Struggling to find the best dog food for large breed dogs that will keep your big pup’s tummy full? We’ve got you covered. Big dogs are the best – but they’re also the hungriest! Just like people, larger breeds need more calories, more protein, and more nutrients to sustain them, but it’s not just about filling their tummies!
A bigger body means more fuel is needed to keep that heart pumping, keep those muscles strong, and keep energy levels high for walkies & playtime. Large breeds also tend to age faster and take more strain on their joints and hearts, so they need higher levels of certain nutrients to nourish those body parts.
Let’s break down exactly what your dog needs so you know what to look out for, as well as which foods are best for large breeds, with different diets, needs, and preferences in mind. If your large breed is a new addition to your pack, check out our list of the best names for big dogs, too!
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Top Pick
Description:
Crafted for Peak Performance! Redbarn Large Breed Dry Dog Food doesn’t just provide great protein; it helps build strong muscles with it. High quality protein, plus guaranteed levels of L-Carnitine to help optimize energy metabolism, this formulation becomes a recipe for boundless vitality.
Best Raw Food
Description:
Premade raw meals, delivered to your doorstep. A balanced raw diet for dogs can be tailored to your pet’s size, age, and tastes. They’ve made it easy to get started with a raw diet for your dog in just a few clicks.
Get 25% off your first box + Free Shipping!
Best for Puppies
Description:
Introducing Redbarn’s specially crafted Grain-Free Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food, designed specifically for the growth and development of young pups. The first five ingredients are animal proteins followed by functional ingredients to support cognitive functions, joint health, digestion, and muscle mastery!
Top Picks for the Best Large Breed Dog Food
If you’re in a rush, here’s a quick peek at our top picks.
Large Breeds & Nutritional Needs
Before we get into our list, let’s cover some nutritional basics of large-breed dogs. Exactly how much your dog needs to eat every day will depend on their breed, size, and age, but generally, adult large-breed dogs need to eat between 3-4 cups of food per day, split between two meals.
Large breeds should eat high protein (22-30%) and low fat (8-9%) diets, powered by high-quality, natural ingredients like chicken, fish, fibrous fruits, garden veggies, and wholegrains. As mentioned above, Omega-3s like DHA & EPA are crucial to support healthy joints in large breeds, as well as minerals like chondroitin, glucosamine, and phosphorus. Omegas are also good for heart health in big breeds, as are taurine and L-carnitine.
Portions should decrease a little with age to avoid weight gain, which is especially important in large dogs. Seniors also need age-tailored food, with fewer calories and more nutrients that fight aging free-radicals and inflammation such as vitamin C to keep them healthy, lean, and mobile. Large-breed puppies need tailored food, too, with extra Omegas and minerals like calcium that support physical and cognitive development, and smaller, more frequent meals in early puppyhood.
Avoiding foods with artificial additives and fillers like wheat is important for every dog, but it’s especially important to avoid inflammatories and low-quality ingredients that can lead to obesity in large breeds, as it can make age-related issues with heart and joint health much worse and affect the length and quality of their lives.
Best Overall: Redbarn Large Breed Recipe Dry Dog Food
Our overall top pick is Redbarn Large Breed Recipe Dry Dog Food. It’s currently available to buy in two bag sizes and comes in two different formulas; wholegrain and grain-free.
Their large breed food is designed to be nutritionally complete and balanced for all large dogs; to satisfy their appetites, boost their energy, and support optimal health and wellness, with special attention paid to the joints, muscles, and heart.
Key features:
- Wholegrain & grain-free options
- Nutritionally complete & balanced
- Five protein sources
- Beef, lamb, beef meal, salmon meal & menhaden fish meal
- Omega-6 & 3 fatty acids
- L-carnitine
- Guaranteed levels of glucosamine & chondroitin
- Pumpkin & miscanthus grass
- Probiotics & prebiotic fibers
- Chicken-free
- No by-products or fillers
- No GMOs or artificial preservatives
- For light, moderate, & heavy chewers
- Strict quality assurance
What we like:
The first five ingredients are animal proteins; including beef, lamb, and fish, and it’s free from chicken for dogs with poultry allergies. The wholesome formula is crafted to set the foundation for a healthy, happy, and thriving dog, without the use of GMOs, by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives. It’s also compatible with all types of chewers, from light to heavy, so you don’t have to worry about their teeth.
