what to feed large breed puppies

by Esther Blick MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Protein is important for building muscle, which in turn helps develop sound joints. Large-breed puppies should eat a puppy food with about 26 percent protein.
Calcium is needed for strong bones, but too much can cause just as much harm as too little. ...
Calories are vital for growth, but puppies who consume too many calories and grow too heavy have a higher risk of osteochondrosis, hip dysplasia, and other joint problems. ...

Full Answer

Should I feed a large breed puppy food?

Feed multiple meals a day, instead of one large, heavy meal, to prevent rapid eating
Feed from floor level (not a raised feeder)
Avoid foods with high-fat contents (foods with oil and fat in the first four ingredients on the label)
Feed foods with large kibble
Avoid strenuous exercise 1-2 hours after eating

What is the best large puppy food?

Top 10 Puppy Food For Large Breeds

Purina Pro Plan Best Overall
Blue Buffalo Strong Immunity
Eukanuba Bone Health
Instinct by Nature's Variety High Energy
Merrick Grain-Free
Hill's Science Bone Growth
Now Fresh Healthy Digestion
Holistic Select With Antioxidants
Taste of the Wild Sensitive Stomach
Wellness CORE Limited Ingredient. ...

How long do you feed a large breed puppy food?

This transition is dictated by breed size, just as the amount to feed a puppy depends on his breed. Larger breeds may take longer to reach full maturity, so he may need puppy food for up to two years. In general, however, expect to make the transition to adult dog food between one and two years of age.

What should I Feed my large breed puppy?

Raw diets ARE high in protein.

Raw diets ARE high in protein. The raw diet itself AS FED is not high in protein. ...
Raw Diets are rich, so do not overfeed. I use several methods to ensure my dogs are getting the right amount of food each day. ...
Balance is CRITICAL from day 1 for giant breed puppies.

What do you feed large puppies?

Large and giant breed pups should consume diets that contain at least 30% high quality protein and 9% fat (dry matter basis). Remember that protein quality varies with the source, so high quality foods may cost more. If you give your pup treats, consider the calories they add to the diet.

How much should you feed a large breed puppy?

Puppies should be fed three to four times a day therefore if you are currently feeding ¾ a cup of puppy food twice a day you should consider spacing it out by feeding ½ cup three times a day.

Do large breed puppies need large breed food?

A large breed puppy might grow to be eighty pounds or more in one year—that's much faster than humans! Controlling the rapid growth of large breed puppies requires special attention—this is where large breed food is important.

What dog food do vets recommend for large breed puppies?

5 Best Large Breed Puppy Foods, According To VeterinariansPurina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Food.Purina One Large Breed Puppy Food.Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Food.Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Food.Royal Canin Large Puppy Dry Dog Food.

Can puppies eat dry food at 8 weeks?

8 weeks of age is the time where puppies have weaned from their mothers, and are eating solid food for the first time. Their food source can be either dry or wet food or a combination of both.

What should I feed my 8 week old puppy?

Once your puppy has been weaned off of their mother's milk (around 8 weeks), you can start feeding them soft foods like canned or dehydrated dog foods (if you aren't sure what that is, read our complete guide here ). You won't want to start feeding your pup any hard foods until they are at least 9-10 weeks old.

How do I know if my puppy needs large breed food?

Although there is some minor variation, most veterinarians and pet nutritionists consider a puppy a large breed if they'll be 55-100 lbs when fully grown. If a puppy will weigh over 100 lbs when fully grown they are considered a giant breed (think Great Danes and Newfoundlands).

Can large breed puppies eat regular puppy food?

Large breed puppy foods are different. Large breed puppy foods are different from “regular” puppy foods in that they are lower in fat and calories, contain slightly lower levels of calcium and phosphorus, and have a carefully balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.

When should I start feeding my large breed puppy food?

11 to 12 monthsDiet Transition As with all puppies, weaning to a puppy food should begin at 6 to 7 weeks of age. Transition to a large-breed adult food is recommended at 11 to 12 months.

Should large breed dogs eat grain-free?

