Best Large Breed Dog Food | Ultimate Guide To Best Dog Food
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Finding the best large breed dog food is no easy task. Large breed dogs, especially those used for athletic activities such as hunting, require a dog food brand that is nutritional and satisfying. Many popular dog food brands on the market do not contain real, all-natural ingredients, which are important for maintaining the health and stamina of large breed dogs.
The Best Ingredients for Large Breed Dog Food
As omnivores, dogs require the best animal and plant-based ingredients in their meals for healthy growth and a longer lifespan. When searching for the best large breed dog food, you will want to look for brands that contain high-quality meat products such as chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, pork, or even fish. It is important for large, athletic dogs to get a healthy dose of protein with each meal. It is best to opt for a dog food option that contains real meat and no by-products. Although they can be more costly, organic brands offer dog food options that contain cage-free meat, which can provide additional nutritional benefits for your pet.
Although dogs are known to love meat, it is important that your dog also gets an adequate serving of fruits and vegetables in his or her diet. Vegetables such as green beans and carrots are commonly added to dog food in order to ensure that your pet gets enough fiber and vitamins into his or her diet.
Most dog owners don’t think of feeding fruit to their pet, but common fruits such as apples and pears can provide your dog with needed vitamins. Fruits can be added to your dog’s diet as a snack and an extra source of fiber and nutrients.
There are certain ingredients that you should be wary of when purchasing the best dog food for your pet. The most controversial offenders are meat "meals" and "by-products." These sources of protein come from what is left after the lean meat is removed from an animal. By-products include many parts of the animal including the brain, stomach, and intestines. While these sources provide protein for your pet, they are not as healthy as lean meat. It is important to shop for dog food brands that contain 100% real meat in addition to meat meals.
Types of Dog Food
When searching for the best large breed dog food, it is important to know about the different types of dog food that are available. Dry kibble, wet canned food, and dehydrated foods are the most common. Dogs and dog owners have different preferences when it comes to these different forms of dog food. The brand and type of dog food that will be best for your pet is also dependent on his or her age and breed.
Dry Dog Food vs Wet Dog Food
Dry dog food, commonly called kibble, is the type of dog food that is the most affordable and low maintenance. Purchasing dry dog food prevents waste due to the fact that it can be left out for longer periods of time without going bad. With kibble, your dog can eat at his or her own pace. Kibble can last for a long time, which makes it a more cost-effective option if you like to purchase your dog's food in bulk. Dry dog food can also provide dental benefits. As your dog crunches on kibble, plaque buildup is removed.
Wet dog food usually comes in a can and is a great option for dogs that are struggling with dental issues such as missing teeth. Wet food also has the added benefit of added hydration for your pet. This can be great for dogs that spend much of their time outdoors, especially if he or she is often engaged in a strenuous athletic activity.
One of the downsides of wet dog food is that once a can is open, it must be eaten as soon as possible. This can be a problem for owners with dogs that are fussy eaters because much of the food will end up being thrown out. Wet food is also more expensive than dry dog food.
Dry dog food is recommended for large breed dogs over wet dog food. This is due to the fact that large breed dogs have a larger appetite, and kibble can be poured out to customize the serving sizes. Kibble also encourages dogs to eat more slowly, leaving them more satiated and less susceptible to bloating. Wet dog food is known to lead to issues such as bloating in large breed dogs.
Dehydrated Dog Food
Dehydrated dog food is another, more costly option. It is usually sold in specialty stores or online. Dehydrated dog food is a common option for dogs on a raw diet. Many dog owners put their pets on a raw diet in order to mimic the types of meals that their pet would eat in the wild. The ingredients in dehydrated dog food are either freeze-dried or frozen to preserve the freshness and nutritional value. Although a raw diet can have many health benefits for large breed dogs, there are some concerns about the potential for illness due to consuming raw meat.
The Best Large Breed Dog Food: Our Picks
Now that you know the basics of choosing the best large breed dog food for your athletic pup, we’d like to share with you a list of some of our favorite brands. When purchasing food for a large breed dog, there are a few important characteristics to look for:
Look for a large breed dog food that contains supplements. Supplements are very beneficial for large breed dogs. Many large breed dog foods on the market contain supplements for added nutritional value and to help with common issues, such as joint diseases that regularly affect large dogs.
Look for a large breed dog food with a reasonable amount of calories. When it comes to feeding your canine companion it is important to make sure that they are being satiated by their food. But you also want to avoid the risk of canine obesity, which can have a negative impact on your dog’s health.
