Best dog food for big dogs: 4 top picks

Today we’ll be discussing why big dogs need certain kinds of dog food, and we’ll teach you how to find the best dog food specially designed for large dogs.

Why Do Big Dogs Need Special Dog Food?

Large and giant breed dogs like German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Mastiffs and Great Danes can weigh 56 pounds or more as adults and are prone to osteoarthritis.

Those big guys need hearty, strengthening food! To help support a healthy weight and longer life, it’s important to feed the appropriate amount of calories for your large breed dog. Feeding your big buddy the correct amount (and kind) of food can help reduce hip and joint stress and minimize the risk of skeletal issues, ensuring that he or she will stay healthy for years to come.

What To Look For in Dog Food For Big Dogs

When choosing the right food for your large breed dog, consider these special nutrients to achieve quality nutrition:

• Fatty Acids: Look for fatty acids like EPA and DHA.

• Glucosamine: Keep an eye out for glucosamine and chondroitin to promote hip and joint health.

• High-Quality Protein Sources: Good, quality protein sources ensure that your dog isn’t eating empty calories, and instead is eating food that will give him energy and help him stay strong.

Weight issues can also be a problem for large dogs. Help your large canine maintain a healthy weight with regular exercise and recommended portions of premium light or reduced calorie dog foods.

Choosing the Best Dog Food For YOUR Dog

In this post, we spend a lot of effort highlighting some of the best dog food for big dogs. However, what will be the best dog food for your dog won’t necessarily be the best food for someone else’s dog.

Just as our bodies react differently to different foods, your dog will physically react differently to different types of dog foods (he also might simply prefer some over others).

Unfortunately, we can’t ask dogs which flavors and ingredients they might like best, so it’s often an exercise of trial and error.

Video: Top 5 Best Canned Dog Food under $25

Start with these most recommend dog food brands for big dogs. They all come highly rated and are uniquely designed for large dogs. Take several weeks to test out a brand and see how your dog reacts. If it doesn’t seem to be working for him, go ahead and try another brand listed here. Eventually you’ll find your dog’s perfect food.

Best Dog Food For Big Dogs

Now let’s go ahead and take a look at some of the best, most popular dog food for large dogs – and they’re all available on Amazon for your convenience!

1. Wellness Complete Health Big Dog Food

about: Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Dog Food is healthy, natural dry dog food for big dogs. It is made with carefully chosen, authentic ingredients for everyday health.

K9 of Mine Rating: 

Ingredients:

• Deboned Chicken
• Chicken Meal
• Oatmeal
• Ground Barley
• Ground Brown Rice

Pros:

• This dry dog food for big dogs features guaranteed calcium levels and added sources of glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate to help maintain healthy bones and joints.

• Contains wholesome grains and natural fiber to help maintain a healthy intestinal tract for digestive health.

• Features quality animal protein sources to help build and maintain lean muscle mass.

• It’s a healthy dog food mix with no meat by-products, wheat, corn, soy or artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.

Cons:

• Some owners complain that the food makes their dog’s breath stink.

2. Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food for Large Breeds

about: Holistic Select Naturals Dry Dog Food is a trusted dog kibble designed for big canines.

Varieties: Pet owners can choose from many different types such as Small and Mini Breed Puppy Recipe, Small and Mini Breed Recipe, Grain Free Anchovy and Salmon Recipe, Grain Free Turkey Recipe, Weight Management Recipe (which can be a good food for senior dogs), and many more.

K9 of Mine Rating: 

Ingredients:

• Anchovy
• Sardine & Salmon Meal
• Oatmeal
• Ground Brown Rice
• Ground White Rice

Pros:

• Holistic Select Natural dog food uses a larger kibble size formulated just for large breed dogs of all ages, mixed, and purebred breeds.

• Formulated with a unique Digestive Health Support System, including active probiotics, healthy fiber and digestive enzymes for total body health.

• Features Omega 3 fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat.

• Quality protein blend to help build and maintain lean muscle mass.

• No meat by-products, wheat, corn, soy or artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.

Cons:

• High priced dog food for bigger breeds

3. Nutro Max Dog Food For Large Breeds

about: Nutro Max Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food provides essential nutrients using high-quality ingredients like chicken protein from farm-raised chickens and whole grain rice. Chicken by-product meal and artificial colors, flavors or preservatives are not included in this natural dog food.

K9 of Mine Rating: 

Varieties: Nutro Max also has Large Breed Puppy Dog Food, plus an assortment of other mixes for different dog needs.

Ingredients:

• Chicken Meal
• Ground Whole Wheat
• Wheat Flour
• Ground Rice

Pros:

• Good Ingredients: Made with real chicken protein from farm raised chicken

• Dental Health: Crunchy kibbles scrub teeth to reduce plaque and tartar build-up, whiten teeth and freshen breath.

• Immune System Health: Fortified with vitamins, minerals and taurine to support a strong immune system.

• Healthy Muscle Mass and Mobility: Protein promotes muscle mass and mobility for a long, healthy life. Natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin encourage healthy joints.

• Digestive Health: A combination of natural fibers for easy digestion and small, firm stools.

• Healthy Skin & Coat: Rich in omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and a lustrous coat.

• Made in the USA: This dog food is made in the USA

Cons:

• Some dogs have reacted with diarrhea and/or constipation

4. IAMS ProActive Health Adult Dry Dog Food

About: Iams ProActive nourishes your dog to promote the signs of healthy vitality. This dog food for large dogs is formulated with L-Carnitine to help burn fat and maintain healthy metabolism. Iams is also one of the most popular brands of dog food, commercially speaking.

K9 of Mine Rating: 

Ingredients:

• Chicken, Corn Meal
• Ground Whole Grain Sorghum,
• Chicken By-Product Meal
• Dried Beet Pulp
• Chicken Flavor
• Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E)
• Dried Egg Product

Pros:

• Made with quality proteins sourced from chicken and egg to help support strong muscles
• Hearty dog food is enriched with antioxidants to support a strong, healthy immune system
• 100% Guarantee: They promise a product or refund if you’re unhappy with the dog food.

Cons:

• The grain in this dog food can cause allergies in some dogs

What’s your dog’s favorite brand of dog food for big dogs? Share your picks in the comments!

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