Not only can large breed puppies be tiny, scary creatures when they move around, but they also have special nutritional needs that require our full attention.
We’re always on the lookout for the best chew toys and other handy products to protect skirting boards and chair legs (as was I!). Puppies need help growing, from their waking hours to their diet to strengthening their bones and developing their brains.
Related: 15 Best Online Pet Stores to Pamper Your Dog
We reached out to Chewy’s veterinarian, Dr. Hannah Hart, who has been a veterinarian for over six years and was extremely helpful in finding the perfect food for our pup.
“Large breed puppies have different requirements for dietary fat, calcium and calcium-to-phosphorus ratios than small breed puppies,” says Dr Hart.
Dr. Hart trusts proven brands like Purina, Iams, Hill’s, Royal Canin and Eukanuba because they have scientifically-backed formulas for large breed puppies and are guaranteed to meet the highest industry standards.
“Proper nutrition can help prevent bone and joint problems and maintain a healthy body as your large breed puppy grows,” adds Dr. Hart. This is essential for your puppy’s development, especially when monitoring their growth progress, including which types of wet food are best for large breed dogs.
“If a puppy is too skinny or has too much fat for his body size, this can pose potential problems. The same goes for puppies who are growing too quickly, which may show signs such as limping, painful limbs, a reluctance to run or play and a change in appetite.”
With Dr. Hart’s help, we were able to select specific products that would meet our growing pup’s needs, from allergy tendencies to age to budget.
Can’t wait to see the product? FAQ We will answer your burning questions.
Strong Points:
- Supports Microbiome and Brain Development
- Helps build a strong immune system
Cons:
- There is little to choose from
Dr. Hart recommends that large breed dogs get a healthy amount of calcium due to their rapid growth rate: “The amount of calcium in their diet, and the proper calcium to phosphorus ratio, is essential to prevent puppies from absorbing too much calcium from their diet, which could lead to overly rapid bone growth.”
Royal Canin delivers perfectly balanced ratios to ensure your puppy gets all the nutrients he needs to support his microbiome, develop his brain and have a strong immune system.
Strong Points:
- worth it
- No artificial flavors or colors
- Zero Filler
Cons:
- No other flavors available
Dr. Hart can’t stress enough how important it is to consult with your vet about your puppy’s needs: “Your vet can assess your puppy’s body condition and determine his expected adult weight and when he will reach adult size.”
Iams packs this product with the same 22 key nutrients found in mother’s milk. This dog food also contains high-quality chicken as a source of protein and is rich in omega-3 DHA, which helps support healthy brain function.
Strong Points:
- Great for large breed puppies
- Gentle Fiber Promotes Healthy Digestion
This 15-pound dry food contains high-quality protein that’s perfect for growing puppies, a prebiotic fiber blend to promote gut health, and plenty of DHA fish oil to support brain development.
Strong Points:
- No artificial flavors or colors
- Zero Filler
Cons:
- No other flavors available
Big pups have big appetites and need a nutritious diet, which is why Purina packs 13 ounces of real lamb goodness into each 12-pack case – no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
Strong Points:
- Great for bone development
“Proper diet can help prevent bone and joint problems and maintain healthy bodies as your large breed puppy grows,” says Dr. Hart. Glucosamine helps nourish and grow joint cartilage and is a key ingredient in this top-rated dog food. Made with real chicken and no artificial flavors or colors. Available in three sizes: 18, 34, and 47 lbs.
Strong Points:
- Super soft for sensitive gums
- Designed for ages 2-15 months
Designed for small teeth and sensitive gums, this puppy food is perfect for little pups who love to chew. It’s packed with antioxidants, Vitamins E & C and DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) to help promote strong bones and healthy brain development in your puppy.
Dr. Hart recommends “adequate levels of protein” to build “lean muscle mass” and “strong bones,” and these 13 ounces are packed with the protein your dog needs to thrive.
Strong Points:
- Ideal for large and giant breed puppies
- Contains antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics and taurine
Cons:
- Choose one flavor
“The best protein sources are fish, chicken, beef and lamb protein,” says Dr. Hart, who recommends using the whole ingredients in this 30-pound bag, which contains no poultry by-products or lamb meal.
It contains omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine and probiotics that are beneficial for gut health and the development of a lustrous coat.
Strong Points:
- Ideal for puppies 15 months and older
Eukanuba is highly recommended by Dr. Hart as a trusted, science-backed product for promoting puppy health. This protein-rich dry food is designed for puppies 15 months of age who are expected to gain weight 55 pounds or more.
“The most important thing to do to avoid growth spurt syndrome and ensure a healthy growth rate is to feed your puppy a balanced large breed puppy food in portions recommended for his size and body condition,” recommends Dr. Hart.
It comes in three sizes: 16, 30, and 40 pounds.
FAQ
What are the signs of healthy growth?
Healthy growth is characterized by a well-maintained body condition, active behavior, and a lustrous coat. Owners should also be on the lookout for signs of discomfort, such as limping or changes in appetite, that may indicate an underlying health problem that requires attention.
What does a large breed puppy need in their diet?
Large breed puppies need specific levels of fat, calcium and protein to support their rapid growth and development, and to keep their bones and muscles healthy.
How important is protein and what are the best sources of protein?
Your large breed puppy needs protein to build strong muscles and bones, the best sources are fish, chicken, beef and lamb, which will provide them with the high-quality protein they need to grow.
How does diet affect joint health?
A balanced diet with adequate calcium and phosphorus will promote proper bone development which is essential to maintaining healthy joints in your growing large breed puppy, and some puppies may benefit from a joint supplement to further support their joint health.
How can owners ensure healthy growth?
Owners can ensure healthy development by feeding a balanced large breed puppy food, monitoring portion sizes according to the puppy’s needs, and avoid switching them too early to adult food, which can have a negative impact on development.
For more than 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, compelling stories, in-depth reporting, and now insightful shopping guides. Not only are we thorough reporters, we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on topics we’re not educated on, to provide useful, real-world product recommendations based on extensive, practical analysis. Here at the Post, we’re known for being brutally honest. We clearly label if we receive anything from partnership content and affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We regularly update our content to reflect the latest research and expert advice, provide context (and wit), and ensure that links work. Note that deals may expire and all prices are subject to change.