Large, dry kibble is best for large breed dogs. Dry dog food, or kibble, leads to less bloating than wet food. Many dogs, especially after a long day of physical activity, eat at a fast pace, which can lead to bloating. Large, dry kibble requires your dog to slow down and chew his or her food at a slower rate.
BLUE Freedom Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
BLUE Freedom is a trusted dog food brand that is based in the United States. Their Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a nutritious option for the large breed dog in your life. This large breed dog food contains real meat as its first ingredient and no by-products.
This large breed kibble is wholesome and meaty, giving your dog added energy and strength. BLUE Freedom's Grain-Free Dry Dog Food contains real meat from deboned chicken and chicken meal that does not contain any by-product. The chicken in this dog food contains high-quality protein and L-Carnitine, which both help to develop strong, lean muscles.
BLUE Freedom is a favorite among dogs when it comes to taste. Not only does BLUE Freedom's recipe contain real meat, but it is also gluten and grain free. BLUE Freedom's Grain-Free Dry Dog Food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which help with your dog's joint function. These supplements are especially beneficial to large breed dogs that are physically active.
This brand is available in a 24-pound bag, making it very cost effective as well. It contains BLUE's highly reviewed LifeSource Bits, which is a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals specifically chosen by veterinarians and animal nutritionists.
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NUTRO MAX Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
Available in a 25-pound bag, NUTRO MAX Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is made with farm raised chicken. NUTRO MAX’s Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food has a special formula that meets the nutritional needs of large breed dogs. This dog food is made in the United States.
This kibble for adult dogs tastes great and is made from high-quality ingredients. Not only does it contain farm-raised chicken, but it also has whole grains as a reliable source of fiber. When combined with real meat, the added whole grains keep your dog's appetite satisfied.
One of the bestselling points of NUTRO MAX’s Natural Adult Dry Dog Food is its affordability. NUTRO MAX includes high quality, wholesome ingredients for an affordable price.
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Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food
Taste of the Wild's natural dry dog food is grain free and contains a generous amount of protein to help your dog build strong, lean muscles. This dog food contains real roasted bison as its first ingredient. It also contains roasted venison. This large breed dog food also contains added vitamins and minerals, fruit and vegetable superfoods, antioxidants, and a fatty acid blend that improves the health of your pet's skin and hair.
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Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Adult Dog, Beef, and Rice Formula
For dogs that prefer the flavor of beef, Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs is one of the best options. This large breed dog food is made with real pasture-raised beef and contains amino acids that aid in building strong, lean muscles. Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food includes
vitamins and minerals, organic ingredients, vegetables, and antioxidants. Made with the best ingredients, Diamond Naturals provides well-rounded sustenance for your pet. Diamond Naturals is family owned and operated in the United States.
Diamond Naturals enhances its dry dog formula with K9 Strain Probiotics. Diamond Naturals dry dog food delivers 80 million colony forming units (CFU) per pound of these necessary probiotics, helping to improve your dog's digestive and immune systems.
Diamond Naturals dry kibble also contains super foods such as kale, chia seed, pumpkin, and blueberries . These ingredients provide essential antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and proteins. An omega-3 fatty acid, DHA, is also included for healthy brain and vision development. Glucosamine and chondroitin are added for improved joint function.
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Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Dry Dog Food
We recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food for adult dogs weighing more than 55 pounds. This high quality, all-natural dog food for big dogs contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Dry Dog Food is perfect for athletic large dogs.
Made in the USA with ingredients from trustworthy, sustainable sources, Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food contains high-quality protein for lean muscles and maintaining a healthy weight.
This dog food provides a unique blend of omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and other nutrients to nourish skin and promises your dog a shiny coat in 30 days. It also promotes a healthy immune system with its blend of antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
Hill's Science Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food is long lasting and sealed for freshness with a "velcro press-lok" bag closing feature.
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Diamond Naturals Adult Large Breed Real Meat Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food with Real Cage Free Chicken
Diamond Naturals is known for making dog food with the best quality ingredients. We've already mentioned their Beef and Rice Dry Dog Food formula. And now, their cage-free chicken option makes the list of the best large breed dog food options.
Every dry kibble formula by Diamond Naturals contains superfoods and probiotics, which can greatly improve your dog's digestive health. With its ideal protein and fat levels, this formula is great for large dogs. It contains glucosamine and chondroitin which provide support to the joints, and omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids which give your pet's coat a brilliant shine.
