Best Large Breed Dog Foods

Updated September 2019
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We may earn a commission if you purchase a product through our links.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
We may earn a commission if you purchase a product through our links.
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Hill's Science Diet
Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

Uses protein as the main ingredient, but it also delivers all-around nutritional value.

Pros

Made in the United States, so you can trust the ingredients. Contains no artificial flavors or colors. Includes glucosamine and chondroitin, which helps large breeds with joint health. Food is easy to digest, which is nice for older large breed dogs.

Cons

A little pricier than some others. Formula recently changed.

Purina Pro Plan
Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

Contains plenty of protein, which helps the large breed dog feel fuller and avoid weight gain.

Pros

Includes an omega-3 fatty acid and glucosamine to help large dogs maintain joint health. Formula designed to allow the dog to easily absorb all of the nutrients. Has a 26% protein count, which means the dog feels full. Great flavor for picky eaters.

Cons

Price is a little high. Occasional problems with packaging consistency.

Purina Pro Plan
FOCUS Large Breed Adult Canned Dog Food
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Wet Food Option
Bottom Line

A wet dog food that's formulated for large breeds. Great for topping off kibble for finicky eaters.

Pros

Good for skin, coat, and joints thanks to the large-dog recipe that includes omega fatty acids and glucosamine. Rich in protein with meat sources at the top of the ingredient list. Doesn't contain preservatives or artificial flavors/colors. Most dogs enjoy the flavor.

Cons

Cost factor could be an issue when it comes to feeding large dogs, as it's pricier per pound than dry food. Has a lot of gravy, which may not appeal to all dogs.

Wellness CORE
Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Large Breed
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Grain-Free Recipe
Bottom Line

This large-breed dog food is designed with the needs of big dogs in mind, and is made with quality natural ingredients. Ideal for dog owners who prefer to feed grain-free foods to their pets.

Pros

A grain-free formula that's suitable for dogs with various health concerns such as allergies to grain or skin problems. 100% natural with meat protein as the top ingredient. Omega fatty acids improve skin and coat, while glucosamine promotes joint health. Also contains antioxidants and probiotics.

Cons

Some reports of dogs having diarrhea after eating it. Price falls on the higher end of the scale.

Best Bang for the Buck
Iams
ProActive Health Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

Formula focuses on helping large dogs maintain joint health with glucosamine.

Pros

Has a kibble size that encourages the dog to chew it thoroughly, which removes plaque from teeth. Less expensive than some others. Most big dogs can digest the food easily. Multiple proteins that allow for lean muscle development.

Cons

Occasional problems with packaging consistency. Protein level could be higher.

How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

17 Models Considered
6 Hours Researched
1 Experts Interviewed
268 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
We may earn a commission if you purchase a product through our links.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We may earn a commission if you purchase a product through our links.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
We may earn a commission if you purchase a product through our links.

The FDA recently announced 16 brands that have been linked to canine heart disease. We are working to remove these from our review pages as quickly as possible.

Check back soon to see our new picks.

Large breed dog foods are made for dogs 60 pounds and larger. For large breeds, problems with joints are common. Finding food that has specific ingredients aimed at joint and cartilage health is important. Large breeds tend to be a bit less active than smaller dogs. With less exercise, large breed dogs may develop issues with obesity. An overweight large breed dog may see additional joint and skeletal problems. This means a large breed dog food must contain a formula that helps with weight maintenance. Large breed dog foods are available in both dry and canned formats. However, because large dogs eat a lot, using only canned food can become very expensive.

The team that worked on this review
  • Enid
    Enid
    Editor
  • Kyle
    Kyle
    Writer
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer
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Hill's Science Diet

Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food

Hill's Science Diet

Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food

Uses protein as the main ingredient, but it also delivers all-around nutritional value.
$47
×

Purina Pro Plan

Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan

Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food

Contains plenty of protein, which helps the large breed dog feel fuller and avoid weight gain.
$47
×

Purina Pro Plan

FOCUS Large Breed Adult Canned Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan

FOCUS Large Breed Adult Canned Dog Food

A wet dog food that's formulated for large breeds. Great for topping off kibble for finicky eaters.

$20
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Wellness CORE

Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Large Breed

Wellness CORE

Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Large Breed

This large-breed dog food is designed with the needs of big dogs in mind, and is made with quality natural ingredients. Ideal for dog owners who prefer to feed grain-free foods to their pets.

$68
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Iams

ProActive Health Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food

Iams

ProActive Health Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food

Formula focuses on helping large dogs maintain joint health with glucosamine.
$31

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