Not only is it packed with high-quality protein, it contains L-carnitine for heart health and guaranteed levels of glucosamine and chondroitin to help maintain healthy cartilage and joints. It’s also gut-friendly with superfoods like pumpkin and miscanthus grass, plus probiotics and prebiotic fibers, as well as optimal levels of Omega-6 & 3 fatty acids from flaxseed and sunflower oil. These are also rich in antioxidants and support beautiful skin and coat.
What to consider:
The premium pricing may not be for everyone, but it is reflected in the quality. The brand puts safety & quality above all else, with strict quality assurance programs and full refunds if you are not 100% happy with your food.
Redbarn Large Breed Recipe Dry Dog Food | Redbarn Pet Products
Crafted for Peak Performance! Redbarn Large Breed Dry Dog Food doesn’t just provide great protein; it helps build strong muscles with it. High quality protein, plus guaranteed levels of L-Carnitine to help optimize energy metabolism, this formulation becomes a recipe for boundless vitality.
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We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Best Raw: We Feed Raw
If you prefer a raw diet, We Feed Raw is the #1 pre-made raw dog food delivery company. They’re a family-owned business that tailors your meal plan according to your dog’s age, breed, and nutritional requirements, so your dog’s needs will be met, whatever their size. Meals are safely shipped frozen in well-insulated, biodegradable packaging, so you can feel extra good about your purchase.
Key features:
- #1 pre-made raw dog food delivery company
- Tailored plans
- Variety of options
- 100% raw & minimally processed
- Formulated by PhD animal nutritionist
- Nutritionally complete
- Human-grade
- Highly digestible
- No fillers or additives
- Supports whole body health
- Safely prepared, packaged & shipped
- AAFCO & USDA compliant
- Biodegradable packaging
- Free cold-shipping nationwide
What we like:
They have more variety than any of their rivals, with six protein sources to choose from, including chicken, beef, venison, and duck. All of their meals are formulated by a PhD animal nutritionist and are the most minimally processed foods of their kind on the market. They are all 100% raw, with no cooking or heating for maximum digestibility, just safely treated with cold pressure to eliminate harmful bacteria.
Their foods are nutritionally complete & whole with human-grade meats and no fillers or additives. They offer optimal levels of protein and essential nutrients for weight control, healthy skin, beautiful coats, and increased energy levels, plus fewer allergy symptoms, improved digestion, and more mealtime excitement.
What to consider:
If your dog isn’t used to a raw food diet you’ll need to go through a transition stage before switching completely over to We Feed Raw.
It’s also primarily a subscription-based service, which may not be right for everyone. They do have bulk and “one-off” boxes, but you need to meet a minimum order size with those.
Best Fresh: Ollie
If you prefer a fresh diet, Ollie is our top pick. It’s a truly comprehensive service that fully tailors your dog’s diet to improve or maintain their health, according to their breed, age, and more.
Pricing varies for dogs of different sizes, but it is excellent value for money. They also sell baked food, dog treats, and supplements, and they have a range of handy resources on their website for canine weight management, picky eating, and more
Key features:
- Tailored subscription service
- Fresh & baked foods
- Vet-designed formulas
- Human-grade ingredients
- Minimally processed
- No fillers or additives
- Allergy & weight control
- Varied plans & prices
- Welcome kit
- App & health screenings
- Treats & supplements
- Made in US facilities
- Hassle-free packaging
What we like:
After taking their one-minute quiz, customers are offered a starter box with 2-weeks’ worth of food and a welcome kit. The kit contains a feeding guide, a puptainer & a scoop, plus access to the app, with a free digestion screening for personalized advice from their health team to help you build a tailored, long-term routine.
Ollie’s meals are designed by vets for good gut health and energy levels, with allergy & weight control and better whole-body health and wellness. They’re made with high-quality, human-grade ingredients and no fillers or artificial additives, and there are multiple protein options to choose from. They’re also minimally processed for optimal digestibility and they’re made in US facilities with easy-to-use packaging.
What to consider:
Ollie is a subscription-only service, which may not suit everyone! That said, they do offer a wide variety of options when you’re building your plan.
Best Plant-Based: Wild Earth Maintenance Formula
If you’re looking for a plant-based formula to fit in with your plant-based lifestyle, or if your dog has severe allergies to animal products, the Wild Earth Maintenance Formula could be the one for you. Not only is it designed by vets, scientists, and nutritionists to meet the needs of dogs of all sizes, but the brand offers one-off buys and flexible subscription deliveries, ranging from every 2 weeks to every 12 weeks, so it’s super convenient.
