Best Dog Foods for Large Breeds

September 29, 2021

Choosing the best large breed dog food can make a huge impact in your pet's future health.

There are two kinds of giant breed dog food.

One aimed at grownups. There's another one for huge breed puppies. Unfortunately, if you choose the wrong one for your dog, it could result in permanent bone injury. Among them is a devastating form of hip dysplasia. Particularly if you're feeding a puppy.

You're Feeding a Puppy... or an Adult?

Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Large Breed, 26-Pound Bag
  • ADVANCED NATURAL NUTRITION TO FUEL YOUR LARGE BREED DOG'S BEST LIFE: Premium protein expertly balanced with nutrient rich superfoods for a complete and balanced dog food, with guaranteed levels of the nutrients your large breed dog needs to thrive
  • SAVORY FOOD DOGS LOVE: Wellness CORE is available in grain and grain free recipes, as well as limited ingredient diets for dogs with food sensitivities
  • LEANER BODY MASS AND MUSCLE TONE: Wellness CORE dog food is made with a high concentration of protein from fresh meat ingredients
  • SUPPORTS HEALTHY SKIN AND COAT with guaranteed levels of omega fatty acids from ingredients such as flaxseed and salmon oil
  • WHOLE BODY HEALTH: Supported by omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics and taurine for a healthy heart
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ORIJEN Dog Six Fish Recipe, 25lb, High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Packaging May Vary
  • ORIJEN Six Fish dog food delivers a diet rich and varied in fresh, whole fish ingredients from Atlantic mackerel, herring, monkfish, Acadian redfish, flounder, and silver hake
  • With 85% quality animal ingredients, ORIJEN nourishes dogs according to their natural, biological needs
  • Using fresh and raw animal ingredients, including meat, organs, cartilage, and bone, ORIJEN is the Biologically Appropriate, grain-free diet that dogs have evolved to eat
  • Our Fresh Regional Ingredients are supplied by people we know and trust, and are delivered to our kitchen fresh or raw, in their most natural and nourishing form
Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Dry Dog Food with Grains, Natural Ingredients, Made in USA with Real Turkey, For Dogs Up to 25 lbs, (Adult, Turkey & Oatmeal, 4-Pound Bag)
  • This adult small breed dry dog food's no 1 ingredient is turkey; high quality protein with wholesome grains like oatmeal
  • Our crunchy kibble has no meat byproducts, fillers, or artificial preservatives
  • Designed to support the unique health needs of smaller dogs through nutrient-rich whole foods
  • Made in the USA using only the finest globally sourced ingredients
  • Spend a lifetime with Wellness natural dog food; we offer recipes for puppy, adult, and senior dogs as well as grain free dog treats, meal toppers, and wet food options too

Puppies of large breeds (such as labs, goldens, and German shepherds) do not achieve adulthood until they are 12 to 18 months old.

However, giant breeds (such as Great Danes and St. Bernards) can weigh more than 100 pounds and take up to 24 months to mature.

Our most recent recommendations can be found on our Best Large Breed Puppy Food page.

The following list is advised for adults of large breeds.

The following dog foods are listed in no particular order. Each was chosen because it matches or exceeds our criterion for selection. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a referral fee. This helps to fund the costs of running our free blog. Thank you for your help.

Grain-Free Wellness Core Large Breed Dog Food

Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Large Breed, 26-Pound Bag
  • ADVANCED NATURAL NUTRITION TO FUEL YOUR LARGE BREED DOG'S BEST LIFE: Premium protein expertly balanced with nutrient rich superfoods for a complete and balanced dog food, with guaranteed levels of the nutrients your large breed dog needs to thrive
  • SAVORY FOOD DOGS LOVE: Wellness CORE is available in grain and grain free recipes, as well as limited ingredient diets for dogs with food sensitivities
  • LEANER BODY MASS AND MUSCLE TONE: Wellness CORE dog food is made with a high concentration of protein from fresh meat ingredients
  • SUPPORTS HEALTHY SKIN AND COAT with guaranteed levels of omega fatty acids from ingredients such as flaxseed and salmon oil
  • WHOLE BODY HEALTH: Supported by omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics and taurine for a healthy heart

Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, lentils, and peas are the first five ingredients.

