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Best Large Breed Dog Food

Updated June 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
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.

Best Bang for the Buck
Iams ProActive Health Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
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.

Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
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 acids 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
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
Wellness CORE
Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Large Breed
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Grain-free Option
Bottom Line

If you are looking for dog food for your huge dog that doesn't contain any artificial ingredients or grain, this is the one to get.

Pros

A 100% natural recipe that doesn't contain grain, making it suitable for big dogs with certain dietary needs. Made with high-quality protein with chicken as the number-one ingredient. Great for numerous systems — contains probiotics, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and antioxidants.

Cons

Priciest dog food on our short list. Won't work for dogs that shouldn't eat poultry. May cause diarrhea in some dogs.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About 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.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Updated June 2023
Written by Kyle Schurman Kyle Schurman

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Buying guide for  

 

Large breed dog food is 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.