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10 Best Large Breed Puppy Foods 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

ORIJEN Grain Free High Protein Dry Dog Food Puppy Large Recipe 23.5lb Bag

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,316
Protein Content
Digestibility

Most important from
13121 reviews

Protein Content
Feeding the puppy formula even as dogs mature keeps them lean and muscular, proving the high-protein recipe works well beyond just the puppy stage.
Digestibility
The grain-free recipe avoids common allergens and supports better digestibility, making it ideal for sensitive large breed puppies.

ORIJEN Puppy Large Grain Free Dry Dog Food is designed specifically for large breed puppies and aims to support their growth and development with high protein and fat levels. It provides 85% animal-based ingredients including fresh or raw poultry and fish, which helps meet the high protein needs essential for muscle and brain development. The grain-free formula avoids common fillers like soy, corn, and wheat, which can improve digestibility and reduce allergy risks.

The kibble size is formulated for large breed puppies, making it easier for them to chew and digest. Additionally, the inclusion of whole prey ingredients like organs suggests a natural source of joint-support nutrients, which is important for active, growing puppies prone to joint issues. One minor point is that feeding amounts may vary because of the high protein density, so you’ll need to watch your puppy's weight and adjust portions accordingly.

Made in the USA with quality global ingredients, this food has a strong reputation and positive customer reviews. It is an excellent choice if you want a biologically appropriate, meat-rich diet that supports your large puppy’s growth.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,316
Protein Content
Digestibility

Most important from
13121 reviews

Protein Content
Feeding the puppy formula even as dogs mature keeps them lean and muscular, proving the high-protein recipe works well beyond just the puppy stage.
Digestibility
The grain-free recipe avoids common allergens and supports better digestibility, making it ideal for sensitive large breed puppies.
#2

Purina Pro Plan High Protein Puppy Food Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula - 34 lb. Bag

Rating
9.6
Protein Content
Kibble Size

Most important from
7964 reviews

Protein Content
High-quality proteins and essential nutrients support growth and energy, making it a solid choice for various breeds.
Kibble Size
The kibble size is perfect for easier chewing and digestion, even for smaller mouths within large breeds.

The Purina Pro Plan High Protein Puppy Food Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula offers a balanced diet for large-breed puppies. It boasts a high protein content which is vital for muscle development, and includes DHA from fish oil to support brain and vision development. Calcium and phosphorus are present to aid in building strong bones and teeth, making it a good fit for growing puppies. The crunchy kibble combined with tender, shredded pieces provides a texture that many puppies find appealing. Additionally, antioxidants help support the immune system, which is crucial for young dogs.

Although the product claims to be suitable for all breed sizes, the kibble size is designed with large breeds in mind, ensuring that it is easy for them to chew and digest. However, the lack of specific joint support ingredients might be a drawback for some, as large-breed puppies are prone to joint issues. The food's digestibility is enhanced by the presence of live probiotics, making it gentle on the stomach. With a 34-pound bag, it offers good value for money but might be a bit cumbersome to handle. In conclusion, while it excels in many areas, those specifically concerned about joint health may need to look for additional supplements.

Rating
9.6
Protein Content
Kibble Size

Most important from
7964 reviews

Protein Content
High-quality proteins and essential nutrients support growth and energy, making it a solid choice for various breeds.
Kibble Size
The kibble size is perfect for easier chewing and digestion, even for smaller mouths within large breeds.
#3

ORIJEN Amazing Grains High Protein Dry Dog Food Puppy Large Breed Recipe 22.5lb Bag

ORIJEN Amazing Grains Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food is specially designed for big puppies that need good nutrition to grow strong and healthy. One of its main strengths is the high protein content (90% poultry and fish), coming from fresh and raw ingredients like chicken, herring, and salmon. This supports muscle development well and includes organs and whole prey ingredients, which provide natural vitamins and minerals in an easy-to-digest form.

The inclusion of grains helps with digestive health, while pollock oil contributes to a healthy coat and immune support. The formula balances essential minerals to support bone growth, which is important for large breeds prone to joint issues. The kibble size is tailored for large breed puppies, making it easier for them to chew and digest. Although it does not specifically highlight joint support ingredients like glucosamine or chondroitin, it provides a well-rounded nutritional profile.

This food is well-suited for owners who want a high-protein, grain-inclusive diet with quality animal ingredients to support healthy growth and digestion in large breed puppies. The grain content aims to improve digestion, but those with puppies sensitive to grains may want to consider this factor.

Buying Guide for the Best Large Breed Puppy Foods

Choosing the right food for your large-breed puppy is crucial for their growth and overall health. Large-breed puppies have different nutritional needs compared to smaller breeds, and selecting the right food can help prevent health issues such as joint problems and obesity. When picking the best food for your large-breed puppy, consider the following key specifications to ensure you are providing the best nutrition for your furry friend.
Protein ContentProtein is essential for the growth and development of your puppy's muscles and tissues. For large-breed puppies, a protein content of around 22-30% is ideal. Higher protein levels support muscle development, but too much can lead to excessive growth, which may strain developing joints. Look for high-quality protein sources like chicken, beef, or fish. If your puppy is very active, you might lean towards the higher end of the protein spectrum, while less active puppies may do well with moderate protein levels.
Calcium and Phosphorus LevelsCalcium and phosphorus are vital for bone development, but large-breed puppies need these minerals in the right balance to avoid skeletal issues. The ideal ratio of calcium to phosphorus is about 1.2:1. Too much calcium can cause bone abnormalities, while too little can lead to weak bones. Check the food label to ensure it meets the recommended levels. If your puppy is growing rapidly, it's even more important to monitor these levels closely.
Fat ContentFat provides energy and supports the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. For large-breed puppies, a fat content of around 8-15% is suitable. Higher fat content can lead to rapid weight gain, which can stress developing joints. Choose a food with moderate fat levels to support steady growth. If your puppy is very active, you might opt for the higher end of the fat range, while less active puppies should stick to the lower end.
Kibble SizeKibble size is important for large-breed puppies as it encourages proper chewing and digestion. Larger kibble pieces can help prevent gulping and reduce the risk of bloat, a serious condition in large breeds. Look for foods specifically designed for large-breed puppies, as these will have appropriately sized kibble. If your puppy struggles with smaller kibble, it might be a sign to switch to a larger size.
Joint Support IngredientsLarge-breed puppies are prone to joint issues, so foods with added joint support ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin can be beneficial. These ingredients help support healthy joint development and can prevent future problems. If your puppy is a breed known for joint issues, such as a German Shepherd or Labrador, choosing a food with these added supplements can be particularly important.
DigestibilityHighly digestible foods ensure that your puppy is absorbing the maximum amount of nutrients from their food. Look for foods with high-quality ingredients and minimal fillers like corn or soy. Ingredients like rice, oats, and sweet potatoes are good sources of digestible carbohydrates. If your puppy has a sensitive stomach or frequent digestive issues, prioritizing highly digestible food can help maintain their overall health.

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