AAFCO: AAFCO: AAFCO: AAFCO: A

All adult dogs, including large breeds, benefit from this product.

Options: View all of the available recipes.

Wellness Core Large Breed formula is a grain-free, high protein composition with large kibble size to encourage optimal chewing time in larger mouths. Increased glucosamine and chondroitin levels enhance bone and joint health in these larger dogs.

This recipe contains the ideal quantity of fat and calories to assist a dog of this size maintain a healthy weight. A higher-quality cuisine containing plenty of animal protein and nutrient-dense plants like spinach, kale, and broccoli.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken 24-lb
  • MORE CHICKEN IS COMING: An evolution of your dog’s formula with more chicken than ever, plus wholesome grains
  • PACKED WITH REAL CHICKEN: A recipe made to satisfy your dog’s natural love for meat, this high protein dog food features real chicken to help build and maintain lean muscle mass
  • HEALTHY INGREDIENTS: BLUE Wilderness large breed dog food is made with the ingredients to help support your breed’s unique needs including glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health; Plus, it contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids for skin and coat health
  • ANTIOXIDANT-RICH LIFESOURCE BITS: A precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage needs and a healthy oxidative balance
  • A NATURAL DOG FOOD: BLUE dry dog food is made with the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals; BLUE contains NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives

The first five elements are as follows: Chicken deboned, chicken meal, peas, tapioca starch, and menhaden fish meal

AAFCO: AAFCO: AAFCO: AAFCO: A

All adults, particularly huge breeds, should use it.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Chicken is an excellent choice for people seeking more protein as well as an appropriate combination of calcium, phosphorus, and important vitamins to help keep bones strong.

Fish meal and flaxseed include omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, which promote a healthy coat. An optimum protein, fat, and carbohydrate balance is also added to help your large breed dog maintain a healthy weight. There are no grains or gluten, and there are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Ollie Fresh

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Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food- Shippable Frustration Free Packaging Box, Chicken & Barley Recipe, 35 lb bag
  • A dry dog food specially formulated to fuel the energy needs of large breed adult dogs
  • Supports your grown dog's joint health with natural sources of Glucosamine & Chondroitin
  • Maintain your senior dog's healthy skin and shiny coat with nourishing omega-6 fatty acids & vitamin E
  • Promotes lean muscle in large dogs with high-quality protein
  • Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust

The first five elements are as follows: Chicken, carrots, peas, rice, and liver of chicken

AAFCO stands for All Ages and Stages of Life.

All adult dogs, including large breeds, benefit from this product.

Ollie's meals are all human-grade and professionally created by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN). Each recipe is appropriate for adults of larger breeds.

A fantastic grain-free option. Ideal for people who seek a well-balanced diet as near to homemade as possible. Without all the commotion. It's not cheap. It comes highly recommended.

Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Adult

NUTRO ULTRA Adult Large Breed High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken Lamb and Salmon, 30 lb. Bag
  • Contains one (1) 30 lb. bag of NUTRO ULTRA Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins From Chicken, Lamb and Salmon
  • Features trio of protein from chicken, lamb, and salmon—chicken is the ingredient—specially formulated for large breed adult dogs
  • Our premium dog food kibble is made with high-quality ingredients and provides complete and balanced nutrition for large breed adult dogs in every bowl
  • Protein rich NUTRO ULTRA Dry Dog Food is made with high-quality protein and our blend of 15 vibrant superfoods, like coconut, chia, kale, blueberries, and other quality ingredients
  • Made with no chicken by-product meal, corn, soy, or wheat, and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives

The first five elements are as follows: Whole dried egg, deboned turkey, potatoes, peas, potato flour

AAFCO: AAFCO: AAFCO: AAFCO: A

All adult dogs, including large breeds, benefit from this product.