Key features:
- Designed by experts
- For all breeds
- Two flavors
- Plant-based
- Clean & limited ingredients
- 23% protein
- Allergen-free
- Added taurine & L-carnitine
- Made in small batches in the USA
- Picky eater-friendly
- Cruelty-free & sustainable
- One-off buys & flexible subscriptions
What we like:
It comes in two flavors; classic roast and golden rotisserie, both of which are made in small batches in the USA with clean, limited ingredients, and herbs like rosemary and thyme for ensured deliciousness. Both formulas provide 23% protein, all 10 essential amino acids, and are free from the top dog food allergens like wheat and soy, plus artificial additives, antibiotics, and hormones.
With ancient grains, healthy fibers, and superfoods like flaxseed, sweet potato, and turmeric, it’s designed with gut health in mind. It also has added taurine and L-carnitine for healthy hearts. In fact, the brand boasts reported health improvements in 86% of their customers, with owners reporting boosted energy levels, clearer eyes, soothed skin, shinier coats, and more.
Another great feature is the brand’s commitment to ethical and eco-friendly products, with cruelty-free and sustainable formulas that require less CO2, less water, and less land to make.
What to consider:
The brand recommends the formula for puppies and healthy adults, so it may not be well suited to seniors. It’s also on the expensive side because it’s such a niche product, but if you need it, it’s definitely worth the money.
Maintenance Formula Dog Food – Wild Earth
Maintenance Formula is expertly developed by veterinarians, scientists, and nutritionists to have everything your dog needs in a plant-based package. With the right mix of ingredients and an irresistible flavor, your pup will receive targeted nutrition that can help keep their gut regular, skin healthy, and coat soft.
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Best Puppy Pick: Redbarn Grain-Free Puppy Recipe Dry Food
If you’re looking for something for your young pup, Redbarn Grain-Free Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food is undoubtedly the best option. It’s grain-free for sensitive pups, but they also do a whole grain version. It doesn’t contain chicken, either, so if your pup is allergic to chicken, it’s a great option for them.
Key features:
- Premium dry kibble
- Wholegrain & grain-free options
- Nutritionally complete & balanced
- All-natural ingredients
- Superfoods like flaxseed & pumpkin
- Probiotics & prebiotics
- Supports healthy cognition, joints, muscles & digestion
- No fillers or GMOs
- Chicken-free
What we like:
The first five ingredients are animal proteins; including beef, lamb, and fish, followed by functional ingredients to support optimal development. It’s free from fillers and GMOs and actively aids good cognitive function, joint health, and muscle mastery, as well as beautiful skin and coat with Omega fatty acids from sunflower oil and flaxseed. It also supports good digestion with pumpkin, probiotics, miscanthus grass, and prebiotic fibers, plus taurine, methionine, and l-carnitine for heart health.
What to consider:
There aren’t many customer reviews about the food on their website yet as it’s a new product, but the few there are, are all five-star.
Grain-Free Puppy Recipe Dog Food | Redbarn Pet Products
Introducing Redbarn’s specially crafted Grain-Free Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food, designed specifically for the growth and development of young pups. The first five ingredients are animal proteins followed by functional ingredients to support cognitive functions, joint health, digestion, and muscle mastery!
Check Price
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
FAQs
Is size-specific dog food necessary?
Whilst there are foods that are designed to be universal, size-tailored foods are usually best. Different breeds have different nutritional needs and require different concentrations of nutrients. Small dogs, for example, require more calories per pound than large dogs, due to their higher metabolic rates.
Is dry or wet food better for large-breed dogs?
As wet food tends to be higher in fat, high-quality dry food tends to be a better long-term choice for large breeds. However, there are some high-quality wet foods out there, as well as soft, raw, and fresh foods. There’s nothing wrong with mixing things up!
Do large breeds have more allergies?
No, any breed can have an allergy or intolerance. It’s true that certain breeds are more likely to than others, but they range from German Shepherds to Westies, so size has nothing to do with it!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the best dog food for your large breed, try the Redbarn Large Breed Recipe Dry Dog Food. It is our top pick for its truly tailored nutrition and high-quality, tasty ingredients.
That said, every product on our list is great, and every dog is different. So, be sure to read it carefully and try out the one that feels right for you. Let us know your thoughts about our list in the comments below and always transition your dog’s diet gradually over a few days or weeks if you’re making a drastic change.
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