There are a lot of dog and cat foods sold as grain-free with marketing suggesting that feeding no grains is healthier. This is not true and can, in fact, cause illness for some dogs and cats. There is no medical or physiologic basis to feed dogs or cats a grain-free diet.

Does large breed puppy food slow growth?

BIG spells BAD for a puppy! Feeding large breed puppies to grow them slow so they may achieve their genetically programmed adult size is recommended.

Do puppies Need grain in their food?

Your dog may need healthy grains, such as whole grains, in order to meet all his nutritional needs. For instance, grains contain magnesium, potassium, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber, which have many health benefits for your pup.

By far, the largest risk factors for DOD include the following

3) Excessive intake of Calcium and Vitamin D foods, treats, and supplements

Large or Giant Breed dogs

Dogs that will weigh more than 55 pounds at their adult size are considered large breed dogs. A dog that weighs more than 99 pounds is considered a giant breed. Why are these breeds at a higher risk for DOD?

Calcium and Vitamin D levels

Many studies have looked at the link between mineral imbalances and DOD. The most likely culprits are calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus. These minerals, along with other hormones, must maintain a delicate balance to allow for proper growth while avoiding pathology. Too much or too little can lead to serious health conditions.

A Final Note of Caution

In the past, veterinarians and breeders have recommended transitioning large/giant puppies to adult dog food at an early age to help slow their growth. Adult dog food is generally less energy-dense, thus, less calorie-dense.

What is the best food for a dog?

Commercial dog foods include meats, grains , vegetables, and fruits to meet the nutritional standards of dog food regulations.

Why is it important to feed a large breed puppy?

Overnutrition plays a large role in excessive growth, which is why it is important to feed them a large breed puppy food formulated specifically for their nutritional needs. These diets differ from regular puppy diets in four ways: Lower in fat. Lower in calcium. Lower in phosphorus. Lower in vitamin D.

How big can a large breed dog grow?

Large and giant breed puppies grow quickly and keep growing longer than smaller dogs. A dog born weighing one pound can grow to 150 pounds within the first 18 months of its life.

What are the diseases of a dog?

Orthopedic Disease in Dogs. Large and giant breed dogs are more prone to developing musculoskeletal and orthopedic disorders like hip dysplasia, arthritis, and osteochondrosis. These diseases are linked to excessive growth, hereditary factors, exercise, and nutrition.

What is a bloat in dogs?

Bloat, known in the veterinary community as gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV), is a very serious and sometimes fatal condition that affects large and giant breed dogs. Bloat occurs when gasses accumulate in the stomach rapidly and have no way to escape. Bloat can be fatal in just a few hours.

How to reduce DOD in puppies?

Limiting the intake of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D helps reduce the risk of DOD in puppies, and limiting the number of calories in their food helps to slow growth rates. How much you feed your puppy also matters. Veterinarians discourage free feeding of large breed puppies, as this too has been linked to DOD.

What is the best supplement for large breed dogs?

Many large breed adult formulas include the joint supplement glucosamine to further improve orthopedic health.

How long should a puppy be allowed to free feed?

Puppies of these breeds should constantly have their caloric intake adjusted during the growth period, which can be a long as 8-12 months in the large breeds and 15-18 months in the giant breeds.

What breeds of dogs have joint problems?

Veterinarians and pet owners have long been concerned about the various joint disorders that are so common in the giant breeds like Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, Bernese Mountain dogs, Saint Bernards and the Newfies. The larger breeds like Rotties, Labs, Goldens, and German Sheperds are also over-represented with conditions like hip dysplasia, ...

What is the condition that affects the bone in the long bones of a puppy?

Panosteitis is also an inflammatory condition that affects the interior of long bones of the same group of puppies. Improper bone remodeling during the growth period affects bone blood vessels and the resulting inflammation. Joint swelling is uncommon but the symptoms include those similar to puppies affected with HOD.

Why is calorie information not required for pet food labeling?

Because calorie information is not required for pet food labeling, veterinarians and owners will need to consult company websites for this information in order to calculate proper ration amount. The key is to keep these puppies growing at a slow, steady rate.

Is calcium in puppy food?

