the best value for your money in the longrun.

2. Taste and preferences

When buying dog food, make sure your puppys preferences are also taken into account. Do they prefer wet food over dry food? Are they more attracted to poultry than red meat? Is your puppy fond of eating the same food repeatedly?

Answering these questions will help you pick a dog food that your puppy will love eating.

3. Guaranteed Analysis

Believe it or not, you can get a lot of information from the guaranteed analysis section alone. In fact, you should check the guaranteed analysis of each food separately and check whether it fulfills AAFCOs guidelines.

For puppies, crude protein content should be at least 22.5%, and fat content should be at least 8.5%, as per AAFCO.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do large breed puppies need special food?

Yes, large breed puppies can grow too big, too fast. They need puppy food that gives them the right balance of essential nutrients, quality proteins but just enough fat to keep them active. With too much fat, they are at a risk of obesity and several orthopedic diseases.

Do large breed puppies need more food than a smaller puppy?

Not necessarily. Large breed puppies have larger stomachs and they may be able to eat more, but that doesnt mean they should. The amount of food your pup needs depends on its activity level. It is important to balance the number of calories consumed with the number of calories your dog is able to burn.

When should I transition my large breed puppy to dog food?

As compared to smaller breeds, large or giant breed puppies take a little longer to reach maturity. Many of them are still growing until 20 months. Typically, for an average large breed puppy, the transition to adult large breed dog food is best initiated around 15 months of age.

Can large breed puppies eat adult dog food?

Growing pups should exclusively consume puppy food because it is specially formulated to meet their nutritional needs during their adolescence. Feeding adult food will deprive your puppy of important nutrients and might even make them grow too large without proper skeletal development.

How many meals should a large puppy eat in a day?

It is important to seek a vets help to predict your babys adult weight and adjust their meals accordingly. Most large breed puppies need 4 to 5 meals a day. If they have a bigger appetite and eat a lot in one meal, then it is best to limit it to 3.

How much protein should a large breed puppy food have?

Vets believe that large breed puppies should get a minimum of 27 percent protein and less than 10 percent fat. These proteins must come from animal sources such as real meat instead of by-products and meals. Food with less than 30 percent protein can affect your pups growth.

What else do large breed puppies need besides proteins?

A large breed puppy needs just enough fat to stay active. Fiber-rich food can aid their digestions and help them get the most out of the nutrients. Since these pups are susceptible to joint-related issues, their diet must have the right ratio of calcium and phosphorus.

Is raw food good for large breed puppies?

Raw food is always a great option for puppies, especially the ones that can develop into huge muscular adults. High-quality raw food is high in protein and low in fat, plus there are plenty of probiotics to keep their tummy out of trouble. With raw food, it is important that we feed a high-quality product to our pups.

Is grain-free puppy food good for large breed puppies?

A grain-free diet is generally lighter and easy to digest for puppies. Large breed pups are no exception. Grains do not actually add any nutritional value to your dogs meal. There are far superior sources of fiber you can find in premium puppy food.

Is human food good for large breed puppies?

No, human food (especially table scraps) is never a good option for your pup. It is mainly because of the high amount of processing we put or food through. Besides, it is not possible to analyze the content of human food. Human-grade food, however, is good for pups if prepared in the right manner.

Do all large breed puppies have a huge appetite?

Not always! Just because they are large in size, doesnt mean they will eat like a wolf. While a large breed pup is likely to eat more than a smaller puppy because of their larger stomach capacity, they are not necessarily greedy. It is entirely possible for your large breed pup to be picky.

Are large breed puppies susceptible to obesity?

Yes, large breed pups might eat more than a regular-sized puppy. If the nutrients arent balanced according to their needs, proteins, and fats in particular, then your little furry one can gain a lot of unhealthy weight. Overweight puppies are at a higher risk of bone and joint disorders as well as organ-related issues.

Are large breed puppies susceptible to joint issues?

Without a proper diet or when on free feeding, a large size puppy might grow too fast in size. In this scenario, they will gain more mass then their bones can support at that stage. Many studies have confirmed the relation between diet and joint-related health issues.

Further reading: