Large breed dog owners have many different things to take into consideration when determining which company makes the best large breed dog food for their super-sized friend.
Age, weight, activity level, health problems and allergies all play an important role in the food selection process, so if you’re wondering what is the best dog food for large breeds, we’ll show you in this guide.
Whether you have a Bullmastiff, a Bernese Mountain dog or a German Shepherd, you want to make sure that you provide the most nutritious meal possible.
As large breed lovers, we would like to share some of the top formulas and brands with you that we know and love, so read on to see which ones made the cut.
Top 10 Dog Foods for Large Breeds Table
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How to Feed Large Breed Dogs
We’ve already given you a list of the top-rated foods that large breed owners like yourself already trust. From puppies and active adults to seniors and those with a sensitive stomach, you can compare the best dog food for large breeds in a variety of categories in our table.
So what now?
Finding the right one can require some trial and error because not all dogs are the same, so with that in mind, we want to provide you with a few important tips to make sure that you end up with a perfect match.
- Sensitive Stomach. Dogs of all ages can suffer from a sensitive stomach, so what types of formulas work best for them?
Typically, those with grains such as rice and oatmeal, along with chicken as the main source of protein, are the gentlest on the stomach. Grains contain fiber, and that fiber helps everything move along the intestinal tract smoothly, too.
- Don’t Feed One Large Meal. Large breed dogs have a higher risk of bloat – GVD – than smaller dogs do, and since this accumulation of gases in the stomach can be deadly, you can help prevent it by feeding twice a day rather than just once. If you have vacuum dog that inhales kibble at the speed of light, then get a slow feeder bowl that will force them to eat slower.
- Don’t Overfeed. Obesity is a huge problem for any dog, but even more so for large breeds. They are already at risk for joint, muscle and bone problems, and the stress of excessive weight on their frames puts them at a much higher risk for numerous health problems as they age.
Top 3 Best Dog Food for Large Breeds Reviews
Honestly, any one of the brands and formulas we have highlighted could be the best dog food for large breeds. Success (or failure) depends entirely on the dog that eats it.
These are three successful brands that many large breed owners trust. If they don’t work for your dog, then try the other great options we’ve listed in our table.
[easyazon_link asin=”B002VROXD0″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”senappblo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]1. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food[/easyazon_link]
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Natural Balance has a wide range of L.I.D. – or Limited Ingredient Diet – formulas that work so well for dogs with allergies.
This particular formula is designed with super-sized kibble appropriate for large breeds, and the lamb meal and brown rice mixture allow dogs with protein, egg, or dairy allergies to eat the food without experiencing any side effects.
The kibble size will help large dogs to eat slower, and the low fat and protein content will help healthy, inactive dogs maintain their ideal weight.
It’s great food, but if your dog can’t handle grains and is very active, you might try the [easyazon_link asin=”B007794PBM” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”senappblo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Blue Wilderness High Protein Large Breed[/easyazon_link].
[easyazon_link asin=”B00C78QOD0″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”senappblo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]2. Victor Senior Healthy Weight Management[/easyazon_link]
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One thing you won’t find when scanning dog foods is a large breed senior formula, but that’s only because they aren’t labeled as such.
Victor’s Senior Healthy Weight Formula just happens to be great for large and giant breeds because their feeding guide lists portions for dogs weighing up to 120 pounds at adult weight. There are also two feeding portion guides: one for maintaining a healthy weight and one for weight loss in seniors; this is very helpful for large breed senior owners!
The formula is free of cheap fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, and they’ve added ingredients that help support healthy joints – an important factor for seniors but especially important for large and giant seniors.
Beef is the main protein source, and it contains whole grain brown rice for easy digestion.
If you have a senior that doesn’t have beef or grain allergies, then we recommend this food.
[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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Many large breed owners have success with Holistic Select.
The formula contains chicken as the main protein source and grains like brown rice, white rice and organic quinoa to aid with digestion. There is also some dried beet pulp, which is a great source of fiber and helps sensitive stomachs digest and pass food more easily.
The nutritional value of this food is appropriate for dogs that weigh more than 50 pounds at their adult weight and is appropriate for dogs all the way up to 160 pounds. Great Dane owners, this is the food for you.
Dogs like the flavor (usually) and “parents” love the quality of the formula. It also comes in an equally successful [easyazon_link asin=”B003M5XJTY” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”senappblo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]puppy formula[/easyazon_link] should you be shopping for a great puppy food.