Commercial food formulation for calcium is based on the caloric density of food. Adult food is less caloric dense so more of the food is required to meet the caloric needs of puppies. This can result in the consumption of two times the amount of calcium than would be ingested with puppy formulations.

What to feed a puppy to help him eat?

Fruits and vegetables are healthy treat alternatives that add few calories to the diet. Avoid toxic fruits and vegetables such as grapes, raisins, and onions.

What is the best diet for a giant dog?

Large and giant breed pups should consume diets that contain at least 30% high quality protein and 9% fat (dry matter basis).

Why is it important for a dog to eat protein?

Feeding a diet that is too calorically dense (high in fat) can make a pup grow faster than his bones can accommodate resulting in skeletal abnormalities. Protein content is also crucial. Proteins are the basic building blocks of the body and contribute to healthy muscle development.

How much protein should a giant dog eat?

Why is it important for a puppy to grow up?

Pups grow up, but it is important that they grow at the proper rate. The framework of the body is composed of muscle and bone which have to grow in synchrony. Rapid growth rates can stress developing bones and joints resulting in skeletal malformations.

What is the best BCS score for dogs?

As in people, leaner is better. On a score of 1 to 9 (1 is too thin, 9 is obese), the optimum BCS for canines is 4 or 5. An easy to read chart complete with diagrams and instructions makes assessing BCS easy.

What is the most common disease in large breed dogs?

Impacted by growth rate, developmental orthopedic disease (DOD) is more prevalent in large breed dogs. Bone and joint disorders such as hip dysplasia and OCD (osteochondritis dessecans) affect many large breed pups. Some skeletal problems are associated with genetics and are out of your control.

What is the AAFCO statement for puppy food?

Pet food labels for puppies and all life stages will soon have to have one of two qualifiers for the nutritional adequacy statement (AAFCO statement), which is required on every food to show it is complete and balanced:

Does AAFCO test pet food?

Although AAFCO does not test or regulate pet foods (pet foods are regulated at the state level), all foods labeled as complete and balanced must meet AAFCO minimums and maximums (or at least they’re supposed to; companies without strict quality control standards may not since AAFCO does not actually test the foods).

How many times a day should a puppy eat?

A toy puppy younger than 4 months old should be fed four to five times a day and allowed to eat as much as he wants. From about 4 to 7 months of age, he can eat four times a day; from 7 to 9 months of age, three times a day; and by the time he’s 12 months of age, twice a day.

What happens when a large breed puppy grows too fast?

But when a large-breed puppy grows too quickly, we learned, he can develop problems in the bones and joints. Consider the following:

Why do puppies run out of energy?

When that happens, the body starts breaking down body fat for energy. But because small puppies have so little body fat, that energy source soon runs out. The body runs out of sufficient energy, and the brain, which is highly dependent on glucose, is one of the first systems to fail.

How much does a puppy weigh at birth?

Consider this: A newborn Chihuahua may weigh only three ounces at birth and three pounds at maturity. A newborn Great Dane, however, may weigh only one pound at birth and 100 pounds at maturity.

How much does a Great Dane weigh?

A newborn Great Dane, however, may weigh only one pound at birth and 100 pounds at maturity. To get each to its adult weight in the healthiest manner, you’ll need to not only feed them different amounts of food, but also different types of food.

What is the best food for a large breed dog?

The recipe contains real chicken meat to keep up with the protein requirements of big pups and sources carbs from whole grains like barley, brown rice, and sorghum.

What to consider when buying puppy food?

These considerations will help you choose the best puppy food for your budget and receive the best bang for your buck: 1. Budget and value.

How long does it take for a large breed puppy to grow?

As compared to smaller breeds, large or giant breed puppies take a little longer to reach maturity. Many of them are still growing until 20 months. For an average large breed puppy on a quality large breed dog, 15 months is when you should start the transition to an adult large breed dog food.

Why do large breed dogs need less fat?

Large breed pups need less fat because they are susceptible to obesity. The only case where you can feed your pal a puppy food with more than 10 percent fat is if it is a highly active and athletic breed. However, low in fat diet doesn’t mean low in fatty acids. Fatty acids aren’t just good for skin and coat, they are also great for joints. Large breed pups with a rich coat will need puppy food with a higher amount of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.