This dry dog food recipe contains real cage-free chicken as a protein source. Eating this large breed dog food will enable your pet to build strong, lean muscles. These give your dog the needed energy and stamina to participate in physical activity.
Diamond Naturals Adult Large Breed Natural Dry Dog Food with Real Cage Free Chicken contains no corn, wheat, or other fillers. It is also free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
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Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dog Food With Probiotics for Dogs
Your dog will love the taste of Purina's Shredded Blend Dry Dog Food. A tasty blend of dry kibble and tender shreds, this dog food formula contains real chicken as its first ingredient, giving it the meaty taste that dogs love. Purina's blended dog food is not only delicious, it is also very nutritious. Adequate levels of protein and fat help to keep your dog's muscles lean and strong. These macronutrients also help your dog to maintain a healthy body weight and a high level of mobility.
Purina also includes natural prebiotic fiber from wheat bran in its Shredded Blend Large Breed Dry Dog Food. Prebiotic fiber helps to keep your pet's digestive tract healthy and properly functioning. This dog food recipe also includes antioxidants to promote a healthy immune system and DHA for a healthy brain and improved vision. These will be very important if your large breed dog participates in active sports such as hunting.
Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Large Breed Formula Adult Dry Dog Food is available in a 34 pound bag as well as other options. You can save money by subscribing to the Purina Pro Plan, which will have a fresh bag of dog food delivered to your home on a recurring basis. This dog food is highly recommended for dogs that weigh over 50 pounds.
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IAMS Proactive Health Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
IAMS is a popular dog food brand that is commonly found in your local grocery store. As a brand, IAMS is recommended by veterinarians as a great option for maintaining your dog's healthy diet. Their Proactive Health Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food takes their familiar taste to the next level by adding many nutritious benefits. This dog food formula contains real, farm-raised chicken that is protein rich, promoting healthy joints, muscles, and bones. It also draws useful nutrients from real grains and vegetables.
For added benefits to your dog's joints, IAMS includes glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in its Proactive Health Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food recipe. These nutrients are proven to treat osteoarthritis in dogs.
Prebiotic fiber is also included in this dry dog food formula. Prebiotics are helpful for maintaining the health of your dog's digestive system by allowing good bacteria to colonize in the digestive tract.
IAMS Proactive Health Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is available in a 30 pound bag.
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EUKANUBA Adult Dry Dog Food
Eukanuba's Adult Dry Dog Food is specially formulated for large and giant breed dogs such as Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Saint Bernards to name a few. Large and giant breed dogs have big appetites and need a dog food formula that is satisfying. This dog food formula is all natural and contains no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors.
Eukanuba Adult Large Breed Dog Food is made with premium ingredients such as real chicken, as well as natural ingredients that include glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, making it a great dog food option for building lean muscle and maintaining healthy joints. The kibble in this formula is an extra-large size, which is more compatible with the large mouths of large and giant dog breeds.
The large kibble also has dental benefits as it helps to prevent excessive tartar from building up on your canine's teeth. Eukanuba's 3D DentaDefense System promises to reduce tartar build-up on your dog's teeth within 28 days.
This brand of adult dry dog food also has a special fiber system with delivers healthy bacteria to your pet's intestinal tract and allows for better nutrient absorption.
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Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Dog Food with Chicken & Rice
Wellness Complete Health, a family owned and operated brand, gives your dog complete, balanced meals each day with its Natural Dry Large Breed Dog Food. Wellness Complete Health only includes premium, natural ingredients in this formula. This large breed dog food recipe features large kibble made with real, deboned chicken.
Made in the United States, this dog food formula is soy-free, gluten-free, and free from fillers such as corn. It is also free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Dog Food does not contain any meat by-products.
Large dogs have unique nutritional needs. Glucosamine and chondroitin are added for improved joint health. This brand contains a healthy balance of macronutrients including protein, carbohydrates, and fat, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.
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Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food - Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Formula
Natural Balance's Lamb Meal and Brown Rice Dry Dog Food formula is specially made for large dogs. The large kibble size forces your dog to chew more slowly and deliberately. This recipe is formulated to encourage proper chewing and digestion, and healthy teeth and gums. This formula also aids in improving your dog's digestive health.
As their brand name implies, Natural Balance's dog food formulas are all natural and made from premium ingredients. This recipe does not contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
The Lamb Meal and Brown Rice Formula lists lamb meal as its only source of protein. The brown rice provides the benefit of added fiber, which helps with digestion. Canola oil is included in this recipe as a source of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.
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