Now Fresh Large Breed Adult has a well-balanced protein and fat profile derived from turkey, salmon, and duck. Antioxidants found in spinach, cranberries, pumpkin, blackberries, and carrots. Excellent for developing a robust immune system to aid in the battle against sickness.

Recommended for dogs weighing more than 50 pounds and aged 15 months to 5 years. Extra nutrients, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, are included for larger breed dogs' hip and joint maintenance.

Adult Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Merrick Backcountry 

Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed Adult

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Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain Free Dog Food, Large Breed Recipe, Freeze Dried Dog Food - 20.0 LB Bag
  • One (1) 20.0 LB Bag - Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain Free Dog Food, Large Breed Recipe, Freeze Dried Dog Food
  • High protein dog food recipe with a protein-rich blend of freeze-dried raw coated dry dog food plus real freeze dried raw dog food
  • Real deboned chicken is the first ingredient in this natural dog food to help maintain healthy muscles and energy levels
  • This grain free dry dog food with freeze dried raw dog food bites is crafted with omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, and glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy hips and joints
  • Merrick Backcountry dog food recipe with chicken, duck and lamb, plus added vitamins, minerals and taurine

The first five elements are as follows: Chicken deboned, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, and potatoes

AAFCO: AAFCO: AAFCO: AAFCO: A

All adult dogs, including large breeds, benefit from this product.

Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed formula contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which support healthy hip and joint function in large breed dogs. Salmon oil's omega fatty acids promote healthy skin and coat.

A one-of-a-kind raw-infused kibble recipe that's high in protein. Fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, such as sweet potatoes, apples, and blueberries, are also included to help your dog's immune system.

Purina Pro Plan Adult Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dog Food With Probiotics for Dogs, Shredded Blend Lamb & Rice Formula - 35 lb. Bag
  • One (1) 35 lb. Bag - Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dog Food With Probiotics for Dogs, Shredded Blend Lamb & Rice Formula
  • Hard kibble combined with tender, shredded pieces for taste and texture dogs love. High protein formula, with real lamb as the first ingredient
  • Fortified with live probiotics to support digestive and immune health. Used to be known as SAVOR Shredded Blend Lamb and Rice Formula
  • Vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids to nourish skin and coat. Natural prebiotic fiber, sourced from wheat bran, helps promote digestive health
  • High protein level helps dogs maintain an ideal body condition. Contains rice, an excellent source of carbohydrates for energy

Adult Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice is one of 19 dry recipes in our Purina Pro Plan product line evaluation.

The first five elements are as follows: Rice, whole grain wheat, chicken by-product meal, and soybean meal

AAFCO stands for All Ages and Stages of Life.

All adult dogs, including large breeds, benefit from this product.

For increased flavor and texture, Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend blends firm kibble with delicate chunks of real, shredded chicken.

A traditional grain-free kibble with the majority of its animal protein derived from fresh chicken and poultry by-product meal. A dry matter label analysis reveals that the dish contains 30% protein, 18% fat, and 44% projected carbohydrates... delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of around 62%

Orijen Six Fish

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ORIJEN Dog Six Fish Recipe, 25lb, High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Packaging May Vary
  • ORIJEN Six Fish dog food delivers a diet rich and varied in fresh, whole fish ingredients from Atlantic mackerel, herring, monkfish, Acadian redfish, flounder, and silver hake
  • With 85% quality animal ingredients, ORIJEN nourishes dogs according to their natural, biological needs
  • Using fresh and raw animal ingredients, including meat, organs, cartilage, and bone, ORIJEN is the Biologically Appropriate, grain-free diet that dogs have evolved to eat
  • Our Fresh Regional Ingredients are supplied by people we know and trust, and are delivered to our kitchen fresh or raw, in their most natural and nourishing form

The first five elements are as follows: Entire Atlantic mackerel, whole Atlantic herring, monkfish, Acadian redfish, and flounder are also available.

AAFCO stands for All Ages and Stages of Life.

All dogs, particularly huge breeds, benefit from this product.

Champion Petfoods, the venerable creator of Orijen, has traditionally favored and promoted a meat-based, “biologically appropriate” canine diet... This meal is a good choice for large breed dogs due to its proven, balanced recipe. It comes highly recommended.

Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed Real Chicken and Sweet Potato

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Merrick Dry Dog Food, Real Chicken and Sweet Potato Grain Free Dog Food Recipe - 22 lb. Bag
  • One (1) 22 lb Bag - Merrick Dry Dog Food, Real Chicken and Sweet Potato Grain Free Dog Food Recipe
  • Real deboned chicken is always the first ingredient in this natural dog food
  • Chicken dog food grain free recipe with 65% protein and healthy fat ingredients and 35% produce, fiber, vitamins, minerals and other natural ingredients
  • With 84% of protein from animal sources, this healthy dog food offers the ideal combination of protein and healthy fats to help a dog maintain optimal weight and increased energy
  • High protein dog food with omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and shiny coat, plus glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs to help maintain healthy hips and joints

The first five elements are as follows: Chicken deboned, chicken meal, peas, sweet potatoes, and potatoes

AAFCO: All stages of life

All dogs, particularly huge breeds, benefit from this product.

Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed is a high-protein meal that includes sweet potatoes, peas, apples, and blueberries. These fruits and vegetables include antioxidants that aid in disease resistance, while the significant protein content aids in the retention of lean muscle mass in larger breed dogs.

Extra glucosamine and chondroitin are needed and included in this large breed dog food formula, as they are in other large breed dog food formulas, for hip and joint health. Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids are added to promote healthy skin and coat.

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken and Rice

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DIAMOND NATURALS Dry Food for Adult Dogs, Large Breed 60+ Chicken Formula, 40 Pound Bag, 40 lb (838_40_DBD)
  • High quality protein made with real cage free chicken; tailored for a large breed dog with optimal amino acid profile for LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES
  • Premium ingredients with added vitamins & minerals; superfoods for antioxidants; fatty acids for skin & coat; levels of glucosamine & Chondroitin
  • Nutrient rich and HIGHLY digestible with PROPRIETARY PROBIOTICS that survive and thrive in the GI tract; at levels
  • Family owned & run, MADE in the USA choosing ingredients from TRUSTED, SUSTAINABLE sources around the world; Call with questions 800 442 0402
  • No corn, wheat, filler; NO ARTIFICIAL flavors, colors, or preservatives; Made with the most scientifically advanced food safety protocols

The first five elements are as follows: Whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice, chicken, chicken dinner

AAFCO: AAFCO: AAFCO: AAFCO: A

All adult dogs, including large breeds, benefit from this product.

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult is made up of a number of protein sources. Fresh chicken, chicken meal, and egg product are among them... with only a little amount of protein supplied from plant-based components Ideal for replicating an ancestors' diet.

Chelated minerals are also used to improve absorption.

Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Large Breed Adult

Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Dry Dog Food with Grains, Natural Ingredients, Made in USA with Real Turkey, For Dogs Up to 25 lbs, (Adult, Turkey & Oatmeal, 4-Pound Bag)
  • This adult small breed dry dog food's no 1 ingredient is turkey; high quality protein with wholesome grains like oatmeal
  • Our crunchy kibble has no meat byproducts, fillers, or artificial preservatives
  • Designed to support the unique health needs of smaller dogs through nutrient-rich whole foods
  • Made in the USA using only the finest globally sourced ingredients
  • Spend a lifetime with Wellness natural dog food; we offer recipes for puppy, adult, and senior dogs as well as grain free dog treats, meal toppers, and wet food options too

Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, potatoes, and chickpeas are the first five ingredients.

AAFCO: AAFCO: AAFCO: AAFCO: A

All adult dogs, including large breeds, benefit from this product.

Wellness Complete Health Large Breed contains glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate, which promote hip and joint health. A well-balanced combination of high-quality protein, healthy fat, and grain-free carbohydrates for added energy and peak performance.

It has been supplemented with fiber and probiotics to help digestion, making it appropriate for a dog's naturally sensitive stomach. Antioxidants help the body fight sickness and infection.

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