How to Choose the Best Large Breed Dog Food

Karina Carbo-Johnson, MS next to her two dogs
By Karina Carbo-Johnson, MS
Updated: 5/14/20241-2 minutes
A big dog is walking

Every dog has unique needs, and some dogs can benefit from a large or giant breed dog food. If you have a large dog (more than 56 pounds at maturity) or a giant dog (more than 75 pounds at maturity), you may want to look into feeding him a large breed dog food. Here are some of the things you may want to consider when you’re thinking about a large breed dog food:

Look for a Large Breed Dog Food with Glucosamine

Large and giant breed dogs are more prone to joint problems, which is why they can benefit from a diet that includes glucosamine. Glucosamine, which is often found in meat and poultry sources, is a building block of cartilage, and healthy cartilage helps protect your dog’s bones and joints from wear and tear. Whether he’s a growing puppy or a senior dog, feeding your dog a large breed dog food formulated with natural glucosamine can help support his joints and mobility.

Pay Attention to Your Dog's Age When Choosing a Large Breed Dog Food

Large and giant breed dogs age at a different rate than small or medium dogs. While most puppies reach maturity when they are one year old, large or giant puppies can take up to two years. Large dogs also tend to have a shorter lifespan, and many large breed dogs can be considered seniors when they’re as young as seven. Dogs have different nutritional needs at different points in their lives, which is why you should consider your dog’s age when choosing a large breed dog food: You may want to keep him on a large breed puppy food longer, or you may decide to switch him to a senior large breed dog food earlier in his life.

Ready to choose a food for your large breed dog? Learn more about our large breed dog food here.

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