How much protein should I feed my puppy?

Since protein is the building block for muscles, your large breed pup needs a lot of it. Top-quality dog food for large breed puppy should be more than 30 percent protein. An interesting thing about protein is that a puppy needs more protein than a grown-up dog.

How often should I feed my puppy?

Portion control is important. Feed your pup four to five times a day but keep their portions small.

What is the best grain free dog food for a puppy?

Peas, 5. Sweet Potatoes. If you prefer a grain-free meal for your growing pup, the American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is your best pick. Crafted with deboned salmon as its first ingredient, the kibble is composed of high-quality protein sources to support growth and active muscles.

What is the best calcium to phosphorus ratio for a giant breed puppy?

Calcium and phosphorus work together and a proper calcium to phosphorus ratio is important for healthy bones and joints. The calcium content of your giant breed puppy’s food should be approximately 1%, with phosphorus levels at approximately 0.8% (DMB), with an ideal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 1.2:1. Large breed pups eating balanced diets containing recommended amounts of calcium should not be given calcium supplements.#N#In addition, while more research is needed into how dietary levels of vitamin D3 may affect the development of developmental orthopedic disease in giant breed puppies, it is clear that it plays an important role.

What percentage of dog food should be protein?

Growing puppies need more protein than adult dogs. However, somewhere along the line, the protein content of dry dog food plummeted to the new low of 18-22% for adults and large breed puppies.

What is the DMB of a large breed puppy?

In general, large-breed puppy diets are formulated to contain approximately 30% protein (DMB) similar to other puppy foods.”. ( 1) BOOM! There you have it. This one is probably one of the most widespread of all myths as it relates to feeding giant breed puppies.

How much does a mastiff grow in a year?

They remain puppies longer. A Mastiff can grow from just under a pound at birth to over well over 150 pounds in a year. That’s a whopping 150-fold increase in size in just 12 months! This rapid growth means the bones must change quickly, a factor that can put them at risk of forming improperly.

Do giant breed dogs need protein?

Whether you are feeding raw, cooked or commercial kibble, it is essential for your giant breed puppy to be fed protein. High-quality sources of protein. Because no evidence exists to link high protein intake to skeletal disease in large breed dogs, I want you to focus on quality, not quantity.

Can a puppy be harmed by diet imbalances?

According to Dr. Susan D. Lauten in Journal of Veterinary Clinics and Small Animal Practice. “All growing puppies can be harmed by diet imbalances and excessive food intake, but the term developmental orthopedic disease is used to describe those seen predominantly in large-breed dogs.

Can a beagle eat chicken?

And over several weeks to a month or more, slowly add in other proteins and eventually organ. This method may be fine for a Beagle, but it can lead to devastating consequences in a rapidly growing Mastiff or Great Dane puppy.

What do puppies need to grow?

Puppies need puppy food. Feeding puppies a complete and balanced puppy food ensures they get the proper nutrition to develop and grow into healthy adult dogs. Puppy foods are formulated with a balance of nutrients to help puppies grow up healthy and happy. Look for formulas rich in high-quality proteins to support their growing bodies.

How long does it take for a puppy to eat adult food?

Why does my puppy leave food in the bowl?

As puppies near adulthood, their calorie needs may drop, and your puppy may begin leaving some food in the bowl. Don't misinterpret this as an indication of dislike for the food. Instead, begin offering less so your puppy doesn't overeat and stays in ideal body condition.

Why do small breed dogs like smaller kibble?

Small breeds may prefer smaller kibble so they can more easily chew their food, which helps ensure they get all the nutrients they need. According to Purina Nutritionist, Karina Carbo-Johnson, MS, “Small breed-specific dog food is important due to their increased metabolism.

Is human food toxic to dogs?

Not only are some human foods toxic to dogs, but you’re rewarding undesirable behaviors, which will be harder to break later. By referencing the puppy feeding chart above and following the 90/10 rule, you can set your pup up for a long, healthy and happy life with you.